Derry Dalek costume exterminates Comic Con competition

Derry Dr Who superfan Darragh Doherty’s self-built Dalek exterminated the considerable Comic Con competition in Lisburn’s Eikon Centre to scoop the prestigious first prize in its CosPlay Championship.

Organised by Monopoly Events, the Comic Con event took place last weekend and was attended by thousands of fans from all over Ireland.

Speaking to The Derry News, Darragh (20) said he had been a fan of the popular BBC science fiction show for as long as he could remember, with Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith being his favourite Time Lord.

Darragh said he chose a Dalek because it was “an interesting and challenging piece to build”.

For the uninitiated, Daleks are Dr Who's most formidable enemy. They are a highly aggressive alien species, characterised by their pepperpot shape, menchanical castings, harsh voices, and unwavering desire to exterminate all other life forms. They were created by the evil scientist Davos, on the planet Skaro.

“I built my Dalek, Dax, in my spare time at evenings and weekends,” said Darragh. “It took about nine months from start to finish.

“The bottom half is mostly wood, with some three-dimensional printing and the top half is mostly three-dimensional printing with some wood. I really enjoyed making it.”

IN PICTURES: Annual Greater Shantallow 'End-of-Summer Community Festival'

The weekend's End of Summer Festival was held at St. Brigid's College

Dungiven will play host to a world-class musical partnership next month

Banjo masters Damien O’Kane and Ron Block bring their acclaimed band to St. Canice’s GAC Club on Saturday, 12 October

Darragh explained the Dalek comes apart in sections.

“There is the top bit of the dome; there is a bit below that, the mesh or the neck; the bit below that, with the gun, is called the shoulders; below that is the skirt; and the black bit is the base,” he said.

“Each section separates vertically and you have to climb inside. You are effectively locked inside and someone builds the costume on top of you. It did get pretty warm in there at the weekend.

“I was delighted I won the CosPlay Championship, not that I went to Comic Con with that in mind, I just thought it would be a fun thing to do.

“The Dalek costume proved very popular at the weekend. I couldn’t really travel very far without being asked for a photo.

“People were intrigued by how I move about when I am inside the Dalek. There is a big hole cut at the bottom so I sit inside on a bench and scoot about with my feet,” he revealed.

“If people are interested in finding out more information, they should visit the Project Dalek Forum online. I have also got an Instagram account for Dalek which is @DalekDax.

“I would also like to thank all the members of the Eye of HarmoNI cosplay group who looked after me.”