If you want to know just how Zoro's scars are placed we've got your images right here. This page also houses 3 different ways you can make the chest scar (and ankles if you want). We didn't include the obvious 'draw it with an eyeliner pencil' or such because we're assuming you know that already. These are three of the better ways to make that scar become a legitimate part of you for Halloween or Cosplay. If you use any of these please take a picture and send it to us!

The Gelatine Technique

You can use gelatin to make scars on your skin. That's right: the jello stuff. THIS is what we're talking about though, not jello of the fruity kind. (Lime. Ha ha.) Combine the gelatin with very hot water and stir. Let it cool to a comfortable temperature to place on your skin room temperature, but still gooey. Mold this mixture onto skin in the shape of a scar or other icky effect. Once dry, you can add foundation, etc. to create a skin tone look. This doesn't work as well as the next tactic, but like I said - if money is tight go for it.

The Latex Technique

I don't really think that this is necessary, but if you want to try it go right ahead. You can create your own latex piece by painting clear liquid latex on a piece of glass (or smooth surface). Shape the latex into the scar and then let it dry thoroughly to the point of being faintly yellow in color. Apply spirit gum on the spot where the scar is to be affixed. Allow both the gum and your latex piece to feel tacky to the touch before attaching the scar. Finish with highlights and shadows.

A word about spirit gum: don't get your hands near your eyes. This stuff stings like the dickens. You also might need a special remover for it. Or you can be like me and have such oily skin that latex pieces simply won't stay on, no matter what. If you do have oily skin you can try using an astringent (like witch hazel) beforehand. This sometimes works.

The Collodion Technique

We totally saved the best for last. This stuff is awesome. Collodion is great for making scars! Most cosplayers feel that this is going far afield and that pencils and regular makeup look better than realistic scarring for anime characters. But this effect looks better than anything else in my opinion as well as staying on (pencils, etc wipe off very easily, especially since we need scars on the chest for Zoro). If you don't believe me, just take a look at how well collodion works:

Okay, so WTF is collodion? It was quite common in the last century. You made it by dissolving cellulose nitrate in ether and alcohol. You kept it on your medicine shelf and used it to cover cuts without a fabric bandaid. You know the stuff now, right? It hardened into a protective shell that stuck to the skin and covered the wound. Don't try using Band-Aid's "liquid band-aid" crap, by the way. It's not the same mix and it won't look right.

1) Get your hands on some collodion. Make sure it says "rigid" or "non-flexible". Many theatrical make-up and costume stores carry versions specifically meant to be used for this purpose. Try Mehron, for example.

2) Apply the collodion. Make sure your skin is free of lotions, etc. However, if you have very oily skin sometimes you can apply an astringent witch hazel is a good choice to help makeup stay on better. Make sure everything dries properly. You can use a soft paintbrush, makeup brush, cotton swab or ball to apply the thin line of collodion. Whatever you feel more comfortable with. Put it on in a jagged line. As it dried you will feel your skin pulling slightly taut. You may need to add an extra coat, just practice with it and you'll be able to tell. Don't put any on your eyelashes or any facial hair you might have - think "wax job" -- it'll hurt like a @#$% coming off and you'll probably lose some hair! I've read some books that advise that you may want to squeeze your skin together in little pinched lines, but I've never found this to be a good idea. Most of the time it doesn't stay anyway (especially if you're of a very warm persuation, like myself).

3) Add some makeup. This is the tricky part. It takes an artist's touch to create the proper blend of highlighting and shadowing to make the scar look realistic and more "there". You don't need an expensive makeup kit because you can use a little bead of women's foundation, eye makeup, and/or facial powder(s). These come in different colors and while expensive, they might be cheaper than a 'real' makeup kit such as the Ben Nye Trauma Simulation Wheel.

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"Dick Smith's Do It Yourself Monster Makeup." originally pub. 1985, 108 pages. ISBN 0-911137-02-5