It takes about 30 minutes for Maksym Dokiienko to transform (pun intended) into Optimus Prime.
He starts in a long-sleeved black jumpsuit and steps up into a pair of giant boots that adds a foot or more to his 6-foot gymnast’s frame. To his arms and legs, he latches sections of painted foam, decorated with whirring fans, illuminated wires, sprockets and hoses. His partner preps and installs several small battery packs and positions flashing lights that help hide the man in the suit.
By the time the helmet goes on and lights up, the Urkainian performer has all but disappeared inside 80-pounds of costuming…