Who says freshmen are just trying to fit in?

NIU freshman Nick Fleming plans to stand out this Halloween with his tribute costume to Heath Ledger in his role as The Joker.

Name: Nick Fleming

Age: 19

Major: Communications

Year: Freshman

Hometown: Sandwich, Ill.

Northern Star: What brought you to NIU?

Nick Fleming: Out of all the schools I visited, this was by far my favorite place because of the people and the scenery.

NS: I’ve been told you have dressed up as the Joker before, what inspired you to do so?

NF: I was in my high school art class. [A friend] said I kind of looked like Heath Ledger, so I should just go for it. Plus, I am a huge Batman fan.

NS: How did you design the outfit?

NF: We went to Goodwill and bought some old clothes. Then we got a whole bunch of paint and smudged it on.

NS: How long did the whole process take?

NF: It took about an hour, but it took longer to take off the outfit and paint.

NS: What were people’s reaction to the outfit?

NF: People were scared at first, then they were really impressed.

NS: If you could tell Heath Ledger one thing about his performance in the Batman movie, what would you tell him?

NF: I would tell him that he is one of the best villains ever. He was the best part of the movie, hands down.