31 January 2013

Guilty Gear XX: I-No

guilty gear xx cosplay - i-no
Source: Guilty Gear Cosplay
I-No is a sadistic and manipulative woman who has no qualms about hurting other people physically or mentally. She appears to be dedicated to “That Man”’s goals and ideals, whatever they may be, to the point where she altered reality at least once to make his objectives possible. I-No first debuted in the third game as a playable character and a boss of Guilty Gear XX.

Wow, that is one daring cosplay! I’ve always been amazed at how confident these girls are in costumes like this! Thanks to Mia for sending this in!

30 January 2013

Voltron: Princess Fala

voltron cosplay - princess allura / princess fala
Source: Chickopolis on Facebook

Princess Fala (known as “Princess Allura” in the English translation) is the ruler of the Kingdom of Altea (aka “Arus”) and the de facto ruler of the entire planet. She inherited her authority from the late King Raimon (“King Alfor”) and is commander in chief and head of state for the planet Altea.

Princess Fala took over for Shirogane Takashi (“Sven”) as the pilot of the Blue Lion that forms Voltron’s right leg when he was sent away for medical treatment on the planet Ebb. She defers to Kogane Akira (“Keith”) during operational engagements.

This sure brings back a lot of great memories. I remember watching this in English when I was much younger, and Princess Allura was my favorite as she was the only female pilot among the five lion group. Thanks to Roman for sending this in!

29 January 2013

Dead or Alive: Kasumi 06

dead or alive cosplay - kasumi by arisa mizuhara
Source: Crunchyroll

When Kasumi was 17, her uncle, the rogue ninja Raidou returned to their village in order to obtain a ninpo spell used by the clan’s leaders known as the “Torn Sky Blast” technique. After managing to defeat Ayane, Raidou eventually mimicked the technique from Hayate, and rendered him both comatose and paraplegic before escaping. Kasumi was unfortunately not present during the attack and since no one told her about what had transpired between Hayate and Raidou, she did not know who attacked her brother until much later in the game.

Another amazing cosplay by Arisa Mizuhara! She sure has a lot of cosplays of different characters. I wonder how many costumes she now owns and keeps in her closet? Thanks to Jasmine for sending this in!

27 January 2013

Toradora!: Aisaka Taiga 05

toradora! cosplay - aisaka taiga 5 by merino moko
Source: World Anime: Tu mundo aqui y ahora
Aisaka Taiga generally has a negative attitude towards others and she doesn’t hesitate in snapping at people who annoy her. Takasu Ryuji was no exception as she instantly took a disliking to him when they first met. Be as it may, Taiga coincidentally lived in an apartment next to Ryuji’s house, and they ended up being closer friends than either which could have ever guessed.

Amazingly cute cosplay by Merino Moko! With a smile like that, I think she can easily win any guy’s heart, just like Taiga. Thanks again to Lily for sending this in!

25 January 2013

Vocaloid 2: Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, and Kagamine Len

vocaloid 2 cosplay - hatsune miku, kagamine rin, and kagamine len by tomia, tasha, and ren
Source: Zhong Sou

翳(かげ)る雲隠れの 月に惑わされ
Muddled by the darkening moon hidden in the clouds,
闇を駆けて消える 一筋の希望
My only ray of hope runs through the darkness and disappears.
君の姿さえも 上手く描けずに
Not even able to make out your figure and features,
乱れていく風の 行方追いかける
I chase after the whereabouts of the disheveling wind.

“Knife”
Lyrics and Translation by: Anime Lyrics

Another amazing photo by Korean cosplayers, Tomia, Tasha, and Ren! Looks like they really went all out for the fabric choices in this cosplay. Thanks again to Fumiki for sending this in!

24 January 2013

Suki-tte Ii na yo: Tachibana Mei and Kurosawa Yamato

suki-tte ii na yo cosplay - tachibana mei and kurosawa yamato
Source: 夕樓76 on Facebook

Tachibana Mei is a quiet and unassuming 16-year-old who has spent her high school years keeping to herself. Although she used to be very sociable before, an incident that happened during her childhood left her believing that people will betray each other sooner or later.

However, when she encountered the very popular Kurosawa Yamato, he took an interest in her, and even gave her his phone number. This is how their relationship began and how Mei slowly decided to befriend others once more.

Cute cosplay by +Asuka+ as Mei and Xi Lou as Yamato! That is quite a height difference, but absolutely perfect for the characters. Thanks to Kate for sending this in!

23 January 2013

Lineage II: Beleth

lineage ii cosplay - beleth by serreniethy fionah
Source: Serreniethy on Facebook

Beleth was once a Light Elf who had graduated as a Spellsinger from the Ivory Tower and later became a member of the faculty. He was originally a pure academic who more interested in studying the theory of magic than actually practicing it.

His area of specialty was the ancient Laboratory of the Giants in Schuttgart Territory. After many years of painstaking research and archeological excavations, Beleth became the world’s foremost expert on the history of Arvitaire, the great city of the Genesis Creatures.

Amazing cosplay by Serreniethy Fionah! Of course, she’s a little girl cosplaying a crazy, mad scientist of a man, but you can’t deny the awesome details in her cosplay! Very much worthy of multiple cosplay contest awards! Thanks again for letting me feature this!

22 January 2013

Inuyasha: Kikyo and Inuyasha 02

inuyasha cosplay - kikyo and inuyasha
Source: ~0hagaren0 on Deviant Art

Although Kikyo was reincarnated as Higurashi Kagome some five hundred years after her death, an evil sorceress named Urasue tried to pull Kagome’s soul into a clay body made from the soil in Kikyo’s grave as well as her bones and ashes. A small part of Kagome’s soul detached from her and reanimated Kikyo’s new body, but Kagome herself seems to have suffered no permanent harm. As the new Kikyo retained memories of her hast life, her feelings for Inuyasha still remain true causing a strain in Kagome and Inuyasha’s relationship.

Another amazing cosplay by Hagaren! Be sure to check out the Deviant Art gallery for more of their amazing photos! Thanks to Rui for sending this in!

21 January 2013

Fate/Zero: Saber and Gilgamesh

fate/zero cosplay - saber and gilgamesh by calssara and elffi
Source: Elffi on Deviant Art
During the Fourth Holy Grail War which occurred in Fate/Zero’s timeline, Gilgamesh was summoned by Tohsaka Tokiomi, Rin’s father. As he was also a king in his previous life, he immediately took an interest to Rider and Saber and participated in their exchange of philosophies on ruling as monarchs. He became fascinated with Saber as her ideals were “flawed” and she was the first person in the world to deny him.

Both Calssandra and Elffi in one cosplay shot? If this doesn’t scream epicness to you, I don’t know what will! Thanks to Michaela for sending this in!

19 January 2013

Unknown Cosplay #138

Source: Hexieshe
First of all, let me just say that the details of her cosplay are simply amazing! Just look at all the little ribbons and lace! Someone must have spent a long time putting this costume together for the cosplayer’s Comiket 83 debut!

But who could this girl be? The design seems too specific to be just be a random blond, French maid!

I’m beginning to wonder why there are a lot of blond anime, manga, and game characters. Anyway, thanks to Katie for sending this in!

18 January 2013

Trinity Blood: Esther Blanchett 02

trinity blood cosplay - esther blanchett by kipi
Source: Kipi on World Cosplay
Sister Esther Blanchett met Father Abel Nightroad when he visited Saint Matthias Church investigating Count Gyula Kadar’s tyranny over Istavan. Esther was revealed to be part of a band of rebels known as the Partisans who were against Gyula and were working to oust him at any cost. Count Gyula then sent a vampire to attack the clergy of the church, and his City Military Police took the initiative to bomb Saint Matthias Church, killing Bishop Laura Vitez in the process.

Cute cosplay by Kipi! I didn’t know Esther had clothing like this until I went through Kipi’s World Cosplay account trying to find out what character she’s cosplaying. It’s definitely a nice change from her usual habit! Thanks again to Stilzkin for sending this in!

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha: Yagami Hayate

mahou shoujo lyricial nanoha cosplay - yagami hayate by erika kurosuzu
Source: ~MPzero~
A sweet wheel-chaired orphan, Yagami Hayate is under the care of the Wolkenritter, also known as the Cloud-Knights. Although they keep their battles a secret from her, Hayate knew that the completion of the Book of Darkness will grant her vast power, but she didn’t want it at the expense of the lives of others. However, the Book of Darkness was actually feeding off her own life force, which caused her paralysis, and would have eventually killed her if it wasn’t completed.

Beautiful cosplay by Kurosuzu Erika (黒鈴 エリカ)! And of course, another amazing photography set by ~MPzero~! I finally found his blog, so you can expect a lot more features from this photographer! Thanks again to Stilzkin for sending this in!

17 January 2013

Ultraman Visits the Children’s Hospital in Thailand

ultraman cosplay
Source: MODxTOY

When sinister aliens and giant monsters constantly threaten civilization, a special worldwide police force known as the Science Special Search Party, or SSSP, was the only Earth organization to have high-tech weapons and vehicles, as well as extensive scientific and engineering facilities to handle the threat. However, when the situation became desperate, Hayata Shin, the Patrol's most capable member, used a power-object and artifact called the “Beta Capsule”. Whenever activated, the capsule allows Shin to transform secretly into the super-humanoid-powered giant from space, who becomes known to the people of Earth as Ultraman.

I can’t read Thai, but it’s nice how these two dressed up as Ultraman to cheer up the kids. I bet a lot of work went into those costumes, seeing as the eyes and chest list up too! I’m just not sure which Ultraman these two are, but thank you so much to Wendy for sharing this!

16 January 2013

Sword Art Online: Silica 02

sword art online cosplay - silica 2
Source: Ryan Simbul on Facebook

One of the rare beast tamers in Sword Art Online, Silica is a 13-year-old, mid-level player who owns a flying dragon named Pina. This made her quite famous and many players tried to get on her good side and some even asked her to marry them in game. She lost Pina when she ventured into the forest alone, but Kirito managed to save her and help her revive her pet.

She’s so cute! And her costume is really well detailed! Gold ribbons really do look best for these types of costumes! Thanks to Ryan for sharing this!

15 January 2013

Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun: Yoshida Haru and Mizutani Shizuku 02

tonari no kaibutsu-kun cosplay - yoshida haru and mizutani shizuku 2
Source: Otaku University Philippines Online on Facebook

Yoshida Haru did not like going to school mainly because most of his classmates feared his delinquent-like behavior. However, after his encounter Mizutani Shizuku, he went back to school and managed to memorize all of the high school material he missed during his absence. Although this may be considered a good thing by their teachers, Shizuku was very upset in losing her Number 1 academic rank to Haru.

Now can someone please tell me why Haru has a chicken during their class? I don’t think Shizuku’s very amused by this prank. Thanks to Kimmy for sending this in!

14 January 2013

Vocaloid 2: Hatsune “Snow” Miku 02

vocaloid 2 cosplay - hatsune snow miku 2 from japan comiket 83
Source: Hexieshe
ねえ 覚えてますか 私の名前
Hey, do you remember my name?
肩に積もった雪を 振り払う
I shake off the piled snow falling on my shoulder.

ねえ 届いてますか 私の想い
Hey, I thought you would arrive
降り積もる雪は 止みそうにない
The snow shows no sign of letting up

“Regret Snow”
Lyrics and Translation by Vocalochu

Oh my goodness, she’s such a cute Snow Miku! And probably more comfortable in that fluffy coat compared to the other cosplayers in Japan Comiket 83. Thanks again to Fumiki for sending this in!

13 January 2013

Fate/Stay Night: Saber 12

fate/stay night cosplay - saber 12 from japan comiket 83
Source: Hexieshe
Saber was summoned onto the Fifth Holy Grail War as the Servant of Emiya Shirou. When Lancer was revived by Tohsaka Rin’s pendant, he pursued Shirou in an attempt to kill him once more. By luck, or fate, the remnants of Irisviel’s magic circle happened to still be present in Shirou’s shed, which allowed him to summon Saber (albeit rather clumsily).

This cosplayer looks very familiar. I think she may have cosplayer Saber in one of the Comiket events in the past. Would you happen to know who she might be? Thanks again to Fumiki for sending this in!

12 January 2013

Doraemon: Dorami and Doraemon

doraemon cosplay - dorami and doraemon
Source: Hexieshe
In March 2008, Japan’s Foreign Ministry appointed Doraemon as the nation's first “anime ambassador”. The Ministry spokesman explained that the novel decision was an attempt to help people in other countries understand Japanese anime better, as well as to deepen their interest in Japanese culture. The Foreign Ministry’s action confirms that Doraemon is now considered to be a Japanese cultural icon.

On September 3, 2012, Doraemon was granted official residence in the city of Kawasaki, celebrating one hundred years before he was born.

No wonder there’s another pair of cosplayers from the series this year. I didn’t know Doraemon was still this popular. Thanks again to 4chanatic for sending this in!

Material Brave Ignition: Ogi Kanae

material brave ignition cosplay - ogi kanae from japan comiket 83
Source: Hexieshe
These types of cosplays can be pretty hard to guess.

I’m not sure how true this information is, but I’ve heard that there are a lot of independent manga circles who actually hire cosplayers to cosplay their original characters. If that’s true, then only a small number of people will know who this girl is and what series she’s from.

It must be nice to be a mangaka (manga artist) in Japan. Maybe I should learn the language and reset my goal to living there so that I can make a decent living from my art. In any case, thanks agin to Fumiki for sending this in!

EDIT: Thanks to Katserest for letting me know she's from Material Brave Ignition! And now I've found out that the name of the character she's cosplaying is Ogi Kanae!

11 January 2013

Touhou Project: Hakurei Reimu 08

touhou project cosplay - hakurei reimy 8 from japan comiket 83
Source: Hexieshe
Hakurei Reimu may be described as easygoing and optimistic, but she is also a dutiful priestess of the Hakurei Shrine. She is also quite sympathetic towards most of the other characters in the game as there are only very few who remain her rivals past the first encounter. Her shrine later became a popular locale for some of Gensokyo’s residents.

Cute cosplayer from Japan Comiket 83! Those twintails are actually a very nice touch, wouldn’t you agree? Tied with strawberry hairclips too! Thanks again to 2chmod for sending this in!

10 January 2013

Dynasty Warriors 6: Lu Bu

dynasty warriors 6 - lu bu by stein
Source: Banazure on Deviant Art

One of the infamous Generals of the Han Dynasty, Lu Bu is known to be the mightiest warrior of his time, but is better known for his many betrayals in the central plains. Like many warlords of his era, Lu Bu wanted to establish himself as an independent power in China, but unfortunately met his end against Cao Cao’s forces.

In Dynasty Warriors 6, Chen Gong advised his lord to take the land for himself as he was driven from the capital for the murder of Dong Zhuo.

Another amazingly detailed cosplay by Stein! Would you beleive that he is actually the same cosplayer as Sesshoumaru whom I featured last May 2012? I needed to double check it myself since the two photos look so different! Thanks again for sending this in!

09 January 2013

Kuroshitsuji: Grell Sutcliff 03

kuroshitsuji cosplay - grell sutcliff by new writer
Source: New Writer on Deviant Art
The blood-red-headed Grim Reaper with a rather short temper, Grell Sutcliff wielded a terrifying Death Scythe in the form of a chainsaw. However, it was later revealed that the modification was illegal, and William T. Spears of the Management Ward confiscated the chainsaw and replaced them with a much less terrifying pair of scissors. Although originally seen as an antagonist in the series, it would appear that Grell is one of the good guys who just happens to have a liking for killing.

It’s not everyday that a killer is considered to be a protagonist, but then again, he is a Grim Reaper. And what an awesome looking Grell New Writer makes! Can’t help but love that classy pose! Thanks again to You Mi for sending this in!