Friday, January 30, 2009

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Asahina Mikuru

the melancholy of suzumiya haruhi cosplay - asahina mikuruConsidered to be one of the most beautiful students in North high, Asahina Mikuru is very shy and easily flustered, especially by her SOS Brigade president, Suzumiya Haruhi.

Unlike Yuki and Haruhi, she has no athletic ability, but she does make excellent tea and was thereby elected by Haruhi to be the club’s waitress. Unbeknownst to Haruhi, however, Mikuru is actually a time traveler, one of the "strange beings" Haruhi longs to meet, yet has no idea about the people surrounding her.

She makes a really cute Mikuru. She has the cute, innocent look about her, and I really adore her pose. Excellent work!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Blue Dragon: Dawn Dragonkin and Dusk Dragonkin

Have you ever heard of Jimmy Lin? His Chinese name is 林志穎, and he’s a Taiwanese singer, actor, and professional race car driver.

Now why would I be talking about him in this blog?

blue dragon cosplay by jimmy lin

You guessed it. Jimmy Lin has cosplayed for the anime and game title, "Blue Dragon". My only dilemma is, there’s little information about who he’s cosplaying as, and my Chinese is not good enough to read up a lot of what’s written about it on the Internet.

Oh yes, both characters are Jimmy. It’s been photo manipulated to feature both of his cosplays.

If anyone has more information, please do share, and I will quote you in my blog. Thanks!

EDIT: Thanks to Pu Niao for letting me know the characters are Dawn Dragonkin and Dusk Dragonkin respectively!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Tsubasa - Reservoir Chronicle: Syaoran and Sakura

tsubasa - reservoir chronicle cosplay - syaoran and sakura One of my readers, Lily, sent a link to a cosplay of Tsubasa - Reservoir Chronicle’s Syaron and Sakura as cosplayed by Kiarou and Lil Krn Yuna. I wanted to show Sakura’s full dress so I chose another photo of the two. I hope Lily doesn’t mind. ^^

Anyhow, I can’t believe these costumes were hand-made! It’s really well done, and they make a really cute Syaoran and Sakura! Awesome job! I’ll be sure to feature more of them in the future!

You can check out the original photo by Isamu85 here. Thanks for sharing this!

xxxHolic: Kunogi Himawari

xxxholic cosplay - kunogi himawariDespite being an only child who has a strange power of causing people “bad luck”, Kunogi Himawari is a kind and cheerful girl who is Watanuki’s love interest. She is either oblivious of this fact or she doesn’t want to return his feelings because she also causes him bad luck.

Not everyone is affected by her strange powers though. Doumeki and her parents don’t recieve any bad luck being around her. But regardless of this strange phenomena, Himawari is said to be human.

She makes a very cute Himawari-chan don’t you think? :3

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Granado Espada: The Fighters

granado espada cosplay - the fighters

Fighters are considered to be one of the most versatile classes of Granado Espada. They can take on a lot of damage and increase their attack and defense depending on their stances. After gaining enough experience, they are also able to wield pistols.

It’s been a while since I found cosplays of this game. I think they might be professional performers or something of the like. Anyone who has more information, please do share!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Unknown Entry 026

unknown cosplay 026This cute girl might be some Japanese girl who is on her way to the festival or something like that. Does she happen to resemble any character you know?

I recall having seen a character with a similar hairstyle as her’s… short, brown twintails… I think it was a game of some sort with the word “Dragon” on it, but I’m not sure.

Thoughts?

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Vampire Knight: Kuran Kaname 05

vampire knight cosplay - kuran kaname 05If there is one cosplay series I can't seem to get enough of, it's Vampire Knight; specifically, Kuran Kaname.

There are simply far too many great cosplays of the series out there that I can't help but feature them. The anime has been finished, and the manga has a few chapters left. It would be interesting to see what the mangaka has in store for us in the end.

Please do choose your favorite Kaname cosplayer from what I have so far! I'd love to hear your opinions. :3

Kuroshitsuji: Undertaker

kuroshitsuji cosplay - undertaker

As his name suggests, Undertaker is an eccentric funeral director and Ciel Phantomhive's informant who prefers to be paid, not by money, but by a good laugh for any information he might have. At first, it seems that only a select few (Sebastian being one of them) could get him to laugh, but recently, a detective made him laugh by merely introducing himself.

Why that is, no one knows yet.

This is a wonderfully convincing cosplay of the Undertaker! It would be interesting to see this cosplayer in person. Great work!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Clannad: Ibuki Fuko

clannad cosplay - ibuki fukoA first year student with a cheerful, yet somewhat careless attitude, Ibuki Fuko wanted to carve 700 wooden starfishes for her sister's wedding. Her idea is that, if she were to give the starfishes to the students where Kouko, her sister once taught, they would surely attend her wedding and in turn make the wedding an incredible success.

Unfortunately, even though Fuko was attending the same school where Kouko taught, she had retired 3 years ago and the students no longer know her. Still, Fuko perseveres, not minding if her hands were cut up from carving so much, because she wanted her sister to be happy.

If I tell you any more, it would spoil the story, so I'll leave it at that for now. She's such a cute Fuko, don't you think? ^^

Friday, January 23, 2009

Rozen Maiden Träumend: Kanaria

rozen maiden träumend cosplay - kanaria

An adorable doll with an eccentric personality, Kanaria constantly speaks in third person and loves plotting on how she will get her sisters’ Rosae Mystica, but she has yet to succeed. She is the second Rozen Maiden doll, and uses a little violin as her weapon of choice. She also has the tendency of ending her sentences with "kashira" meaning "I wonder" or "maybe"

Really cute cosplay! I found this in HongCH, the photographer’s blog. He has a ton of excellent pictures there that deals with more than just cosplay images. Thanks for sharing this, Hong!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Yami No Matsuei: Tsuzuki Asato

A shinigami who has a voracious appetite for sweets, Tsuzuki is one of the most cheerful member of the Shokan Division who has a dark past no one speaks of.

yami no matsuei cosplay - tsuzuki asato

When he was human, he was suicidal. No one knows the exact reason why, but it was recorded by Muraki’s grandfather that he survived without food and water. Even deadly wounds were not enough to kill him, until he finally succumbed 8 years later.

Beautiful cosplay. It makes me wonder what happened to him in the end since the manga was never finished. Anyone have any clue why that is?

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Nabari no Ou: Yoite

nabari no ou cosplay - yoiteA Kairoshu ninja who uses the forbiden technique “kira”, Yoite is a sensitive boy who wishes to be “erased” from existence. The technique he uses is very dangerous because it utilizes the user’s “ki” to control someone from the inside out. This can not only kill the target, but the technique also eats up the person’s life force, gradually losing the five senses and eventually, death.

It is estimated that Yoite only has 2 months left to live. Despite this however, he still wants Rokujo Miharu to use the Shinrabansho to grant his wish to be erased.

A simple cosplay with taste. I don’t think a lot of people would mind wearing something like this for everyday wear. Great work!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Guilty Gear XX: Bridget

guilty gear xx cosplay - bridgetIn the place where Bridget was born, twins of the same gender are considered to be bad luck. Therefore, his parents raised him as a girl, blessing their son with the name "Bridget".

Despite this twist of fate, Bridget wanted to prove his masculinity. When he became older, Bridget decided to become a bounty hunter, and was given a fake list of bounties by I-No to set That Man's plans in motion.

I didn't want to post something like this in Sanriotown... so I decided to just post it here. I think she makes a really cute Bridget, and all she needs now is a large Teddy Bear and Yo-Yo. Great work!

Ouran High School Host Club: Suou Tamaki and Ootori Kyouya 02

ouran high school host club cosplay - suou tamaki and ootori kyouya 02 by dees of deviantartThe “Father” and “Mother” of the Ouran Host Club, Tamaki and Kyouya have been friends since middle school, despite their differences. All of the club’s elaborate endeavors are taken cared of by Kyouya and the club usually favors Kyouya’s leadership over Tamaki’s, even though Tamaki is the Founder and Club President while Kyouya serves as vice-president.

You might recognize this cosplayer, since I featured her cosplaying as Nomiya from Honey and Clover… That’s right, she’s Dees, and this is from her Deviant Art Gallery. Great work as usual! Keep it up!

Vampire Knight: Kiryuu Zero 02

vampire knight cosplay - kiryuu zeroSo I realized… trying to seperate the East and West into 2 different blogs isn’t really all that nice to look at. It’s subjected to a lot of misunderstandings and I had to learn that the hard way.

Rather than abandon this blog, however, I decided to populate it, and start over. Meaning all of my old posts will be deleted, and new ones will have to come about.

I’m not sure how much I can post here, but I will do my best to add cosplays in my blogspot, sanriotown, and cartoon network blog! I hope I can make it, though!

I hope you like this cosplay of Zero from Vampire Knight! Look forward to more cosplay pictures.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Katekyo Hitman Reborn!: Sawada Tsunayoshi and Hibari Kyoya

unknown cosplay 025 katekyo hitman reborn! cosplay - tsunayoshi tsuna sawada and kyoya hibari

Technically, he’s a poor student for falling asleep in class. But then again, this picture is so cute, I certainly don’t mind it.

But I have no idea what anime or game this is from. Perhaps you guys have a better idea? The coat has a significant armband on it, so that might be a clue…

EDIT: Thanks to Allenisya for commenting this is Sawada Tsunayoshi with Hibari Kyoya draping his coat over him! Aww...

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Sailor Moon: Sailor Mars

sailor moon cosplay - sailor mars / hino reiHino Rei is a miko or priestess in her grandfather's temple, the Hiwaka shrine. She is the second Sailor Senshi that Sailor Moon found at the beginning of the series when she and Luna were looking for the Moon Princess. She has the ability to control fire and uses various psychic abilities she had learned as part of being a priestess.

Despite her beauty and elegance, Rei has no interest in men. This is due to the fact that Rei had no respectable men in her life, aside from her grandfather. In a short manga story "Casablanca Memories" however, Rei is shown to have a love interest with her father's secretary, Kaidou. He is her father's messenger who would bring her gifts for her birthday which consists of a white dress and a bouquet of Casablanca, her favorite flower.

Beautiful cosplay! Not a lot of people can get Sailor Mars right, but this cosplayer was able to nail it! It makes me wonder if she is actually the actress from the Sailor Moon Live Action Series... Hm...

Gundam Wing: Quatre Raberba Winner, Trowa Barton, Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, and Chang Wufei

gundam wing cosplay - quatre raberba winner, trowa barton, heero yuy, duo maxwell, and chang wufei

When the Gundam Pilots first met each other, they had initially thought that they were enemies despite having the same kind of somewhat uniquely designed mobile suits. Eventually, Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, Quatre Raberba Winner, Trowa Barton, and Chang Wufei realize that they were all fighting for the same objective: to defeat and destroy OZ.

What a stunning group cosplay! It's pretty difficult to find a group who is able to portray each of the characters effectively. Great work!

Friday, January 16, 2009

YSL at de Young Museum, San Francisco...

About time I decided to book my ticket to SF for the Yves St. Laurent retrospective at de Young Museum in San Fran!

I will be there for a weekend, Feb. 27-Mar. 1, this time I will remember to take more pictures and not be lazy with my camera.
The late Yves St. Laurent...
The original safari look, on Veruschka

Yves St. Laurent Rive Gauche by Tom Ford (the one and only-Fall 2004)

Yves St. Laurent by Stefano Pilati (Fall 2008)

Bleach: Hinamori Momo 03

bleach cosplay - hinamori momo 03 One of my readers, who calls herself Aisling from Singapore, sent in her photo as a contribution to this blog. The photo was taken on the year end event of Singapore Expo or EOY 2008.

With so many cosplayers there, I definitely want to visit Singapore one day… To see the country aside from taking cosplay pictures, of course!

I think she makes a really cute Hinamori, and a stunning rival for the first two cosplayers I’ve featured. Thanks, Aisling! I hope you cosplay more soon!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Air Gear: Wanijima Akito/Agito 02

air gear cosplay - wanijima akito/ agito The Fang King who was originally amongst the Wind SWAT team, Wanijima Akito was saved from his fate by Kogarasumaru’s Leader, Minami “Ikki” Itsuki.

Even though Akito stated that he was the original Fang King; another personality, Wanijima Lind emerges from the battle against Orca. Lind is stronger than the two and does not care for anyone… not even for Akito and Agito.

I didn’t know there was a blue version of his costume. The original design was color orange, if I’m not mistaken. Thanks to Exhibition MindBlue for sharing the photo!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Rozen Maiden: Suigintou 04

rozen maiden cosplay - suigintou 04 Suigintou is the only Rozen Maiden with wings. In the manga, it’s explained that these wings are considered to be flaws, because it created cracks on her back. However, Suigintou is considered to be one of the most powerful Rozen Maiden dolls because she has no actual need of a medium to use her powers. She is also the only doll to have been defeated and revived three times.

I got this photo from Hung, the photographer’s blog. He has a lot of exquisite collection of cosplay photos, and I’ll be sure to feature more of them when I get the chance. Thanks for sharing them, Hung!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Ayanami Rei 04

neon genesis evangelion cosplay - ayanami rei by zoe222542Did you ever wonder what the creator thinks about his own character?

I found this quote from Wikipedia:

"An emotional change causes certain muscles in the face to tense, producing an "expression". Rei is expressionless but is it that she doesn’t feel emotion, or that she is merely unable to express it?"

- Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, character designer and mangaka of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Zoe is the 4th Ayanami Rei cosplayer I’ve posted so far, and all 4 of them are fantastic! Do you have a favorite?

Monday, January 12, 2009

Katekyo Hitman Reborn!: Superbi Squalo

unknown cosplay 23 / katekyo hitman reborn cosplay - superbi squalo by unlimystic I was trying to find the source of this picture from the clue at the bottom right corner where “kyoistheology” is written there.

Unfortunately, I came up with nothing.

The thing is, this cosplay is too generic to tell for certain. It could be Souma Ayame from Fruits Basket but I don’t remember a scene like this in the series.

Anyone have a better idea?

EDIT: Thank you, Mree, for commenting that this is Superbia Squalo from Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Gintama: Sakata Gintoki

gintama cosplay - sakata gintoki During the Joi War, Gintoki was renowned as the "White Devil" due to the fact that he has naturally permed, silver hair and always wears a white coat. He is so skilled in swordsmanship that he struck fear into the hearts of the Amanto.

Now that the war is over, however, he is stuck doing odd jobs, whatever that may be, for just about any price just so that he can pay his rent. He lives with Shimura Shinpachi, his apprentice, and Kagura, an alien from the Yato Clan.

Yes, I said alien.

Beautiful cosplay of Gintoki! The cosplayer’s captured his persona perfectly. I wonder who this cosplayer is? S/he looks a bit familiar…

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Ninety-Nine Nights: Inphyy

In a distant world where peace once reigned, a magical orb that maintained it was shattered, causing the light and dark to enter their world. A demon known as the Lord of Darkness took advantage of the confused world and ruled for 99 nights of perpetual darkness.

ninety-nine nights cosplay - inphyy

This is Inphyy, the main character in the game, Ninety-Nine Nights. She is a 17-year-old, quick, and powerful Temple Knight who wishes to seek revenge for her father’s death.

You have to admit, her armor is very well made. It must have taken a lot of effort to make this cosplay as impressive as it looks now. Thanks to Wan Xuan for sharing the photo!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Final Fantasy VIII: Rinoa Heartilly 03

final fantasy 8 cosplay - rinoa heartily 03 by jin jonsonSo the new year begins, and this is my first cosplay feature for the year. Of course, like many of you out there, I want to start the new year right.

Do you recognize the cosplayer?

This is Jin Joson, the same cosplayer who cosplayed as Lahoo and Ishida Uryuu. This is, in fact, not "Nejin, Jin's twin sister" but Jin herself.

That's because Nejin and Jin are one and the same. As far as I know, the rumor about Nejin and Jin being twins started with her friends, and it spread like wildfire.

To me, I'm just glad that I got the confirmation that I needed to know that Jin is a girl. I don't think the debate with regards to her gender will die any time soon, but what I saw and heard is good enough for me.

Awesome cosplays, Jin, keep it up! Oh, and I may reduce the unknown cosplays to... every other Monday now since I don't have a lot of them anymore. ;) Thanks guys!