It’s no secret – I love extreme makeup and wigs and dressing up and cosplay. It’s just something I’ve loved for a long time.
But I’m about to start my proper journey into the world of Cosplay.
What is cosplay?
Cosplay, which is the beautiful hybrid of the words “costume play”, is basically when you decide to represent a character in literature, film, television, anime, etc by dressing up as them or in a variation of their costume/outfit to express your adoration or fandom. Simple as that – think Halloween, but all year long, and with a lot more effort usually.
Starlord… You know, legendary outlaw?
Cosplay is especially popular at conventions, and since I love going to comic con, I’m always asked – “Do you dress up?”
Unfortunately, I usually have to say no, because for whatever reason, I’ve never went to con in cosplay. I’ve went to events and work and to see friends in the above Harley Quinn transformation, but never to con. But next year, this is going to change.
My first real Cosplans:
The first cosplay I’m currently working to put together is Marvel’s Jessica Jones:
Jessica Jones is a fairly simple costume, and honestly not that far off from my everyday wear, so it’ll be simple enough to put together. Plus, Jessica Jones is a BADASS.
Next up, the movie versions of Scarlet Witch:
There’s just something I really love about her in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, I’m a big fan of the red and black combo in outfits.
Which leads me to…: Harley Quinn
Anyone who knows me, knows I’ve been a giant Harley Quinn fan since her debut in Batman: the Animated Series. I have a massive Harley Quinn collection. Harley is my thing. And while it’s a dream to do every one of her various costumes over the years, recently I realized I really want to do the New Suicide Squad look. It combines her roller derby look with a makeup look I’ve been using when I “Harley up” for almost a year now, and I have a wig that works perfectly. So, honestly, I feel like I’ve already started this cosplay. I just need the costume (and confidence) to pull this costume together. I’m hoping for a 2017 debut.
So, that’s my current cosplans! I’ll post updates and photos as I go along in getting everything together. This is an exciting journey, and I can’t wait to share it.
Do you cosplay? Or have any characters you’d like to cosplay? Let me know in the comments below!
~Angel
Wandering NerdGirl 
Hey there! Found your blog and I’m glad to see other people writing about the same sorts of experiences I’m just now getting into haha Had to comment because I’ve been a HUGE Ivy fan since I was about 6 (also loooooved watching the animated Batman series). It’s to the point my friends call my collection a “shrine” and make comments about how easy I am to shop for: find something with Ivy on it!
Anyway, love the start of your Harley cosplay, especially the makeup. How long did that take you? I have zero experience with costume makeup so I’m just curious! Best of luck and I can’t wait to see the finished product! 🙂
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I can actually get the wig and makeup all on pretty fast now! As long as I don’t mess it up horrifically, I can get it all on in around 10 to 15 minutes. I used to do a lot of photography and for really creative shoots did some crazy makeup, and before that I worked in a haunted house as a scareactor, so I got sort of used to making myself look weird lol. I do love Poison Ivy, she’s one of my favorites! I have a huge Batman collection, but Harley dominates the whole thing now. I’ve got some Ivy and Catwoman close by to her though to keep Gotham City’s Sirens together! 🙂
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😀 That’s really impressive! And I’m glad to hear the Sirens are going strong xD
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Cosplay is still semi new to me. I love the idea of it, but I love doing all I can at conventions (including lots of walking and waiting in lines) so I like to be comfortable in the process. The second Comic-Con International I attended my ex and his brothers-in-law went as the Summers family – Corsair, Cyclops, and Havok (this is before people knew Havok from the Marvel movies). People loved that a group went as a cohesive theme and one that is unique. You may see some Cyclops cosplay but there probably wasn’t another Corsair or Havok there. The following year, I joined in with them and some additional friends and we went as the Dark Avengers. Now that I don’t go with my ex, I semi keep it simple. I dressed as Sarah from Labyrinth (complete with baby Toby) last year and then this year I did the Ninth Doctor on a whim. I like the characters less chosen typically.
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I’ve always been all about comfort for cons, but I’m willing to do some casual cosplays (like Jessica Jones) and work in some more complex ones for just a day or two.
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Sounds like a good plan to me. Sometimes people don’t always catch on to the casual cosplay, but I figure the diehards will know and that’s what’s important. I wasn’t recognized as much for my Labyrinths/Sarah costume last year, but those who did really seemed to appreciate someone representing Labyrinths, so that made me happy.
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I really like Scarlet Witch too, although my boyfriend keeps complaining that the movies have completely messed up her superpowers. Your Harley Quinn costume is really good!
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Ahh I love Jessica Jones.
And I love your Harley Quinn costume! I knew exactly who it was immediately, you look fantastic!
Sarah xxx
http://www.whimsicalmumblings.co.uk
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Absolutely loving your cosplays, and off course your Harley make up, I love her new look in the upcoming Suicide Squad so can’t wait to see how you tackle that one! I’ve followed your blog so I can keep updated, and seeing Jessica Jones up there reminds me that I still need to watch that series, so many Marvel and DC films and series to keep up with these days, it’s pretty awesome!
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It is really awesome! And Jessica Jones is FANTASTIC! Definitely one of my favorites. I’m hoping to start assembling things for the Suicide Squad movie Harley soon and do a practice run on the makeup!
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We lived in Japan for 2.5 years. Friends and I use to do Cosplay just for a ladies night out. We dressed up and had a blast. My kids use to ask me if I was really playing dress up and it wasn’t Halloween. lol
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