My Favorite Shonen Hero in My Hero Academia

Have you ever seen the manga series My Hero Academia? Which hero do you like best? As a perfect combination of genres, My Hero Academia (or Boku no Hero Academia) is written by Kohei Horikoshi. Since it was serialized in 2014, this manga has caused a sensation in Japan.

When watching this anime, I was deeply attracted by Deku, the main protagonist of My Hero Academia. Many fans like him as his kind and diligent. If you don’t know much about Deku, don’t worry, I’ll tell you more about him.

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How to Make a Wrist Lighter For Cosplay

        It’s Just a Flick of the Wrist
(How to Make a Wrist Lighter)

Have you ever wanted to be an alchemist? How about a fire mage? An assassin, maybe? Well I happen to have a pretty nifty tutorial for that. It’s easy, very affordable, and such a fun parlor trick!

What you’ll need:

  • A grill lighter

$3.00 at any grocery store

  • A spark ignition (grill ignition/button)

$7.00 at any hardware store

  • Duct tape

You probably have this lying around

  • Something to bind everything to your hand (like elastic)

$4.00 for a BUNCH of elastic ribbon at Walmart

  • String or thread

Again, you probably have this lying around, but it’s not expensive.

So this awesome little contraption will cost you at most $20.00. Trust me, the looks you’ll get will be so worth it.

Step 1.

Start by taking apart the grill lighter. You probably won’t need tools to tear it limb from limb, but if you’re having trouble, a knife should do the trick. Just be careful.

Bbq-Lighter-M3010

 

The only part you need from this is the butane container with the gas line attached (shown below). There will be a small plastic piece that attaches where the gas line begins; this is to release the butane.

lighter

 

Step 2.

At this point, you will need your spark igniter.image3

This is the model I used however, many different kinds will work. I wanted an easy push button (and man is this an easy push button. I shocked myself a few times playing with it.)

 

 

 

 

Plug the two wires in as shown below and attach the other sides so that they straddle the end of the gas line.

image2     image6

Before you end up securing them in place, make sure they are positioned correctly. Just give it a few tries by starting the ignition and opening the gas line; if there is a flame, you’ve got it!

Step 3.

You will need to create a harness to secure the flame to your hand. My costume ended up covering up the wrist/hand area anyway so I used some gnarly elastic that happened to be lying around. If you can’t afford this, I suggest using flesh colored fishnets. Make sure that the flame will not touch the fabric. I mean it. You don’t want your arm catching fire. A good way to ensure this is to use a metal nut around the base of the gas line and ignition.

image5

 

Step 4.

Harness the butane to your arm. That’s right. You get to walk around attached to a tank of butane! (Tank might be an exaggeration).

image7

Step 5.

Tie the string or thread to the little plastic piece that controls the gas. Then tie a loop around your finger. Make sure the tension is right. You don’t want to be leaking all day, nor do you want too much slack. The idea is that you flick your wrist back and BAM! Fire!

image8

image10

So now that you’ve made it, you’ll secure every part to you but keep the ignition button tucked up your arm. I had a scarf that I lodged it into. My reason for this is that I didn’t want to ever accidentally unleash my pyrotechnics.

Have fun and be safe! Make sure your venue won’t freak out… but then again it is always better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission, right? After all, you control fire now.

fire-300x256

Convention Etiquette; Tips to Help You and Fellow Con Goers To Enjoy The Con

Con Etiquette
Image result for anime convention photos

Hello students! Welcome to professor Viper’s first day of con etiquette class. Today we will be taught the do’s and don’ts of appropriate convention behavior and how to avoid angry cosplayers.

1.Hug
Image result for cosplay hug

We’re starting off with a biggie. Do not glomp. Under any circumstances. Glomping seems harmless but there are a multitude of reasons as to why it’s a bad idea. These reasons include but are not limited to:

  • The cosplayer has a very gently constructed cosplay item on them such as wings or armor that could be damaged or broken if someone glomps them.
  • They could be Haphephobic, meaning an extreme dislike/discomfort of someone touching them, to the point where they will scream or cry the same way someone would if a spider was touching them and they were arachnophobic.
  • They could have back issues where a surprise or ‘extreme’ hug like that would hurt them even more or cause them a lot of pain.
  • They (or you) could have unsealed body paint that could rub off onto your (or their) costume.
  • It could be considered sexual assault because it is usually not consented to beforehand and is meant to come off as a surprise, which quite a few people don’t take too kindly to.

Instead of glomping, try asking kindly for a hug. Don’t take it personally if they refuse.

2.Pictures/cosplayer etiquette.
Image result for anime convention photos

Taking pictures is fun and getting your picture taken is fun and shows of your hard work and likeness of a character, but it’s only fun if all parties consent.

  • Please ask permission first in order to take a picture of someone. DO NOT TAKE ‘CREEP SHOTS’, which consist of taking a picture of someone when they’re not paying attention and you don’t know them, taking pictures up their cosplay when on the escalator, and taking pictures if they explicitly state they do not want their picture taken.
  • Wait until a person is done eating to ask for a picture.
  • If the person is sitting down and taking a break, wait until they finish their break to ask for the picture or say ‘excuse me’ and ask if you may take the picture. Do not just take the picture.
  • If the person is on the phone, also wait until their call is over to ask for a picture.
  • If the person is crying or upset, do not ask for a picture.
  • If you want to offer a snack, be careful about the distance if it is messy or could get on someone because 1) it could stain their cosplay or 2) they could be severely allergic to said snack.
  • Please do not touch or grab their props without explicit permission from the owner, as they could be fragile or expensive or even dangerous if made with real steel.
  • It is okay to gush over their cosplay but try not to put yourself down in order to make them feel good about your cosplay, saying things like “You’re the best, everyone else can go home.” or “I’d never look as good as you” might seem like good compliments but cosplay is for fun and doesn’t need to be a competition.

3.Artist Alley etiquette

Image result for artist alley images

Buying art and prints is always much fun but please be mindful of these rules to make sure that everyone has fun and is respectful of the artist.

  • Do not touch the art without permission
  • Do not tell the artist their prices are too high (as this is what the main source of young adult artist is and lowering their prices might be better for you but will seriously hurt their end income)
  • Try not to block the table or art with your body or costume parts (such as wings) as it prevents other possible customers to look at the art they might want to buy.
  • Do not hover around the table too much if you are not going to buy anything, simply tell the owner of the booth that they have great art and that you are still going to think it over, which gives you leeway to leave and be able to think about whether or not you want their art.
  • Give detailed specifications of what you want the artist to draw for you so that it comes out perfect when they finish and you will not have to ask for corrections to be made, making both you and the artist feel awkward.
  • Offer to bring them food or a drink if they are swamped with commissions as commission artists rarely get to leave their tables to explore the convention hall.
  • Talk to them! Commission artists, especially if they’re alone, might get bored during the convention when they can’t really leave their table, so strike up a conversation with them if they’re not too busy!

4.Vendors Hall
Image result for anime convention photos

  • Careful when touching an object if allowed; Remember, you break it, you buy it!
  • Have your money ready before you buy so the transaction can go smoothly and quickly.
  • Feel free to haggle by a few dollars, especially on Sunday as that is the day that vendors start to pack up and might be lenient and give you a great deal on something you’ve been eyeing all weekend!
  • If they refuse to haggle, don’t push it. You might be lucky at another booth.
  • If you already have a bag and the item is not very big, tell the seller you don’t need a bag so you can save yourself the weight and them the bag.
  • Feel free to make small talk to the vendors too if they’re not too busy.

That’s all the tips I have today!! I hope these tips guide you well during a convention! Class dismissed!!

PS: Want to join in our blog to be one of our blog authors and get sponsor from Miccostumes? please hit this!

5 Small Things That Will Greatly Improve Your Cosplay

No big introduction this time! Let’s get into it right away! (I wish I could say the same thing about my own projects…)

 

1. IRON, IRON, IRON!

When I was a kid, I didn’t see the point of ironing. It seemed like a waste of time because in the end, you’re just going to toss your clothes back into the washing machine so why bother? I was so, so wrong.

Ironing makes all the difference in the world when it comes to clothes, especially cosplays. Fictional characters are always wearing flawless clothing without wrinkles all over the fabric, and this is what you want. Nobody wants to look like they rolled out of bed in their cosplay or having it seem like they only just took it out of the packaging.

Source: http://shannonsews.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/de-wrinkle-clothes-in-pinch.html
However, this method will not work all the time! Nothing beats the good ol’ iron, so put some elbow grease into it!

Although the difference seems subtle, a lot of people will still notice
Source: http://thethriftyissue.com.au/?p=3789

Be careful not to burn your fabric! Synthetics have the least heat resistance, natural fibers like cotton and wool have the highest, but blends depend. Start low and go higher if your fabric isn’t smoothing out. Spraying a little bit of water also helps a lot! Use a spray bottle even if you can fill your iron up with water as it will help your iron last longer.

When you are making your own cosplay, be sure you iron every seam as you finish sewing them. This is often the difference between your garment looking amateurish or professional.

 

2. MIND YOUR POSTURE

Especially with how rapidly technology is advancing, many people nowadays spend their time slouching at a desk and slumping as they walk. This can make for unattractive photos so make sure you straighten your back and slightly tuck in your chin! It seems like a minor thing, but characters are usually drawn with good posture, so people often do take notice. Even if it’s only when someone asks you for a photo, remind yourself to take note of your posture, or get a friend to remind you.

Admittedly, this is one I sometimes struggle with but I’m getting there!

Unless your character is known to slouch, of course

The first and second examples on both pictures show bad posture, and the last one is good posture

Doing a lot of sports is known to be good for your posture!
Pictured: Haikyuu!!, Yowamushi Pedal, Kuroko no Basuke

Also very important if your character wears a formal uniform – doubly so if they’re in the military, like the ones from Seraph of the End

Also, it is worth paying attention to how your character would stand and walk. Typically, males will not sway their hips when walking, or stick their hip out when standing. Likewise, females usually walk with their knees slightly brushing against each other and will not stand with their legs far apart. Of course, there are exceptions so observe your character, or the people around you!

Different people have different stances and gaits, as you can tell from
the cast of Tiger & Bunny

 

3. MAKE SURE YOUR COSPLAY FITS WELL

Being able to simply put the cosplay on is different from it fitting well! Sure, you can put on your dad’s suit, but it doesn’t mean you will look good.

But if you’re going for that zoot suit look then suit yourself!

However, usually we’d want to look like the guy on the right, not the left. A trained eye will be able to spot the differences right away

Just like posture, this is especially important if your character wears a uniform, but I think this should apply to everyone. Different types of garments will have different signs of ill fit, so be sure to research them first. Clothing should not be very loose around you – it should leave you enough room to comfortably move, and it should not be so tight that it begins to wrinkle at the seams or buttons. Of course, there are garments with an intended loose fit, so this does not apply to everything.

An excellent guide on shirts which can be found here: http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/proper-dress-shirt-fit/

Sometimes, from the artwork, characters do look like their clothes would be technically ill-fitting, but you should still strive to make your cosplay well-fitted as 2D does not always translate well to 3D.

All the bunching up and wrinkling would mean an ill fit in real life. It only looks good because it’s 2D
Pictured: Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

 

4. WEAR A WIG AND MAKEUP

I’ve seen many a beginner ask about which hair dyes wash out easily, and if hair chalk would be easier, only for a barrage of cosplayers to urge them to use a wig. Ask pretty much anyone and they will agree a wig is the way to go – they hold styles much better and for longer, they come in a bunch of lengths and colours, they save you when you’re having a bad hair day, and they help boost your accuracy.

Of course, there are times where you can use your own hair (such as when the hairline shows or if the hairstyle is extremely short), but wigs are still the best 99% of the time. It is also a lot more cost effective than if you dyed your hair, and they can be reused over and over again!

Imagine having to style the hair on your head to look like this!
Source: http://malindachan.deviantart.com/art/Animefest-2011-Yusei-Fudo-259099771

Characters often rely on their hair to look unique and like themselves, so wearing a good wig will be worth it!

Also, be sure to cut and style your wig. Beginners will find this daunting but don’t be afraid! There are tons of tutorials out there to help you, and you can practise on a cheaper wig if need be. Just a few small snips can make the wig look a lot better and not obstruct your vision as much.

I recently had to cut my first wig –  all I had to do was trim the fringe a bit, but I was really afraid of stuffing it up. I went slowly and at the end I thought, “Hey, that wasn’t so bad! I’m done and my wig is still in one piece!”

For characters whose hair sticks up a lot, spruce your wig up with a bit of strong hairspray or wax. Fan favourites include the Got2B Glued hairspray, and Gatsby hair wax. Not all wax will work on wigs so do some research first!

Compare the pair!
Source: http://charastars.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=202

Makeup is also something beginners often find daunting. I started using wigs straight away but I wasn’t fond of makeup so I always skipped it. I’ve never used it in my entire life so even putting on eyeliner was hard for me, and what the heck was foundation? You just sort of smush it on your face, right? Well, that’s what I did at first and results weren’t great as you can imagine, so I started scouring the net far and wide for tutorials, then practised at home in my spare time. I’m not very good at it yet but I’m learning!

Foundation evens out your skintone and photographs better, eyeliner and fake lashes brighten your eyes and make them bigger, and contouring can slightly change the shape of your face – makeup is really amazing! Even with just a little foundation and eyeliner, you will be able to see the difference it makes.

Yes, it can be very expensive – foundations can run up to $80 or over! – but there are many cheap alternatives out there, like elfcosmetics. Take a trip down to your local makeup retailer and ask them to help you pick suitable products – most of the time they will offer you samples to take home, too!

“You! Put on some makeup! Like me!”
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4ZIf63V7X0

For your viewing pleasure, here is a video of some amazing makeup transformations (skip to 3:20):

Cosplay is all about trying new things and pushing your limits, so give it a go!

 

5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT FABRICS AND MATERIALS

Because, of course, they are the heart of all cosplays! Different fabrics have different properties, which make them suitable or unsuitable for whatever you’re making, so be sure to know what to pick.

Source: http://an0riel.deviantart.com/art/White-Raven-Azarath-Metrion-Zinthos-405061447

Although these (from Atelier Boz) and the photo above are both capes, their functions are very different. This one would be made out of a woven fabric like wool, while the one above would be made of a knit fabric for that flowy look

I’ve made a cape or two with woven materials and while they look fine, they just don’t flow as nicely as a knit is cape-able of.

Most of the time it would be fine to choose something based on aesthetics, but for people less experienced with fabric this will not always work out. Some might think broadcloth cotton will do just fine for a coat, but you’re better off picking twill or a polycotton mix. This is a little hard to explain just over an article since you need to feel the fabrics for yourselves, so next time if you need help be sure to ask whoever’s working at the fabric store. Or, if you like the work of a certain cosplayer, ask what they used!

Also, most cosplayers will agree to never pick cheap, shiny fabric. If you do want a bit of shine, it will be worth it to save up and shell out a bit more for more high quality satins – they will look and photograph much better!

A typical cheap, low quality Sailor Moon costume. So shiny a crow would probably start attacking you. This is also a good example of why you should always iron your cosplays

This is much better – the sheen is noticeable but smooth and muted.
Source: http://windofthestars.com/blog/costumes/sailor-moon-eternal-sailor-moon/

Keep thin fabrics (like the aforementioned broadcloth) to linings and learn the properties of knits and wovens. Wovens keep their structure and do not stretch much (if at all), so they are more suitable for coats and uniforms. Knits can stretch and flow very well, so they are often used for bodysuits and capes. If you use a knit for a coat, it will look wobbly and weak. If you use a woven for a bodysuit, it will be uncomfortable and wrinkle a lot.

If you are using thermoplastics like worbla for armour, be sure to do some research on how to use them first. Generally you will have to reinforce it with some craft foam instead of using it by itself. Look up the different types of foam – craft foam, expanding foam, and styrofoam are all types of foam but they are extremely different to work with. This applies to wood too. Pine may be harder and stronger than balsa, but balsa is softer, lighter, and easier to work with – not to mention it is sometimes the only type of wood cons will allow.

 

Well, I hope you learnt a lot from this article! Best of luck on your cosplay endeavours, and let us know in the comments what else we should all look out for!

 

-Pinni