Fullmetal Alchemist – Where Metal meets the Body

Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA for short) is a great series and one my wife really enjoys as well. Like all Japanese anime, it has a lesson to be learned. In this one however, it is an extremely hard lesson with some extreme consequences.

Welcome to the world where alchemy is a reality. However there are some things that should not be tried. After the death of their mother, Edward and Alphonse Elric try to bring her back using the art of alchemy. In their attempt however, Ed losses some of his limbs while his brother’s soul is transferred into a armored knight. Thus we learn about the Law of Equivalent Exchange.

Now they are on the search for the exclusive Philosopher’s Stone. A magical red stone that they hope will be able to correct their current situation. In trying to do this, Ed decides to become a State Alchemist. This is an alchemist employed by the State Military of Amestris. In a way, Ed hopes that by joining, he will be able to find more information on the stone for him and his brother.

Along the way they meet many new friends and of course enemies (Homunculi). It seems that there are others trying to manipulate life – for the sake of power. There are many twists to this series that always leave you guessing where it will go. This is one of the draws to this series besides the characters. Just when you think you know who is the good or bad guy, everything flips.

If you are into cosplay and have a group of friends, this is one that you may want to do. You can easily do several characters from this series and be a hit at the conventions.

Videogame Cosplay: Jillian Husted as Larxene from Kingdom Hearts (Pt 1)

I am here to provide you with a look into the life of Florida’s cosplayers and their costumes. This time I would like to feature one of the cosplayers associated with Orange Anime.  Orange Anime is an online forum that bands togheter all of Florida’s videogame and anime fans and arranges local events in Miami and the surrounding areas.  One of Orange Anime’s own staff member. Jillian Husted, also known as “Ixka1kai” on the forums will be the subject of this interview. She will be sharing here experiences as she talks about her cosplay of Larxene from Kingdom Hearts.

1. As a female cosplayer, why did you take an interest in this character and how close does the character resemble your personality?
I would say that Larxene is pretty much the exact opposite of me (except for maybe the b****y part). I wanted a character where I can be what I am not and attempt to have some more confidence. What initially drew me to Larxene in particular was the fact that she wanted to overthrow the ultimate evil to get a greater position of power.

2. What initially drew you to play the game she is from?
Larxene came from Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories (or Re:Chain of Memories) which was apart of, in my opinion, the greatest game series ever. Not a lot of people have played/completed that particular game and Larxene was the greatest challenge I had in the game; it made me want to be her.

3. Did the character’s outfit influence your choice in cosplaying her?
The outfit was given. I mean there is basically 15 cosplays in one Organization XIII coat. I guess my main gripe is that it’s one coat (and gets very hot at cons) so I can’t change it up unless I go by fanart. When it comes to doing other outfits I plan to do a slumber party Larxene for Metro Con if it’s accepted

4. Why do you feel this character is special to the game she is from?
I believe that the character is special from the Kingdom Hearts series because she and Marluxia basically set-up the character line up in the second game of the series and creates a rift in an Organization meant to take down the good guys. It sorta makes her the ultimate evil I guess.

5. Is she your favorite videogame character? If not who is?
I would say she was my third favorite character in the games. I favorites are Riku & Sora. I cosplay Sora, but Larxene is special because she was my first cosplay ever.
6. What drove you to put in the work to make this character’s outfit and how did you go about making it?
I bought my outfit because I’m just getting into cosplay, but I would really like to learn how to sew in order to make the outfits as accurate as possible. I have made improvements in the chain and did get some advice and help on the wig from a fellow cosplayer.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this interview later this week!

Florida Cosplay: Cosplay meets History

In Miami there are many beautiful places.  Today I would like to show you how cosplay has made it even more beautiful.  In Miami there is a place known as Vizcaya where there lies gorgeous historic buildings surrounded by a lovely garden.  Andrea Van Der Plaats, Stephanie Cone, Shana Harlow, and Katie Inderbitzen, some of South Florida’s best cosplayers,  have visited this place and will now share with us a glimpse of what makes Florida cosplayers so special.

Hatsune Miku – Singer in a Box

(concept) illustration by KEI
Hatsune Miku - illustration by KEI

From Ninja, to Pirates to Sailor Moon, where is our adventure of to next. What the heck does he mean by the title? Miku is not a Singer in a box, what craziness is this.

Well, I decided to find the roots of one of the most famous non-living Singers in the world. Little did I know that this was not all that it seemed. This lovely lady – Hatsune Miku – actually started out as a simple Singing Synthesizer. It was later development into a software called Vocaloid. This is where we get the name of ‘Singer in a Box’. Not only was it produced in Japanese and English, but you can now get it in Korean, Chinese and Spanish.

Vocaloid Group
Vocaloid Group

What was cool with this was that a new character was created for each version. They just didn’t stop at one Vocaloid, but decided to set out to form a diverse group of them. I think this was a smart call as it really showcases the way you can market a product without that much capital. Seriously, so many people have fell in love with these characters, that it just makes one of the greatest promotional series. If you want, you should check out the numerous figures that have been designed and sold of them. Even I want the VN2 version figure so I can start at it’s awesomeness.

Why the heck is Miku sometimes pictured holding a LEEK and carry it around for that matter. Why would this vegetable (sort of spring onion on steroids) be such a draw for this character. I guess it is to whack all the fanboys away from her – LOL.

Now lets not leave out cosplay of Hatsune Miku which has exploded across the conventions. I think this is one character that anyone who saw it would recognize her immediately. You can even check out a great blog review right here of Gloria (Sweet Angel) showcasing one of the many cosplays you can find here.

What’s up for the next blog form yours truely, well lets just say my son will be helping me as you ‘Gotta Catch them All“.

Videogame Cosplay Interview: Jen Amador as Cammy White (Part 2)

In my last piece we learned about Jen Amador, a Florida cosplayer, that cosplays as the beautiful Cammy White of Street Fighter fame.  We learned about her love of the character and what she did to make the cosplay come to life.  To see the first part of this interview click HERE.

This time we will be learning about Jen’s experiences as this femme fatal, in Part 2 of this interview.

7. What do you personally feel when you are portraying the character and why do you choose to cosplay her?
I feel really confident and strong when I’m cosplaying Cammy. This costume has really taught me to love and appreciate the body I have despite what anyone else thinks.

8. What are people’s reactions to you when you are in costume?
I have gotten some comments about it but I’ve also gotten a lot of compliments from males and females alike. I feel like people misinterpret love of a character and of your body as a need for attention.
The reactions vary. Some people love it and want to stop me for a picture or to ask me for a win quote and some people make rude comments. But that’s the situation with any cosplay I suppose.

9. What was the hardest part about bringing this character to life?

Maintaining the serious attitude all day. I’m a very happy person most of the time but Cammy is known for her serious determination, so keeping my poker face was the hardest part.

10. Did you ever get any special recognition for this costume?

None yet but I’ve only worn it once.

11. What videogame character would you like to portray next?

Next on the list is Princess Zelda from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, but you can expect a lot of video game costumes in the future.

12. Lastly is there anything you would like to convey to the readers?

Just that cosplaying is a hobby in order to showcase the things that you love. If you love a character, don’t let anyone else’s opinions stop you from cosplaying them.

If you wish to see more cosplays by Jen Amador, you can check out her Facebook Cosplay profile HERE, her deviant art page HERE, or her Cosplay.Com profile HERE.