Cosplayer of the Week: Chris Eyles

This week’s featured cosplayer is Chris Eyles! Chris is a familiar face in the Toronto cosplay scene, however we were only recently introduced to Chris’s cosplays at Anime North last year when we saw his fantastic Thor costume.  As we dived deeper into his cosplay repertoire we realized he was a cosplayer who had an affinity for the characters we love and even better was the fact that he does them all justice.

What got you into cosplay? 

Well I had a friend who was into it, and I kept seeing pictures from shoots at cons and it looked like a lot of fun.  I am a fan of a bunch of nerdy things and well who doesn’t want to dress up as someone cool!  It also helped that I already resemble several characters that I like, so that makes it a lot easier.

What was your first cosplay?

My first cosplay was Thor from the Marvel comics.  I did the armour version from the first Thor movie.  I had been lazy and hadn’t cut my hair so it was getting long, wanted to do a cosplay, and since I was a tall blonde guy I figured, why not Thor.  I looked up some tutorials and set to work.  It was done in a few weeks and I tested it at Superfan Comicon (really small con in its first year) and then gave it a real cosplay initiation by wearing it to Anime North 2014.

How long have you been cosplaying?

Almost a year now.  It was the May 24^th long weekend that I consider my first cosplay.

What is your favourite part about putting on your cosplay?

I’d have to say looking at myself and imagining I am the character.  It feels pretty cool.

 What’s the best part of cosplay for you?

I’d have to say recognition for the work you put into the cosplay, and meeting other fans of the characters you love and sharing that love.

What is your favourite cosplay?

Tough one.  I like my Thor because it was my first, but I also like my Final Fantasy 13 Snow Villiers, because it is simple and the overcoat has huge pockets (which are a blessing at cons haha!).

 Favourite cosplay/cosplayer or inspiring person?

All the people that you meet at cons that work hard on their cosplays are inspiring as well as new friends that I have made.  I must admit I totally do have  crush on cosplayer Nadya Sonika after meeting her at Fan Expo last year (2014).  She was just so nice and sweet, not to mention beautiful, and does some awesome cosplays, so hopefully I get to meet her again at another con!

Instagram/Twitter:  ChrisEyles

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Naruto Newbie - Journey to Hokage (Part 2)

Recap - Naruto is a popular Japanese manga/anime by Masashi Kishimoto. It centres around a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki. After a Nine-Tails attacks the village Konoha, the Fourth Hokage, risks his life (paying the ultimate price_ and seals the demon inside a newborn Naruto. Studying to become a ninja Naruto struggles with trying to fit in, being accepted and striving for his dream of becoming the Hokage. The story follows Naruto and his friends (team 7) and the missions they must accomplish all while the young ninja tries to complete his dream. 

As I set out on my mission and journey further into the world of Naruto I find my opinion of the show is starting to change. At first I thought it was something I could never get into but I find myself enjoying the character introductions and character growths, which I guess means I am invested. 

As much as I like Naruto I needed him to be surrounded by other characters in order for that to really come through. In enters Kakashi Hatake. He is a shinobi of Konohagakure. After receiving a Sharingan when he was younger he came into fame as the Copy Ninja Kakashi. He is talented, skillful and one of the village's most capable ninja. He is the leader of Team 7 and acts as teacher to our young heroes. I quickly took an interest in his character. Kakashi is unconventional. He is often shown as being bored and unenthusiastic displaying his calm like nature often an advantage when in  battle. He has been described as cool and hip. But better than that Kakashi, despite his growing reputation and strength in abilities, remains modest.  He possesses qualities I often seek out in characters. He is presented to us as someone who is stoic and emotionless but actually has a big heart and is very caring. He is fiercely loyal and he also has a childlike side. Of course we aren't going to ignore the fact that we all know Kakashi is mega handsome under that mask. Yuukatan also neglected to tell me that Kakashi is a dog person so my love for the man only grows (stop trying to keep him for yourself, selfish). 

What I needed from the story was an overall story arc which focused on moving our main protagonist forward. Our young heroes, now forming Team 7, and their leader Kakashi begin training in various ways to evolve as ninja. After a few successfully accomplished D-rank missions, Naruto asks the Hokage for a higher level missions, feeling that Team 7 is ready to take on more. They are assigned to escort bridge builder Tazuna to the Land of Waves. The mission already seems too high level when two ninja appear out of nowhere to attack the group. It seems our team's leader is easily defeated by the company. However Kakashi reappears and easily defeats the ninja. Naruto is badly injured and poisoned during the mission. We get to see Naruto's determination when he fears he might jeopardize the mission and cuts his hand with his kunai in order to cut out the poison. We learn that the mission level is much higher than the information given. We meet Zabuza and his young companion Haku our main antagonists of the story.  There are several battles that reveal our leader's abilities and show our young heroes journey and growth. 

Haku is another character that I thought was very interesting. Often mistaken for a young girl and very deadly at his age Haku is levels above Team 7. His relationship with Zabuza vastly different from Team 7 and their leader lends for and interesting dynamic. 

Naruto, inspired by the story of "The Land Where a Hero Once Lived" strives to help the village. Only after he loses his cool and his nine-tail fox abilities emerge are team 7 able to defeat the young boy. 

I am looking forward to continue the series at this point and watch as each of the characters reveal themselves. 

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Cosplayer of the Week: Charlie

Our featured cosplayer this week is Charlie! With her beautiful costumes and amazing craftsmanship you would never know that she has only been cosplaying for a year. Charlie brings even the most fantastical characters to life with her realistic interpretations of them. This is a cosplayer who really goes the extra mile to make her costumes perfect and we are always blown away with what she creates! 

1. What got you into cosplay?

My brother ! He had convinced me to go to Fan Expo 2013 After seeing some of the amazing costumes I knew I had to make my own. 

2. What was your first cosplay?

Lady Sylvanas was the first cosplay I ever made and I wore her to Toronto Comicon 2014.

3. How long have you been cosplaying?

I would say a little over a year maybe more!

 4. What is your favourite part of putting on your cosplay?

Actually putting my armour on. Somehow it makes me feel totally epic like I'm gearing up for war hahaha

5. What’s the best part of cosplay for you? 

Hmm. It's hard to pick just one thing. One of the things I love is people's reaction and admiration.  I swear if it wasn't for all the people who come up and ask for photos or tell me they love my costume or even just to talk about the character or game I don't think I'd have the courage to wear anything I made out. While I love dressing up as my favourite characters sometimes it takes real courage to step out in something you made and hope everyone isn't laughing. So I get real girly when people and other cosplayers admire my work!

6. What is your favourite cosplay? (personal collection) 

I'd have to say my T2 (Judgement set) Paladin.  While I love my Lady Sylvanas cosplay, I feel more attached to my paladin. I've been playing a holy paladin in WoW for 5 years now and owning the actual set for my character pushed my initial idea to make it. 

7. Do you have a current cosplay or cosplayer favourite, someone that has inspired you? (Other people’s collections)

Cosplayers like Kamui Cosplay, 

Yaya Han and Comissions by AmazonMandy  are definitely on my list of people who inspire me but I would have to say Tony Swatton ( Man at arms) He makes some seriously bad ass weapons. I'm just amazed every single time 

I'm currently working on Zelda Hyrule Warriors version, Tifa from FF7 and The Lich King from World of Warcraft. 

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Cosplayer of the Week: Digi Rin

This weeks Cosplayer of the week is Digi Rin! Digi Rin is a long time cosplayer and the evidence of this can be seen in her beautiful and well crafted costumes. This is a cosplayer that really brings the characters she portrays to life and we are always excited to see new projects from her.

1. What got you into cosplay?

When I was about 8 years old my Dad took my sister and I to Fan Expo (which was called CNAnime at the time). He heard about it from a co worker who was into Star Wars. When I went I saw a lot of people dressed up. It was almost like a 2nd Halloween. That night, since we were going to attend the convention the next day, my sister and I scrabbled to make closet cosplays. Cosplaying at a convention always gave me a sense of "I'm ONE of you", like brought me into the whole community of the Anime fandom. Especially since I'm usually scared to talk to new people at cons, this helped me feel more at ease and more a part of the community.

2. What was your first cosplay?

I consider my first cosplay Puchiko from DiGi Charat (because it was my first non closet cosplay). My Mom helped me out with the sewing the uniform and I took on sewing the hat and boot covers. It was my first sewing project too I was really proud.

3. How long have you been cosplaying?

My first closet cosplay was in 2002, but my first made cosplay was in 2003. So 12 years.

4. What is your favorite part of putting on your cosplay?

I actually hate putting on my cosplay because the process to do so takes me upwards to about 3 hours for attaching armour, make up, and wig. I like afterwards though, walking around feeling like a bad ass in my armour. Like you can't walk around in armour on the daily, which is why I usually choose armoured cosplays.

5. What's the best part of cosplay for you?

Before I would say making the cosplay. It used to be a huge creative outlet for me, and still is. But now that I've actually opened up to meeting people I would say the community. Finding people with similar interests to you, who's experienced many cosplay making all-nighters is like "Wow, you understand what I'm going through" in a way. Also it makes you feel like you're surrounded by people who see that this isn't only just a hobby, cosplay gives you a huge sense of accomplishment and all the blood and tears are worth it.

6. What is your favourite cosplay?

Lightning from Final Fantasy 13-2 is still my favourite cosplay. But everytime I push myself and try to make new things I'm not comfortable with it becomes my favorite cosplay. Lightning was my first armour so I always have a deep sort of connection to it (plus I love Lightning, but who doesn't love Lightning)

7. Do you have a current cosplay or cosplayer favourite, someone that has inspired you?

A lot of people do inspire me and make me want to level up my skills further:

For armour/props:

https://www.facebook.com/squidbot

https://www.facebook.com/sweatshop202

For sewing:

https://www.facebook.com/shushuwafflez

https://www.facebook.com/ShiyaWind

You can find Digi Rin on:

Facebook
Instagram
digirin.com 

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Cosplayer of the Week : Nokoroto

This week's featured cosplayer is Nokoroto. New to the game Nokoroto already shows promise of great things. Fully dedicating herself to the works and characters she portrays. Her passion for the hobby is already strong and apparent. She has created such great work. We were also fortunate enough to meet Nokoroto this pass year. She is charming and lovely and we can't wait to see more of her work.

1. What got you into cosplay?
My friend was telling me about her trip to FanExpo in 2012 and it sounded absolutely amazing, she was telling me about all the attendees who had wicked cosplays and that I should join her the next year. I was familiar with the term cosplay from Tumblr and I thought it would be a really neat experience to try it, so the following year at FanExpo 2013, my friend and I went and both of us enjoyed it so much. I ended up continuing with cosplay after that from having such a great experience.

2. What was your first cosplay?
Mt first cosplay was a female version of Sherlock at FanExpo 2013. Looking back at it I realize I have come a long way…


3. How long have you been cosplaying?
Since August 2013 when went as Sherlock with my friends to FanExpo.


4. What is your favourite part of putting on your cosplay?
My favourite part about putting on my cosplay would be the transformation from me to the character I’m cosplaying, which tends to be my favourite. I absolutely love doing make up and seeing how it can make my eyes look bigger or my face change shape, it allows you to have fun and be creative. I become somebody through all these accessories and bringing this character to life feels like an accomplishment.


5. What’s the best part of cosplay for you?
I think the best part would be that you get to be a character you admire for a day or a weekend and I feel it brings a sense of confidence to oneself when you put it on. I can see it happen with myself and even my friends who tend to be more introverted. When you do go to conventions others recognize you and you make friends and keep connected, you’re able to easily bond over things you both enjoy. 

6. What is your favourite cosplay? (personal collection)
My favourite cosplay would be Sailor Jupiter. It was my first that was made and not bought. My mom helped me a lot with it and I learned really great tips from my Grandmother as well. So not only is it important it’s also special to me because of the time I was able to spend with my Mom and the chats I had with my Grandmother.

7. Do you have a current cosplay or cosplayer favourite, someone that has inspired you? (Other people’s collections)
There are so many fantastic cosplayers out there and it’s very hard to choose, but if I had to narrow it down I would have to be Glayish (Instagram) and Quantum Destiny (Facebook & Instagram). They’re twin sisters who have absolutely stunning work. It’s obvious that they have an extreme passion for cosplaying and it for sure shows in their work. They’re very talentened and I’m always looking forward to seeing who they are cosplaying next!

Tumblr: www.OhTheCasino.tumblr.com (link to cosplays on it)
Instagram: nokoroto_
Facebook: Nokoroto Cosplay

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First Look at Marvel's Ant-Man

We had high hopes when Ant-Man had Edgar Wright attached to the project. How are you feeling now?

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Agent Carter and the Promise of Things to Come

Last night was the premiere of Marvel's Agent Carter. The two hour event gave us a glimpse into the world of Peggy Carter and her life after the war but this was only the beginning. 

Carter's introduction to the MCU first came in Captain America : The First Avenger where she was a no holds barred officer of the British Armed Forced Special Air Service. She later joined in the fight against HYDRA by joining the SSR. Her part in the story essential to Project Rebirth Peggy helped save Abraham Erskine and continue the development of Super Soldier Serum. During recruitment for the project Peggy befriends Steve Rogers who she would later help become the first superhero. 

Peggy tragically loses Rogers after their fight against the Red Skull. In her attempts to honour Rogers Peggy continues working with the SSR, becoming one of their best agents and later forms S.H.I.E.L.D with Howard Stark. 

Marvel's Agent Carter was created by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as a way to continue Peggy Carter's life after Captain America : The First Avenger. Hayley Atwell reprises her role from the film series and is as engaging as ever. While Carter must balance her life between secretarial work and secret missions, she must also deal with sexism post-war and fight for her right to be included in work she helped build. 

The show is instantly likeable, two minutes in and I was already sold. It is kind of like a love letter to female fans of the MCU. Peggy is capable, intelligent, caring, resourceful and quick witted. She often uses the sexism directed towards her to her advantage. The male characters' misguided attempts to insult her or negate her never go unanswered. Their perpetual dismissal of her also serves her in her clandestine escapades. Atwell's ability to not only kick ass but also be lighthearted and fun give this show exactly what it needs. Without a doubt it is a must watch for the season. It is action packed, full of adventure, excitement and is everything a spy story should be. Not to mention the prop and costume department are delightful.

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