FASHION TIPS FROM COMIC STRIPS

Best Cosplay Ever (This Week) - 06.11.12

Although cosplay has been present for decades within the comics, anime, and sci-fi/fantasy fandoms, social media has played an integral role in the thriving community of costuming that exists today and cosplay communities such as Cosplay.com and the Superhero Costuming Forum. In honor of the many fans who’ve displayed excellence in the mastery of homemade disguise, craftsmanship, and sartorial superheroics, ComicsAlliance has created Best Cosplay Ever (This Week), a weekly collection of some of the most impeccable, creative, and clever costumes that we’ve discovered and assembled into our own super-showcase of pure fan-devoted talent.

Check out this week’s round-up of the Best Cosplay Ever on ComicsAlliance, featuring Catwoman, Spider-Man/Miles Morales, Salad Fingers, Princess Whatshername (above), and more!

Manicure Monday: custom Robin nail set & Young Justice nail set, by Jihye Lee.

I think that I may need to adorn my nails with tiny domino masks in the near future.

Stephanie Brown, by bonnynotion.

This Robin redesign is too cute. The muted tones of coral, yellow, and green make for an incredibly wearable color combination that’s perfect for the Spring. The full black pleats and the scrunched wedged ankle boots add texture to the softness of the color palette and the light layers. Personally, I would’ve opted for vintage wrist gloves over fingerless gloves for this ensemble, however, I will excuse Steph for wanting to show off her matching coral manicure :)

Note to self: Make a Robin hair clip ASAP.

(Source: bonny-notion)

Robin, by Ming Doyle [tumblr]

I love how badass Stephanie looks here. The partial cowl, dark cape, the swatches of dark olive green, and those haunting boots really set a grim atmosphere around the character, drawing a greater semblance to the Huntress or Batwoman rather than Robin or Batgirl. This appears to be one of the few redesigns that is comprised of a full body suit, rather than a skirt, dress, or shorts, which really works for this style. The torso of Steph’s suit features a sweatheart bodice trimmed with the slightest bit of yellow over the classic laces of the Robin suit, almost resembling the bodysuit that Kathy Kane wore as Batwoman of Earth-2.

While I tend to favor cute Robin redesigns that resemble the classic costume, I think what I love so much about this particular costume is that it actually creates a serious air around the legacy of the character and the basic costume design. This isn’t just some girl who thought that it’d be fun to run around as Batman’s sidekick - this is a woman who will fight alongside Batman as his partner and equal.

Side note: if anyone can point me in the direction of a similar pair of boots that I can purchase, I’d be forever grateful.

Check out Project Rooftop’s review of this and other Stephanie Brown redesigns HERE.

Robin, by Mike Maihack

This is just too darn CUTE! I’m not crazy about the cropped top, but I love the pleated skirt and the matching boots and gloves. The hooded cape balances the silhouette of the skirt quite impeccably. The pointed cuffs on the red knee high boots almost resemble Wonder Woman’s boots, though I could totally see cute red ankle boots working with this redesign as well. I love the matching yellow detailing on the ankles and wrists, however the stripes almost remind me of Plastic Man (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing…).

Check out Project Rooftop’s review of this and other Stephanie Brown redesigns HERE.

Robin, by Joel Carroll [tumblr]

This is probably one of the more utilitarian of the Stephanie Brown Robin redesigns, equipped with a pair of shorts with Batarang compartments (!) and shoes fit for running on various terrain. Aesthetically, I’m not usually crazy over shorts in costumes or shoes of this sort, but the athletic feel of this redesign is a nice break from the green skirts and Robin dresses. The entire costume seems comprised of padded material, without adding too much bulk to the costume.

Check out Project Rooftop’s review of this and other Stephanie Brown redesigns HERE.

Robin, by Daniel Krall

I loveloveLOVE the tunic dress and the utility belt that incorporates the classic Robin emblem. The button detailing on the side cowl of the cape is gorgeous. Although I prefer the green tones in Robin costumes to be more saturated and brighter, I kind of like how this grey olive tone looks in this redesign. I’m not too crazy about how the red on the mask resembles a thick swatch of eyeshadow, but I do like the idea of incorporating red into the domino mask (perhaps as the outline of the mask, or as small stitched accents around the edge?).

Another unique aspect of this redesign is the inclusion of red spats worn over a pair of sneakers, instead of the standard combat boots. Although I’m not crazy about the choice of sneakers (and I’m quite partial to combat boots), the spats look really fucking awesome. I want a pair!

Check out Project Rooftop’s review of this and other Stephanie Brown redesigns HERE.

Girl Wonder Redesign by Dean Trippe [tumblr]

I love this Stephanie Brown version of Tim Drake’s red and black Robin costume. It’s sleek and streamlined, and actually looks fairly wearable. The opera-length black gloves and the steel-toed boots are subtle, yet effective touches, giving a serious air to Steph’s overall look.

Check out Project Rooftop’s review of this and other Stephanie Brown redesigns HERE.

89. POW, by Smellclon.

A bunch of my friends have forwarded this piece to me over the past couple of days, inquiring if Stephanie Brown had recently commissioned Betty Felon accessories for her Robin costume (see: giant hairbow and POW gloves) :) Gah, this is too cute!

I also adore how Steph’s hair looks in this piece - her impeccable waves complete her look as the Curl Wonder*!

*THE GIRL PUNDER STRIKES AGAIN!~