This past weekend we attended the much anticipated Amazing Hawaii Comic Con. There were a lot of blunders and disorganization expected from a “first-time” event being held here in Hawaii, but I won’t get into that. It was a fun experience overall, and I will do it again next year, although we probably won’t invest in their so-called “VIP Package”, because it did nothing for us. Again, I will not go over that.
This post is about the making, or cloning should I say, of the character that I chose to dress up as, the superhuman, supersexy assassin X23.
Close enough, I guess. This is my version, as this is the most undressed I will ever get in public. I wore a pair of high-waisted (versus X23’s low-waist style) vegan leather leggings from Daily Look. I paired it with a lace bralette from Victoria’s Secret, as I wanted to add a touch of femininity to it. Lace & leather ;). The combat boots were bought last minute our nearest Target, the belt buckle accents gave the outfit a she-is-going-to-squash-you look. Yup, she’s wearing lace, but X23 means business. The black “choker” was actually bra straps I took from one of my VS multi-way bras. It proved itself to be very multiway, alright. Hook and adjust was all it took. The gloves were from six Halloweens ago when I dressed up as glamour Barbie. I remember it went well with the hot pink party dress and blonde wig, and mile-high heels. Thanks, Barbie. The belt was not really a belt, but a removable strap from a weekender bag I got from VS a very long time ago. Last but not least, her claws….Just like her backstory, X23’s claws came from Wolverine as well. Scored an official Wolverine Claw toy from Amazon. Made of styrofoam, it was very easy to just chop that middle claw, since X23 only has two claws per hand, not three. I was missing her pendant and the X logo for the belt. Regardless cosplayers and attendees recognized who she was.
Surprisingly, X23 was noticed more that I thought she would have. There were so many photo opps requested from all ages, there were even little girls who swears she is their favorite character.
The best comment ever was, “You look so cool. You are like a Disney Princess that kills people!.”
Absolutely loved it!!!
This is my favorite candid with one of her fans… (Thank you Natalie Millon & PhotoLuxe for your pictures!)
As X23 I also had the opportunity to meet a talented and amazing local artist, Lynne Yoshii, who did such a commendable thing that I admired so much. I became a fan in an instant! X23 has not reached the same success in pop culture or in the theaters as other X-Men women characters like Rogue, Storm, Mystique or Jean Gray (just to name a few). Her following consists of die hard fans or readers of the X-Men / Wolverine series, so I was not expecting a lot of commercial products at the con featuring X23 that I could purchase as a memorabilia. I searched anyway. When I was about to give up, I came across Lynne’s booth and browsed through her portfolio. Then a few pages in, I saw a stunning sketch of X23. I immediately wanted to purchase it, only to be told that she was sold out and that was not for sale because she needed it for her portfolio. I was so sad since this was the only X23 that I saw throughout the whole weekend. Lynne then offers to give me a “misprint” version of the artprint because they had some issues with the printer on the upper part of the page. Totally not noticeable at all. She did not want my money. I accepted the “misprint” with a gigantic smile on my face. I was sooo enamored with the artprint, Lynne’s quality of work, and her quality of customer service. I will never forget what you did for me Lynne. You created a raving fan, who will always share this story. I will treasure your artwork forever.
Please visit Lynne’s website to see her stunning work of art:
Frolic Hawaii also posted our group photo in front of the Amazing Hawaii Comic Con Red Carpet, featuring X23, Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan (Bronson), Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul (Marlon) and Kikyo from Inuyasha (Kelsie).
Lastly, for for my cosplayers who are inspired to be X23 in the next Comic Con or Halloween, I created an outfit inspiration board for you, as well as some links on where to get the pieces.
Helmut Lang Stretch Leather Legging Pant
Sleeveless Scoopneck
Crop Corset
X-Men Belt Buckle
Gold Chain Belt
Black Choker
X-Men Wolverine Claws
Penny Loves Kenny “Krista” Black Riding Boot
❤
Honey
Love, Honey 