Unknown Entry 011

It’s that time of the week again! I’d like to thank everyone for helping out with trying to find out where these characters featured in Unknown are from; it’s all very much appreciated! Keep those guesses coming!

This one I think looks like Kinomoto Sakura from Card Captor Sakura. But I’m not sure about the costume since I didn’t get to watch all the episodes. Or she could be someone else entirely; like a game character.

Thoughts?

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, unknown, character, anime, manga, game, kinomoto, sakura, card captor sakura, ccs, costume, episodes

The Saber Gundam (1/144 Scale)

I'm finally done after 14 hours within the span of 3 days, excluding waiting for the paint to dry. I was very impatient, so I didn't wait long for it to dry. Oh and I used Revoltech Saber Alter's Excalibur for the essential part :)

Is this what you call kit-bashing? Anyway this is my first time painting and customizing a Gundam, so feel free to criticize, advise, comment on how to improve this Saber Gundam or Gundam modeling in general.

I'm burnt out, so I'm just gonna let the pictures speak for themselves ^_^

The design on the chest armor was almost as frustrating as the waist, but not as much.

I'm somewhat proud of the colouring I did for the torso.

The problematic rear skirt... Now doubles as a shield!

"Ah, Micha dame!"

「ああ、見ちゃだめ！」
"Don't look!"
~Courtesy of Black Waltz from DannyChoo.com

NEW PICTURES (July 2009)

I've done extra work on this Saber Gundam recently on July 26-28, 2009. I bought a semi-gloss Top Coat to make this smoother and maybe more professional. Unfortunately I used too much and some of the colours faded because of the alcohol based Gundam Markers... I salvaged what I could and made it work. Hopefully it works ok.

This time around I used the Caliburn from Saber figma for the Gundam, instead of the Excalibur from Revoltech Saber Alter.

Saber Figma makes an appearance. It's nice to compare to the original. I use more blue on the side skirt, it seems like...

I really love this picture!

Project: Saber Gundam - Day 3

I didn't think I would finish on Day 3. It was also because I work on Saturday, so I didn't think I had time to actually finish this project so quickly. I guess it was also because I'm obsessed with it! At work I kept talking about it like a real otaku, wotta nerd... I wanted to finish this fast.

So now the waist and skirt... what do I do? The two shields I was going to use for the frontal and rear skirt did not match up. It was like trying to fit a circular peg into a square hole. Er, that's actually the problem on the rear skirt.


So got out my glue markers and tried to stick'em. Frontal skirt is fine, well except that it's too long and become her third leg -_- ... Rear skirt, kinda fits into that hole, but I didn't realize there was a problem until I attached the torso to the waist. AAAAARRRRGGGH! It doesn't fit >_<

Final Fantasy VII Advent Children: Cloud Strife 02

By the time Advent Children begins, Cloud had already given up his life as a mercenary and worked as a courier for the “Strife Delivery Service”. He lives in the City of Edge with Tifa, Marlene, and Denzel. It was peaceful until Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo decided to confront him and threaten the children.

Pretty! Though I’m wondering what those black feathers are doing in his hair. And isn’t that snow out? Wouldn’t it be cold in that outfit?

EDIT: Thanks to anon for linking me to Yuzuko Toki's Deviant Art!

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, final fantasy, advent children, final fantasy vii, cloud, strife, mercenary, courier, strife delivery service, city of edge, tifa, marlene, denzel, kadaj, loz, yazoo, black, feather, snow

Project: Saber Gundam - Day 2

Beh... no progress on Day 2, but I did paint some more on their runners so at least they'll be dry for Day 3. Plus I did have a long dinner. It's good dinner so it's worth it, thanks bro! Oh yeah I did paint the skirts and then mutter and swear to myself how hard the waist and skirts are going to be...

Project: Saber Gundam - Day 1

8 hours! 8 hours of painting and clipping and building a Gundam kit! That's 1/3 of a day! Gundam markers ready, first runners and pieces ready, clippers ready, so what else am I missing? Oh that's right... skills... I got none >_<

So I cut out the torso from the runners. It wasn't until 5th or 6th hour in that I realize, I shouldn't have cut them out of the runners... It was easier to paint them while they were on the runners... Baka Robert, baka baka!!

And what is up with these 1/144 Gundam heads?? They're so tiny! The head on the marker seems about the same size. Yeesh!


I noticed the Zeta Gundam shoulders are already blue, so I thought, "Aha! One less thing to paint!" And yep, the blue doesn't match... more painting and waiting for paint to dry.


Finally after approximately 8 hours (excluding drying time), I was done with these pieces.

Vocaloid: Kaito

The Japanese male voice and character of the singing synthesizer application software originally developed by Yamaha Corporation, Kaito is often depicted as Hatsune Miku’s partner. His character has been licensed by a third party known as Crypton Future in Japan.

This is 帝, the same person from Flickr who provided C.C. from Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. Only, this is 帝 herself, cosplaying as Kaito. Thanks for sharing your photo with us!

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, vocaloid 2, kaito, japanese, male, voice, synthesizer, application, software, yamaha corporation, hatsune, miku, partner, license, crypton, future, japan, 帝, flickr, cc, c.c., code geass, lelouch, rebellion

Project: Saber Gundam - Day 0

So begins my silly little project of creating The Saber Gundam... What the hell brought on this idea of frivolous money spending and time consuming project, you ask? Ok, you didn't really ask, but I'm gonna tell you anyway. It's this awesome looking fanart of a Gundam that's been made to look like Saber.

I kept wishing this was real, that Bandai and Type Moon might make some kind of agreement to make this kit a reality, but no luck. Ok, then maybe I'll wait until someone actually makes a custom kit... Nope. I was disappointed, but the lightbulb turned on in my head: "Why don't I make one?" Such an easy idea on paper, but reality is not as forgiving.

First of all I had to find the right kit to make the base, and without spending so much money. I spent hours on Hobby Search, Hobby Link Japan, and Sakura Media's websites looking for the right kits to buy. I've finally decided on the 3 that I've posted on my blog before.

I bought them at this little Chinese store at Crystal Mall, which is just across Metrotown in Burnaby, BC. I didn't really want to buy it from there since the store owners were kinda rude, but price-wise they were the cheapest. I also bought the markers for the colour from here. The Gundam Seed Destiny markers, which included the blue, yellow, red and white, along with a separate silver marker. I bought the Zeta Gundam from Ages 3 and Up from Metrotown, since the price was the same. This was a week before Day 0.

Day 0 consists of scanning the manuals, setting up which parts are needed, and putting them on two pages, so it's easy to look at instead of looking at three manuals (although I had to do that anyway >_<).

THE manual

So the next day, my life is slowly sucked out by this tiny model kit...

Alter 1/6 Saber - Maid Ver.

This has to be my favourite Saber figure ever! At first I wasn't going to buy it, but there were a lot of things that look so good with this figure... The thigh high stocking, her cute face, short, short skirt and of course that realistic looking mop! Her dress and stockings have a little sparkle and shiny, but hey it looks good to me. Maybe I just like shiny things. Even the box looks good. It's got windows on 2 sides, so you can see her nice bare back. The way her mouth is sculpted is just the best! I can't stop staring at her cute lips ^^. I can't help but take pictures of her pantsu... So cute! But the springs on the mop just sells it for me... Seriously!

Lolita at the Bookfair of Gothenburg

My outfit when I went to the Bookfair. It was crowded. This is taken after I ariwed home. And my hair that was flat and easy to controll, had under the day gone wild and grown. It was huge. Anyway my clothes. Underskirt in cotten and thyll. Skirt in cotton and eyelet lace. I will take details later. Blouse bought. Alice bow of cotton.

Top Secret Gundam Project: MATERIAL GET!

I've finally managed to spend the money to get the materials for my Gundam project last Thursday (September 18, 2008) . It was hard to decide what was the base kit I will be using. I thought I would spend more money to get the best parts, but y'know those kits aren't exactly cheap...

So I finally settled with these 3 kits as the base of my project. All are 1/144 scale since they are cheaper. If I decide it would work as a 1/100 then I'll spend the money, but I'd need to learn how to paint Gundams properly. For now I'll be just using Gundam Markers to paint the parts

The 3 kits I will be destroying:

1. Zeta Gundam - Boy, I wouldn't mind bashing this one. Tried my hands on the old MG kit and I just hated every minute building this Gundam, so I had no sympathy taking apart this thing.
2. Blaze Zaku Phantom - Again, no sympathy for this one. It's just a Zaku, but if it were Lunamaria's Zaku then I would be sadder. I barely need parts of this kit, but they're still essential.
3. BluDuel Gundam - Poor, poor BluDuel... I wish I didn't have to bash this one, but it fits into what I need for my project. I might buy this one again to have a completed BluDuel <3

Inuyasha: Inuyasha and Sesshomaru

Half-brothers, each fulfilling his own destiny. Neither of them are right, and neither of them are wrong, for they only fight for what they believe in to be right and true.

I’m just a little sad this photo is so small and that we can’t see their faces too well. But I really like how this photo was taken. I wonder if anyone knows where to get a higher resolution of this? ;) And how do they compare to the other Inuyasha and Sesshomaru I’ve posted before?

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayers, inuyasha, sesshoumaru, dog, demon, brothers, right, wrong, anime, manga, true, destiny

D. Gray-man: Lavi, Allen Walker, Kanda Yu, and Lenalee Lee

The Exorcists of the Black Order, Lavi, Allen Walker, Kanda Yu, and Lenalee Lee aim to stop the Millenium Earl from cleansing the Earth by means of destroying it.

The series’ main character, Allen Walker, has the ability to control “Innocence”, a weaponized form of a divine substance from ages past. Allen proves to be an important companion thanks to his cursed eye, which is able to detect the Akuma who walk along side humans.

It’s rare to find a nice group cosplay. I’m not familiar with this anime though, so I’m wondering why Lenalee isn’t wearing her hair in pigtails here? Or maybe the angle of the photo.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayers, group, d. gray-man, d grayman, exorcist, black order, lavi, allen, walker, kanda, yu, lenalee, lee, millenium, earl, earth, innocence, divine, akuma, pigtails, twintails

I’s: Isozaki Izumi

For this week, I have a fairly good idea as to where this character is from, thanks to her uniform.

She’s definitely a character from I’s, but I don’t know the series well enough to tell who she is.

I don’t think she’s one of the main characters, but I could be wrong. She’s defintely not Iori because Iori has shorter hair.

Help me out?

Thanks very much to Linkthe1st for suggesting this character is actually Isozaki Izumi from before she had cut her hair in the series! I think it’s highly probable, unless this girl just felt like cosplaying and decided to wear I’s school uniform.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, i’s, i”s, manga, anime, iori, yoshizuki, isozaki, izumi, school, uniform

@Grand International Cosplay Ball - LONDON

The Grand International Cosplay Ball

...invites you to an unforgettable night of decadent cosplay like no other. Set in the gorgeous surroundings of the Clapham Grand, we would like to welcome cosplayers from all over the world to come and be part of this unmissable event. We've combined our love of theatre, burlesque and live music with our love of cosplay to create a unique cosplay ball experience.

Venue: The Clapham Grand, St. John's Hill, London SW11

Date: 30th November 2008

Time: 7pm ~ midnight (19:00 ~ 01:00)

Dress code: Cosplay or smart/elegant dress only

Disabled access: We regret that the venue is not accessible to wheelchair users

Age Limit: 18+ (due to licencing laws at the venue)

Ticket: £18.00 (BUY)

Naruto: Shippuden: Tenten

The only female member in Team Guy, Tenten specializes in many different types of weaponry raging from projectiles to close combat. She also has the ability to summon hundreds of weapons to attack her opponent simultaneously with pinpoint accuracy. At one point in the first season, she uses her techniques to help Hyuga Neji strengthen his defensive techniques. He is probably the only one who can block all of her attacks.

I actually like her costume in Shippuden than in the first season of Naruto. This photo was taken by Tony Quan, but since I found this in another site and not his own, I’m not sure how to properly credit it. But thanks for the photo!

EDIT: Thanks to Chibified Kitsunes for pointing me to Chuwei's Deviant Art!

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayer, naruto, shippuden, team, guy, tenten, weaponry, projectiles, close combat, accuracy, season, 1, 2, hyuga, neji, defense, attack, costume, tony, quan, photo, site

Full Metal Alchemist: Alphonse "Al" Elric and Edward "Ed" Elric 02

Wow, this is even more impressive than the first one. From the looks of it, they’re waiting for the train to arrive… Or maybe they’re suppose to be on the train already? Not so sure, but it’s a lovely photograph of the two brothers!

I’m wondering what Alphonse’s armor is made out of… They couldn’t have used real metal for this, could they?

Anyway, very impressive! I do hope Ed will eventually find a way to bring his brother back to his original body.

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, full metal alchemist, fullmetal alchemist, alchemist, edward, ed, alphonse, al, elric, train, travel, photograph, brother

Final Fantasy X-2: Rikku and Yuna

Or should I say, “chibi” Rikku?

I’m not sure about Rikku having a songstress outfit; I’ve never played the game before. But they’re very cute though. I wonder if they’re sisters?

I think Yuna’s hair needs to be a little bit more flipped. I really like her boots though. Great job on this, and thanks for sharing!

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayers, chibi, kids, children, child, final fantasy, x-2, yuna, rikku, songstress, sisters

Dir en Grey: Toshiya

I have a few guesses for this Unknown, but the best guess I can come up with is Nana.

But then again, she could be someone from a game. I mean, with those shoulder armors? She may be a warrior of some sort that I don’t know about.

So I’ll leave the decision up to you good people. Any takers?

Thanks to Rainer and Hesper for saying this is Toshiya from the Jrock band "Dir En Grey". Thanks also to Mun-yeen and daachan for confirming this!

Technorati tags: nanao, research, cosplay, cosplayers, jpop, jrock, unknown, nana, warrior, gladiator, anime, mangaka, game, online

~Strawberry Panic

❤All credits to the cosplayers and photographers❤

~Persona4

❤All credits to the cosplayers and photographers❤