Linus Lam's Coverage of Ani-Magic 2001


Cosplay of Yaya Han: Cosplay friends of the excellent Yaya Han (right: as Lulu) including Stephanie (left: as Edea), Baby Neko Twins, and many more showed up to participate and give individual input, advice, and feedback on future possibilities of costumes to do for Yaya and cosplayers all around the nation. Lots of not-so-secret secrets to point out for the aspiring cosplay experts: backpack straps used for Edea's gothic spires made out of extremely lightweight balsa wood, Christmas ornaments and Sculpy compound were used for jewels, and countless hours in thrift stores. For the new designers, advice like designing around your own body is a plus, as well as using customized personal patterns for uniqueness and individual attention, make-up for more character theme, and details like painting eyebrows in a slant to give the effect of a sharper attitude (Ex: Edea or J-Rock cosplayers). Handouts were also given with notes describing Yaya's personal experience on working with various textiles and fabrics for cosplay such as: cotton, satin, taffeta, silk essence, lycra, furs, velvet, stretch velvet, crushed velvet, Madonna velvet, pleather, vinyl, and chiffon.

Costume Emergency: What cosplayer doesn't wear a wig that needs 24/7 attention? What happens when your costume falls apart at the last minute? From J-Rock to the most hyper anime girl costumes, Tristen (as KoF Mai Shiranai) and close friend Lisa (as KoF Leona) had all the answers for numerous wiggin' questions and expert advice from personal and professional working experience in flashy Las Vegas. With bright and eager enthusiasm in Tristen Citrine style, expert advice was given out on wig and fabric resources, proper care and maintenance of wigs, how to rescue a wig from the tangles, tinting, pruning, and fitting to proper head sizes. Additional highlights included fabric resources, quick glues and adhesives to rescue that dilapidated costume pulled from the suitcase, and numerous materials to turn a costume that was quickly falling apart into a brand new piece ready to strut and dance around in. With a bit of help from Albert (right) as a subject for the audience on wig placement, even male cosplayers can be a dashing treat for the females!

Sera Myu Experience: (left to right) Gina and Chrissy of Sailor JAMboree, Tristen of Golden Quartz cosplay, Lauren of Sailor JAMboree, Diana of Seiya Kou cosplay, and Ashley of Star Crossed Lovers gave a packed panel in support of the love for Sera Myu, a musical phenomena that is steadily winning the hearts and minds of numerous cosplay groups and individuals who used to shun at anything related to Sailor Moon. What is Sera Myu? It is basically a live musical singing and dancing concert extravaganza (a la Phantom of the Opera) pumped up with completely new songs and stage costumes designed especially for flashy entertainment. For many years, Sera Myu shows have delivered on the promise of delighting many audiences with episodic shows gathering up numerous villains, school friends, and new foes all based in the Sailor Moon universe. Certainly not some cheesy stage show, it is extremely professional and always sells out, as well as having countless legions of fan groups around the world. In addition to the displays of Sera Myu paraphernalia, audience members got a chance to win lots of cool prizes with help from Sara (right: as Chibi-moon).