If you’re anything like us, you’re freaking out right about now. Because it’s two days to the Middle East Film and Comic-Con (MEFCC), and you still haven’t figured who you’re going to cosplay as. But we’ve got your back. Here are ten simple cosplay inspirations that will require no sweat, blood or tears to be shed (and is mostly light on the pocket too). All you need to do is remember to own your character and have loads of fun while you’re at it. Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match, gender-swap and mash-up your favourite characters either, because originality goes a long way. Here goes:
1. Hogwarts student
One of the strongest fandoms to have stood the test of time, the world of Harry Potter is filled with easy cosplay inspiration. What could be easier than putting on your old school uniform (provided you still fit into it), throwing on a black robe and fashioning a wand out of a wooden stick? Ten points to you if you can get the colour codes of your House right.
2. Princess Bubblegum
Princess Bubblegum, the Cartoon Network mainstay, rules the fictional world of Candy Kingdom. Made of candy herself, like her subjects, she is a Gum Golem. And representing gum, she’s almost always all pink. To cosplay this kind-hearted, extremely smart and benevolent ruler, all you need is a long pink wig and a yellow crown. Put on a pink dress for the full effect.
Watch: Fantasy comes to life at the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)
3. Clark Kent/Superman
Don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet on a spandex suit you’ll only wear once? Grab a pair of glasses, a plain-looking suit, and a cheap Superman T-Shirt. And you’re Clark Kent! Just unbutton your shirt a little, so you can show off the S on your T-shirt and you’re good to go. This could just as easily work for Peter Parker; all you need to do is switch the T-shirt and also add a camera to your ensemble.
4. Rick
One of the funniest shows to have ever been aired on television and the third season of which is probably premiering this summer (raise your hands if you watched the April 1 teaser episode a hundred times), Rick and Morty is most popular for its mad scientist co-protagonist, Rick. To channel some of that whacky nerd goodness, all you need to do is get his hair right — a big light blue wig or if your arts and crafts skills are on point, you could try making it out of felt or cardboard — and throw on a lab coat.
5. Eleven
The Netflix show that took the world of television by storm last year, Stranger Things throws up quite a few cosplay ideas. The most recognisable, however, has to be Eleven: season one’s breakout star and show lead. Think pink dress and shaved head; but if you’re not up to making any drastic changes, opt for a blonde wig instead.
6. Jessica Jones
Marvel’s Defender of Hell’s Kitchen is finally on her way of getting season two. And while she was pretty badass in the TV show, she’s such an easy character to cosplay because you’ll probably find everything you need in your closet. Wear a black hoodie, a black leather jacket, a grey scarf, black boots and black gloves... voila, you’re a superhuman P.I.
7. Doctor Who
Time travel never looked this fashionable. To become the Time Lord, you must pick one first: There are 12 so far, the most recent of whom include Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith and David Tennant. Each Doctor comes with his own signature style, but if you’re looking to do something simple, throw on a suit, a tweed jacket and bowtie (this should most resemble Matt Smith’s 11th Doctor).
8. Wednesday Addams
If you’re in the mood for a throwback to your childhood, take a member of the Addams Family out for a spin. And if you have long hair, you’re already ahead of the game because her most notable feature is her two long braids (if you’re not counting the sense of doom that’s always surrounding her). To complete the look, wear a black dress with a white collar, black stockings, black shoes and a constant scowl.
9. Kiki
Kiki is a 13-year-old witch-in-training who leaves her sleepy town to pursue an independent life, running a delivery service using her flying abilities. From the vault of Studio Ghibli and directed by auteur Hayao Miyazaki, Kiki’s Delivery Service, released in 1989, still remains a fan favourite; and what’s more, cosplaying her is a total breeze. All you need are five essential items: a big red hair bow, a black or navy blue dress, red flats, a broom and a toy black cat to keep you company.
10. Death
Almost everyone’s favourite character from Neil Gaiman’s enduring graphic novel series, Sandman, Death is not only omnipotent and powerful. She’s also gorgeous, witty and filled with wisdom, no doubt from being around from before the beginning of time. All you need to cosplay Death is get your goth girl make-up ready and find (or make) an Ankh pendant to hang around your neck.
Don’t miss it!
The Middle East Film and Comic-Con runs from April 6-8. Three-day passes are available for Dh250.
