PHOTOS: 28 Days of Black Cosplay Dives Into Big Cosplay Dreams
We kicked off this week’s celebration of #28DaysOfBlackCosplay with some truly inspiring dream cosplays. These are those looks that a cosplayer has always wanted to wear, whether it’s for the love of the character or the challenge of the build. Today we have even more dream cosplays to share and, hopefully, they’ll encourage you to rock whatever character you’ve been wanting to do.
Nikia Renee as Makima (Chainsaw Man)
Photographer: Hosang Productions
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
This location was perfect for the shot, I’m glad we were able to catch it.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I love how powerful you feel cosplaying Makima.
Photographer: Hosang Productions
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
Working on my next dream costume.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Miles TZU as Denji (Chainsaw Man)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
It was an idea that I looked at while reading the manga in 2021 and told myself, “I don’t know how, but I really want to make this cosplay.” It took a week straight of building with foam until I finally got the end result! The Chainsaw Man manga, SKS Props and JamCrafts Ph were all huge inspirations to make this dream cosplay a reality!
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I love how the engine parts in the back are made out of old toy parts (BIONICLES and Tractors), Tupperware bowls and spare metal parts from the garage.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
Kafka Hibino from Kaiju No. 8!
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Twitch
Gr33dy Jay as Violence (Chainsaw Man)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
I love the aesthetic of Violence and the cool demeanor he gives off without showing any facial expressions, also, the suit itself is soooo nice! Plus wearing a hoodie underneath is peak style if you ask me. And finally, Violence kind of reminds me of myself in a way.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
Definitely the mystique of the hoodie and mask underneath the suit attire! I would honestly rock this outfit in public at a formal place just because it looks that good.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
My next cosplay is going to be Kazuki from Buddy Daddies because he is best dad!
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Twitch
YouTube
Chata as Pain (Naruto)
Note: be sure to check out the vid of this cosplay!
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Honestly, the way this look came together as a whole with all the details made it my dream cosplay. I took a lot of time creating the overall look and was really happy with how it came out.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I love the details I made for the Chakra receivers for the makeup look. I used flat pearls and painted them. I think it was a nice touch.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
There are so many more creative visions I have yet to release from my brain. More detailed cosplays are coming in the future for sure!
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Lizard as Kaeya (Genshin Impact)
Photographer: Alexander Acevedo
Editor: theoddsheep5
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Kaeya is pretty much the only male character in Genshin Inpact with some type of melanin. He has a mysterious personality and is one of my favorite characters. Once I saw the drip it was just an immediate #1 on my cosplay list. And I worked hard to get the entire thing together. Once it was done it was my favorite cosplay.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
The fact that it fits me so well. I’m basically the IRL embodiment of the character.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
To find an even bigger dream cosplay!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Doffy_smiles as Whis (Dragon Ball Super)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Whis is an entertaining character so I was happy to be able to pull it off. Plus we both love trying different foods.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
The colors and the awesome wig. I also get to be doting on all Goku and Vegeta cosplayers.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I’m looking to do Ansem from Kingdom Hearts. Always wanted to do it since high school. As well as Seymour from Final Fantasy X.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Mirai as Casca (Berserk/Berserk: The Golden Age Arc — Memorial Edition)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Doing a cosplay from such an iconic series as Berserk means the world to me. When I first read the manga and was introduced to Casca, I instantly fell in love with her character. She’s so strong and brave and makes the perfect companion for Guts. This was also the first armored cosplay I’ve ever attempted and I was incredibly pleased with the final results.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I absolutely love the 3D-printed Band of Hawk badge! Totally ties everything together.
Photographer: abel!
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
Now that I’ve done my first armored cosplay and such a prestigious character like Casca, I do feel a sense of contentment but also an inspiration to make more complex costumes. I’m hoping 2023 will be the first year I’m able to incorporate lighting into my cosplays!
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Website
Midnight Pursona as Junko (Danganronpa/Danganronpa: The Animation)
Photographer: Midnight Pursona’s husband
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
I’m not really the “model type” so I took on this cosplay to help boost and build my own confidence. Junko is a very popular character who stands out, so I wanted to do my best to boost myself and my skills to do the same.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
While it was a pain to make, I LOVE the wig on this cosplay. It took 3 dye jobs, a lot of research, repurchasing wigs and learning new styling.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
One of my next big projects I’d love to do is Shantae from Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. She’s another beautiful and confident character that may help me break out of my shell! She also has her midriff showing and I struggle with showing my body.
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Twitch
YouTube
Enitan_cosplay as Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
I honestly don’t know.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
The wig and having a sword as a prop so it can look great!
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I’m not sure yet.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Sunny as Shinobu Kocho (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
I’ve loved her character ever since she appeared on the show, the powers she possesses from being the Insect Hashira is really interesting to me. Her Demon Slayer Corps outfit is one of my favorites out of the other Hashira and I knew when I cosplayed her that I wanted it to be perfect.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
Definitely the contacts and the butterflies in my hair! This was my first time wearing contacts for a cosplay and I really like how it looked. Combined with the butterflies it brought the whole cosplay together
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
Now onto the next dream cosplay on my list!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Folacosplays as Mitsuri Kanroji (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
I’ve always thought Mitsuri was beautiful and a little bit like myself so I wanted to embody her in my own way.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I love my hair.
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
Avdol Muhammad from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Sham B. as Shunsui Kyoraku (Bleach)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
I was late in the game to watch Bleach, but Shunsui was a favorite from the first time I saw him. He’s so laid back and fun and when we had a huge Bleach cosplay meetup for Anime Weekend Atlanta, I knew he was perfect.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I have a condition with one of my eyes and had to wear an eyepatch as a kid. It used to be so embarrassing but it was cool to be able to play such an amazing character that has to wear one as well. Instead of feeling embarrassed, I felt a lot of pride and it’s one of my favorite cosplays.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I’m horribly indecisive but I’m getting my Dreamcon lineup together. I’m a HUGE Spawn and Claymore fan so I’ve been thinking of ways to bring two of my other dream characters Spawn and Phantom Miria to life!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Mahito Junior as Mahito (JUJUTSU KAISEN)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Ever since I watched JUJUTSU KAISEN I fell in love with Mahito. He is the embodiment of chaos and it was so interesting to watch, then this TikTok trend started with cosplayers cosplaying as Mahito with this song “Stereo Love” and the obsession grewwwww, I legitimately used to have that song playing in my head over and over again.
I had to cosplay him. Waited for like 2 months for the cosplay outfit to get here. I can remember screaming so loud when it finally arrived. I was late for the trend tho but I didn’t care because at least I did it!!!
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
The makeup. It was so easy to do. Even someone who’s new to makeup and cosplay would be able to perfectly execute his look. It was so much fun.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I’m planning to finally cosplay a Genshin Impact character, I’ve been saving up for it and I’m almost there!!!
Where can everyone follow your work?
BRIXX (Brianna Rose) as Nobara Kugisaki (JUJUTSU KAISEN)
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
We are so alike it’s scary and I love female empowerment. It’s also very comfortable to wear and it makes me feel badass.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
The hair is fierce.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
More Genshin Impact cosplays and JUJUTSU KAISEN 🙂 Gojo, Maki and Panda.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Iamjoshuahoward as Guido Mista (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Photographer: @SirMeeech
Editor: Iamjoshuahoward
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has been a favorite anime of mine and one of the most badass MVP’s of the series is Mista, so he was definitely a dream cosplay of mine.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I love the style of Mista’s outfit, from the blue and white striped top to the tiger print pants. It’s a very unique design that you can expect from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure that really stands out.
Photographer: @SirMeeech
Editor: Iamjoshuahoward
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I have a whole list of characters from other series that I’m planning on cosplaying soon in my own unique way, so you’ll be seeing a lot more from me.
Where can everyone follow your work?
mokkeskye as Ermes Costello (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Ermes stole my heart from the moment that I met her in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean. Her beauty, confidence and determination had me hooked and rooting for her through all of Part 6. Getting to cosplay her was a dream come true and was truly fun.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
It is always fun to do JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure makeup because I love Hirohiko Araki’s art style, and I love to use box braids in most of my cosplays to express myself with my different characters.
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I definitely do have more JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure characters in store. I would also love to do more cosplays from One Piece, Chainsaw Man, NANA, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and more!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Dru as Jotaro Kujo (JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Jotaro is my favorite JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure character and I love his personality.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I love that he is very caring about his friends, even though he comes off as being closed-off.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I plan on cosplaying every main character in each part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Bigmack227 as Anthy Himemiya (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Anthy has been a dream cosplay for me since I was a child. I saw myself represented through her appearance wise and it forever stuck with me.
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I really love the extravagant yet simple appearance of her outfit. Plus the red and purple are immaculate together.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I would like to continue having fun on my cosplay journey and push others to wear what they want whenever they want.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Carrington (Thewillof.c) as Eustass Captain Kid (One Piece)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
The second I saw Kid, specifically his giant arm, I knew that I wanted to make the entire cosplay. I wanted to make sure the fingers moved and were magnetic as well! This would’ve been my first big cosplay build!
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I love that I thrifted, painted and sewed the majority of the cosplay in a little over 2 weeks for Anime NYC! It was a HUGE task but knowing I did it all myself is what I love the most!
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I want to make Kid’s EXTRA big arm at some point and make more out-of-the-box cosplays!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Kristina as Emporio Ivankov (One Piece)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
Iva was one of the first legitimate cosplays I’ve done and I keep perfecting and adding things to it! I’m still missing some things, but my final goal is to have this cosplay as complete as possible! There’s so much more room for improvement and it makes it more exciting!
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
It’s perfect for summer cons lol! It’s daring and cool and extra and everything else and I love it! Also, it’s one of the characters that isn’t cosplayed often, so when people recognize Iva (especially One Piece fans), they get very excited which makes me happy.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
I love finding similar characters that aren’t cosplayed often, but that have amazing outfits and are loved by the fans! I think I’ll get more into JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure cosplays next cause those are some GOOD LOOKING CHARACTERS!
Where can everyone follow your work?
@Blk.Unicorn_cosplay as Yoshimitsu (Tekken 3)
What makes this a dream cosplay for you?
This is a dream cosplay for me because I played Tekken as a kid and this was not an easy cosplay to build but I had to do whatever it took to make it happen. It took several years and several hands to put it together but I couldn’t be happier with the final result
What’s something you love about this cosplay?
I love how even though there were several people who helped it still gelled and complimented each other. No piece was too over the top or anything.
Now that you’ve done your dream cosplay, what’s next?
*in my Dio voice* THE WORLD! Lol no actually I’d love to start working on a Lord Zedd Prosthetic suit.
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
That’s it for now, but we still got some cosplay dreams to get through, so be sure to come back to see the last batch of cosplayers we’re sharing this week for #28DaysOfBlackCosplay!
Briana Lawrence is the Senior EN Features Editor here at Crunchyroll. When she’s not writing she’s taking care of her three butthead cats and playing Hades for the 100th time. You can check out her writings and her book series over at her website and give her a shout over on Twitter.