Cosplay Interview - Harriett Greene (a.k.a. Manga Girl)

Cosplay interviews! A weekly feature on Animetion where we talk to UK cosplayers on what motivates them, plus a cool gallery showcasing their cosplays. Here we talk to cosplayer:

Name: Harriett Greene
(a.k.a. Manga Girl)

Q: When did you start cosplaying and how long for?

I started cosplaying in October 2005 where I cosplayed Edward Elric from Full Metal Alchemist. I have been cosplaying for over 3 years.

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

The costumes as there are loads of beautiful cosplays and the chance it gives you to be a complete different person for a day.

Q: What has been your favourite cosplay?

Pharaoh Atem from Yu-Gi-Oh! It is my favourite anime and Yami/Atem is one of my favourite ever anime characters. It took a lot of time to make, especially with the jewellery and the cape. The amount of praise I got was amazing and I loved every minute being Yami/Atem.

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

I have two, both involving masquerades. My first ever masquerade I entered as Inu Yasha (from Inu-Yasha - ed.), as I was leaving the stage I went down some steps. The last step I misjudged and I fell and sprained my ankle. All I could hear was 'Ooohhhh!' from the audience so I quickly legged it. My friend said to me after, 'I should have shouted out "Sit boy!"'

My second was the Lucky Star group at Japan Ex where our group did the intro dance (it had only started a few weeks before) and the reception after we finished was brilliant! It was the first time I ever did that in front of hundreds of people.

Q: Have you had any cosplays go wrong/encountered problems whilst making cosplays?

When I was making my Lillymon cosplay (from Digimon - ed.), when I made the dress I cut the flower pattern at the bottom and I thought I had measured it correctly. On the day I was to wear it at the MCM London Expo I realised I cut the dress too short and you could see my bottom! Luckily I have a pair of shorts that went with the rest of the costume. Also when I was Pharaoh Atem my earrings and jewellery on my headpiece were made with clay. I was walking around the Expo when one of my friends glomped me and one of my earrings broke off!

Q: Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

Not for one moment, I have always enjoyed the times I cosplay. I have made loads of fantastic and wonderful friends through cosplaying... although my parents have always wished I never started cosplaying!

Q: Have you ever done group cosplay? If so how did you find that experience?

I have indeed! I was in a Yu-Gi-Oh! group at the MCM London May Expo 2007 and Lucky Star group at Japan Ex 2007. I really enjoyed it as you make new friends and have plenty of opportunities for photoshoots.

Q: What cosplays are you planning?

At the moment I have 6 costumes for 2009. Toph Bei Fong from Avatar, Athena Asamiya from King Of Fighters, Zero Kiryu from Vampire Knight, Yusei Fudo from Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D, Mako from Nerima Daikon Brothers, Seras Victoria from Hellsing & Darkwing Dark. The list keeps on growing each year!

Q: Do you have a dream cosplay?

I would love to cosplay as Saber from Fate/Stay Night in her battle outfit. I love her blue dress, the armor and her sword.

Q: Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

I’m going to cheat and give two pieces of advice. One is to plan ahead as the worst thing to do is start a complicated costume two weeks before a convention. Also invest in a sewing machine as it saves loads of time and leaves a lovely neat finish to costumes.

Q: Do you have an account with the website Cosplay island/other social networking sites?

I do. You can find me on Cosplay Island and MCM Expo forums under Manga Girl & my deviantart account is http://mangagirl232.deviantart.com/

(click any picture for a larger image)

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