Mangaholix Manga Mania '09

Mangaholix Manga Mania '09 - was a two-day(November 21-22) anime, manga, gaming, toys and cosplay convention held at World Trade Center (Philippines).

We were there only on the second day and these were the cosplayers we saw. The list below is NOT at all complete. Naldo went as Char Aznable this time with the mask and helmet. Shirl went as movie Urd.

All cosplayers' photos (left) were taken by Shirl unless indicated. All reference photos (right) were taken from the internet. The only thing we did in photoshop was crop the photos, label and put the cosplayers' and reference photos side by side.

We'd like to apologize for the following:
1. Low quality and terrible pics- Shirl isn't really much of a photographer- yet.
2. The reference photos are not the exact pose match. We really tried to get the closest.

Anyway, here they are in alphabetical order basing on the characters' names.

FYI: Char's mask and helmet are WHITE in the animated series.
This guy right here played his character really well. He was able to do ninja moves and jutsus without hurting anyone. His enthusiasm level was definitely Rock Lee.

Mangaholix was a week after Anime Overload Fest. Lucky for Shirl, this particular Urd outfit is really easy so she just used the pieces ready from her closet. As for the top, she couldn't find the same cut so it's a little bit different. It's a cosplay crime- she knows and is really sorry!

We think the cosplay collision was a little unfair. The Mangaholix Staff should have matched characters in the same category like cute vs. cute (example Chi-Chobits vs. Pinny-Disgaea) or girl vs. girl and boy vs. boy. We've noticed that the boy cosplayers went really gently with their girl opponents except for one who hit Rinoa with a giant crocodile.

Here are short and shaky videos of cosplay collision. (Both videos were taken by Shirl.)

Pinny was sooo cute, Kamen Rider Ixa couldn't do a thing. Awww!!! That was an obvious win.

Gundam made little Red Power Ranger cry. Audience gave a loud boo. Gundam lost because of that. Actually we think he was only trying to protect his costume otherwise that kid would have torn him apart.

We would like to thank kevinsky1985.multiply.com for sharing some of his photos with us, our Kamen Rider friends for being awesome cosplay friends, Bujecht and Ronnie for the infinite support . :-)

How to make Char Aznable's Helmet

Last time at the Anime Overload Festival, a lot of people asked Naldo "Where is your helmet, Char?". So due to public demand, he decided to make one. Yeah, yeah we know there are better ways to do it but this is our version.

YPQs (Your Possible Questions)
1. Experience level in making helmets:
-Level 1 (first-time)

2. How long did it take to finish?
-Half a day

3. What materials were used?
-a really cheap safety helmet
-tape measure
-marker
-pattern paper or newspaper will do
-illustration board
-handy bow saw
-sand papers (cc400cw)
-a dozen of the smallest screws and nuts
-cutter and scissors
-sticky tape
-duct tape
-spatula
-mask
-polyester body filler or putty used for cars (you can get this from any hardware stores) + hardener
-airbrush
-surface primer
-white spray paint (400cc)

4. How to make it?

STEP1: Remove the inner foam of the helmet.

STEP2: As you can see in the picture, the "peak" or "bill" of Char's helmet is more of a V while the safety helmet we have is more of a U.
STEP 3: Draw a V. Make sure you find the center point.

STEP4: Following the mark you've made, saw the bill. You don't have to use too much force when sawing.


STEP5: Sand the rough edges of the sawed bill.

Step 6:Using this reference photo, draw the helmet's "back arc" (sorry we don't know how else to call it) on a pattern paper. Cut and paste it on your helmet to see if it fits and if it's the right length on you.

STEP7: Once you've finalized the pattern, trace it on your illustration board and cut.

STEP8: Then, screw the board on your helmet.

If you want to have that slightly arc effect at the bottom, cut a triangle then bent it outwards a little bit. Cover it up with duct tape.

STEP9: Apply putty to cover the screws and to make the helmet and board look as if they're one piece. By the way, please don't forget to wear mask. The putty smell can be really strong.

STEP10: Let the putty dry.
STEP11: When it's dry, the surface will be very uneven. So sand it.

It doesn't have to look smooth but it has to FEEL smooth. If after sanding and you still notice hollow parts, just cover the small holes with putty. Dry then sand again.

STEP12: Paint it with surface primer. You may hand-paint if you want but Naldo used air-brush. It's way faster. Then wait for it to dry.

STEP13: Make the W. We won't be giving instructions on how to do it since it's really easy.

STEP 14: After you're done with the W, attach it to the helmet. There are so many ways, you can double tape, glue or screw it. It really depends on you.

STEP15: Spray Paint.
STEP16: Let it dry and voila!

If you don't want to go through all the trouble of making your own, there's this (refer to photo below) for sale. As to where and how to get it, we are not really sure. Even we ourselves couldn't find it. We think it may be only available in Japan or maybe it can be ordered online.

Anyway, we hope we helped and if you have more questions, the comments box is below.

p.s. Here's a photo of the putty and the hardener we're talking about.

Cosplay Fusion at Power Plant Mall, Makati

We crashed another cosplay event held at PowerPlant Mall, Rockwell last June 27, 2009.

Black Mage Alodia was one of the hosts.

Mechagodzilla here won first prize. His costume was amazing!

Spartan right here won the Crowd's Favorite Special Award (we think you can tell why... (wink!)

They always display life-sized action figures in events like this. Our favorite hero/villain that day would be Iron Man and Darth Vader.

Except the shield...

Just can't get enough of Darth Vader. Btw, this is a lego version.

Alodia's mom had free mini-IQ Time magazines given out and Naldo had it signed by Alodia Gosiengfiao herself.For more information, please check: http://blackmage9.deviantart.com/journal/25617849/

Grand Prize Winner - Time of Eve Fan Art Contest

I can't believe I won the Time of Eve Fan Art Contest at Crunchyroll.com. I'm so happy. :-) I created a bas relief book which I think is a simple but a unique idea. My work shows two Time of Eve characters, namely Rikuo and Sammy, playing the piano together. Because of that, Naldo suggested the title "A dream for now". I love it! :-)

Front...

When you open it...

The prize was a framed limited Time of Eve trading card sold only in Japan. The card was personally signed by Mr. Yoshiura himself.

For those who don't know what Time of Eve is, you may check their official website: click here.

FYI: We do NOT own Time of Eve and anything of it and we're not related in any way. We're just fans and supporters of the show.