 Kira: Justice cosplay by Maru-Light (DeviantART) | We're tracking the Kira cosplayers across the internet, and inviting them to shed light on creating great Death Note costumes. Here to tell you how to do justice to the God of the new world is someone who cosplayed Kira longer than Light Yagami did ~ experienced mass murdering deity (and occasional doll maker) Maru-Light. |
For someone with an ego-centric, megalomaniac second self, Maru-Light is surprisingly succinct when talking about her non-psychopathic, ordinary New Jersey lady persona, "I started cosplaying in 2007 with Anda-Chan. We cosplayed Death Note together from 2008 - 2011. DN characters I've done include Light/Kira, L, Beyond Birthday, Mello & Matt."
She's being too modest. You can view her Death Note gallery on DeviantART to see what I mean and judge for yourself. (And yeah, we go back years - I'd not refer to every Kira cosplayer as a genocidal, God complex ridden lunatic. That would be rude.)
She's being too modest. You can view her Death Note gallery on DeviantART to see what I mean and judge for yourself. (And yeah, we go back years - I'd not refer to every Kira cosplayer as a genocidal, God complex ridden lunatic. That would be rude.)
 Death Note Kira cosplay - Light Yagami Maru-Light (DeviantART) |  Maru-Light - Light: Divine Calling (DeviantART) |
Kira Cosplayer Maru-Light Explains the Fundamentals of Becoming Light Yagami
 Kira Maru-Light (DeviantART) | Do you/have you cosplayed Kira now or in the past? Yes - in the past Any anecdotes about your experiences cosplaying Light? I fell in love with Light the moment I watched the first (subbed) episode of Death Note. He was truly the first anime cosplay I really had a passion to do. More for who he was as a character, than his outfit, clearly. In my opinion, the core of Light/Kira cosplay is in the attitude. (Funny story - It's amazing how many times I was asked if my red contact lenses were my real eyes. Normally, I'd answer "yes.") (Extra question, ninja'ed in late - did you ever make a deal with a Death God to enable you to see people's true names and the date of their demise, for just the cost of half your remaining life span? Oh! She's gone... Back to the questions and answers she left us with.) How would you go about creating a costume for Light Yagami? As a girl cosplaying Light, my principle concerns were always that the clothes looked good. Many people tend to opt for men's styles, and I tried that at first, but decided it didn't look right on me. Light wears normal clothes essentially, the suits need to look crisp like he does, not oversized or not tailored. So I got dress wear that fit me well. I've always felt that the core of a Light/Kira cosplay is in the attitude. You're the God of a New World. Act like it. ;) What clothing and/or props do you feel are essential Light Yagami costume items? Light's wig was always my most essential and challenging element. I went through so many wigs for Light, before I finally found the one I settled on, and it did involve dying to get his auburn color just how I preferred it (with more Kira redness than less.) Props are pretty easy to come by and basic - the Death Note, the handcuffs, the watch, the apple, an L cosplayer. |
| Is there more to cosplaying Kira than the outfit? (Look/behaviour etc.) It's not the most technical, but that's actually what makes Death Note cosplay so tricky. Especially with Light (or L) when the "costume" is really just normal clothes so to speak. I've had so many people tell me it didn't "count" as cosplay because of the clothes. Whereas I think the lack of an elaborate costume makes it more challenging to pull off well. Yes, anyone can put on a suit, but you need an extra boost of arrogance, self confidence, ego and God complex to pull off a believable Kira. Kira is in your presentation, not just your props and clothes. What's your professional opinion about ready-made Light Yagami outfits, such as those in the Death Note News Cosplay Store? Any other pieces in there decent enough for a Kira cosplay? (Be honest!) I don't have much experience with the ready-made stuff. I bought my clothes from normal places with the full intention they would f it me properly and look good.That's a big part of the confidence element for cosplaying Kira, imo. I have too much social anxiety to not feel comfortable in something that may not fit well. I don't have anything against anyone who buys the pre-made stuff. Whatever works for you. I hate the elitist cosplay attitudes, do what you want. Enjoy, have fun, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If not anything there, where would YOU source items to cosplay Light Yagami? I bought all of my Light-wear at normal clothing stores. Dress pants and blazers, dress shirts. I ran up a bill at Express for a time (but I got to wear the same stuff to the office too, so it was worth it. LOL) I scoured all sorts of wig retailers for the perfect Light wig, it was an endless mission. I went through 2 major wigs, before finding the one I loved the most at the end of my cosplay days. It made the whole look worth it. |  Jigsaw Falling into Place - Light Yagami cosplayer Maru-Light with NightmareNostalgia as L (DeviantART) |
Any last tips for anyone reading, who wishes to create their Kira cosplay from scratch?
MAKE-UP. Really, don't neglect your face! All the clothes and wigs in the world won't seal the final touch like make-up.
In the end, I was using tape to change the shape of my facial features, I used female-to-male make-up techniques, I used eye-liner to make my eyes pop. Make-up is very important. Don't neglect it.
I personally did bind as well. I won't advise binding for health reasons, but I didn't cosplay without strapping down my D-cups. Just make sure if you bind, bind carefully and be mindful of technique. It's easy to cause serious injury if you don't bind correctly.
MAKE-UP. Really, don't neglect your face! All the clothes and wigs in the world won't seal the final touch like make-up.
In the end, I was using tape to change the shape of my facial features, I used female-to-male make-up techniques, I used eye-liner to make my eyes pop. Make-up is very important. Don't neglect it.
I personally did bind as well. I won't advise binding for health reasons, but I didn't cosplay without strapping down my D-cups. Just make sure if you bind, bind carefully and be mindful of technique. It's easy to cause serious injury if you don't bind correctly.
 Maru-Light Kira cosplay - Guiding Light (DeviantART) |  Maru-Light cosplay Light Yagami: Forbidden Fruit (DeviantART) |
Cosplayers! Would you like to have a go at answering these questions on your own behalf? If you are a Death Note cosplayer - or indeed a cosplayer per se - and you're willing to share your tips, thoughts and advice with the fandom, then visit our cosplayer's questionnaire page to fill in the form. Thank you in advance! | Posted as part of | More Maru-Light The Lady has been everywhere during the launch of this new Month long feature. Years of creatively personifying Kira - though thankfully not with slaughter - gave her much to share and say. Find more from her:
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