Storm is probably my favorite X-Men character, so I am incredibly happy to introduce, Vorel Darastrix to you for she has recreated not one, but two versions of the weather manipulating Goddess of the X-Men. This cosplayer also has a wicked awesome Dark Mermaid/Siren inspired cosplay outfit that I think is divine, so I highly recommend you should definitely check out her pictures. I had the amazing opportunity to interview her via email, so please enjoy!
Age: 26
Job: Starbucks Shift Supervisor
Favorite Color: I would say the color that describes me the most would be purple. The color purple is a vibrant color, yet doesn’t stand out too much, much like myself. There are times when I can be outgoing and then there will be times where I stand back behind ‘brighter’ people.
BNP: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Vorel Darastrix: I have always been the nerdy type. I’ve been watching cartoons (now anime) with my Dad for as long as I can remember, he used to even sit with me for a few hours and watch me play video games. He is definitely the reason I am the person I am today, very openly nerdy/geeky and confident in it.
BNP: What’s your favorite Manga/Comic Book/Graphic Novel?
Vorel D: My favorite manga is Hellsing, I adore the story and character development, and love just how plain dark it is. Second is the manga Mars by Fuyumi Soryo, more a teen romance of sorts, but the art is beautiful, the story will bring you to tears, and you’ll get so attached to the characters. I have a wide range of interests.
BNP: What emotions arise when you think of the cosplay community?
Vorel D: The emotions that arise when I think of the cosplay community are pride and happiness. It makes me really happy knowing there are people out there who feel so strong about their particular fandom and have no shame in showing it.
BNP: What are your favorite cosplays that you have done?
Vorel D: My favorite cosplays are a tie between two characters, thief Rikku from Final Fantasy X-2 and Storm from X-Men. I love Rikku because she is such a colorful character and so bubbly, it’s great being able to add that flair to my cosplay. And Storm, because no matter which version of her I wear, I feel so strong and powerful. It’s like for the short time I am wearing these cosplays, I take on some of the characteristics of them.
BNP: What are some issues you see in the cosplay community and how do you feel we should combat them?
Some issues I see in the cosplay community is unfortunately how divided we are. There are still too many instances where people are judging each other based on what they believe is the ‘right way to cosplay.’ I am a firm believer in anyone can cosplay and want to see a time where people use cosplay as a means to meet others with similar passions. I feel like the best way to combat it is to stand up to the people who are rude and disrespectful, but if that is too bold for some, at least be there to help build up the people in our community.
I understand that as humans we will not always like something someone else has done, but what I do to help counter that, is instead of thinking about what I don’t like, I look to find things I do, either it’s the wig, makeup, costume, or even how they act as the character. If even that is impossible, just keep it to yourself, we are all nerds who are passionate about our fandoms. We already have ‘outsiders’ judging us for our choices in wearing costumes, let’s not add fuel to the fire by tearing at each other as well.
BNP: Do you make your own cosplays? What is the process like?
Vorel D: I do make my own cosplays and it ends up a combination of excitement and regret. The process starts off with a lot of research, seeing whether or not I can find the wig is the right color/length, checking out fabric choices, is there a pattern I can use or do I have to make one up? From there it’s just putting different pieces together to make it work. I taught myself how to sew for cosplay, so there are times I get discouraged and doubt myself, but the closer I get to a completed project the happier I get. Then that moment when you put it all together, makes everything worth it.
BNP: Lastly, what are your goals for the future?
Vorel D: My goals for the future are to see how far I can progress with my skills as a cosplayer, learning different build methods, improving my wig styling. To me, cosplay is a never-ending hobby, one where I have opportunity to continue to improve and learn something new.
See more on her Facebook Page!
Photo credits:
Savage Land Storm from X-Men photo by Eurobeat Kasumi Photography
Rize from Tokyo Ghoul photo by Eurobeat Kasumi Photography
Rikku from FFX-2 photo (Convention Photo-Shot By A Friend)
Storm from X-Men photo by Mictography
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