د . إAEDSRر . س

‘Step Out Of Your Boring Day-To-Day Life’: This Maltese Woman Cosplays As Your Favourite Superhero For Fun

Article Featured Image

Becoming a superhero isn’t easy… unless you have a keen visual sense, some free time and stamina, and a whole lot of latex.

However, for one 21-year-old from Mosta, dressing in replica outfits of some of her favourite characters – known as cosplay – has become second nature… when she isn’t studying for her Advanced Diploma in Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing, that is.

“Cosplay is a way to bring a character to life by recreating the characters’ look with costumes and props,” Yaz Mirabella told Lovin Malta. “It’s also a way to step out of your boring day-to-day life to portray and live as that character.”

60347048 464335867703618 1363364392325873664 N
61139844 883634041972155 5777298300990390272 N

Having been introduced to cosplay by a friend back in 2013, Yaz has since made waves in the local comic book and superhero scenes with her cosplay work on Draca Cosplay, a page dedicated to Yaz’s creations.

60616512 405698266691758 2761582770676301824 N

Draca Cosplay has become an avenue for Yaz to experiment and show off her outfits

And with more and more people getting into cosplay, she’s being seen as a pioneer in the Maltese scene.

“The cosplay scene in Malta is absolutely amazing,” Yaz said. “Every year it grows even more. I think many people can be shy at first, but when they get to see how loving and welcoming the community is, we get to see many more talented cosplayers entering the community.”

61103659 867952920214721 4806389040712515584 N

To get started in cosplay, first you need inspiration

“Before I work on the actual costume, I do as much research as I can so that I can best represent the character,” she said. “I then write every material I need down, create a time management plan and get to work.”

However, not all costumes are the same; for every easy Wonder Woman, there’s a hard Beast – but Yaz has mastered the science and fashion of cosplay.

“It really depends on the character and how you choose to go about it,” she explains. “Materials such as thermoplastics, worbla and specific fabrics must be bought online.”

45549395 278791249413544 2702784363451383808 N

Having created about 15 different cosplays since starting in 2014, Yaz already has a favourite

“My favourite would be Snow Bunny Nidalee from League of Legends.”

60354055 305986243669338 2712426595095674880 N
60986067 2063873957068275 3943586224693837824 N

When it comes to the Maltese scene, there is definitely one big annual event that the cosplay community looks forward to every year

“Once a year gaming, comic and cosplay enthusiasts look forward to the Malta Comic Con, organised by Wicked Comics,” she said. “Wicked Comics also organise multiple other events during the year for us to meet up, share our common interests and simply have fun together. This convention was the first place for me to run around in my first little homemade cosplay and every year I meet so many wonderful new people that I have to say it is very important to me, personally. As for the scene, it is a wholesome event that a lot of people can express themselves freely, not only with cosplay, but with art, make-up, prop making and so much more!”

And it’s not just her – check out some other cool Maltese cosplayers, with awesome costumes including Black Panther and even Digimon’s Angewoman – with working wings!

Yaz has a word of advice for anyone interested in starting cosplay

“Cosplay is practice, practice and more practice,” she said. “Never give up on a character or on yourself. Finishing a cosplay and watching yourself improve over time is simply the most rewarding feeling ever. The time, stress and money put into it is going to be so worth it!”

52774236 2346344975377037 3878757709155139584 N

Tag someone who is going to love this

READ NEXT: Maltese, Militant, And Vegan: One Woman’s Mission Against Animal Cruelty

READ NEXT: The New Victorians Just Released A Sette Giugno Track That Will Make You Want To Don Your Armour And Head Into War

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

You may also love

View All