Note From the Editor: To close out 2020, Superhero Hype’s cosplay correspondent, Ashlynne Dae, is sharing her take on Red Sonja. Robert E. Howard’s Red Sonya of Rogatino was re-envisioned for Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian comic book in 1973 by Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith. Subsequent artists like Esteban Maroto, John Buscema, and Frank Thorne popularized Red Sonja’s iconic bikini armor. And it’s a look that has stayed with Red Sonja through her current adventures, as published by Dynamite Entertainment.
What’s not to love about fierce barbarian redheads in metal bikinis? Nothing, I would hope!
I have long had a love affair with Red Sonja. She’s strong, badass and can fight monsters and men all while wearing a bikini made of scales and little else.
And I always relish costumes in which I can wear my real hair, because wigs are hot and itchy. It’s no joke trying to cram all my curls into a wig and have it still look somewhat realistic.
But I don’t have that problem with Sonja! I had previously bought another cosplayer’s Red Sonja costume, which was beautifully detailed.
Sadly the top did not fit, and I only got to enjoy wearing it once for a very precarious photoshoot.
So earlier this year when it was still snowy, I decided to make my own! I used stamping blanks instead of scale mail because I wanted the round shape depicted in the comics.
I drilled all those holes by hand, assembled it like scale maille, and hand stitched it all onto a lambskin leather base which I also hand dyed!
At some point, I plan to finish the shoulder armor. I didn’t get it completed in time for the photoshoot.
But that’s the fun of cosplay! Your favorite costumes are always evolving!
So this is definitely not the last you will be seeing of Red Sonja!
You can find these pics and more at ashlynnedae.com
Instagram: @ashlynnedae
Patreon: patreon.com/ashlynnedae
Only Fans: onlyfans.com/ashlynnedae
View original article here Source