Interview With Yaya Han (Cosplay Girl Of The Week #39)

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Hey Otakus and Geeks out there. We have a new exciting interview today. You have seen on our site more than once. She has Cosplay as Ada Wong, Christie from DOA, Lady Deathstrike and many more. You guys and gals asked for it and you shall receive. Here is our chat with Yaya Han. Try not to have a nerdgasm.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Let’s first talk about your Geeky Origins. How did you get into Cosplaying and how were you able to do it professionally?

Yaya Han: Before I ever knew Cosplay existed, I was a big anime/manga fan and avid artist. When I attended my first anime convention in 1999, throughout the weekend I kept seeing people dressed up as these cool anime characters! I thought it was a fascinating way to express my passion for this fandom. Instead of collecting and wearing merchandise of my favorite characters, I could actually dress up as those characters. Once I ventured into costume making, I became more drawn to the potential unlimited creativity Cosplay presented. I had so much fun with the sewing, pattern drafting, wig styling, sculpting, jewelry making, props etc. that to this day, the crafty aspects are what keep me interested. I kind of fell into doing cosplay professionally... people kept approaching me about making costumes for them, making wings, making all kinds of things, and conventions and events asked me to come out to be a Guest, contribute by giving panels, judge contests etc. Eventually I was able to quit my salary office job and make a living off of just making appearances as a cosplayer and offering cosplay related products to the public. I'm developing a line of original copyright protected cosplay items, all designed and hand made by me. You can see them here in my store: Yaya Han's Store I also travel around the world to conventions to share my knowledge and experience.

OtakusandGeeks.com: We choose you as Lady Deathstrike for this week’s Cosplay Girl Of The Week. Can you tell us about that shoot?

Yaya Han: The studio shoot for Lady Deathstrike from X Men 2 was overdue by several years. I made the costume back in 2004 right as the movie came out, and always had a great time wearing it at cons. For some reason I never got to do a studio shoot in Lady Deathstrike until Benny Lee of Emano Design approached me about collaborating. I love Benny's clean sharp style of photography and a simple white backdrop was perfect to showcase the details in the costume and the attitude of the character. I had a lot of fun with the action poses and hero (or in this case, villain) shots.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Now we’ve seen that you also design your own Cosplay outfits. How long does it usually take you to design one outfit?

Yaya Han: Designing outfits can happen in a flash. When an idea hits you, it's there and you flesh it out through sketching it repeatedly. I've designed costumes in minutes, but took weeks to make them.

OtakusandGeeks.com: These designs are truly amazing. How do you describe or define your style?

Yaya Han: Thank you. I would describe my style as romantic fantasy that is always refined and finished. I love details and silhouettes, and using lush luxurious materials. I always try to branch out and continue to challenge myself, so in the future you'll see designs in other styles and with different materials. I think cosplay has helped me be a better designer because when you only work on outfits that you designed yourself, inevitably and unconsciously, you will do what you're comfortable with. You'll design seams and pieces that you already know how to make. When you're forced to follow someone else's design, maybe the artwork of an artist who doesn't know anything about sewing, you'll have to think outside your box and make things that are unfamiliar to your eye and skill, or pieces that seem impossible to create in real life. So I try to do both, design my own outfits, as well as cosplay an existing character.

Some Of Yaya Han's original designs.
Yaya Han's Cleopatra


Yaya Han's Peacock Design


Yaya Han's Sea Nymph Design


Yaya Han's Steampunk Design


OtakusandGeeks.com: Are any of your outfits up for sale or is there anyway people can purchase them?

Yaya Han: I have in the past sold a few of my costumes, and there are a couple that I've retired and will put up for sale sometime. I don't have time to custom make costumes for others anymore like I used to, and many of my outfits are still being regularly used by me, since I attend about 20 - 25 conventions per year. However, I do make custom wings in all sizes and colors and the cosplay accessories I mentioned above.

OtakusandGeeks.com: You have cosplay as many characters from Anime, Manga and Videogames. Do you have that one favorite character that holds a special place in your heart?

Yaya Han: Never just one... I love many characters for different reasons. But on top of the fave list is probably Daenerys from a book series called "A Song of Ice and Fire", which is being made into an HBO TV show right now. I have plans to make one of Daenerys' costumes in 2011.

OtakusandGeeks.com: What character was the most difficult for you to pull off?

Yaya Han: Probably Carmilla from "Vampire Hunter D" because of how otherworldly the character looked. I did everything I could with the construction of the costume, make up and accessories to achieve that special mix of terrifying but captivating beauty.

Yaya Han as Carmilla


OtakusandGeeks.com: Is there any character that you haven’t done, that you will love to tackle?

Yaya Han: My list is a mile long and changes constantly. I don't revisit characters often because there are so many I haven't gotten to cosplay yet.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Speaking of Anime let’s talk about the Otaku side of you. Do you have a favorite Anime and if you do why did you choose that Anime?

Yaya Han: I love old school manga and anime, shows that I grew up with, such as Record of Lodoss Wars, Ranma 1/2, Cowboy Bebop, Escaflowne, Saint Seiya. And all the Miyazaki films. The stories were captivating and I love the animation quality and character development. A lot of current anime doesn't grab me as much, and there is a lot of dead space filler in each episode. I guess the economy is hitting everyone?

Yaya Han as Faye Valentine From Cowboy Bebop


OtakusandGeeks.com: Do you have a favorite genre when it comes watching Anime?

Yaya Han: Probably action adventure/fantasy, but I also love historical anime like Rose of Versailles.

OtakusandGeeks.com: We read that you love Resident Evil games. Have you seen the Anime “High School Of The Dead” or the AMC’s “The Walking Dead?”

Yaya Han: I've heard of High School of the Dead and would like to check it out. I've been following The Walking Dead diligently and want to read the comic series as well. I do love zombies :D.

OtakusandGeeks.com: It’s 2020 the Zombie Apocalypse has happen. You only have one choice for a weapon. What would you choose to survive?

Yaya Han: Definitely NOT a gun. They're too noisy and require ammo. I'd go with an Axe or Machete.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Nice choice! Are you currently gaming? If so what games and what system are you playing?

Yaya Han: PS3 all the way. I don't have much time to play games but I love the Uncharted and God of War games.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Besides cosplaying, designing and modeling what other passions do you have?

Yaya Han: The above takes up about 90% of my waking hours, so in my limited free time I try to get in some reading, catch a good movie and spend time with friends. I am a recreational foodie and love to travel. Usually in the slower winter season I will take off for a couple of weeks to another country, that's my way of recharging and to keep from burning out.

OtakusandGeeks.com: You have done a lot of work at conventions. Can you tell us your best experience?

Yaya Han: I've had a lot of amazing experiences at conventions. The best times are usually at the hotel bar hanging with friends, after I've had a good day of sales, hosted a successful packed panel and wore a fun costume and did a couple of photoshoots. Can't beat that!

OtakusandGeeks.com: Are you ready for three random Otakus and Geeks questions from our readers?

Yaya Han: Bring it on!

OtakusandGeeks.com: Who would win in a fight between Ninjas, Pirates or Cowboys?

Yaya Han: Skill wise I would bet on the ninjas, and they have the best battle discipline. I think ninjas would demolish any hoard or pirates or cowboys.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Choose one DS or PSP and why?

Yaya Han: PSP because I don't get the pen tapping and double screen thing on the DS. I'd rather keep it simple and straightforward.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Name one Anime theme song that you can’t get out of your head?

Yaya Han: It's been a few years but the ending song of Dragon Half used to be in my head all the time, after I learned to sing it at the Anime Expo Karaoke contest.

OtakusandGeeks.com: You have the floor. Promote, Promote, Promote!

Yaya Han: Follow me on Twitter, it's fun and I post from my Blackberry a lot!Yaya Han's Twitter The other ways to keep up with me are on FB Yaya Han's FB Page and of course my website Yaya Han's Site. I have a lot of new updates coming soon :)

OtakusandGeeks.com: Thank you for dropping by.

Yaya Han:Thanks for doing this fun interview with me!

Anime Messenger Bags

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Christmas is next week YAY! I decided to search Amazon.com and find some cool Anime Messenger Bags. The first bag is from one of my favorite Anime's "Soul Eater." I love the way Maka looks in this bag. The second bag is Ouran High School Host Club is one of the best Anime's of the new generation. Very cool bag. The third bag is from the sports Anime "Slam Dunk." I really love the fourth bag it's the anime "Sgt. Frog" so cute. The fifth bag is from the action Anime "Guyver." This one is cool for the guys. The next I would give to Justin if he would actually used it. It's the DBZ messenger bag. The last four are from Anime's Lucky Star, Gurren, Bleach and Naruto. All great bags. Anime Rules!!!.










Transformers: Dark Of The Moon Trailer

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Michael Bay is back again with another Transformers installment. Here is the new teaser trailer of the next film. Here is the synopsis with it. The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon, and race against the Decepticons to reach it and learn its secrets, which could turn the tide in the Transformers' final battle.



Toshinden (Import Review)

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Remember a game called Battle Arena Toshinden for the Playstation? Well for those who don't know Battle Arena Toshinden is a fighting game and was well received in the gaming world. It spawn a few sequels after the original. Now Toshinden makes it's return to the Nintendo Wii in this new installment. Does it capture the same magic?

Story - Each fighter have their reasons to participate in the tournament, some wants to protect their families, some for justice, others for ambition. The story mode is heavy Japanese so we couldn't make out what was really going on. But the story seems solid enough.

Gameplay - Toshinden consists of 5 modes which goes as follows. Story mode, Vs mode, Survival Mode, Practice mode and create a Combo mode. Story mode you take the role of the main character as he goes through his journey. Vs mode you can take on a friend or CPU, there is no online play. Survival mode you must defeat a gauntlet of enemies by a certain time limit. Practice mode you can home your skills. Combo Maker is a tool where you can create combos from preset moves and purchase them into one combo. These points are usually earned in Story Mode or Survival Mode.

Players control the fighters with the Wii Mote and Nunchuck or the Classic Controller. The Wii Mote and Nunchuck can be a little difficult to execute the combos. The analog is used to move your character. The Z button is used for blocking and dodging attacks. The C button is used for dashing, this drains your attack use. But it's refilled by collecting the giant orbs that appears in the fight. The A and B buttons are used for your light and heavy attacks. The combat takes some getting use too. However even when you master the controls the combos are still hard to pull off. For a more better experience we suggest the Classic Controller. It's more friendly and feels more comfortable fighting. Sadly the characters in here only have a few combos. So trying to master them and to find out it's not worth it is disappointed. However a good thing about this is leveling up your weapons. Depending on who you choose you can even summon dragons, transform your suit of armor or simply unleash the full power of your blade. The summons are nice and armor protection gives you an extra edge in battle. The Combo Maker is a nice idea, but you have to buy the moves and some of them cost a lot. Overall the gameplay and fighting is average at best. Oh yeah there is NO RING OUT like the other games.

Gameplay Videos


Graphics - The graphics are decent enough! I would have like a little more interaction with the environment. There is a level that could have been awesome. You are fighting on a futuristic street, but yet no cars, nor traps, nothing comes to bring a epic fear. It just you and your opponent fighting on the street. The character designs are nice, you get a nice anime feel to their faces and movement. Overall the graphics are good enough, but the stages could have done way better.

Sound - The music is actually really good. The opening theme and the music in stages fit just right. Fighting you will feel like you are in an epic battle. The hard rock and strings are very addictive to listen too. The voice actors do their well for the time have on screen. It does however sound like your standard Japanese voices.

Replay Value - There are some secret characters to unlock. The story mode is difficult but gamers for up for the challenge on hard will enjoy it.

Final Grade C-/7.0 - Toshinden has it's moments. It's a decent fighter, but it lacks depth. The controls are difficult and the combos don't feel epic enough for you to keep playing. Is it worth the import? It depends on how bad you want to collect the Toshinden series. It's not bad, but not good either. Final Grade C-/7.0.

428: Fuusa Sareta Shibuya De( Import Review)

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One thing that is rare in gaming is interactive novels or stories. These type of games you usually find on the PC. However the PS3, PSP and Nintendo Wii got a very interactive game called "428: Fuusa Sareta Shibuya De." Is this story worth checking out? Or is it a snore fest?

Story - The story starts with a kidnapping within the Shibuya district. As the case gets more and more complicated, a number of unrelated people ends up being involved. There is a policeman, an ex-gangster, a virus researcher, a hothead veteran writer and a person dressed in a cat doll suit. As the fates of these people interweaves tighter and tighter around each other, more dirty secrets are revealed and eventually everything gets out of hand. To clear up the mess, its up to you to make the right choices.

Gameplay - The game as stated before, is an interactive novel. You really don't do much besides read and make decisions. Based on these decisions you will decide the outcome of the story. Throughout the story you will get tips that's highlighted in blue in the dialogue. This will help you make the right choice. Make the wrong decision and you will end up with a bad ending and will have to start all over. Since this game is heavy on Japanese on dialogue, you will gain a better experience if you are fluent in Japanese. However you can tell, by the picture stills and facial expressions of the actors, what is going on in the story. The game is a nice break from what we're use to playing on the PS3, Wii and PSP. It's a nice interactive novel, that will keep you interested even if you don't understand Japanese.

Gameplay Video


Graphics -The graphics uses real life picture stills, and real life cutscenes. It works great for the mystery and complex plot of the story. Based on the trailer we saw. We thought the whole game was an interactive movie. But the picture still animation works nicely. It shows real emotional depth to the story and helps you confirm your decisions. It's a bold and welcome move to include real actors instead of CGI people. It brings realism to the game.

Sound - The soundtrack sets the mood just right. The strings and piano compositions brings an intensity to certain parts of the story. There is also some cool Jazz tracks for some of the lighthearted characters. This is a soundtrack that adds to the game and moves it along. There is little to none voice acting, so the music plays an important role in the game and does well.

Replay Value - The story is engaging and consists of many scenarios. Each character plays a role and with multiple endings you are going to play it over and over.

Final Grade B+/8.5 - 428: Fuusa Sareta Shibuya De is a bold, brave game. It takes all aspect of gaming and throws it out the window. It's not for everyone, but for those wanting a good story and understand Japanese check it out. Is it worth importing? It would be a nice edition to your collection. Final Grade B+/8.5.

Night Of The Sacrifice Wii Trailer

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If you don't know by now. I'am a huge survival horror gamer. I have almost all the horror games on the Wii. I have "Calling," "The Grudge", "Silent Hill" and even The House Of The Dead games. I've been in a horror drought but enters Night Of The Sacrifice. A new horror game from Japan that players will have to use the Wii Balance Board to play with. I don't how this is going to work but the gameplay looks interesting check it out.



International Superheroes (Philippines)

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When we think of Superheroes we usually think of Spiderman, Batman, Superman, X-Men etc. There is no doubt that American Superheroes are probably the most well known around the world. But what Superheroes and characters not from USA and Japan? Well each week starting today, we're going start showing you guys Superheroes from other regions. Today's region will be the Philippines.

When it comes to Filipino comics one man usually comes to mind. His name is Mars Ravelo. Mars Ravelo is like the Stan Lee of the Philippines. He has created many characters and was one of the most popular comic book writers of his time. Let's take a look at some of his creations.

Darna


I know what your thinking. Oh my God that's WONDER WOMAN! Wrong! Her name is Darna or her alter ego Narda. What's her history? When a young girl Narda comes across a falling star, she decides to investigate it. Narda comes across a stone with the name Darna written on it. Like a curious child she swallows the stone, when she finds people are coming. She experiences a sensation of traveling in space. She collapses and is found by her family. When she returns home she tells her family what happen. When she mentions the word Darna she is transformed into the super strong amazonian woman. Her powers include flight, super strength and she can't be harm by man made weapons. Darna can also switch back forth from herself and Narda. But the two have to desire the switch. Darna's arch enemy is a snake woman name Valentia who can control snakes.

Captain Barbell


Captain Barbell is a young boy who is able to transform into a superhero, after he lifts a barbell that was given to him by a mysterious hermit. It has been said that Mars Ravelo was influenced by circus strongmen. His powers include super-strength, super-speed, vision powers, near invulnerable armor and flight.

Lastikman


Honestly when I first saw Lastikman I thought hey that's Mr. Fantastic. Then I read about his origins. Lastikman is actually an alien who became trapped on the planet Earth. He decides that he would fight crime there. He is able to stretch and reshape himself to any form he desires. His costumes is a part of him, he could never take it off. Very similar to Mr. Fantastic, but remember no idea is original.

Flash Bomba


Flash Bomba is a man who lost the use of his legs in an accident. He train the rest of his body to an athletic level. He heard a rumor about a creature named Tikbalang. Tikbalang is a creature that has a head of a horse and a body of a man. Tikbalang would grant powers to whoever defeats him. Flash Bomba challenged and defeated him. Flash Bomba powers include superhuman strength, ability to walk up walls, thunderclaps, enlarged extremities.

Dyesebel


Dyesebel is a mermaid who was born from human parents. From birth she was despise because she was different from people who were superstitious. Her father was killed by the those who feared her, and her mother sends her to ocean where she would have a better chance to survive. She is found by Banak who later adopts her and takes her to live with them. There is more but we want you to look her up.

That is some of the creations of Mars Ravelo. There are many heroes from Philippines such as Maskarado, Merza, Japanese Bat and many more. Research and tells us what you find.