Part of what makes our favorite movies, shows, and video games so dear and memorable to us are the characters. Every fan of comics, anime and beyond has a particular character that resonates with them, gets them excited, and relates to them on a personal level.
Enter the magical world of cosplay, where you can do more than relate and imagine. Through cosplay, you can be anyone or anything you want to be, and step outside your normal shell for a time. This growing trend among geeks and gamers has already taken the world by storm, and has given the pop culture fanatics a new way to celebrate everything they love. From superheroes to supervillains and every colorful cast member between, we can literally see our beloved characters come to life in all of their glory thanks to cosplay.
The following artists, however, take it one step further by giving traditional characters a playful twist. These cosplayers actually reimagined our favorite figures from the ground up, inverting their genders and giving us an exciting new look at the characters we grew up with. Today we will shine the spotlight on a few standout genderbent cosplays, and rediscover what made us excited about our favorite games and shows along the way.
Any noteworthy genderbend cosplays that we missed? Tell us in the comments section below!
25. Saiyaman (Dragonball Z) – Canhardlyfly Cosplay
Aww, c’mon Dragonball Z fans, don’t pretend like you don’t know who The Great Saiyaman was! The garishly-garbed “alter ego” of an adult Gohan is remembered as the DBZ character who singlehandedly raised the cheese level of the show to OVER 9000, which is saying a lot considering how overtly camp the Ginyu Force was. Maybe viewers would have been a lot less disconcerted if Saiyaman looked like Canhardlyfly instead! As you can see, she does away with the cheesy gimmicks and turns our resident King of Cringe into a sultry Saiyan in disguise. Eschewing that gaudy orange helmet for the World Tournament sunglasses ensemble turns out to be the right choice in this case; just look at that lovely face! Heck, seeing Saiyawoman in all her glory almost makes us forget how bad the original version was. Almost.
24. Soul (Soul Eater) – SutefaniiRoozu
She may be small in stature, but SutefaniiRoozu’s version of Soul still packs a supersized dose of spunk. As you can see, she’s ready for summer! This fun take on our favorite short-tempered death scythe breaks away from the grim atmosphere of the Soul Eater universe and brings a surprising lightness to the character, perfect for poolside shenanigans and beachfront kickbacks alike! But it’s the slight smirk that really ties this cosplay together, alluding to the deadly prowess that lurks beneath the cocky and casual demeanor. Simply put, it is a cosplay that speaks volumes with its simplicity. SutefaniiRoozu perfectly entwines the soul of Soul and the soul of summer with this piece; a slacker on the surface, ready to cull evil while catching rays.
23. Riku (Kingdom Hearts II) – Karlibra
While we certainly didn’t need another reason to love Riku from the Kingdom Hearts series, this beautiful rendition by Karlibra is very much welcomed. What makes this Riku cosplay great is that even though it preserves the same design elements and aesthetics of the original, you can see Karlibra’s personality and intensity of spirit shining through, making it a wonderful version of a franchise favorite. This is a cosplay that really speaks to the creator’s ability to represent her unique self through a recognized character, and it is gorgeous. Sure, everyone’s got a soft spot for the brooding, angsty edgelord types, but this is one case where warm and bright trumps cold and moody. No keyblades needed here; Karlibra’s smile alone can unlock hearts and repel darkness, and we love her for it.
22. Darius (League Of Legends) – Jynx
Who says you need to be a bloodthirsty battle-tested Noxian to bring the pain? Jynx is not just a creator and avid community supporter; she is also the general of her own army of death and destruction! Okay, that second part isn’t true, but she does make a very badass Darius. And when we say “make,” we mean she actually made all of it, from the armor to the axe, and even perfected that scowl that sears straight into your soul. Still, despite the ferocity, the beauty of her cosplay is undeniable. And it’s that combination of alluring and intimidating makes this little lady a true double threat; Jynx looks like she’ll capture your heart before swiftly cutting out. Luckily, she’s a sweetheart in person, so you won’t have to worry about her swinging that axe your way… maybe.
21. Bahamut (Final Fantasy X) – Black Mage Cosplay
While the common choice for Final Fantasy cosplays are the main heroes and villains, this mistress of materia takes it to a whole new direction. Black Mage Cosplay’s characters of choice are the Summons (Aeons, Espers, Eidolons, whatever version is your favorite), and her recent creation, the almighty Bahamut of Final Fantasy X, is a showstopper, to say the least. Her design and conception of one of the franchise’s most famous and most powerful creatures is brilliant, and she nailed every detail, from the giant golden “dial” on the back to every individual “feather” on the wings. While her genderbent Cloud Strife and humanized Ifrit are awesome in their own right, the sheer majesty and intricacy of Bahamut has been perfectly captured in this complex and breathtaking cosplay.
20. Luffy (One Piece) – Riki Lecotey
You may recognize this vivacious vixen under her original moniker, “Riddle.” If that name doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps her portfolio of costume work will, with Dr. Girlfriend, Tira (Soulcalibur), Snow White, and the Player 2 assassin (Assassin’s Creed: Unity co-op mode) standing out among her most famous character recreations. And I bet even the most vicious pirates would stop dead in their tracks when they catch sight of this straw-hat captain! Riddle heats up the high seas with her sensuous version of Monkey D. Luffy, and no Devil Fruit out there can compete with her magnetic presence. Nami and Boa Hancock better watch out, because this cosplay queen is looking to be the next Lady of the Seas.
19. Quicksilver (X-Men: Days of Future Past) – Danica Rockwood
There’s a storm brewing in the East Coast convention scene, and it’s name is Hurricane Danica. From her days as “Dahlia Thomas” to her rise as a Patreon powerhouse, Danica Rockwood brings her own flair to contemporary characters in nerd culture. She was among the first to cosplay the quirky and controversial Days of Future Past version of Quicksilver, and while it took time for the silver speedster’s silly style to grow on initially-skeptical audiences, having this lovely version to look at certainly helped ease us into it. Goggles and a Pink Floyd shirt certainly are a far cry from the classic lightning bolt bodysuit, but Danica rocks it flawlessly. And she’s probably the only one who can make silver jackets looks fashionable.
18. Mario (Super Mario Bros.) – Ryuu Lavitz
Mario may be a standard staple of every convention, but how many of them look as cute as this? Ryuu Lavitz is another East Coast cosplay empress who is known for bringing the love to classic characters like Samus Aran, Kim Possible, and Catwoman. And even when it comes to Mario, Ryuu can’t help but shake things up a bit, choosing to rep the forgotten fan favorite Raccoon Mario from Super Mario Bros. 3. It’s the simple touches, like the fuzzy ears and trading out the plumber’s pants for a fluttery skirt, that elevate this cosplay allow it to 1-Up the average Mario, making it a fun inclusion on our list. If you enjoyed Ryuu’s Mario, you may even like her Shy Guy cosplay (though I suppose it should be called a “Shy Girl” cosplay in that case).
17. Jayce (League Of Legends) – Missyeru
They say that Helen of Troy had a face that launched a thousand ships. In a similar feat, Missyeru had the cosplay that launched a thousand League of Legends cosplayers. Okay, that may be a bit of a dramatization, but regardless of the numbers, there’s no denying that Missyeru played a major role in the sudden popularity spike of League of Legends in the cosplay scene. She broke out in 2012 as one of the first people to cosplay the power-punching Piltover champion Vi, and has since then been regarded as one of the paragons of League cosplay. As is typical of all Missyeru’s creations, her “Lady Jayce” cosplay is a shining example of technical brilliance and attention to detail. Everything from the finish on the armor to the choice of textiles on the clothing perfectly reflects the heroic nobility of the original character, as well as the futuristic setting from which his lore is drawn from.
16. Dio (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) – Giada Robin
Italian-based cosplayer Giada Robin is known for her irresistible charm and playful energy, and as you can see, even a despicable villain like Dio Brando becomes fun and lovable when given the Giada treatment! Like her other creations, Giada makes this character her own, emphasizing the exaggerated poses and highly-expressive hand and facial features that are synonymous with the over-the-top nature of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure while allowing her personality to light up each shot. Whether she’s tackling simple or intensive costumes, Giada stays true to the “play” in “cosplay,” and that lighthearted approach is part of what makes her craft enjoyable. Her other genderbent offerings are worth praising as well, and include Vegeta, Super Android 17, Ezio Auditore, and Scar from The Lion King.
15. McCree (Overwatch) – RachniQueen
It’s hiiiiiigh noon! The only thing deadlier than this McCree’s Peacekeeper is her killer looks. RachniQueen absolutely slays with this cosplay, which maintains the rough-around-the-edges aesthetics while adding a a touch of beautiful and sexy to Overwatch‘s infamous gunslinger. The BAMF belt buckle and “Bad Ass” sunglasses are a nice touch, and the long brown hair fits the overall look nicely. While the original McCree is badass in his own right, no one could turn down having this delightful Deadshot pushing the payload alongside them. Can’t get enough of RachniQueen? Don’t worry, she’s got you covered: check out her steamy boudoir version of McCree. Hey, after a long day of killing sprees and Player of the Game highlights, even the deadliest gunslingers need to get comfy.
14. Kratos (God Of War) – Danielle DeNicola
One look at this Goddess of War and you’ll be praising the gods as well! The ferocity and savagery of Kratos is embodied in both the craft and presentation of this cosplay, even down to DeNicola’s “war face.” Add in some amazing post-production effects like the fiery blades and the crumbling ruins of a fictional Sparta, and you’ve got one amazing cosplay. Attention to detail and getting into character are typical of DeNicola’s work, and make all the difference as she transforms from her normal upbeat self into the unstoppable Ghost of Sparta. While Kratos is pretty much regarded as the best worst thing to happen to Sparta, the Pantheon of Gods, and humanity as a whole, this creative offering from DeNicola makes us forget about all the slaughter and destruction that has been unleashed by gaming’s most famous godslayer.
13. Roadhog (Overwatch) – Kam Legacy
This is one genderbent cosplay that instantly had us… hooked. While the classic Roadhog is known as a monumental presence of the Outback, this pint-sized version of the prodigious powerhouse is just as capable of the pushing the payload as any other agent of Overwatch. Kam Legacy is the pilot behind this cosplay, and beautifully interprets the character in a whole new light, showing off both grace and toughness. Even the stomach tattoo is spot-on! Kam is known mostly for her League of Legends cosplays, but also branches out in other games like Pokémon and Legend of Zelda for costume inspiration. Roadhog is her first foray into Overwatch cosplays, and we’re hoping she puts her spin on more characters for her upcoming projects!
12. Vega (Street Fighter) – Lizzufer
Take one part arcade fighter and one part gorgeous cosplayer, and you’ve got a recipe for a tantalizing twist on a classic video game character. With claws that kill and looks that thrill, Lizzufer transforms Street Fighter‘s Vega from a frightening murderer into a beautiful femme fatale… who is probably still a murderer. All jokes aside, the only thing deadly here is Lizzufer’s beauty. Having recently stepped into the world of cosplay, Lizzufer is already making a name for herself by putting her own twist on classic and modern characters. Her notable creations include Cammy from Street Fighter, San from Princess Mononoke, and even a humanized version of Deathwing from World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. We can expect even greater things from this up and coming cosplayer in the near future.
11. Arthas The Lich King (Warcraft) – Livia Chu
We all wish we could be as cool as this ice-born empress! According to Livia, this is both a genderbend and a mashup, combining elements of Warcraft‘s Lich King and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, the result of which is the wicked and wintery “Lich Queen” you see pictured here. This cosplay also shows off Livia’s superb sewing and armor crafting skills, as well as her keen eye for design. The balance between her sources of inspiration are well-balanced, with the aesthetics Arthas and Elsa complimenting each other nicely without overpowering each other. The wig, the weapon, and the armor all feel like they belong together, while the beautifully blended backdrop of Northrend-meets-Arendelle paints a perfect portrait worthy of the Lich Queen’s presence.
10. Katsuki Bakugo (Boku No Hero Academia) – Stella Chu
With this cosplay, Stella aims to be a heroine that surpasses even you! This girl is already a bombshell on her own, which makes her perfect as the explosive and aggressive Bakugo. Stella is brilliant with all her designs, from intricate armor to alluring character-themed boudoir. She has an eye for detail and a creative flair that makes both her original and recreated costumes sublime works of art. This even applies to her skills in modeling and photography; everything from her facial expressions to how she moves and poses is calculated and carefully catered to the character of her cosplay. With her combination of beauty and brilliance, Stella is a true double threat, and we welcome her to grenade-punch her way into our hearts any day!
9. Vincent Valentine (Final Fantasy VII) – Vivid Vivka
Everyone’s favorite gun-wielding edgelord from Final Fantasy VII has gone from brooding to BAE with this genderbent cosplay. The showroom stunner known as Vivid Vivka is a true artist and devotee to detail, and has captured every part of Vincent Valentine perfectly. The pensive stare. The intricate claws on the glove. The numerous unnecessary belts that give all Final Fantasy characters their power. It’s all there! And as impressive as this cosplay is, this is actually one of Vivka’s earlier creations. She’s shown tremendous growth in her skills and inspirations since this costume was made, and there’s no telling what amazing work of art she will come up with next! But these lovely shots of Vivka Valentine will most certainly tide us over for now.
8. Bison (Street Fighter) – Vertvixen
We’ve got a huge Psycho Crush on this Bison cosplay! Vertvixen is a rising name in the cosplay world, known for her ambitious cosplay ideas and her expertise in 3D-printing props and armor. And while we are absolutely blown away by her genderbent versions of Arthas the Lich King from Warcraft and Garrison from Battle Chasers: Nightwar, we’re a sucker for the classics characters as well. Vertvixen’s brilliant interpretation of Bison, which is inspired in part by the design for Cammy, is one of her most iconic cosplays. Much like the original Bison, Vertvixen exudes authority and confidence, and we can’t help but fall at her feet in reverence. If you wanna see this Vixen at work, you can catch her streaming her creative process on Twitch. Follow along as she prints, shapes, primes, and paints her armor and props live, and see the magic for yourself.
7. Soldier 76 (Overwatch) – K8sarkissian
We’ve got her in our sights… and we’re not looking away any time soon! This sexy version of Soldier 76 comes courtesy of the lovely K8sarkissian, who also rocks a more battle-ready version of our beloved visor-wearing veteran. But battle-ready or not, K8sarkissian is a joy to behold, and her body of work continuously impresses. Other genderbent offerings from this blue-eyed beauty include Gladiolus from Final Fantasy XV, McCree from Overwatch, and even a bunny-suit version of Deadpool. She is also known for her creative interpretations of Pokemon in “gijinka” (humanized) form, and popular picks from her Poke-portfolio include Xerneas, Arcanine, and Squirtle. Whether it’s on Hanamura or lounging at home, this is one soldier that you’ll always want on your team.
6. Booker DeWitt (BioShock: Infinite) – Byndo Gehk
Classy? Deadly? Get you a girl that can do both! The self-proclaimed party queen known as Byndo Gehk brings a retro pin-up vibe to the 1900’s-era style of BioShock: Infinite‘s dimension-hopping bad boy, and it totally works! We can imagine her kicking back with a cigar and a glass of Scotch on the floating city of Colombia one moment, then tearing it up in the streets with the Vox Populi in the next. But no matter what costume Byndo is rocking, the word of the day is always “fun.” She brings that same fiery spirit to everything she creates, whether it’s summery Pokémon swimsuits or full-out showstoppers like Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon) and Fiora (League of Legends). Free-spirited, flirty, and just a tad bit fierce, Byndo is your quintessential rebel-next-door.
5. Yasuo (League Of Legends) – Mowky
Anyone who’s been grinding Ranked on League of Legends can tell you that among the scourges of Solo Queue, the sword-wielding wanderer Yasuo is the most feared and despised. Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but if it’s Mowky who’s behind the sword and Wind Walls instead, I would be less eager to ban this champion from play. The German-based cosplayer turns this air-dancing assassin into a feast for the eyes, and brings a grace and allure that is sure to take your Last Breath away. But don’t be fooled, Mowky is far from a Yasuo one-trick, and even brings her skill and good looks to other League of Legends champions like Aurelion Sol and Jayce. This is one cosplay champion that doesn’t need a killing spree in order to be legendary.
4. Jecht (Final Fantasy X) – Lindsay Elyse
Forget the scruffy jerk that taunted you relentlessly in Final Fantasy X; this Jecht cosplay by Lindsay Elyse is truly the best. We have sung many praises to Lindsay’s talent as a creator and cosplayer in a previous article, but we really can’t say enough good things about this gamer goddess. Her version of Jecht reflects the same sense of passion and fun that is present in all of her cosplay work, and the fact that she can skillfully execute the portrayal an underrated character like Jecht only speaks to her creativity. The facial scars and body tattoos are a great touch, as is the inclusion of Jecht’s enormous Cloud-style sword. Let’s just hope she doesn’t yell at us for crying tears of joy over her awesomeness like the original Jecht would.
3. Rengar (League Of Legends) – Kinpatsu
“A true hunter never rests.” And neither does Kinpatsu! This creative soul from South Africa is a devoted and prolific crafter, and pulls off some of the most ambitious and insanely-detailed cosplays out there. Her most notable costumes include a number of League of Legends characters, such as Katarina, Jinx, Kindred, Kayle, Syndra, Dark Elementalist Lux, Xayah, and her famous take on Rengar, which is pictured above. Kinpatsu has also made waves in the cosplay world with her intense foam armor work, which can be seen on her Valeera Sanguinar and humanized Alexstrasza cosplays from World of Warcraft. What’s even more remarkable about Kinpatsu is her work ethic; she will often plan several new projects for a single convention and will even devote time during the events to perfect her creations. And as you can see, the beautiful end results speak for themselves.
2. Gnar (League Of Legends) – Jessica Nigri
Jessica Nigri is virtually a household name in the convention community, and it’s not hard to see why. This derp-tastic diva of cosplay continues to awe and enchant us with her cosplays, ranging from ridiculously complex and and laborious armor work to simple yet fun ensembles. Jessica’s version of Gnar falls in the latter category, and has become one of her most iconic cosplays due to its appealing and playful design. Retaining the “wildness” of League of Legends‘ most famous playful primordial Yordle, Jessica brings her trademark flair and sexy style to the table, making this an instant Nigri classic. Jessica can certainly turns heads with elaborate cosplays like her armored Deathwing from World of Warcraft and her original concept for an armored Princess Peach/Diablo III crusader mashup, but this is great example of how well-executed and well-designed concepts can make even simple cosplays really shine.
1. Spyro (Spyro The Dragon) – Danielle Beaulieu
Before we dive into how amazing this cosplay is, let me start by asking how many of you out there remember Spyro the Dragon? Oh there’s nothing wrong with well-known classics like Street Fighter and Super Mario, but leave it to Danielle Beaulieu to unearth an underrated hero like Spyro and bring him back to the forefront of video game fandom. This beautiful set of armor is truly an inspired piece, capturing aspects of both the eponymous purple protagonist and the world from which he comes. Spyro’s unique horn and crest design act as the main motif, while gems adorning the shoulders and shins invoke the gem collections of the original games. Even Spyro’s colorful companion Sparx gets shown some love, appearing as a design on the leg armor. This cosplay is a testament to Danielle’s intelligent and creative approach to crafting; it is a show of technical skill coupled with a deep and earnest understanding and love for the source material, and is very deserving of our top spot on this list.
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