How to Cosplay as a Death Note Character

Need some help on becoming the best L you can be? Or maybe you need to work on Light's evil laugh? Look no further.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You should probably have some sample pictures of your character
• Your costume
• Some good ideas. :D

1. 
    
   Thanks to xsheepandmeesex of Deviantart for letting me use these pictures that she drew.

   Figure out which character you wish to cosplay as. Next, think about your looks. If you naturally stand up very, very straight, then perhaps you should reconsider cosplaying as L. If you have very dark eyes and hair, then maybe Misa Misa isn't the right choice for you. You can still pull these off, but it will take some extra effort.

2. Now for the actual costume. Now that you've got some ideas of who you want to be, remember their wardrobe. Mello wears tight leather and boots, whereas Light usually wears suits and ties. Misa usually wears short skirts ad spaghetti strapped dresses, but Takada wears more refined and more mature clothing. Also note the props-Matt needs either a cigarette or a handheld game (not to mention his fuzzy vest), and Mello needs his ever present chocolate bar. Mikami, Light, and Misa could all carry Death Notes, along with either Ryuk or Remu. L could carry a piece of cake, or anything sweet. Remember that Near wears all white, and should have some dice or a toy robot.

3. Now for the mannerisms. This might be tricky if you are very optimistic or hyper most of the time, as most of the Death Note Characters are very reserved and quiet.
   -L- always act serious, and eat lots of sweets. If you are group cosplaying, it might help to accuse the Light of your group (if there is one)of being Kira.
   -Light- Try to act very intelligent, and dignified. Once again, if you are group cosplaying and there is an L, it might help to fight him. Or laugh maniacally.
   -Misa- Be very bright and bubbly. When group cosplaying, attach yourself to the Light and never let go. Ever.
   -Near- Be very quiet. Try not to associate yourself with anyone, and always twirl hair around your finger, and carry a toy. If you happen to be group cosplaying, try to ignore Mello.
   -Mello-Be very confident, and always take dramatic bites out of your chocolate. When with a group, try to defeat Near in everything he does. Or she, for that matter.
   -Matt- Always either smoke or play video games. Try not to talk, and always be with a Mello when in a group. Don't forget your puffy vest, either.
   -Mikami-Remember to refer to Light as either 'God', 'Sakujo', or 'Kami' when in a group, and just generally be very justice bent. The same goes for any Light cosplayers.
   -Ryuk-Always have an apple, and never forget to comment about how interesting humans are. Also, laugh a lot and when group cosplaying, ask Light a lot of questions about his plans, or if he has any apples.
   -Remu- Be very attached to Misa when in a group, and be very wary of Light. And for both Shinigami, don't forget the Death Notes.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember the little details, like Ryuk's heart earing and Misa's popnytail holders. These will make you look more authentic.
• Again, if you are cosplaying as either Light, Misa, Mikami, or the Shinigami, remember your Death Notes, as this will help others identify who you are. Light could also carry an apple, along with Ryuk.
• When cosplaying as Beyond Birthday (from Death Note: Another Note) the costume and mannerisms are basically like L's- he does the L-sit, he's very hun ched over, has the same looks- just make sure to bring some jam, and perhaps smear some on your clothing, hands, and face.
• If you want to wear a wig instead of dying your hair or something drastic like that, please, please make sure that all your hair is tucked under it. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people cosplaying as Near with black hair poking out from underneath. It's embarrassing for everyone, so please be sure to check before arriving where ever you plan to go.
• It's the same thing for dyeing- please make sure that the job is thoroughly done so everyhting is more authentic.
• Cosplay outfits tend to be expensive, even if you make one yourself, so please shop around before automatically buying the first Mello outfit you see. Like I did.

[kawara26]

on 9/13/2008 Please, if you're cosplaying Mikami, don't refer to Light as 'Sakujo'. It means 'eliminate', which is something he says when killing others with the Death Note. If you call Light 'Eliminate'.. he has every right to 'eliminate' you.

Otherwise, very helpful article! A few parts could be made more clear, but I'm glad to see something about Death Note!