Code Lyoko

Code Lyoko perked up early in 2004. At first, I wasn't too into it as I thought the characters were a bit strange but also drawn very strangely. They had MASSIVE heads and super thin necks and bodies. Code Lyoko is an anime from France. Being sheltered from other cultures, I was really surprised at such good quality works from other places than America. I was automatically drawn to the plot and characters - all of a sudden, I was a HUGE fan.

Of course, it was obvious that I was drawn towards the character Yumi Ishiyama. The more sarcastic and dark character. The pretty geisha with deadly fans and telekinesis type powers in Lyoko. Definitely, my type of girl.

My school held a thing called "MORP." Basically "prom" spelled backwards. So, all the rules are backwards too~! The girls would ask the guys to this event. Instead of something super fancy, it's more easy-going and fun. For MORP 2004, the theme was "villains and heros." I thought it would be amazing to "cosplay" as Yumi Ishiyama in the Geisha form. I hand sewed a lot of the outfit, but majority of the items were random clothes at home put together.

Yes, I say Cosplay because... at this time, I found out about Cosplay during 2004 summer. I found out about this anime magazine called "Newtype USA." It showed you all the latest footage straight from Japan - so I was WELL informed about what was popular in anime.

I was a total NOOB, but I still gave it a shot. Let's just say... it wasn't good at all. TT^TT At this time, I wasn't really sure on what cosplay was - I just saw it as a new word for "dressing-up." Overall though, it was FUN! Especially with my friends doing goofy things too. =)

So yea, if I can dig up those old photos, I would LOVE to post pictures of my NOOB cosplay. This is probably where my small fire began as a cosplayer. But I really thought nothing of it at this time.