ABA Cosplay!

Since I'm starting to post more here, I wanted to dive deeper into one of my absolute favorite cosplays: A.B.A. from Guilty Gear Strive! You might have seen a glimpse of it, but there's so much more to share about bringing this unique character to life. What drew me to A.B.A. was her incredibly distinct design and, of course, her iconic key-shaped weapon, Hohenheim. She's such a memorable character in the Guilty Gear universe, and I just knew I had to challenge myself to recreate her look. It wasn't just about the outfit; it was about capturing her essence, from her bandages to that striking light blue hair. Let's talk about the costume first. The base white outfit might seem simple, but getting the right fabric and fit was key. A.B.A. has a very specific silhouette. The bandages were a project in themselves! I used real medical gauze, dyed some of it slightly to give it an aged, worn look, and then carefully wrapped and secured them to ensure they stayed in place throughout a long convention day or photoshoot. Matching the black boots was surprisingly easy – finding a sturdy, comfortable pair that matched the game's aesthetic was crucial for walking around. But the real star, and arguably the most challenging part, was crafting Hohenheim. This key weapon is central to A.B.A.'s identity. I started with a strong, lightweight core for the black pole to ensure it was easy to carry but still looked substantial. The yellow circular head was constructed using foam and Worbla, carefully shaped to get that perfect round, slightly distressed look. Painting it was intricate, especially adding the stitched eyes and mouth that give Hohenheim so much character. I even tried to replicate the subtle textures. The yellow base at the bottom of the pole also required careful shaping and painting to match the head. It took countless hours of sanding, painting, and detailing, but seeing it come together was incredibly rewarding. For the light blue hair, I opted for a high-quality wig that I styled myself. Getting the volume and specific bangs right was important for accuracy. And for the photoshoot, we found some incredible spots! The starkness of a concrete wall really made the costume pop, giving that slightly industrial, abandoned feel that suits A.B.A.'s backstory. I also loved posing in an indoor convention hall, capturing the energy of being among other Guilty Gear fans. If you're thinking about cosplaying A.B.A., my biggest tip is to start planning for Hohenheim early! It's a project, but so worth it. Also, don't underestimate the comfort of your black boots and the security of your bandages – you'll be moving a lot! I'm so thrilled with how this A.B.A. cosplay turned out, and I hope my fellow Guilty Gear enthusiasts enjoy seeing it as much as I enjoyed creating and wearing it!