By Tina Albo:
As you may have guessed from one of my inaugural articles, I have a teeny obsession with the newly re-branded Netflix series Lucifer. Now, this goes beyond the typical binge-watching, fan-girl fantasizing situation as I am also a fan of the DC Vertigo graphic novel series the show is based on.
There’s something about this particular representation of the devil that resounds with me—much like the way Magneto does. So many versions of Lucifer himself span out through different mediums. You have Mark Pellegrino’s representation on Supernatural, Gabriel Byrne’s representation in End of Days, and also the character variation that portrays him as a General of Satan’s army in the popular anime The Devil is a Part-Timer. None of these versions hold a candle to Neil Gaiman’s creation.
Complicated, multi-faceted characters have always been the subject of fascination with me as I draw many personal comparisons to them. In the graphic novels, Lucifer is humanized in a way. Fed up with being the so-called King of Hell, he decides to retire from his post and moves to Los Angeles. He ends up residing in a penthouse, in a building in the heart of the City of Angels, and opens a piano bar named Lux. He is commissioned by his father to be an agent of the Silver City and sets out on strange and interesting adventures that take him through time, space, and beyond.
In the Netflix series, Lucifer himself is even more multi-faceted . . . in fact, he is a walking mess of complexes. He is roguish, immature, and very incorrigible on one hand; yet, on the other, he has his issues and insecurities much like a regular man. Although he enjoys his vices and unearths the hidden desires of the unsuspecting humans around him, he detests what he has been created to be. This particular observation is what hooked me into the series in the first place as I’ve endured a somewhat similar existential crisis in my younger years (save for the fact that I am NOT part of the divine).
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I adore the way Tom Ellis has brought Lucifer to life. He’s given so much to his role, and it’s amazing how he has seamlessly transformed into "Old Scratch." This is why I have decided to become the female version of his portrayal for the upcoming Edmonton Expo in September. I highly doubt that Tom himself would grace the panel here, as it’s of a much smaller scale than it is in San Diego, but that will not stop me from having fun.
The Cosplay
There is a marked difference between this particular attempt at Cosplay and my inaugural one, as I find it may be more seamless for me. Becoming Magneto took a lot of preparation and patience, and I had to study the character a lot to be able to emulate him. I also had to acquire a lot of items for my Magneto Cosplay, which cost quite a bit.
I’m not saying that transforming into Lucifer (or Lucinda, as some of us fans may refer to) will be very easy, but it will be remarkably easier since I don’t have to make many acquisitions to become this character.
I’m naturally dark haired and dark eyed, so I don’t have to make any changes to my physical appearance save for darkening the shade of my hair to jet black. I haven’t decided on using special contact lenses to achieve the glowing red-orange that flashes in Luci’s eyes at times, but it is still a possibility. It’s fortunate for me that I still have time to acquire them if needed. I will use a light hand with cosmetics, as I just need a little bit of black eyeliner to intensify my eyes to ensure my stare is on par with his smouldering gaze.
As for clothes, the only thing I will really need is a waistcoat. While it sounds like a daunting task, I’m fortunate to live in a city where you can find many unique and interesting articles of clothing. There are a lot of specialty stores on Whyte Avenue that just may have what I’m looking for—and it won’t break the bank either! I already have button-up dress shirts and the right skirt to round off the look—after all, it wouldn’t do justice to being Lucinda if I didn’t add the right feminine touches. Dress shoes are never a problem for me, as I prefer the smooth, fluid lines of a laceless leather Mary Jane shoe to a high-heeled pump. There is a slight chance I may forgo the shoe entirely in favour of a thigh-high boot, but I will leave that to the imagination for now.
One of the best parts about becoming Lucifer is that I really don’t need a lot in the way of props. Save for the trademark ring, the only other item I need is already in my possession. That’s right! I have a replica of his Pentecostal coin to carry around.
The best part about being a writer is that I can easily slip into a character when I do Cosplay. From the character’s unique personality to his or her voice, I prepare myself to fully emulate him/her. While I do not need to deepen my voice this time around, I will be working to perfect my British accent. (Voice work is fun! I’ve always loved doing impressions of my favourite characters and celebrities.)
Judging by the popularity of Lucifer as a character, I have no illusions that I will be the only one traipsing around the Expo Center in his guise. In fact, I look forward to seeing the many representations I can find when the Expo rolls around in September. In the spirit of Cosplay itself, I can’t wait to see what my counterparts will come up with. I hope a group photo will be in the works!
On the whole, I know I’m going to have a lot of fun with this Cosplay. Above all, Lucifer is a fun character and I'm sure that emulating him in female form will be a blast! I hope I do him justice in this guise.