Hello There,
Although Cosplay has become a mainstream phenomenon enjoyed by the world over, its roots were with nerds at science fiction and comic book conventions. Cosplays based on comic book characters are therefore among the most common and popular. If you've read my post on what my guy half is like, then you know I'm a huge nerd who loves comics. So naturally I'm a big fan of comic cosplay and crossplay. Perhaps the best crossplayer of comic book characters I've ever seen is Ashley Barron, also known by the online name AlsoAshley. Ashley is a gorgeous tgirl who is self described as a Cosplay and Costume Artist. She has done a huge variety of cosplays from all sorts of fandoms; with her comic book cosplays among her best. So today, since I'm such a fan, I thought I'd highlight some of her best comic based cosplays below!
Black Widow
Since I'm a Marvel fan through and through I figured I'd start the Avenger's leading lady Black Widow! Ashley's Black Widow is based on the 2012 Avengers film and she looks incredible! Her hair looks spot on and she nails Natasha's curvy bodysuit! I'd like to be stung by this widow!
Spider-Gwen
Next up from Ashley we have the former girl-friend of Peter Parker turned multiversal Spider-Woman: Gwen Stacy A.K.A. Spider-Gwen! Ashley does a great job with those spider poses. She also proves yet again that she has no problems pulling off a body suit!
While we're on the topic of girlfriends of Peter Parker, who better than the iconic Mary Jane Watson! Ashley based her MJ crossplay off of the famous art piece by comic artist J Scott Campbell. Campbell is well known for drawing his women with exaggerated sexy features, and Ashley is the perfect representation of his MJ come to life! But look out Peter, this MJ has a surprise waiting for you under those jeans of hers!
Kate Bishop's Hawkeye
Next up Ashely is bringing us Kate Bishop, who in honor of her hero, and because of her archery skills goes by Hawkeye! Ashely based her Cosplay on Hailee Steinfeld's portrayal in the 2021 Hawkeye show. Hailee Steinfeld's portrayal of Kate Bishop was incredible, and Ashley's interpretation does justice to the character!
She-Hulk
Continuing with the theme of comic characters featured in Disney+ shows we have She-Hulk. Ashley based her She-Hulk on the comic character's courtroom attire, which she commonly wears as a lawyer. Who knew Ashley looked so good in green?!
Psylocke
Next up we've got every X-Men fan of the 90s heartthrob: Psylocke! Ashley's original design for her crossplays draws inspiration from the comics and Olivia Munn's costume from X-Men: Apocalypse. Ashley brings to life every teenage boy's comic crush with ease!
Scarlet Witch
Time for my favorite superhero, Avenger, Daughter of Magneto, Legendary Sorceress, Wanda Maximoff is The Scarlet Witch! Based off of her classic comic book costume Ashley brings Wanda to life so well, it is as though it were witchcraft! She certainly makes me jealous, I'd love to be able to look so good as my favorite superhero.
X-23
Cloned from the DNA of Wolverine himself, Laura Kinney is a fierce young mutant with killer claws known as X-23. Ashley's slays with her X-23. Those claw's aren't the only thing Ashley could stab you with!
Before she upgraded to Captain, Carol Danvers was known as Ms. Marvel. Ashley dons Carol's classic Black and Gold suit, but in a twist, uses Carol's modern short hair. It's the best of both worlds with this cosplay!
Next, Ashley is up to so mischief as Lady Loki! Loki has been known to change genders every now and then, so what a fitting character for a Tgirl like Ashley to portray. It's be hard not to fall for the lies of Ashley's God of Mischief!
Emma Frost
This femme fetal mutant is a villain turned hero, known as the White Queen, next up is Emma Frost. My second favorite Superhero, behind Scarlet Witch, Emma Frost is always known for her looks. Thankfully Ashley is quite the looker herself and does an uncanny job of bringing Emma Frost to life!
Rogue
While were talking about badass mutant women, we simply must talk Rogue! Ashley has brought the southern belle's 90s costume to life in this crossplay. Rogue is known for her deadly touch, but it'd be hard keeping your hands off of Ashley's version of the character.
Rocket Raccoon?!
Wait, Rocket Raccoon is a male character, how is this a crossplay? Well Ashley brings a gender bent version of the character to all of us. If you really think about it this is quite the confusing crossplay, it is from a male, who has turned himself into a female, portraying a female version of a male character. What a rollercoaster! Fun Cosplay though!
Catwoman
Moving on to rival comic company DC, we have up first my favorite DC female character Catwoman! Ashley rocks comic Selina Kyle's iconic pixie cut catsuit and whip! I'd say she could make even Batman purr.
Poison Ivy
While were talking women who've tangled with Batman, up next is Poison Ivy. Scantily covered by the tendrils of her killer plants Ashley ensnares with her Poison Ivy. Yet another girl Batman may fall for, although a kiss from miss Pamela Isley might be deadly.
Wonder Woman
How could we end our section on DC comics without a member of DC's holy trinity: Wonder Woman! Ashley slays her enemy's as the 2017 movie version of the character. I'd say her depiction of the amazon princess is pretty wonderful!
Starlight
We finish our comic book crossplay with Starlight from Dynamite Entertainment's comic series The Boys. Ashley brings Annie January's Starlight to life based on her character in the live action television show on Amazon. Starlight might be known as the girl next door with superpowers, but Ashley's starlight isn't exactly your normal girl is she?
Well there you have it my tribute to Ashley, who remains the best comic book crossplayer I have ever seen. I look forward to what new characters Ashley has in store for us in the future! If we've learned anything from her previous crossplays, it doesn't matter what character she transforms into, cause she'll look damn good doing it!
-Carly