Zatanna Zatara - DC Comics
| *This costume is now retired* My first comic book character! I'll be honest that I'm not in general a fan of the main comic superheroes (DC/Marvel) but when I was working in a comic store I started researching her and her character really appealed to me whereas characters like Wonder Woman etc never have. I'm not sure if I can pull off the sexy look however ^^' Due to the many different versions of Zatanna I have quite a bit of free will with this costume but I will be styling her based on Adam Hughes art. Under-bust corset <3 14/08/11 ~ Adam Hughes just praised my Zatanna cosplay on DeviantArt: "Well done! Excellent Zatanna cosplay, madame. :-)" That means so much too me, that has really made my day ^_^ "Zatanna Zatara is the daughter of famed magician Giovanni “John” Zatara and Sindella, a member of the mystical Homo Magi race. Zatanna is a direct descendant of the artist and magician Leonardo da Vinci, and is related to the noted alchemist Nicholas Flamel. Her cousin, Zachary Zatara, is also a magician. Zatanna is a powerful sorceress whose abilities are apparently genetic. As a tribute to her father and as a focal point, she usually casts spells by speaking verbal commands backwards. She has also proven capable on many occasions of casting spells by speaking normally, and, in rarer occasions, the ability to use magic for simple tasks without speaking. Zatanna's powers and abilities include sorcery, telepathy, flight, regeneration, dimensional travel and many others. Of all the magicians and sorcerers on the planet, the JLA always go to Zatanna when they need magical assistance. Zatanna is a member of the Justice League of America and Sentinels of Magic." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~Please see my journals for more details on the construction of this costume as well as progress photos~ The wig, corset, shirt, bow-tie, rose brooch, gloves, top hat and cane were bought from ebay. I styled the fringe of the wig myself. The tailcoat was bought from a website that sells dance wear. High-heeled shoes are from Barratts. Bottoms and fishnet tights were bought from Peacocks. The wand came from a fancy dress shop. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I first wore this costume to the London Film and Comic Con in 2011. I was blown away by the amount of positive attention I received there and all the lovely comments I am getting on my photos now the event is over. I think she is my most popular cosplay to date and I really wasn't expecting this considering the costume is pretty much store bought and no skill was involved in putting it together. I suppose some would just say it's because I had my legs out haha but seriously a load of people did recognise the character and said that I really suited her. One lady even took my photo to take home to show her husband as he is a big Zatanna fan, aww bless. I didn't learn anything costume-making wise from this cosplay but it did give me a big confidence boost in regards to my figure and ability to portray sexy characters. I would like to get a better looking tailcoat at some point but otherwise I am rather happy with this costume =) Wore Zee again at the October 2011 London MCM Expo. Again the costume was received well and again my feet died in the high heels lol I had a mini shoot with Alinthea and got some photos with a pack of cards, something I was lacking at LFCC. |
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Tailcoat
The tailcoat was bought from www.borntodance.org.uk. I couldn't afford a proper one (that along with the fact most are made for men) so I was left with choosing either a fancy dress or dance wear one, I figured one made for dancers would be more hard-wearing. When it arrived it was sooo creased 0_o I've ironed it since but fear it creasing easily during wear. It's made from 100% polyester and tbh feels a bit cheap but it looks the part. Oh and it has shoulder pads, they feel odd, not sure if I should take them out.
Bottoms and fishnet tights
I got some "big knickers" from Peacocks lol, they're tummy control briefs and the material is quite thick although I will wear extra underwear underneath them (need something under the fishnets anyway). I bought some bikini bottoms to wear over the top but they were cut too low on the leg. I might find another pair but tbh the matt look of the briefs match the tailcoat better even if originally I wanted a satin-look pair. I went for regular sized fishnets in the end as Adam Hughes doesn't tend to draw Zee with wide-net ones like other artists do.
Wig and make-up test
Got some photos wearing the wig now that it's finished and also had a make-up test. I'm wearing concealer, foundation, powder, black eyebrow pencil, liquid eyeliner on my top lid and just under my lower one, brown eye shadow, mascara and a lip gloss in a sorta purple shade (in some lights it looks pink and others brown... it's odd). I did get red lipstick but it looked awful on me and in one of Adam Hughes drawings she has a slight purple colour on anyway so I hope it looks ok.
Progress so far
Here's how everything looks at the moment. The shirt is a boys (age 14-15) formal shirt with a wing collar. They don't make this style of shirt for ladies hence why I had to get a boys one (an adult man's size would have swamped me). I've got my much loved triple gel bra on in an attempt to achieve a more Zatanna-sized bust XD The bottoms are temporary just for this photo, it's actually a swimming costume with the top half bunched under the corset. I will be getting some bikini bottoms instead.
Wig
Bought from a UK seller on ebay as it looked pretty much perfect. However I thought it already had a pre-styled side swept fringe but it was just the way the seller tucked the strands to one side in the photo, bah. I shall have to cut one in without destroying it... Made of Kanekalon and feels nice but malts a bit. Has a skin top side parting.
Underbust Corset
My favourite store to buy corsets from (Corsets Boulevard) was having an Easter sale so I decided it would be the best time to pick up my underbust for this costume. I opted with a cream corset as it looks that colour in some references and it will help break up the white of the shirt. This corset is fully steel-boned (steel busk and spiral steel), made from satin and fully lined in cotton with waist tape. The laces are strong enabling tight lacing, I can reduce my waist size by 2-4 inches (laces not pulled tight in photos). I love CB's corsets, I have bought 3 from them in the past and they are an absolute bargain considering the quality. Will certainly be ordering more in the future to increase my collection!
I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on this! She's one of my favourites!
I hope I don't disappoint then!
<3 I love Zatanna so much! Good luck, it'll be cool to see when it's done ^^,
Wicked! I think every girl regardless of weather or not they are DC fans should do Zattana :) im sure you will look fabarooney! and regardless of weather or not you like other DC im getting a photo with you at lfcc when im green lantern :P
It's not that I dislike comic heroes, they've just never really caught my attention before (apart from the big films like Batman etc). But I work in a comic shop so I cannot avoid it! lol I am watching Justice League the animated series and learning ;) But so far I love Zatanna's character ^^ And yes photos!
Glad to see youre doing this. Dont worry about pulling off her sexy look, I think you will do just fine. ^_^ I would say though - if you are ok walking in higher heels, def go for some killer heels. I would use the lower shoes as backups in case feet get tired on the day or if there is a lot of walking to get to the cosplay event. But for photos killer heels. ;) I also agree with you on AH artwork, love his stuff. I never got to finish my Z costume like I wanted to, but I am putting that right at the mo, likely re-wearing improved vers for Kita. :)
If funds allow and I find a suitable pair I will prob end up getting some higher ones. I have a really high pair already that I can walk in so I should be fine hopefully =) Would like the re-create the shot of her standing with the cane (drawn bt AH). I look forward to seeing your re-vamp at Kita ^^
Oh great. Killer heels ftw. ^_^ Yes, cane..I only noticed that recently. Also never noticed she has a cape too. I like the idea of an extra layer, for travelling and when it gets cold. (and could also double up for steampunk costumes). I might have to make me one of those. :) Best wishes with your re-creating pose idea, Im sure it is gonna look fab! I look forward to seeing your progress. And in summer Im hoping to get down to LFCC too so I should see your Z cosplay for real. :)
Ooh Zatanna! With the exception of Harley Quinn, I've always preferred the Marvel girls but there's no denying that Zatanna is a great gal to cosplay. The corset is gorgeous; you're going to rock this.
I love love love that corset! You're going to look amazing, I can't wait~
This looks set to be made of extreme awesome! Have fun making it :-)
This is looking great ^_^
Zatanna! :D
Woah so much interest in this! 0.o I hope I can pull her off okay!
Wow, Can't wait to see this hun, you'll look awesome x.
Corset is perfect!
The corset is gorgeous hun, cant wait to see the finished product :)
Thank you ladies!
Oooh that corset looks nice, I'll have to look into that store if I ever need one :D Yay for AH! I adore Adam Hughe's art :D
I deff recommend them!
Net tights test - Leonie I agree with you, the mesh size on those looks big. I searched a lot when I did my Zatanna costume and the ones that I think are the best match are called Medium Fish net - eg http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Black-Medium-Net-Tights-Size-Medium-36-42-/270687053068?pt=UK_Hosiery_Socks&hash=item3f0634a50c Wear over a normal pair of sheer black for the exact Zatanna art ref look. Or if you are lucky you can find tights that are sheer with a fish net pattern added. I only saw those once though. I'm really looking forward to seing you do this. :)
Thanks for the link, those do look better =)
LEGS <3 Progress is looking great! Can't wait to see in person ^^
Whhhoooosh! this is amazing stuff! Can't wait to see :) xxx
Love the progress - this looks great on you.
Thank you ladies =D
The progress is coming along nicely, looking forward to seeing this finished x.
This is looking amazing so far!
I see what you mean. lol XD
This is looking Amazing! I cant wait to see it for real. :) ..umm I hope its gonna be there on Sat..cuz I've booked my coach ticket for Saturady now. New shoes - love these. ^_^ What are you doing for the topper?
Thanks for the comments everyone! Ranma1-2~ I thought you would appreciate the higher heels ;) Yes I am wearing this the Saturday and I have a top hat on it's way (only a wool one sadly, satin ones are expensive and I didn't want to make it).
I ♥ Zatanna Zatara can't wait to see it will be awesome
Eeeeexcellent. ^_^ see you there.
Looks so sexy! Really love this - can't wait to see this for real!
Thanks hun! Looking forward to seeing you =3
Ahh this looks soo good! You have such an amazing figure! Really looking forward to seeing you at LFCC ^^
The corset hides my tummy... lol
Darn, that is Soooo sexy! This is how I wish mine had turned out. Well done Leonie you look FAB!
You look amazing, can't wait to see this at LFCC! :D
You look lovely ^_^
It suits you so well! :)
Looks wonderful - wish I could see it in person. And wow, I don't envy you those heels =p
Thank you for all the nice comments everyone ^^
You look fantastic.
You -really- suit Zatanna! You look fantastic in all your photos!
I saw you walk past twice on Sat - and you looked totally FABulous! but I wasnt in costume yet ..and then later when I was changed I didnt see you :( ..Pics together would have been great. I did find a Batman and a Harly and very briefly a Riddler with Penguin. Havent found any pics to share yet though.. :S I hope you do Z again sometime..you really looked Amazing!
Suited her so incredibly well. Well done!
I'm glad you like her!
Oh my god! I saw you at LFCC and thought you looked familiar but I'm stupid for not figuring it out! *wacks self* You looked really pretty in this cosplay! Suits you so well! :)
You make a wonderful Zatanna! Amazing work ^_^
THIS IS SO. EPIC. :)
Well i must say you make a MAGICAL Zatana!
Looks amazing!
well done, you really suit her! and those legs! wow :D
Gosh thank you so much for all the positive feedback everyone! I didn't think she would be this popular!
great costume =]
Seriously you suit this so much *3* Black hair looks really good on you too! Such a lovely Zatanna <3
NavigatorxNami- Thank you! I actually love having my hair black, I used to dye it that all the time but my family complain that I'm "too pale" for it and it makes me look "washed out". Bah. I shall be dyeing it again soon lol
you look so magical az ♥ Zatanna Zatara
Thanks ^^
I recall seeing you on the saturday of the con, and saying to myself 'that is one hot Zatanna' :D
Been getting back into comics recently, so its sweet to see a great comic-book cosplay. And one thats not often done either! Very nicely done
I'm glad you like it =)
Awesome costume and you look fabulous in it!
So glad you wore this again for expo. Glad I got to see it in person. (Just wish my camera hadnt decided to die)
So in love with you in this outfit, you look absolutely amazing! :D
Thank you for all the positive comments! It's great to know this costume is liked a lot by people =)
hay hun, sorry to spam and I dunno if you're planning on doing this costume (which is epic btw!!!) to May expo but there's a Batman/DC meet up on Saturday and it'd be awesome if you could come?? http://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/forum?c=showthread&ThreadID=7143 if you know anyone else that might be going that'd be interested please direct them to the forum post. Thanks! but honestly, I frigging love this costume, hope I can get a shoot with you nect time you wear it =]
My costumes for May aren't set yet hun but I might be wearing this for LFCC again this year so don't really want to wear it to Expo too. I'm glad you like it so much though! x