STRUCK FIRST: Intraventus as Simon Belmont!

Struck First gives you a first look at a cosplay just as it's been debuted/had its first photoshoot. Cosplayers have been kind enough to let me have a first crack at analyzing the cosplay by providing me with brand new pictures.

When my unicorn bestie Intraventus revealed she was working on a genderbend of Simon Belmont, I definitely got excited. Plus with Halloween being 4 days away, I thought this was perfect to write about. I understood the importance and legacy the character and franchise has had on gaming, knowing Rachel was going to be tackling this, I knew the end result would be magnificent. Man was I right about that! Simon's original design seemed to always be very light and include lots of leather and pouches. Intra's take on him includes mainly armor in a skimpy format, say what you will about sexy/skimpy versions of characters but this works so well. The outfit mostly consists of a chest piece and a belt piece. There's also shoulder pauldrons that look to be connected through a neck piece that travels across. Emerald green and bronze are the main colors seen throughout the cosplay. Rachel is also rocking a gorgeous auburn shaded wig with a small crown/tiara draping down on her forehead.

The pauldrons are beautifully crafted with jewels/gems bedazzling the top part. I find that to be an automatic element in every one of Intraventus' cosplay or lingerie concept. If it sparkles, yep she made it XD. The outer rim of the pauldron include bronze circles and that same shade of green. On top of them are bronze wings that weirdly remind me of Alex & Ani jewelry.  There's also fur backing which is repeated on the belt and armguards. Each element of her Simon fits cohesively in terms of different designs but similar methods. For instance, the breastplate and metal pieces draping from the belt all have the same bedazzled treatment. Bronze dots outline each outer rim that's present on each piece.

Rachel is rocking brown heels that's strapped up like crazy. Here, they travel just to about her kneecap. A gorgeous shade of green makes up the bra that makes up the top part of the chest piece. She is also not totally defenseless as you'll see in some of the shots. Intra is set to slay demons with Simon's signature chain whip weapon and I managed to get sent several action shots which is rad. Besides some of the convention shots, she also managed to shoot this cosplay in a GORGEOUS forest setting that just has me mouth gaped in awe. Rachel was just incredibly kind in giving me a ton of photos for you guys so I hope you all enjoy them.

Photo by Just Cosplay Photography

Photo by Just Cosplay Photography

Photo by Just Cosplay Photography

Photo by Just Cosplay Photography

I want to add that Rachel looks so dang alluring in some of these shots guys like wow. I can tell a lot of effort and love went into making this. Castlevania must hold a huge place in her heart as a gamer. Please check out her FB page and consider supporting her on Patreon, you will NOT regret it <3.

https://www.facebook.com/Intraventus/

https://www.patreon.com/intraventus