STRUCK FIRST: Danielle DeNicola as Mushu!

Photo by Affliction Photography

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.

With Mulan--the newest Disney live-action film--coming up later this year, it felt like the perfect time for Danielle DeNicola to get a small group together for HolMat 2019. The designs themselves included Mulan and Crickey as well from the animated classic. PLUS the concepts were originally drafted by cosplayer Gladzy Kei who may sound familiar to longtime cosplay followers or readers of this blog. For starters, Danielle has a fiery red wig with several bands included in the strands. As you head towards the bottom, the color transitions to orange shade before further evolving into yellow. It looks like the back of the head is done up in either a ponytail or a hair bun. The shoulders consists of a layered look with 2 pieces placed on top of each other. You get a good look at the scales Danielle made for this part as well as several other sections of the cosplay.

Acting as a comfy base, Danielle has what looks to be a one piece leotard in red that the main chest-plate rests on top of. The same can be said for her arms and legs as sleeves are present in these areas. The chest section is a single piece made up of a gold front with the side sections containing the red scales I mentioned earlier. The bottom trim here is also in gold. The middle section mimics an underbelly of sorts which is what Mushu has in the film. In the middle is a lone blue gem.

I really love the weathering effects and scratches that Danielle added here too! Down at the bottom you have a tabard like piece drifting off in red and gold. For the leg armor, she has several small pieces attached at various points. Again, a sleeve looks to act as a base with red heels for footwear. The armor has the blue gems in their centers much like the chest-piece does. Golden edges with scales in one part of their layered look! Bracers are also seen on Danielle's arms and you guessed it, MORE SCALES :D.

Danielle mentions that the scales were definitely tedious to make as well as abundant in the amount needed. Nevertheless, the photos came out fantastic and I get the strong feeling that the other members in this group had a phenomenal time together. Yes, that's actual fire in the first shot of this post. TALK ABOUT DEDICATION! Here are some more shots!

All other Shots by Arcane Shutter Photography!

Danielle DeNicola did such a fantastic job bringing Mushu to life and I just love her work in general. Definitely check her stuff out on Patreon, SHE'S SUCH A SWEETHEART <3.
https://www.patreon.com/danielledenicola
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