Interview with Miss Forsaken World - Onyxia Sophinikum

Today, on this wonderful autumn day, we present to you an interview. And not just with anyone, but with a well-known cosplayer in gaming circles, Onyxia Sofinikum. For the past two years, visitors to "Igromir" have been able to see characters from Tekken portrayed by her.

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As Christina at Igromir 2009, for example...

...or Zafina at Igromir 2010.

If for some respectable reasons you missed both exhibitions (notes from relatives don't count), this interview will remedy that monstrous oversight and introduce you to Onyxia a bit more.

Part 1

or that part where we learn that Onyxia's real name is Christina

Hello, Onyxia. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Let's start, with a blessing, with the most standard question: what is your name when you're not in character?

Christina.

And how did the nickname “Onyxia Sofinikum” come about?

“Onyxia” is derived from the precious stone “Onyx”; I really love black onyx. Then, by the way, I was told that in WoW there is a dragoness named Onyxia, and I've been encouraged to cosplay her for a long time. (laughs) And “Sofinikum” just came about from Sonic.

Onyxia (left) as Sonic

A rich history. What do you do besides cosplay? In real life, when all the characters are hanging in the wardrobe?

Well, at the moment, I'm studying hard. Before that, I attended various clubs. And sports too.

Where are you studying?

At MAI.

Are you going to build airplanes?

Well, actually, I have a slightly different specialty, but I will also understand airplanes. (laughs)

The future of aircraft design is in reliable hands! Do they recognize you at the institute? Is there already a crowd of fans waiting for you after classes with hungry looks and notebooks for autographs?

No, that's not the case. (laughs)

It's only a matter of time. How do your surroundings perceive your passion? Classmates? Non-cosplaying friends? Parents? Are they even aware that you turn into a cosplayer at midnight?

My mom says: “As long as it doesn't interfere with your studies,” and my stepdad says: “It’s all nonsense.” But they enjoy looking at the photos, videos, and finished costumes. (laughs) All my friends are cosplayers, and the others perceive it normally. Even my classmates. They are even interested in what, where, and how.

In the image of Grell from KuroShitsuji

Do you play a lot? What do you play and on what?

Well, it all started with Sega, then I had the first PlayStation, the second, and now the third. I play various games. It's easier to say what I don't play.

Well, if that makes it easier, what do you not play?

Racing games — I don’t understand them! And, probably, shooters. The only shooter I completed was “Medal of Honor” on the first and second PlayStation. I liked “Vanquish” on the third, and I also bought “Aliens vs Predator” to try and complete it. Other than that, I love various games. But I especially fan over Sonic.

Part 2

or that part where we dive into the world of cosplay, exhibitions, and anime festivals

When and how did your passion for cosplay begin?

After I left the theater. But I couldn't part with the theatrical world, so I tried myself in cosplay. About four years ago.

Robin from One Piece

What do you like most about cosplay? What fascinates you?

Well, I enjoy portraying the character the most. And making costumes. But not always. (laughs) In general — conveying the image.

Speaking of “not always”: which character was the hardest to “make,” to portray? Was there one? That is, the one that took a lot of time and effort, but you could wear it with pride afterward.

Well, the hardest costume was Zafina from Tekken (with roses), but portraying her was not difficult. The only thing is, I was not happy with the boots (the fabric turned out to be of poor quality), they fell apart quickly.

Onyxia (right) as Zafina at Igromir 2010

That was the last Igromir, right?

Yes.

Speaking of Igromir, since we’ve brought it up. Let’s say it's 2009. How did you come up with the wonderful idea to participate in the exhibition?

Honestly, I was invited by a friend. In 2009, the highlight of Igromir was Tekken, and at that time I had completed a costume of Christie. That's how they invited me. And why would I refuse? (laughs) Free entry to Igromir, and also without queue.

In the image of Christie

In the image of Zafina at Igromir 2009

In the image of Zafina

Indeed, refusing would have been... well, strange, at least. And in 2010, did you already work at the “1C-SoftClub” stand? Or were you still a “free agent”?

The organizers liked me, and they immediately said “You will work for us next year,” and now it’s been three years.

Well, this raises a question. Rumor has it that we might see you at Igromir as Chell from Portal. Is that false?

I liked the character, but then it turned out that Portal was represented by “Buka”, and I had already taken shelter in SoftClub. So yes, it’s false.

But you didn't remove that character from the list of “My next cosplays,” did you? Be honest: is there hope?

Well, my wallet is not elastic. (laughs) I already have a lot of characters in my list. And they’re all difficult and costly, and also more interesting and beloved. So there is no hope.

What a pity. Your fans, when reading these lines, will run to open a fund “In Support of Chell.”

(laughs) Oh, come on.

You’ll see. And can you say what cosplay we should expect at Igromir 2011? Or is there some sort of “non-disclosure agreement” forbidding you to talk about that?

I think there’s no restriction. My friends and I will represent the “Street Fighter X Tekken” stand. I will be… Ta-da!... Cammy:

And how was it working at the exhibition? How was the team?

Well, the team is always great! Proven!

And how do you deal with the public? After the first IM, I remember there was a post in one stand worker’s blog about the outrageous behavior of underage and already fully grown visitors. Did you have any unpleasant incidents?

The public is divided into two types: the pleasant, good, tidy, understanding people, and the rude, insolent ones who constantly try to ruin the costume and sometimes fondle. With those, the conversation is short: “Go away, gentlemen.” But strangely enough, the first type of people is much more numerous. It’s nice to chat with them during a free moment.

Does that happen at anime festivals? Or is the audience there completely different?

That happens EVERYWHERE!

In the image of Chikane from Kannazuki no Miko

Do you have many friends among cosplayers? Colleagues, so to speak.

Yes, a lot.

Is there any rivalry among cosplay groups? Any hostile sentiments or anything like that?

Some have it; I don’t. (laughs)

Part 3

or that part where we learn about Onyxia's combat training

At the beginning of our interview, you mentioned that you enjoy portraying characters and making costumes the most. For the uninitiated, what is it like to feel yourself in the “skin” of another character?

It's like a theatrical role. First, you need to learn everything about that character, their history, mannerisms. I don’t even know how to describe it. For a while, you become a completely different person.

In the image of Yamamoto Takeshi from Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn!

Do you prepare for that morally for a long time? Read the history, for example, watch videos...

Not really. I find it, read it, watch it, understand it, and then go portray it.

In general, veni, vidi, vici. How does the process of character creation go? Starting from the moment the thought pops into your head: “Why don’t I cosplay this hero?”

Well, first there’s the choice: with that, I go quickly; I immediately see what’s mine and what’s not. Then I break down the costume into details: what and how to do, what I can do myself and what I can't, how much it will cost me, where to buy fabric, accessories, and so on. Then all this gets sewn and made. In parallel, I watch the character's history, their mannerisms, characteristic poses, and facial expressions. And then the question remains: where to go in this or who could take a picture of me and where?

Onyxia (in the center) as Boa Hancock from One Piece

**By the way, do you have personal photographers? A kind of