Interview with Maria Hanna

Anyone who visited Igromir this year could see three girls dressed as Lara Croft at the Tomb Raider game booth: Tatyana Sochivets (who has already demonstrated her cosplay on our site), Anastasia Zelenova (fr4ntic interviewed her), and Maria Hanna. Unfortunately, Maria was only able to attend the third day of the exhibition, so there isn't as much information about her compared to the other two girls. To correct this unfortunate misunderstanding, I took a small interview with Maria Hanna specifically for Gamer.ru.

Hello, Maria. I’m very pleased that you found time to chat with me and answer my questions. Let's get started. Can you tell me where the nickname "Hanna" came from?

Hi! The nickname "Hanna" is taken from Hana Tsu-Vachel - the heroine of a little-known console game Fear Effect.

How long have you been doing cosplay and who was your first character?

About 10 years ago, I first took a photo as Lara Croft and sent the photo along with a letter to Official Playstation Magazine, where it was published. The letter received a response, and within a couple of weeks, I started receiving fan mail from console game fans, specifically TR, from various cities in Russia and Ukraine. I still communicate with one of them (Alex "Futsu" Beketov, greetings to you!), but unfortunately, I lost contact with the other guys.

What did you like about your first character, and what impressions did you have after your first cosplay?

I was impressed more by the gameplay and atmosphere of the Tomb Raider game. And, of course, I was charmed by the agile and brave adventurer with her unreal appearance and sharp mind. Being in control of a perfect being, exploring ancient temples all alone – that’s happiness for a TR fan! (laughs). The idea to embody my favorite heroine came later, and I can no longer remember what prompted me.

Did your parents support your hobby?

Yes.

Maria, did you show your first cosplay photos to your friends and classmates? What was their reaction?

Yes. At school, they even called me Lara Croft (laughs).

After your first cosplay attempt, did you seriously get into it or was it just entertainment at that time?

Rather, it was just entertainment.

Maria as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider

Tell me, how difficult was it for you to embody the image of Lara?

The main problem was obtaining a license to carry weapons. Just kidding (laughs). Actually, the pistols are pneumatic.

Maria as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider: Underworld

As far as I know, you have cosplayed three Laras: in the classic costume, in the costume from Tomb Raider: Legend, and Tomb Raider: Underworld.

What Lara costumes do you plan to wear in the near future?

It’s a secret (smirks).

Maria as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider: Legend

This year you were a cosplayer at Igromir and represented the Tomb Raider game booth along with the other two Laras: Anastasia Zelenova and Tatyana Sochivets. Tell me, how was it working there? Were you acquainted before the exhibition? Did you continue to communicate after Igromir?

I wasn’t working there. I just came as a cosplayer. It was nice to meet and chat with Tanya and Nastya in person. I’ve known Tanya for several years in absentia; we started communicating on her forum, became friends, and finally met at Igromir 2011! I admire her work, as well as her attitude towards the cosplay of the TR heroine: careful selection of locations, well-thought-out costumes down to the smallest details. Moreover, she is just a very pleasant and friendly girl.

Tatyana, Maria, and Anastasia (Igromir 2011)

What was the first Igromir you attended as Lara?

In 2010.

Maria as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider: Underworld (Igromir 2010)

Maria, since I touched on the topic of Igromir, let’s talk about the rest. Overall, what impressions do you have from Igromir 2011?

Positive! Igromir is getting better and more interesting every year. For gamers, it’s an opportunity to play new titles and communicate.

Maria as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider (Igromir 2011)

Were you at the very first Igromir that took place in 2006?

No, unfortunately.

In your opinion, how much has Igromir evolved?

The exhibition has become larger and more popular: it is known that this year it took place at "Crocus Expo," and it was visited by a record number of game enthusiasts; the booths have become brighter and more interesting.

I know that you were only able to attend the exhibition on the third day. Why did that happen?

I will try to make up for it next year (smiles).

Do you plan to honor Igromir 2012 with your attention?

Of course.

I have no doubt that the Tomb Raider series is among your favorite games. What other games do you like? Briefly tell me about your journey as a gamer.

A gamer’s journey? Dendy, Sega, PC, PS, PS2, PS3. My favorites: Fear Effect, Fahrenheit, Dreamfall, American McGee’s Alice, Max Payne, Heroes of Might and Magic, Alone in the Dark, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, Medal of Honor, Overlord, The Witcher, Bioshock, A Vampire Story, The Broken Sword, Paradise by Sokal, Turgor, Ace Combat, Dead or Alive, Dino Crisis, Mortal Kombat, Resident Evil, Parasite Eve, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy, Silent Hill, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Call of Duty, Left4Dead, Lunar, Civilization, Skyrim, Bayonetta, Uncharted, Heavy Rain, and many others.

What recent gaming projects have left a strong impression on you?

Heavy Rain, Uncharted 2, Bayonetta, and Skyrim.

What do you do in life besides cosplay? Hobbies, studies, work.

I work as a translator of the Swedish language and am also studying in intensive English courses.

Maria, what kind of music do you prefer?

OSTs for films and games, bands like Apocalyptica, Falconer, Grammarna, Delerium, Led Zeppelin, Celldweller, 30 Seconds to Mars, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Lacuna Coil, Poets of the Fall, Rammstein, Infected Mushrooms, Papa Roach, KoRn, POD, Within Temptation, Coldplay, Skillet, The Chemical Brothers, Muse, Slipknot, Nightwish, Placebo, 3 Doors Down, Marilyn Manson, Depeche Mode, Pain, Theatre of Tragedy, Nickelback, Pink Floyd, and performers like Björk, Mylene Farmer, Lady Gaga, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Dolores O'Riordan, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. From domestic music, I listen to Dolphin, Mara, and the band Fleur.

How do your friends feel about your cosplay hobby?

Positively. They are waiting for new works. I’m especially grateful to Alexander Kovalyov for his support and help.

Maria, Alexander, and Tatyana (Igromir 2011)

Every year, a huge number of anime festivals are held in Russia, where cosplayers from all over Russia and beyond gather. Do you participate in them?

No, but I watch the performances of Russian cosplayers with interest. The creativity of the R&R team deserves special attention.

In Anastasia Zelenova's interview) I learned about some project in which you participate together with her. Can you tell me more about it, if it’s not a secret?

At the moment, Anastasia and I are not working on joint projects.

In this photo, you remind me a lot of Catwoman from the DC comic universe. Are you perhaps considering her image or is this some other fandom?

A flattering comparison. It’s quite possible that I will use this image someday.

Tell us which images we will see you as in the near future.

Currently, my favorite images are: Alice from Alice: Madness Returns, Doll from Sucker Punch, and Miranda Lawson from Mass Effect 2. I have many plans and ideas, it’s just a matter of bringing them to life.

Maria as Alice from Alice: Madness Returns

Maria as Doll from the movie Sucker Punch

Thank you for agreeing to this interview. It was very nice to talk. I wish you success in your cosplay endeavors and to bring all your desired images to life.

You’re welcome. I want to wish all Russian cosplayers success in realizing their creative ideas, and gamers new experiences!

Maria Hanna's Works

Lara Croft (Tomb Raider Classic)


Lara Croft (Tomb Raider: Legend)


Lara Croft (Tomb Raider: Underworld)


Alice (Alice: Madness Returns)


Doll (Sucker Punch)


Non-Cosplay Photosets

When Angels Deserve to Die (the title of the set is taken from the song Chop Suey by the band System of a Down)


Black


Ginger


Photos are taken from Maria's personal gallery

Thanks for proofreading - fr4ntic