Dark Mousy Artbook Variant Costume Analysis

By Skywing Knights // November 15, 2024

“I told you, didn’t I? That ‘I am you.'”

-Dark Mousy

Who else remembers “D.N. Angel“?! Just me??? Hopefully not! Especially since today I wanted to break down how I created an artbook version of one of the two protagonists – Dark Mousy! How exciting is this?!

I go back now and then to the show/manga and am constantly reminded of all of the tropes used in it. But at the same time, I’m also reminded of how utterly beautiful the art style is and why I enjoyed making Dark’s outfits. This was my 4th version of the character after all, haha.

This outfit in particular continues to be endearing to me, primarily I think because out of all the ones I made, it was the most functional, not to mention the prettiest, and it worked the best with his wings and hair color. All matchy-matchy, which I loved.

But for those of you unfamiliar with D.N. Angel, let me break down this not so angelic heartbreaker of a character before we talk about making one of his more flashy assembles. 😉

 

“I can steal everything from anyone

Except the heart from the woman I love.”

 

 

Character Summary:

As half of the Koku Yoku and having lay dormant for 40 years, upon his next host’s 14th Birthday, Dark takes no time in reclaiming his title as the mysterious Phantom Thief, capable of stealing anything, including the hearts of women everywhere. But when his origin’s nature starts to threaten his present tamer and friends, Dark faces a crossroads at his very existence.

 

Costume Specs:

Character: Dark Mousy

Series: “D.N. Angel”

Creator: Yukiru Sugisaki

Version: Art Book Rendition

Difficulty Level: 45%

Cosplayer: SkywingKnights

Photographer: Tsukasa325, Ann

Completed: September 2011

Debut Date: September 30th, 2011

 

“You don’t have to like someone forever just because you like them at first.”

 

Construction on Dark Mousy (Artbook Variant) :

This one was fairly… light? I guess that’s how I would describe it. For once I didn’t have to use something rather heavy for Dark. It’s sporty, so it made this whole thing super lightweight. In particular, the biggest challenge for me at the time were the white lines and applique… I ended up gluing them on because it was easier XD. But the white lines were a good start for me in learning more about sizing and adjusting patterns for my own needs. (I like to start with base patterns and then modify them.) So whoo-hoo for learning new things! Every time I wear an outfit of Dark’s I also feel like I learn more about how I want his wig to look too (It also helps that as the years go on Sugisaki’s art becomes a little less ambiguous as well lol). In any case, I’m very pleased with how this one turned out – especially since it’s so fun and easy to wear!

View my Dark Mousy Artbook Variant Cosplay

in my Cosplay Gallery:

“I will steal your dreams tonight.”

 

Personal Thoughts:

As a result of all of its features, out of all of the outfits for Dark Mousy that I’ve done, this one is my favorite. It’s easy to move around in. The end product looks fairly good. And the design is cool! (Not that I can take credit for that last bit though haha.) Plus I can wear mini wings or the big ones, depending on if I feel like lugging the others around. XD I think the last shoot I did, looking at photos, was right before I got way more skilled at Make-Up – like I had a massive learning curve at some point. But for what I knew, I’m still very proud of it and honestly, still love wearing it (particularly with the mini-wings!). ^_^  Plus my photographers were fantastic and more than made up for my shortcomings. In short, yeah for fun phantom thieves! ^_^

Till next time,

~Skywing