A stunning Dazzler cosplay proves why this underrated X-Man needs their own irreverent, Deadpool-style film. Cosplayer Arabella Black, under the Instagram handle thecosplayhobbyist, unveiled the shoot, showing Dazzler sporting her vintage, 1970s, “disco-era” look. Dazzler has had different looks over the years, and while this classic outfit may not work in a more serious context, it would be perfect for an irreverent superhero send up, in the spirit of the first Deadpool.
Dazzler’s history is fascinating, tied up with the disco-era of the late 1970s. Casablanca Records, a famous disco label, approached Marvel Comics with the idea of creating a multimedia, cross-promotional superhero. From there, a committee of top Marvel creators, including then Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter and Tom DeFalco, came up with the concept for Dazzler, making her a mutant who could convert sound waves into light and energy. The promotional deal with Casablanca fell through, but Dazzler proved too good a hero to let go to waste, and she made her debut in Uncanny X-Men #130. She would go on to join the X-Men, and even headlined her own series during the early 1980s. Dazzler has become a cult figure among X-Men fans, and while she has not played a prominent role in recent storylines, she remains very much on fans minds–and Arabella Black’s cosplay proves she is ready for the movies.
Arabella unveiled the cosplay in an Instagram post. It shows Black dressed just as Dazzler looked in her first appearance–complete with disco outfit, roller skates, makeup and glitter. She is sitting on a pedestal holding a microphone, as if she is taking a break between sets. The photo shoot has received over 300 likes and a number of enthusiastic comments.
Dazzler is Underrated-and Full of Potential
As stated earlier, Dazzler was created to cash in on the disco music craze of the late 1970s–and Black’s cosplay captures this aspect of the character. Dazzler’s outfit from this era screams “disco,” right down to the roller skates. It was the first of many looks and outfits Dazzler would sport over the next forty years, and while she has moved away from the disco look, it remains a favorite among fans–and Black taps into this, giving a comics accurate take on Dazzler’s early years. Black’s cosplay shoot shows the potential in a live-action Dazzler film–albeit one that is funny and irreverent. Dazzler’s vintage look would struggle to be taken seriously in the modern era; however, if the creative team played up the goofiness and cheesiness of her original look, then it could be superhero comedy gold, on par with the Deadpool movies. Furthermore, if the creators leaned into the show business side of the character, a live-action Dazzler film could serve as a critique of modern pop culture, in the vein of movies such as Josie and the Pussycats or Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.
Since her first appearance over 40 years ago, Dazzler has evolved, going from a character created to sell records to a viable cult and fan favorite. She has sported a number of outfits and looks over the years, but her first, “disco” costume remains the most endearing in the hearts and minds of fans. Arabella Black’s new cosplay shows this X-Man’s potential for a live-action, Deadpool-style superhero comedy film.
Source: thecosplayhobbyist