Since its release in September 2019, River City Girls has become a super popular beat-em-up fighting video game across all major platforms. The action revolves around two extremely tough and badass female brawlers named Misako and Kyoko bash their way through a city full of foes to rescue their kidnapped beaus, Kunio and Ruki.
While Misako and Kyoko have very similar fighting moves, their physical appearances could not be more different. Kyoko sports a long orange ponytail to go with her trademark blue and white letterman jacket. In contrast, Misako has short black hair, red eyes, a black mini-skirt, a pink backpack, knee-high green socks, and her signature pink razor claw. Here are some of the best cosplays for the latter.
@leaveslives
Posing with a fierce iron fist and her trusty pink knuckle claw, @leaveslives kicks things off with a simple yet effective homage to Misako. While her costume is mainly visible from the waist up, the attention to detail on the hair, lipstick, blouse, and tie are pretty impressive.
In addition to Misako's trademark pink backpack straps and thin red tie, the inclusion of the character's X-shaped hair broach and the take no-BS facial expression is what makes this rendition of Misako so cool to look at.
@PeachyNeeks
In a full-body selfie adorned in Misako's entire ensemble, @PeachyNeeks nearly nails the look with 100% accuracy. The only part of her wardrobe slightly off is the white shoes in place of pink ones. However, pink stripes are clearly visible in the image above.
Beyond that, this a near-perfect recreation of the character. The jet-black hair is the right size, the black skirt has the proper contours, the tie is the right color and requisite width, and the green-and-white knee socks are perfect.
@mitsubear
In a detail so far unseen on the list, @mitsubear goes the extra mile to include Misako's iconic burning red eyes in her dedicated cosplay. The medium close-up of the red color contacts still allows a viewer to see the cosplayer's big beautiful eyes.
Beyond the red eyes, Misako's trusty red X-shaped hairpin is intact, as is her ribboned white blouse and red tie. According to the blurb attached to the image, @mitsubear has more "video game cosplans" in the works.
@hanguuf (via @climacam)
In an adorable profile pose indicative of Misako's playful energy, @hanguuf absolutely nails the look of the character for a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Notice the extra close attention to detail from head to toe.
In addition to the blouse, skirt, socks, and tie, this cosplayer also includes a pair of pink shoes and an official pink knuckle claw. Although more difficult to see due to the distance of the image, she also sports Misako's cross-shaped hairpin.
@Valbun
While @Valbun substitutes black jean shorts for Misako's black miniskirt, there's something cool about the way in which she also pays homage to Kikyo by including her friend's famous weapon of choice, a baseball bat with a dainty pink heart stamped on the barrel.
In addition to the sensuous pose that she strikes in the picture, the inclusion of the neon pink high-top shoes to go with the otherwise complete Misako ensemble really makes the cosplay authentic and believable. Bonus points are awarded for Valbun's cool tattoos.
@mncthecosplayer
Given her IG handle, the self-proclaimed cosplayer isn't messing around. In her heartfelt homage to Misako, @mncthecosplayer has posted multiple images of herself posing as the stylish River City Girl.
Unlike the few cosplays shown so far, this photo includes Misako's green eye-shadow and fashionable white cutoff driving gloves. With hair styled to near-perfection. Leaving no stone unturned, the white blouse, red tie, and red cross-pin are all intact. The rolled-up blouse sleeves are an extra nice touch.
@wolfyk1ngston
Posing in a spring-loaded crouching position ready for attack just like the character from the fighting game, this is one of the more cooler Misako cosplays on the internet. In addition to the accurate ensemble replete with pink high-tops, it's the badass fighting posture that differs from most.
Despite a broken zipper wolfy mentions in her post, the only thing missing from the cosplay is Misako's red hair pin and knuckle claw. However, the inclusion of bracelets on her right wrist is an added bonus.
@lyrabirdcosplay
Lyrabirdcosplay has a very imressive collection of Misako recreations, many of which include her friend posing beside her as Kikyo. However, this standalone shot of Misako flexing her right bicep on a staircase is nothing short of awesome.
Beyond the badass pose and cool environment, the accuracy of the costume itself is second to none. The cuts and colors of clothing are absolutely ideal, save for the pair of black loafers standing in for Misako's pink sneakers.
@GaboVillain
The most adorable Misako cosplay goes to GaboVillain, largely due to the unique heart-shaped irises molded into her blazing red eyeballs. Gabo's cosplay so cute and polished that it almost appears like a doll.
Aside from her hypnotic eyes, Gabo strikes a credible pose with Misako's pink knuckle claw on full display, ready for battle. Her eyes perfectly reflect her crimson lipstick, long red tie, and pronounced red hair tie. With pink earbuds to match her bakpack and knuckles, this is easily one of the best Misako cosplays out there.
@keyna899
Professional model keyna899 takes the top prize when it comes to Misako cosplays. In a studio-quality photo shoot, she recreated the look of the iconic River City Girls heroine like no other.
In addition to all of the aforementioned weapons and wardrobe accoutrements, keyna goes one step beyond by inclusding Misako's cute furry keychain attached to her backpack. While keyna has at least eight Misako cosplay photos, many of which include her friend posing as Kikyo, none top this solo shot.