
By now we’re all well aware that guys can make cute girls, but can a girl make a badass guy?
The answer is, of course, yes! And we’ve got the pics to prove it.
We first became aware of this American cosplayer when we saw these stunning images of Lightning. Final Fantasy XIII’s pink-haired protagonist. You may also remember lightning from her new job as Louis Vuitton’s latest spokesmodel, but perhaps the fashion label could have put all the money that went into its ad’s computer graphics into hiring this cosplayer, who’s basically Lightning come to life, instead.
▼ No handbags here – this is Lightning in Dark Knight garb.
The talented cosplayer in question is Alyson Tabbitha, who not only creates stunningly detailed costumes, but also changes her face with incredible makeup skills. Lightning is just one of the most recent in a long line of high-quality creations she’s shown off via her Facebook and Instagram pages.
▼ Makeup is an integral part of cosplay, especially when closeups are involved.
https://www.instagram.com/p/_roHhnkIw4/?taken-by=alysontabbitha
While it’s common to see cosplays of cute girls that turn out to be guys, it’s rarer to see the roles reversed, but there are definitely women out there doing it. Alyson is not afraid to cosplay a character regardless of gender, and in her photos she transforms completely into each persona, whether male or female, capturing their poses and expressions perfectly.
▼ If you thought her Lightning was good, check out her Vincent!
▼ Why is the rum always gone?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCYoWpYkI_p/?taken-by=alysontabbitha
▼ Before and after.
Alyson’s creations are a wonderful addition to the cosplay community, and can serve as an inspiration to anyone, regardless of gender.
Source: Alyson Tabbitha Official Facebook, h/t Kotaku.jp
Images: Alyson Tabbitha on Instagram

Cosplayer reveals secrets behind her awesome transformation into Lightning from Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy’s last heroine is Louis Vuitton’s next model 【Photos】
Beautiful Korean cosplayer charms fans with outfits from Cardcaptor Sakura, Love Live!, and more
Muscly cosplayer loses fans after posting photos of his Sailor Neptune crossplay
This Michigan Starbucks barista looks just like a Final Fantasy character
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
Number of foreigners living in Japan has grown 50 percent in four years, hits historic high
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Pikachu and Eevee become handmade Lladró porcelain sculptures to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Plus-size Thai model returns with even more genius low-cost food-themed cosplay
Final Fantasy XV Gladiolus cosplay is as gorgeous as the game itself 【Photos】
“Hijab Cosplayer” wows the world with her take on Japanese anime characters【Photos】
Japanese internet has brief but passionate love affair with hot Chinese cosplayer Huang Jingxiang
Final Fantasy XIII screenshot or cosplay? We’re still not sure! 【Photos】
Fans use Nike customisation service to create awesome Pokémon Sneakers
Cosplaying cat duo charm the world with their outfits and their adorable facial expressions
Four-month-old is a rising star in the cosplay world and she doesn’t even know it【Photos】
Street Fighter cosplayer fights coronavirus as real-life physician in China 【Pics & Videos】
Gorgeous cosplayer shifts between Disney, shonen anime and indie game guises【Photos】
Final Fantasy characters become giant plushies, take over Tokyo’s Shibuya Station 【Photos】