This was one of those ideas that naturally fit within the universe while still giving me room to be creative. Instead of doing a traditional version of Goku, I leaned into the concept of the Potara earrings, also known as the Kai earrings, which allow two people to fuse into one being. Using that concept, I created a fusion-inspired version of Goku. It gave me a way to interpret the character in my own style while still staying true to the source material.
The Concept
This cosplay focused on:
- Fusion as a design idea
- A casual and wearable version of Goku
- Recognizable elements presented in a creative way
It also made sense within the story itself, since fusion allows for variation in appearance and identity.
Potara Earrings (DIY Build)
The earrings were one of the most important details. I started with hoop earrings from Target. They were silver with a gold plating, which worked well as a base. From there, I used green glass beads from Michael’s that had a slightly tiger-eye appearance. Since I already had some jewelry-making supplies, this part came together pretty naturally.
Boot Modifications
For the boots, I used an affordable base pair and modified them. I adjusted the seams slightly to improve the shape. After that, I painted them multiple times using leather paint. This took several layers and required patience, since each layer needed to dry before the next one was applied. Once the color was fully built up, I added ribbon detailing. I sealed the ends of the ribbon to prevent fraying over time. The rope around the boots was sourced from a fabric store. To finish it, I sealed the ends using heat so that it would not unravel. Whenever using heat for this kind of process, it is important to be careful and have proper safety precautions in place.
Nimbus Cloud Build
The Nimbus cloud was the most ambitious part of this cosplay. It was constructed using fabric and filled with polyfill. To create the cloud-like shape, I used wax linen to form rounded sections and give it that soft, bubbled appearance. This part took the most time and effort.
Material Challenges
The fabric I chose had a crushed texture. While it looked great visually, it was extremely difficult to work with. Fibers shed constantly and spread everywhere during the process. Even when trying to be careful, it still created a mess. At one point, some of the fibers even ended up on my cat while she was sitting nearby. This was definitely a learning experience.
Helpful Tip Learned
During the convention, I had the chance to speak with Bill Diamond’s team. They suggested using a box fan facing outward with a filter or screen to catch loose fibers. This is something I would absolutely use in the future when working with similar materials.
Weight Issue
The biggest issue with the Nimbus cloud was the weight. Because it was packed tightly with polyfill, it became much heavier than expected. At one point, it was even heavier than someone else’s large prop. If I remake this, I would focus on making it lighter and easier to carry.
Attachment Fix
My first attempt at attaching the strap failed because it was too thin. I replaced it with a thicker strap, which worked much better and held up throughout the convention.
Outfit Base
For the main outfit, I wanted something comfortable. I used a sports bra and fitted top and bottoms from Target. I added Goku’s symbols to them. This made the outfit easy to wear while still clearly referencing the character.
Convention Experience
This cosplay ended up being a great conversation starter. At first, some people thought the Nimbus cloud was part of my hair. Once I explained what it was, people immediately recognized it and got excited.
Standout Moment
One of the most memorable parts of this experience was meeting Mark Britten, who is a voice actor for the Dragon Ball series. We had a fun interaction where he performed Korin the cat’s voice, and I joked back about the “magical water.” It was a really great moment and showed how much shared enthusiasm there is within the community.
Final Thoughts
This cosplay was creative, experimental, and full of learning moments. Even though it was not designed for competition, it achieved what I wanted. It connected with people, sparked conversations, and brought a unique version of the character to life.
Future Improvements
If I revisit this build, I would:
- Redesign the Nimbus cloud to be lighter
- Improve how the weight is distributed
- Refine some of the construction details
Current Condition
The earrings, boots, and outfit pieces are still usable. The Nimbus cloud still exists, but it is heavy and would need improvement if used again.
