One of the only adult characters in the Rainbow Brite program was the “Dark Princess“. She was the main villain in “Rainbow Brite and Star Stealer” and the episode “Queen of the Sprites“. A clever cosplayer, Darcy took on the role of the Princess at two cosplay events. She has since made and played 144 other different characters from various Animes, games, and other programs including but not limited to Starfire from Teen Titans, Daisy Sunshine from Mario Party 4, and Lady Gaga.
Name: Darcy (AKA PockyPrincessDarcy)
Age: 27 (as of 2009)
Costume: The Evil Princess (aka The Dark Princess)
Website: Cosplay Profile
Click here to read their 2009 interview
Interview with Darcy, Dark Princess Cosplayer
1: Tell us about yourself?
Darcy: I’m a huge animation fan regardless of it being Japanese or American in the 1980’s. I go to nine or so conventions a year for this. It’s my escapism and it gives me something to work towards each month. When I am not doing that I’m either listening to music on my big headphones because I can’t live without music, surfing the web for cosplay photos or cosplay news, or watching some of my favorite reality shows. I pretty much stay home a lot, but when I get to go out with friends it’s exciting and I make sure we go to places like karaoke parlors, restaurants, and anywhere I can go shopping! My other loves include Jem, Lady Gaga, Hello Kitty, and I really love animals – especially puppies.
2: Where are you from?
Darcy: New Hampshire, USA, but I have lived in Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan.
3: Did you study Costumes?
Darcy: Nope. I am a self-made artist, but also went to school for cosmetology and fine art.
4: Did you grow up watching Rainbow Brite, the TV show, or were you impressed by the movie?
Darcy: I grew up watching both the movie and the television series. I wore out my VHS tapes as a kid from watching them so much! When I was a teenager, I re-watched the movie and fell in love with it all over again.
5: Favorite Episode or quote you would like to share?
Darcy: “That belt is fabulous! Come on.. come on… give it to me!”
“Don’t yell… you’ll frighten him! There, there it’s alright” (while patting the pet jewel).
6: You created the costume for one of Rainbow Brite’s all time villains, the Evil Princess. What drew you to this?
Darcy: Even when I was a kid, I really liked her, I tend to like villains. When I cosplay I choose these types of characters because I get to be someone else for a day. I’m actually a real kind-hearted person so being able to let loose and act like a brat is super fun and getting away with it because I’m in character!
7: Is it handmade? Or did you use store bought items, boots, etc?
Darcy: It’s a combination of both.
8: In one of your older photos, you used your own hair , but later used a wig. Which was most comfortable?
Darcy: My own hair is more comfortable, but the best look is by far with the wig. The wig just makes the costume look so much better and accurate!
9: The Evil Princess has a lot of accessories, her Pet Jewel and Crown? What materials did you use to make those?
Darcy: The jewel *laughing* is actually two ashtrays painted with translucent glass paint and glued together.
10: Where did you wear this costume?
Darcy: I originally made it for a “Toons of the 80’s” convention back in 2002. From there I also wore it at Ohayocon 2003 and revised much of it for Colossalcon 2005.
11: Were you recognized?
Darcy: Not right away, but then after explaining it, people seemed to get it.
12: What is your favorite part of the costume?
Darcy: I don’t have a favorite part specifically, but if anything the colors are my favorite combination: Red, black, and teal!
13: What was the most difficult?
Darcy: The crown definitely was. This took a couple of tries. The first rendition I made out of hard clear plastic. The second time around, I used craft foam. That was a lot more comfortable around my face. Flexible too! I covered it with gold contact paper.
14: How much would you say the costume cost in all?
Darcy: $100 or so.
15: Is it comfortable to wear?
Darcy: No. The vinyl suit is warm to wear.
16: Is it difficult to clean?
Darcy: No, pretty much all of it except maybe the oval collar, shoes, and crown can be thrown in the washing machine without a problem.
Thank you for taking the time to interview with us. Hopefully you will take on the new “Dark Princess” for a whole new generation. We look forward to interviewing you again.
Content © RainbowBrite.Co/Co.Uk /.Us 2009
Darcy’s Images used with permission