Six episodes. It only took six episodes for FLCL to become an evergreen phenomenon with the anime community. The surreal coming-of-age story of a boy and his out-of-this-world maid continues to strike a chord with anime fans 19 years after its release. The enduring longevity of FLCL is why two sequel series, FLCL Progressive and FLCL Alternative, were produced in 2018.
Will there be more FLCL in the future? Who's to say? But wherever the series goes, fans will continue to follow. It's that same dedicated passion that has led FLCL cosplayers to create amazing costumes based on their favorite characters. Just take a look at these brilliant FLCL cosplayers below. And if you loved what you saw, make sure to give these cosplay creators your support.
10 Bunny Suit Haruko
As the show's chaotic leade heroine, Haruko Haruhara is always sporting a dazzling new outfit in FLCL. Amongst her memorable threads, Haruko's bunny suit -- which serves as a shoutout to the 1983 anime film Daicon IV -- is a cosplay favorite in the anime community. Cosplayer Luca (@lucaplex) does the bunny costume justice with her stunning rendition of Haruko. Photography was done by Paul Hillier (@KameraNinja), while the guitar prop was made by Lionel Lum (@lumlionel).
9 Naota "Takkun" Nandaba
Even though Haruko is often seen as the face of FLCL, the original anime would be nothing without its down-to-earth protagonist, Naota "Takkun" Nandaba. While Takkun often plays the straight man to the otherworldly chaos that surrounds him, it's his anger and insecurities towards adulthood that make FLCL resonate so well with viewers. It's easy to put yourself in Takkun's shoes throughout the show; figuratively and literally. Cosplayer 281_terry (@281_terry) did a great job dressing up as Takkun in his everyday attire.
8 Rock Star Canti
There's a lot of crazy characters in FLCL, but one that easily stands out is Canti, the medical space robot with the TV set for a head. Not only does Canti have a one-of-a-kind design -- made all the more cooler when fused with Takkun -- but his silent antics are always charming to watch. One may think a Canti cosplay would be impossible to pull off, but Spencer (@amateur3verything) pulls it off effortless in this FLCL cosplay for Anime NYC 2019. Carbon Costume (@carboncostume) photographed Spencer rocking out as Canti at the anime con.
7 Mamimi Samejima
As with many of the characters in FLCL, Mamimi Samejima is a lot more complex than she seems. Her bubbly introduction may paint her as a childish character, but as the series goes along, you see the cracks in her facade that suggest a broken and directionless character. Cosplayer vCottontail (@cami.olli) does a fantastic job of portraying Mamimi during her moments of innocence, such as taking care of a fragile black cat named Ta-Kun. The adorable cat plushie was made by Beatriz Gomes (@skadi_nysno).
6 Full Swing Haruko
"Full Swing," the fourth episode of FLCL, is a hilariously surreal take on the classic anime baseball episode that has Haruko and Naota batting away at a giant destructive baseball from outer space. It also has some unbelievable imagery that ranges from the absurd to the extremely creepy. But most importantly, it has Haruko in a cute baseball uniform. Maris Sarah (@therealzelda) did a ridiculously good job cosplaying as baseball player Haruko; as did Daniel Wright (@sojians) in photographing her cosplay.
5 Commander Amarao
Commander Amarao is the perfect foil for Naota in FLCL: An incompetent government agent that desperately hides his immaturity through a false facade of masculinity. He's essentially a bad ending of Naota. And who could ever forget those bushy eyebrows? Cosplayer Reetam (@superheroblues) dons the bushy eyebrows nicely as Amarao, while being accompanied by Rita Cross (@ayyylienlmaufo) as Haruko. Photography was done by Kyoko Chiba (@missheartlessgirl).
4 Lord Canti
When Naota and Canti fuse together, Canti's robotic body is injected with the magnificent power of the "Pirate King" Atomsk. The red battle form of Canti -- or Lord Canti, as Mamimi likes to call him -- is always a marvelous sight to behold in the FLCL anime. The tech nerds of Cosplay Canti (@cosplaycanti) did an incredible job of recreating Lord Canti in real life. The sharp business suit look of Lord Canti is complemented by the working TV head that plays various anime programs.
3 Never Knows Best
As previously mentioned, Mamimi is carrying a lot of emotional baggage throughout FLCL. While her cute demeanor and playful (and sometimes sexual) affection for Naota may portray her as a dream come true, her self-destructive actions and obsessive nature towards her ex-boyfriend -- who just so happens to be Naota's older brother -- doomed any meaningful relationship Mamimi could have had with Naota. Cosplayer Hal (@sometimeshalcosplays) is seen here recreating a significant scene from FLCL, where Mamimi is smoking a cigarette with the words "Never knows best" written all over it. It's a terrific cosplay that shows the hidden pain of Mamimi.
2 Vespa Haruko
As exciting as it is to see Haruko go through so many different outfits in FLCL, nothing beats her traditional getup. The red coat; black pants; white boots and scarf, and a pair of goggles... It's the perfect punk rock look for an intergalactic Vespa rider like Haruko. Lisa Fong (@kawaiistitchwitch) is adorable as Haruko in her iconic anime outfit; sporting a cheeky smile as she poses with a Rickenbacker Bass. Josh Cruz (@photaku_network) photographed Lisa in her Haruko cosplay.
1 Haruko And Naota
No matter how outlandish FLCL ever gets, the strange, yet, enduring relationship between Naota and Haruko always brings it back to Earth. While Haruko's actions towards Naota may seem manipulative and juvenile, she's also affectionate and encouraging towards him as well. Naota -- who originally wanted nothing to do with Haruko after their fateful accident -- confesses to her, after realizing how much she means to him and how much he's grown because of her. Missy (@little.miss_cosplay) and _.beep.beep.rxchie._ (@_.beep.beep.rxchie._) are wonderful as Haruko and Naota is a heartwarming cosplay photo by Very Professional Photographer (@veryprofessionalphotography).