JapanaTen: Ten characters we'd take on a trick-or-treat

1:05 PM on 10.31.2011   |   Josh Tolentino

Ah, All-Hallows-Even. The one time of the year that cosplay is expected as a societal norm! And not only is such a day of days (night of nights, really) great for being able to dress weird, it's also a great time to prowl neighborhoods in search of more sweets than is healthy, in the time-honored custom known today as trick-or-treating!

However, it's no fun going trick-or-treating alone. In fact, it's not entirely wise, given the myriad dangers that await during a time where everyone is wearing a disguise of some sort. Besides, going trick-or-treating alone can make one look like a real creeper.

To that end, I've poked around in the darker crevices of Japanator's home hive, where reality and fiction meet, and asked our editors just who they'd like to take out on their trick-or-treating adventures, or perhaps just to hang out with to make for a fun Halloween. They responded quite readily once I started doling out the sweets, and I was able to jot down fragments of what they said through all the snarling and noise of delicious candy being consumed.

Check out our notes below, gawp at some pretty pictures in the gallery, and then tell us who you'll be going door-to-door with in the comments!

Kristina Pino picked:

Balthier Bunansa (Final Fantasy XII) and...

Lockon Stratos (Gundam 00)

When asked why, she said:

"My Halloween escorts need to be fun-loving men who aren't a stick-in-the-mud, and it helps when they're charming like Balthier. Oh, and they're both gorgeous. What other reasons do I need to give? They're total badasses that'll wreck any faces that get in my way, maybe take me for a cool night ride on their Air Bike or Gundam when we're done partying and trick-or-treat'ing. Doesn't that sound like the best kind of night? Balthier has always been one of my favorite men in games; and I'm currently on a Gundam 00 kick, so Lockon was an obvious choice (none of that whiny stuff from Tieria or Setsuna). I think it would be the most fun Halloween ever."

Hiroko Yamamura went giddy over:

Dark Schneider (Bastard!!)

"Ladies love going around town with bad boys, and no one is worse than Dark Schneider. He's ruthless, powerful, and heavy metal as all heck. Yes, my date tonight is the most powerful wizard to have ever existed! Take that Harry Potter fans!"

Vincent Valentine (Final Fantasy VII)

"Vincent is sexy, especially when he's in his berserk mode. He also has the ability to change into all sorts of horrible baddies on the fly. We could hop around to various Halloween parties, and he could change his look every time. Bonus is when I'm too drunk to walk home afterwards, he can whisk me around in his red cape."

Elliot Gay summoned:

Rider (Fate/Zero)

"If I'm going be going trick or treating, I want to have a great time. Let's be real here for a second people. Who better to take on a quest for candy through the monster-ridden neighborhoods than the most manly man who has ever graced animation? Clearly I'm talking about the ultimate bro, Rider, from Fate/Zero. Just think about it; the man would sooner ride his horses into a house in the name of candy than walk away with nothing. He would protect me from terrifying woodland creatures (like chipmunks!) and likely even kill a few innocent trick or treaters in the process, confusing them for actual otherworldly beasts.

Yeah, I might be arrested and sentenced to life in prison at the end of the night. But really, it's worth it if Rider and I get to spend some amazing bro time together. If you can't grasp that, then clearly our bro-lationship is beyond feeble mortal understanding."

Marcus Speer chaperoned: 

Scanty and Kneesocks (Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt)

Enter the demon sisters Scanty and Kneesocks . With devilish red skin, long, lavished horns and an incestuous bond that runs deeper than any mortal can possibly comprehend, these two were an obvious choice to help me bring horror and terror all around the city. Plus, with their looks, it really helps cut back on costs. Not to mention that it's all for show anyway, since they're virtually harmless to anyone but foiling themselves. To be honest, I may be the one who'd actually have to accompanying them..."

Chris Walden outlined his plan to hire:

Kyubey (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Golgo 13 (Golgo 13)

"...and this is where my old pal Duke Togo comes in. By splitting my unlimited amount of candy in half with Golgo, he will fight off any and all witches that decide to attack me. He can also take a few pot shots at Kyubey, which would make for a fun pastime. Fighting witches will keep him fit too, so all I have to worry about is him getting diabetes, and for that eventuality, I have Kenshiro's phone number."

Jeff Chuang brought in:

Flandre Scarlet

Josh Tolentino called up:

Aegis (Persona 3) and....

Chie Satonaka (Persona 4)

When given a dirty, disappointed look, he awkwardly attempted to explain:

"Look, I understand the incredible risk I am taking by bringing both my 2-D wife and 2-D mistress out on the same date! But I've a foolproof plan! As you can see above,  my girl Chie will be dressed as her persona, Suzuka Gongen . That way Aegis won't be able to recognize her. And vice-versa, Aegis will be going naked. That's great because technically, Aegis is wearing a costume whenever she wears clothes. Shedding the outerwear reveals her mechanical actuators, motorized servos, gun-arms, and the fact that she has no feet. She'd instantly win the Best Costume prize at any party we go to!

Seriously, I've got it covered! I can't think of any possible way that this could go wrong!

And in case you're wondering, I'll be going dressed as my persona, Mara."