Ryuko Matoi Cosplay — Neon Classroom Set, Photo 1

Seated cross-legged and almost square to the camera, Ryuko Matoi holds the Scissor Blade up in one gloved hand, the other resting on her knee. The oval handle sits fully visible above her fist, and the red blade runs down behind her shoulder. With the lens level with her chest, the seated figure fits whole in the frame, gray high-tops included.

Warm amber light gives the room behind her an intimate orange cast: the board of formulas and diagrams, books stacked on the desks, two framed portraits and a microscope. The navy uniform stays dark against it, and the red at her collar and on the glove matches the prop.

She looks slightly down into the lens, calm and sure. In the series the Scissor Blade is one half of a giant pair of scissors, and Ryuko carries it while hunting for the owner of the other half.