Misty (Pokemon)

For Irvin's third time marching in the Mermaid Parade, he went for an entirely new fandom altogether:  Misty from Pokemon.  True, Misty is no longer in Pokemon as of ten years ago, but is an original and therefore always appropriate to cosplay.

Irvin dug through his Pokemon cards so he could have his Pokemon on him with cards like "Misty's Staryu," "Misty's Starmie," "Misty's Horsea," and "Misty's Goldeen."  He also took his stash of Water Energy cards, and proceeded to throw them into the crowd throughout the parade, to great enthusiasm from the crowd.

In a twist of fate, Irvin ran into an Ash Ketchum almost immediately.  Then, as he was marching, there was a Goldeen and a Mudkip in the crowd.  Clearly the memory of Pokemon is still alive and well fifteen years later... as evident when the marchers around Irvin burst into an impromptu rendition of the Pokemon theme song.

Three years later, when Pokemon had a resurgence upon the release of Pokemon Go, Irvin dusted off this costume (and refurbished it, given that Mermaid Parades generally take a toll on costumes).  Irvin's friends Deanna and Sara were throwing a Pokemon-themed birthday party for their cat Roger, so naturally Irvin dressed up for the occasion. It worked out especially well when there were Poke Ball cupcakes that Irvin got to throw at people (in character, of course).

Misty has proven a trusty go-to costume for parties, since in 2025, Irvin wore it when he was invited to a "Saturday Morning Cartoons" party.  (He wasn't familiar with the social circle in question, so didn't know whether his more obscure and over-the-top costumes would be apropos for the occasion).  Misty received enthusiastic applause upon her entrance, and Irvin was introduced by the friend who'd invited him as "my costume hero."