Every now and again, the world of cosplay creates moments so captivating that even diehard fans stop in their tracks. That’s precisely what happened at Katsucon 2025, when a Final Fantasy devotee recreated the imposing Judge Gabranth from Final Fantasy 12, earning them a wave of attention and admiration.
Crafted meticulously with 3D-printed components and fiberglass, this impressive cosplay didn’t just capture the character’s look—it became a viral sensation, netting over 2,000 upvotes on Reddit. Fans were quick to praise the authenticity, some even noting it looked as though it had been lifted directly from the game itself.
For those unfamiliar with Judge Gabranth, he was one of the significant antagonists in Final Fantasy 12, a game that originally saw the light of day in 2006 as a PlayStation 2 exclusive. The game not only became celebrated for its engaging narrative and intricate bosses but also for innovative features, such as its gambit system. Due to its success, Square Enix later released remastered versions across multiple platforms, including the PC, PS4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch, under the banner of The Zodiac Age in 2017.
In a post on Reddit, user JoeShoe1121 showcased their impressive Judge Gabranth costume at Katsucon. The post was a hit, depicting the cosplayer in Judge Gabranth’s lustrous armor with his distinctive horned helmet and dual swords. The pictures displayed them posing against a picturesque setting, with another cosplayer joining in as a Final Fantasy Dark Knight, wielding the formidable Asphodelos Claymore. When asked about their attire, JoeShoe1121 explained that the armor was made from 3D-printed parts and fiberglass, making it surprisingly light at around 12 pounds.
The effort didn’t go unnoticed, with enthusiastic feedback pouring in from the Reddit community, bringing the post to over 2,000 upvotes on the Final Fantasy subreddit. Fans were quick to compliment the detail and craftsmanship, with one user confessing, “The first picture I genuinely thought I was looking at a screenshot of a game!” Another called out, “Amazing work!” The talented display also brought attention to the Dark Knight cosplayer, adding to the growing list of impressive Final Fantasy fan creations shared online.
Meanwhile, 2025 has already been an exciting year for Final Fantasy fans, kicking off with the PC release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in January. This addition marks the second recent game from the franchise to hit PCs after originally launching as PS5 exclusives. With both Final Fantasy 7 remake games now accessible on both PC and PlayStation, fans anticipate the final chapter, though no release date has been announced yet.
Overall, the dedication and passion of the Final Fantasy community never cease to amaze, as they breathe life into the characters that define this beloved franchise—one spectacular cosplay at a time.
