Cosplay: What's all the fuss?

In this day and age, you’ve probably heard this crazy word on the lips of the people around you.
See, it’s this little word called cosplay.
I can imagine the look on your face right now. It might be just that little bit confused at this word, but you’ll be hearing it a lot more from now on. What’s that word again?

Cosplay.
One more time?

Cosplay!
Still confused? Let me help!

Cosplay is the abbreviation of the phrase costumed roleplay. This means to dress up as a character from Japanese lore, video games or television shows. However, it’s fast becoming a growing trend globally, especially in the Western world. Nowadays, it is not limited to donning the clothing of just Japanese figures, but to anything ranging from ‘geeky’ to pop culture; superheroes, jedi’s, medieval warriors… the list is endless!

Cosplay is a large incorporation for different conventions, such as Comic Con (San Diego, or otherwise) in America, Ozine Fest in the Philippines to MCM in London, United Kingdom. These events focus a large part of the con dedicated to dressing up as your favourite character, parading around in them and taking on the persona of them. Many of them have large contests based on it!

Regardless of gender or age, anyone can join in on the fun. There’s no limit to what you can do, and by no means are you limited to gender stereotypes; meaning that any male can dress as a female, and vice versa.

For beginners, it can be a very frustrating and lengthy process, which can lead to fast becoming disheartening. Don’t fret, my friend! This blog, like so many others, is here to help. I’ll be posting interviews with many different people who are just like you, posting tutorials on how to make different bits and pieces, and links to helpful videos, forums and websites to help you in your cosplay endeavours.

After all, the cosplay community is for cosplayers, by cosplayers.