Wednesday 24 March 2010

Cosplay

After the tutorial Victoria and I attended, I felt it necessary to include a blog about cosplay and what it actually is.

In an article by Theresa Winge she describes cosplayers as

"an anime or manga
cosplayer can be almost
anyone who expresses
his or her fandom and
passion for a character
by dressing and acting
similarly to that
character"

Cosplay is basically the combination of two words 'costume' and 'play', and this bares alot of significance to what cosplay actually entails. Cosplay is closely linked with conventions, where fans gather to show their passion for their favorite anime/manga/videogame.

Cosplay is essentially dressing up as your favorite character from you chosen medium. This ranges form main characters in Japanese T.V shows to comic book heroes such as Hellboy. Cosplay is a very social outlet for fandom, and allows cosplayers to gather in unique social situations to relax and have fun.

Throughout the year conventions are held across the world in many different countries. A few U.K conventions held here in England include;

Amecon
Kitacon
London MCM expo
Auchinawa

Throughout the entire duration of each convention, many events are held targeted at the cosplayer. Firstly 'masquerades' are held at each convention. These masquerades are basically catwalks where cosplayers can show off the outfits they put so much time and love into. During a masquerade fans can also choose to put on an act, relative to their costumed character of not, that aims at showcasing both the cosplayers talents and outfits.
Other regular events at a cosplay meet include such things as arranged photo shoots, karaoke, themed parties, discos and balls. Some conventions hold an '
Omake' which is more like a variety show for cosplayers, allowing them to perform whatever they like ( within reason!)

Cosplay is essentially a fun environment in which fans can gather without prejudice and become their favorite character for a day of to. Many cosplayers put alot of time and money into making their outfits. Cosplay Island is a website dedicated to allowing its members to show off their costumes in an online portfolio. Here guests to this website can browse through hundreds of members profiles, checking out both their in progress costumes, as well as those the member has already made.

In contrast to home made outfits some people find they either lack the funds, time, or skill to create their own masterpiece. In this case websites such as Cosplay Magic allow users to purchase fully tailored premade costumes. Cosplay Magic has a wide array of costumes from popular animes down to videogames and comics.

Cosplaying is defiantly a fun outlet for fans to display their passions, and is going from strength strength, with more and more places being made available at conventions each year to help accommodate for the growing demand. However in year before cosplaying was little known at all. There has been much debate in where abouts cosplaying actually began. Some argue that it stemmed from the 'role playing' conventions related to the star wars and star trek series's back int he 1970's, while others argue it began in Japan and the far East.

After reading through Theresa Winge's article on Cosplay I found an interesting section comparing Japanese and North American cosplaying. She states that in North America, cosplayers are allowed to leave the venue of the convention dressed in their full outfits, as well as being allowed to eat at restaurants dressed as a character. In comparison to this Japanese cosplayers are not allowed to leave the grounds of the convention dressed in anything but normal everyday clothing. She also makes several other interesting comparisons in regards to the differences of cosplay culture. Once such comparison is that in Japan whole districts and markets exist specifically to target cosplayers, selling such goods as outfits, weapons and accessories. In North America (and indeed Europe) This market is quite a narrow one, and those who wish to buy such good and memorabilia must do so from overseas or on the Internet.

Winge states that these cosplay differences stem from the culture in both America and Japan. In Japan there are still certain discrimination acts still in place that leave cosplayers with a negative reputation, due to them having the need to be individual and unique. However in American this is more relaxed.


Below are a few youtube videos I've found in relation to several conventions for cosplayers held over the last few years.









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