Cosplay... Really?

[hudsonphillips]

I'd like to stay away from any negative stuff... cause I know that's not what iF is about. But where does this come from? What's the thrill? What's it about?

I'd love to hear from some people who do actually dress up at cons... (I'm not even sure Cosplay is the right word here...?)

One thing I really respect (and I hear a lot of people agree) is that comic book fans are free to be who they are... more so than any subculture I think (except maybe nudists). If you wanna dress up like a comic book character, you do it and you have a blast, and you have no regrets. If you wanna spend a few hundred dollars on action figures to show off from your cubical, you do it, and don't let anyone give you any slack. I love that. I think it's awesome.

On the other side, however... I see the side of comics that wants to grow beyond "the comic book guy" and from the outside, it seems like this trend kinda keeps some people away as it comes off a little odd to those uninitiated.

Thoughts?

[paper]

I smile when I see people in cosplay, totally enjoying the experience. Taking pictures, dancing around. Especially if they put a lot of work into it.

If it's a big cartoon creature, I will want to get a picture with them.

But If I see somebody with a wheely cart with a stack of autograph fodder, or if I see a booth dedicated to speculation...that's when I cringe.

There's something for everybody at a convention. I get the concern about the bastardization of the industry, but I like that there's a place for people to express themselves like that. It's a craft. Maybe it's my theatrical background, but I have to respect that.

[valoharth]

I've actually been toying with the idea of doing this at a convention. The people who do it seem to have fun and well I want to see if it really is fun. Also I've been to school for acting so there is the whole me being an attention whore thing contributing to my wanting to do this too.

If I manage to go to PAX this year I was thinking of going as Warrio, or I may try and get a Ghostbusters uniform tailored or something along those lines. It will be just like the lost Halloweens of my youth!

[labor_days]

I am in favor of attractive women dressing up as cartoon characters in ill fitting costumes. Yes.


http://i27.tinypic.com/1z5uic2.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2nq7jet.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/2wf4sp2.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/15nw19c.jpg


Also, it's just people having fun. Who gives a shit...really?

[paper]

There was a great Gwen Stacy at NYCC. And a diverse range of Slave Leias.

Other standouts...oh, the Super Lois from All-Star Superman. Really well done. Mr. Freeze with ice crystal make-up, goggles, and a plastic bubble over his head. Ron Perlman-esque Hellboy.

Also a traumatizing storm trooper with a Burger King "The King" mask.

[xyzzy]

It's not my thing, but who am I to judge?

I don't see how it's keeping people away from comics. It's pretty easy to read comics without ever encountering cosplay. That's more of a con thing (go to any entertainment con and you'll see people dressed up) than a comics thing.

[labor_days]

There was a great Gwen Stacy at NYCC...

Other standouts...oh, the Super Lois from All-Star Superman...

AS-Superman Lois would be awesome. Love Quitely's design of her in that issue.

Also, my fave Gwen-

http://i30.tinypic.com/2lidhn7.jpg

[paper]

Any chance that was the one we saw in NY? Looks like her.

[horatio616]

Any chance that was the one we saw in NY? Looks like her.

Is that Aktrez? I've seen her on AoTS and Geekscape. Also does some con interviews.

That Black Cat/Phoenix is pretty popular too. I just can't remember her name right now. She was on ew.com last year.

[horatio616]

Yeah, that's Becky "Aktrez" Young.

http://www.myspace.com/aktrez

[horatio616]

http://i26.tinypic.com/2nq7jet.jpg


http://i30.tinypic.com/15nw19c.jpg



This is Ruby Rocket.

[xyzzy]

I have to say, I'm reminded of this (http://www.theonion.com/content/node/30564) Onion article.

[jaflanagan]

Any chance that was the one we saw in NY? Looks like her.

That does look just like her. I'm a little disappointed that she's a "professional," but either way, more power to her.

[ryan79]

I guess I was a little confused on this issue...when I hear the word "cosplay", I automatically think of people dressing as anime characters. For some reason, I didn't think this applied to people who dressed as comic book characters or Stormtroopers.

When I went to my first con, I was stunned at the number of people that dressed up, and I was impressed at how good most of the costumes were. I enjoyed seeing people dressing as C and D level characters, like Tatterdemalion or Crossbones. I have no problem with it and think it adds to the atmosphere of a con.

[zombox]

I'm not a participant in cosplay. But my understanding is that its like dressing up for Halloween when you're a kid. Except you get to be your favorite hero kind of person.

I really don't see it as that much diffrent than historical reinactors or SCA people or even people who roleplay things like D&D battles or LARP. Its a harmless pursuit that entertains some people, even if they aren't me.

[labor_days]

A professional Cosplay actress. Love it.

I want this to be my job...

http://i27.tinypic.com/2nu4mjl.jpg

[luthor]

There is nothing better then a smiley Galactus.


and Ruby Rocket...oh Ruby Rocket.

[tad]

I started reading Marvel comics when Spider-man was in single digits and got my whole neighborhood hooked. We all took on superhero names because we were so excited about collecting.

I think cosplay is the same thing. It's sharing your enthusiasm. Yes there are overweight men and women in skintight outfits but you seem similar fashion faux pas on the street everyday. Maybe even in the mirror. I say more power to them.

BTW, go to a large anime expo to really see huge numbers of cosplayers. There were even some transforming robots!


But THESE (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=170493095) are the guys you might need to worry about. Check out the "friends" links. If their stories are true they might have stepped over the line.
Unless their lives are being written by Mark Millar.

[darth-kramer]

For the most part, I don't have a problem with Cosplay and I think it's cool. The only problem I have with it is this guy who's always at Wizard Chicago and dresses up as Pikachu. He blocks an entire aisle with is costume, and man does it stink!

[kahunablair]

But THESE (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=170493095) are the guys you might need to worry about. Check out the "friends" links. If their stories are true they might have stepped over the line.
Unless their lives are being written by Mark Millar.

I heard about this thing the other day on CrankCast. I can't believe these guys haven't been killed yet.

I was intrigued enough to read on, but I couldn't find the answer. Do they actually fight crime? Or is it just Cosplay?

[kwok_talk]

I heard about this thing the other day on CrankCast. I can't believe these guys haven't been killed yet.

I was intrigued enough to read on, but I couldn't find the answer. Do they actually fight crime? Or is it just Cosplay?

It sounds like the real version of Kick-Ass

[kahunablair]

Exactly. So if they're actually attempting to stop crime, how are they not dead?

[valoharth]

Exactly. So if they're actually attempting to stop crime, how are they not dead?

because they're.... (wait for it)... Kick-ass?

[kahunablair]

because they're.... (wait for it)... Kick-ass?

....
I want to take that joke, dress it in a wet suit, and beat it mercilessly. Then I want to throw it in front of an oncoming car!

[tad]

Here's an article (http://articles.citypages.com/2008-01-16/feature/superheroes-in-real-life/) that touches on some. Sometimes "crime" is just a need for food donations and childhood literacy.

[zombox]

Dead? How are they not in jail? Its kind illegal to act out vigilantism.

[xyzzy]

Dead? How are they not in jail? Its kind illegal to act out vigilantism.

Well, it depends on how you play it. If you merely act in the defense of others or yourself, that's generally not illegal.

[briguy]

Well, it depends on how you play it. If you merely act in the defense of others or yourself, that's generally not illegal.

Absolutely. Plus, although the legality can be murky, you can make a citizen's arrest if you are witnessing a felony. Vigilantism has more to do when you actually take justice into your own hands. So if you were to use force to subdue a person in the course of a citizen's arrest, you would have to prove you were not excessive in the use of force since that could be considered a desire to enact a sentence without legal authority.

[adeepercut2k]

I am in favor of attractive women dressing up as cartoon characters in ill fitting costumes. Yes.


http://i27.tinypic.com/1z5uic2.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2nq7jet.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/2wf4sp2.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/15nw19c.jpg


Also, it's just people having fun. Who gives a shit...really?

I completely understand cosplay.

[hometeam790]

That Galactus is great!

I thought about doing it at this year's Dragon-Con. I really wanted to go as Monarch (from DC's Countdown) but figured from the looks of it, would be way too much work involved.

I know people that do it at cons, its harmless, nice way to meet new people, talking about their costume and getting pictures and all that jazz, just a good ole time had by all.

[paper]

To everybody:

If you absolutely had to cosplay, who would you be?

[labor_days]

Dark Phoenix Jean Grey.

[xyzzy]

To everybody:

If you absolutely had to cosplay, who would you be?

The Spirit

[hometeam790]

Monarch or The Question

[conorkilpatrick]

To everybody:

If you absolutely had to cosplay, who would you be?

Burger King Stormtrooper

[paper]

And the nightmares come flooding back.

[zombox]

Hulk would be my character, I guess. But it'd have to be one of th big suits.

[jmstump]

Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Spirit, or the Hamburgler.

I say Obi-Wan since I got the force fx lightsaber as an early b-day gift. Yay me

[luthor]

I spent the last hour creating an awesome Snorlax with my eyes, a Batman symbol, carrying a lightsaber and Hulk hands...then Gimpshop crashed before I saved anything.

So that's what it was going to be...now it's a pile of tears.

[paper]

Snoopy or Captain Haddock from Tintin.

[kahunablair]

Kingpin, Hurley, or Doop.

[labor_days]

...or Doop.

Winner.

[esophagus]

Dr. Manhattan.

I have a lot of extra blue paint.

[itsbecca]

Kingpin, Hurley, or Doop.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh HURLEY!


I originally read this as "Harley" and thought, "well that would be a mighty bold move for ol' blair."

[neb]

I've been in a Top 10 mood lately, so probably Smax or the Rumor.

[drwally]

Just so people know (you might) - "Cosplay" is originally a Japanese word, but now has two different definitions:

1) (US) Cosplay: dress up like a character you like, for fun, like a Halloween party
2) (Japan) Cosplay: dress up like an anime or Manga character, or have your sex partner dress that way for kinky sex. Usually girls are more visible, but the men do it too, usually in the privacy of their girlfriend's bedroom (or so I am told). Cosplay outfits and porn are often sold or marketed to these people for this purpose. Most American fans of Manga or Anime probably do not fall into this category. Judging by amateur videos on Youtube, i would say they are (1) (US) Just dressing up for fun, not knowing the word "cosplay" in Japanese is nearly synonymous with kinky sex.

If you do an English search for "Cosplay" on Youtube, you get lots of stuff from Comic Cons. Japanese language videos and Cosplay? You get lots of "This video has been rated as (XXX)."


I dressed up like Kanegon (for fun, not kinky sex) years again for Halloween in Japan.
http://www.spanky.co.jp/shopping/japanese/pic_shop/rah_kanegon.jpg
and walked down one of the busiest party boulevards of Tokyo on a Friday night at 9-10pm, in a district where young people go to get drunk and hang out. You don't know who Kanegon is, but all those hundreds of people crowding the streets shoulder to shoulder sure did. I felt like a celebrity without a body guard as everyone stopped, stared and said aloud or whispered the name of the the name of my character again and again, kind of bizarre. Just happened by accident, as I left my change of clothes at the other location (it was a costume party), and volunteered to walk right down this street, the busiest on a Friday night, because the girl in the witch costume felt like she would stand out too much. Nobody noticed her. I wasn't sure if the costume I made would be good enough to be recognized. Every two steps someone new would say either say "Kanegon! It's Kanegon!" or "I had no idea Kanegon was so tall!" Comic Cons are great place to dress up. Turning up unexpected in an unexpected place and time? Different results.

All went fine until a three girls near the end became mega stalkers, like manic lunatic fans, and we had to run for it. I think they were more crazy drunk then crazy something else. Me in a costume a lot like in the picture, one I made myself. Running up the hill, tail wagging madly. I think next time I'll opt for the Green Hornet and keep a lower profile.

[horatio616]

Just so people know (you might) - "Cosplay" is originally a Japanese word, but now has two different definitions:

1) (US) Cosplay: dress up like a character you like, for fun, like a Halloween party
2) (Japan) Cosplay: dress up like an anime or Manga character, or have your sex partner dress that way for kinky sex. Usually girls are more visible, but the men do it too, usually in the privacy of their girlfriend's bedroom (or so I am told). Cosplay outfits and porn are often sold or marketed to these people for this purpose. Most American fans of Manga or Anime probably do not fall into this category. Judging by amateur videos on Youtube, i would say they are (1) (US) Just dressing up for fun, not knowing the word "cosplay" in Japanese is nearly synonymous with kinky sex.

If you do an English search for "Cosplay" on Youtube, you get lots of stuff from Comic Cons. Japanese language videos and Cosplay? You get lots of "This video has been rated as (XXX)."


I dressed up like Kanegon (for fun, not kinky sex) years again for Halloween in Japan.
http://www.spanky.co.jp/shopping/japanese/pic_shop/rah_kanegon.jpg
and walked down one of the busiest party boulevards of Tokyo on a Friday night at 9-10pm, in a district where young people go to get drunk and hang out. You don't know who Kanegon is, but all those hundreds of people crowding the streets shoulder to shoulder sure did. I felt like a celebrity without a body guard as everyone stopped, stared and said aloud or whispered the name of the the name of my character again and again, kind of bizarre. Just happened by accident, as I left my change of clothes at the other location (it was a costume party), and volunteered to walk right down this street, the busiest on a Friday night, because the girl in the witch costume felt like she would stand out too much. Nobody noticed her. I wasn't sure if the costume I made would be good enough to be recognized. Every two steps someone new would say either say "Kanegon! It's Kanegon!" or "I had no idea Kanegon was so tall!" Comic Cons are great place to dress up. Turning up unexpected in an unexpected place and time? Different results.

All went fine until a three girls near the end became mega stalkers, like manic lunatic fans, and we had to run for it. I think they were more crazy drunk then crazy something else. Me in a costume a lot like in the picture, one I made myself. Running up the hill, tail wagging madly. I think next time I'll opt for the Green Hornet and keep a lower profile.

Great story. Do it again except film it then put it on YouTube.

[mebe]

whoa is that phoenix the same woman dressed as black cat?

[paper]

Yeah, her name is Ruby Rocket. She does a mean Power Girl too.

[labor_days]

Yes she is Ruby Rocket (http://www.rocketsagogo.com/).

Ruby as Batwoman.
http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/4/4/25/f_l750deeaff9m_f2f872e.jpg

Ruby as Power Girl.
http://img37.picoodle.com/img/img37/4/4/25/f_lf0815a6aebm_6dc431c.jpg

[luthor]

Oh Ruby Rocket...oh. I would do things.

[labor_days]

Ruby is quite an attractive woman out of costume as well...

http://i27.tinypic.com/2eukahi.jpg

[luthor]

Labes, are you trying to force me into depravity?

[horatio616]

A hot redhead that likes to dress up as comic book characters? I think some nerd made her on his computer ala Weird Science.

[labor_days]

Labes, are you trying to force me into depravity?

Is it working (http://i29.tinypic.com/2vvj3hz.jpg)?

[luthor]

Is it working (http://i29.tinypic.com/2vvj3hz.jpg)?

Well...when I originally read horatio616's last post I didn't see the "her" and "ala Weird Science" and thought, "Amen brother."

[conorkilpatrick]

This thread is getting uncomfortable for such a female friendly environment.

[kwok_talk]

Anyone see any hot male cosplayers?

(Let's be equal opportunists! :))

[ryan79]

Just so people know (you might) - "Cosplay" is originally a Japanese word, but now has two different definitions:

1) (US) Cosplay: dress up like a character you like, for fun, like a Halloween party
2) (Japan) Cosplay: dress up like an anime or Manga character, or have your sex partner dress that way for kinky sex. Usually girls are more visible, but the men do it too, usually in the privacy of their girlfriend's bedroom (or so I am told). Cosplay outfits and porn are often sold or marketed to these people for this purpose. Most American fans of Manga or Anime probably do not fall into this category. Judging by amateur videos on Youtube, i would say they are (1) (US) Just dressing up for fun, not knowing the word "cosplay" in Japanese is nearly synonymous with kinky sex.

If you do an English search for "Cosplay" on Youtube, you get lots of stuff from Comic Cons. Japanese language videos and Cosplay? You get lots of "This video has been rated as (XXX)."


I dressed up like Kanegon (for fun, not kinky sex) years again for Halloween in Japan.
http://www.spanky.co.jp/shopping/japanese/pic_shop/rah_kanegon.jpg
and walked down one of the busiest party boulevards of Tokyo on a Friday night at 9-10pm, in a district where young people go to get drunk and hang out. You don't know who Kanegon is, but all those hundreds of people crowding the streets shoulder to shoulder sure did. I felt like a celebrity without a body guard as everyone stopped, stared and said aloud or whispered the name of the the name of my character again and again, kind of bizarre. Just happened by accident, as I left my change of clothes at the other location (it was a costume party), and volunteered to walk right down this street, the busiest on a Friday night, because the girl in the witch costume felt like she would stand out too much. Nobody noticed her. I wasn't sure if the costume I made would be good enough to be recognized. Every two steps someone new would say either say "Kanegon! It's Kanegon!" or "I had no idea Kanegon was so tall!" Comic Cons are great place to dress up. Turning up unexpected in an unexpected place and time? Different results.

All went fine until a three girls near the end became mega stalkers, like manic lunatic fans, and we had to run for it. I think they were more crazy drunk then crazy something else. Me in a costume a lot like in the picture, one I made myself. Running up the hill, tail wagging madly. I think next time I'll opt for the Green Hornet and keep a lower profile.

Man, I don't know what you're selling, but I'm buying.

[labor_days]

Anyone see any hot male cosplayers?

(Let's be equal opportunists! :))

Sure. There is Galactus. And this guy...

http://i29.tinypic.com/1q0jdl.jpg

[kwok_talk]

Looks like Fergie has company.

[horatio616]

Sure. There is Galactus. And this guy...

http://i29.tinypic.com/1q0jdl.jpg

I ain't gay, but DAMN!

[itsbecca]

Anyone see any hot male cosplayers?

(Let's be equal opportunists! :))

No. I didn't.

In related news, my favorite costume at nycc was already posted, Hellboy. Seriously the man was channeling Ron Perlman.

I always have respect for the people have the dedication to grow their hair a certain way. Ala the wolverines (even though. Easy fucking costume otherwise). I saw a absolutley killer Obi Wan. He even had the accent. Lovely.

[labor_days]

Okay, okay. For the ladiez in the house tonight...

http://i31.tinypic.com/27yddz6.jpg



FACT: Dudes are terrible at Cosplay. And yes, I am this bored today.

[horatio616]

Do we have any nominees for Worst Cosplay Male and Worst Cosplay Female?

[itsbecca]

There was a flash with a sizeable gut that I saw waiting to get into a panel. The guy in front of me turned to his friend and said, "Guess he stopped running."


(I was reminded of this reading USM this week too. "He can suck it in. It's the perfect cover!" "A belly is the perfect cover??")

[labor_days]

Obviously, the fat Flash was a tribute to Flash #115.

To wit~

http://i28.tinypic.com/2i23ib8.jpg

[esophagus]

(Japan) Cosplay: dress up like an anime or Manga character, or have your sex partner dress that way for kinky sex.
I have no idea how, but this is what I knew cosplay was before I knew the US way. Glad to know I didn't just make it up.

[kearstin]

Oh man Ruby Rocket is a fox. I love her. Never met her, but, definitely stalked via the webZz.

Anyway. Context:
I'm a cosplayer. I love it to death. Keeps me up at night with it's anticipation of works in progress and upcoming conventions to show them off at.

Cosplay is definitely a touchy subject and a firestarter when it comes to definition and who "should do it" and who "shouldn't". It is just best to be left alone. I, however, don't care and think it's bundles of fun.

It also makes me extremely broke :)

My costumes:
www.1womanshow.com

Or some previews!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs547.ash1/31977_119465508094379_113355065372090_108732_32740 71_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs534.snc3/30290_113363202037943_113355065372090_82641_862308 _n.jpg
(taken by Molly!)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs514.ash1/30290_113355892038674_113355065372090_82566_377320 0_n.jpg
(also taken by Molly!)

My others:
Ms Marvel
Phoenix
White Phoenix
Jean Grey in The Last Stand
Sailor Jupiter
Wonder Woman
Mary Jane Watson