Hey how’s everyone doing? If you attended any cons like me over
the weekend, I hope your answer is great! I recently returned from
momocon and had a great time. This was my first time attending it
and well I took over 1k pictures. Ill slowly be making my way
through these pictures as the weekend goes on so feel free to check
back regularly to see updates. Now, onto today’s post, what is
cosplay?
I wanted to
talk about a very important topic that is commonly understood but
not always discussed. That is, What is Cosplay? Sure we see it all
over the net and watch our friends post their costumes, but what is
it really? There are many different answers and definitions to this
question so lets dive in to exactly What Is Cosplay?
The Expression of Ones Self
I have asked several cosplayers in interviews and at shoots what
cosplay is to them. A lot tell me its hard for them to define but in
general summarize it as an expression of their love of everything
anime and fiction. They materialize this love by purchasing or
crafting cosplays that personify their favorite characters of the
anime or fictional world. Many of us adore several characters and
as a result cosplay as many of them at conventions.
Of course, we
enjoy the compliments and admiration from others, but cosplay is
more importantly a gratification for one’s self. Conventions allow
for group unification and promotion of each other’s cosplays
allowing for increased self-image and body positivity. Cosplay also
promotes bonding and friendships that I have seen last a lifetime
and renew every time old friends reunite at conventions or shoots.
Recreation Of Childhood
Another common answer I receive to this question is “It’s a
representation of some of the best days of our lives aka childhood”.
Many of us are old-school cosplayers and still remember running
around slapping each other with Yaoi paddles and watching adult
swim. Long before series such as Attack on Titan and My Hero
Academy, we watched Trigun, Outlaw Star and Cowboybebop.
Cosplay wasn’t as mainstream and neither was streaming services
such as crunchy roll. Linking with other cosplayers and discussing costume
creations over a few drinks was an event we only got to do a few times a
year, and O how we craved it. So cosplaying as Vash, Spike or Sailormoon
allowed us to create bonds that have lasted a lifetime and these cosplays
remind us of simpler times.
Escape From Reality
Last but not least I hear its an “Escape from reality”. Lots of people
outside the anime/cosplay world think these two hobbies are
“Weird”. This of course could not be any further from the truth.
With the exception of a few, we all know we are incapable of going
Super Saiyan or summoning giant animals to fight on our behalf.
But this doesn’t mean we can escape reality for a bit and act like we
can. Our EVA foam and Worbla props and costumes allow us to
essentially play make-believe and for a few days and cast away the
worries of the world.
Bills, stresses and even ailments are all forgotten while we are
enjoying laughs, boardgames and series recreations with good
friends. I have met so many people through cosplay that could
complain about the hand life has dealt them. Instead, they smile
laugh joke and participate in events without a care in the world.
This is my understanding of cosplaying and wouldn’t have it any
other way!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed my brief summary or explanation to the
question of What is Cosplay. This question still has so many
answers and means varies things to different people. But, it seems
that they all have the same theme of uniting and expressing our
love for fiction through costumes.
Whether you’re a seasoned prop
and costume builder or just starting your cosplay career, you are
sure to find like minded individuals that enjoy cosplay as much as
you! Well that’s going to do it for todays post. I hope you enjoyed it!
For some more awesome posts related to cosplay, check here! Until
Next time, Stay Boundless!!!
