INTRODUCTION TO COSPLAY

In 1984, the term 'cosplay' was invented, combining the words 'costume' and 'play'. This was coined by the Japanese reporter, Nobuyuki Takahashi, after he attended Worldcon in Los Angeles.

As defined by Google, cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga and anime. I am not sure when this definition was created or revised, but personally I think it needs to change as it is restrictive and does not define the still-developing craft of cosplay.

My definition of cosplay:

Cosplay is the art of portraying a character in public by dressing up in costume and role-playing as that character.

Since the 1990s, Cosplay continues to grow in popularity across the globe, moving from the underground to mainstream, being an acceptable outlet for fans to express their passion for the characters they love. It allows you to transform yourself into your favorite character and represent your fandom.

Yet the roots of cosplay came from manga and anime, the scope has expanded beyond movies, books or video games to any character of choice. In today’s day in age, cosplayers are portraying characters from TV, movies, books, comics, superheroes, villains, games (video games and tabletop games), real life and even as original characters (a character of your own creation).

This is where cosplay differs from dressing for Halloween or a party. Cosplay involves fully immersing oneself in the character in every sense.

WHY COSPLAY

There are many reasons why to cosplay, the main one is about celebrating the characters you love, now that it is socially more acceptable than it has been in the past. Also, dressing up is fun!

If you create your own cosplay costume, this promotes creativity, problem solving, and the development of other skills, such as, sewing, leatherworking, metalworking, crafting, painting, working with electronics and more.

There are also health benefits in cosplaying – both mental and physical.

Cosplay is a highly social activity. Since it is a social activity, there are mental health benefits. Dr. Selin Santos said “cosplay can help people through issues like depression, anxiety, social isolation and even cope with trauma.”

Why did I say physical? Okay, there’s no direct physical health benefits, but the drive you have to become your character in cosplay, may provide some physical benefits. The characters you portray may be fit, so your will have the drive to be that character. This comment comes from my own personal experience. I eat health and exercise to cosplay as Iron Man / Tony Stark to the best of my ability. Also, a few of my characters know martial arts, so it drives me to hone my martial art skills.

Also, some cosplay costumes are heavy and require good stamina to wear for an entire event. Again, the drive to be that character will help you ensure you can portray that character.

WHERE TO COSPLAY

“Conventions offer a safe place for self-expression, being around people who love what you love, who understand what you're doing, who get excited for you and cheer you on.

Tiberius Stark

An Elder Geek of The Geek Clan