Filled with striking images of costume play from around the world, this definitive look at the global phenomenon known as "cosplay" examines its evolution from the fringes of society to the spotlight of modern culture. For over 100 years, men and women around the world have been dressing up as their favorite characters from movies, games, comics, TV, and books. Beginning as a curiosity and hobby for social outcasts, it's now a global phenomenon, fuelled by the Internet and an explosion in geek fandom. This in-depth look at the world of cosplay includes interviews with stars like Yaya Han, Crystal Graziano, and Spiral Cats, offers insights into cosplay's history and current landscape, and explains its creative processes, like how Megan Marie built the perfect Wonder Woman costume. Cosplay World features over 200 compelling photographs, showcasing everything from campy 1970s costumes to cutting-edge suits engineered in workshops and built using space-age materials. The result is both a celebration of and an informed look at a popular means of self-expression that continues to fascinate.
The authoritative guide to cosplay written by a legend in the community, and packed with step-by-step advice and fascinating investigations into every aspect of the art. Cosplay—a portmanteau combining "costume" and "play"—has become one of the hottest trends in fandom . . . and Yaya Han is its shining superstar. In this guide to cosplaying, Han narrates her 20-year journey from newbie fan to entrepreneur with a household name in geekdom, revealing her self-taught methods for embodying a character and her experiences in the community. Each chapter is information-packed as she covers everything from the history of cosplay, to using nontraditional materials for costumes, to transforming your hobby into a career—all enhanced with expert advice. Illustrated throughout and easy to use, this practical manual also delights with fascinating stories from the past decades' global cosplay boom. It's the perfect gift for anyone interested in learning (or improving their skills in) the art of cosplay.
An exploration of cosplay and its relationship with the realms of its global fandom, performance, and the modes of fictional existence Flourishing far beyond its Japanese roots, cosplay has become an international phenomenon with fervid fans who gather at enormous, worldwide conventions annually. Here, author Frenchy Lunning offers an intimate, sensational tour through cosplay’s past and present, as well as its global lure. Through a culmination of years of personal research on cosplay, and growing out of Lunning’s wealth of scholarship, conference presentations, and cosplayer interviews, Cosplay is a unique and necessary examination of identity, performance, play, and otaku fandom and culture in relation to contemporary theories. With discussions covering construction, masquerades, and community through performance, Lunning presents cosplay as a dynamic and ever-evolving global practice. She combines the fascinating viewpoints of cosplayers with observational, in-depth research on cosplay history and practice, and a deep dive into critical theory involving the modes of fictional existence, in order to understand its global expansion. Augmented with beautiful photographs, this is an engrossing, lively read that explores a complicated and often misunderstood history and meditates on how cosplay allows its participants to create and construct meaning and identity.
Do you find yourself sat at home wishing you could be in your favorite video game? Or dream of a time when you pretended you were Sailor Moon? Or do you want to embody your Dungeons and Dragons character for real? What’s holding you back? Maybe you need to introduced to cosplay! Cosplay is a phenomenon that is taking over the world. If you haven’t seen it yet, have you not been looking at social media? Cosplay is a mix of exciting craft skills, heady escapism and passion for pop culture that lets you be whoever you want, whenever you want. Cosplay has made its way into TV shows and documentaries, been included as part of film premieres and video game launches, it’s even referenced in the comics, manga and media it comes from! Talk about meta. But what is this super popular hobby? Well, pick up this book, and it’s twin A Guide to Movie and TV Cosplay, to get all the answers. Because it’s more than just dressing up, promise. With a little bit of help from this handy, dandy guide to cosplay, you can get stuck in. Learn about the history of the hobby (it’s been around longer than you’d think!), where it came from and how it got to be the way it is now, get your head around making and designing costumes, find out how about all the amazing skills people are using to make these costumes, and perhaps even try a few yourself. Who knows, you might be rocking out as Astro Boy, Chris Redfield or All Might at the next big comic con! So why not give it a try and play make believe for a day.
Cosplay is a growing phenomenon across the world, though still centred in Asia. It is generally agreed to have originated from fan events in Japan. Cosplay is a term that merges the words "costume" and "play". Most wearers make their costumes themselves and they take great pride in showing off their skill with complex and intricate get-ups. They are usually worn to attend events or conventions, with the wearer assuming the character of their costume. As the twenty-first century art of dressing up, Cosplay enables you to adopt the persona of your favourite character or hero from manga or anime, or your most loved comic book, video game or sci-fi film. Mixing fantasy with creativity, it is all about the fun of role-playing your ultimate hero or heroine. Cosplay - The Fantasy World of Role Play is a celebration of this unique cultural expression and features page after page of glorious characters in their amazing costumes, from all around the world. Cosplay - The Fantasy World of Role Play also traces the various trends and genres within Cosplay and explores its origins and history as well as the cultural differences between how Cosplay is experienced in Japan, America and Europe. antasy World of Role Play also traces the various trends and genres within Cosplay and explores its origins and history as well as the cultural differences between how Cosplay is experienced in Japan, America and Europe.antasy World of Role Play also traces the various trends and genres within Cosplay and explores its origins and history as well as the cultural differences between how Cosplay is experienced in Japan, America and Europe.antasy World of Role Play also traces the various trends and genres within Cosplay and explores its origins and history as well as the cultural differences between how Cosplay is experienced in Japan, America and Europe.
Meet the spectacular cosplayers of New York's annual Comic Con. Heroes & Villains is a photographic journey into the heart of contemporary pop culture that is New York's annual Comic Con. Photographer Andrew Boyle captures more than 200 cosplayers from NYCC in a series of stunning photographs and interviews, celebrating the incredible world of expression, talent, inclusivity, creativity and fandom that is the cosplay community.
**The Ultimate Cosplay Guide** Unleash your inner hero and bring your favorite RPG characters to life with *The Ultimate Cosplay Guide*! This comprehensive eBook is your definitive resource for diving into the dynamic world of RPG cosplay, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cosplayer looking to enhance your skills. **Master the Art of Character Selection** Start your cosplay journey by understanding the allure of RPG characters. Learn how to research and choose the perfect character that fits your skill level and personal style. From iconic characters to hidden gems, this guide has you covered. **Design and Planning From Dreams to Reality** Transform your ideas into reality with expert advice on costume planning and reference image analysis. Develop a meticulous project schedule to ensure you hit every deadline and detail. **Materials, Tools, and Techniques** Navigate the world of fabrics, essential tools, and specialty materials with ease. Whether sewing by hand or machine, employing advanced techniques, or simply getting started, this guide provides step-by-step instructions for every skill level. **Armor Crafting, Prop Making, Wig Styling, and More** Create show-stopping armor and props with insider techniques on material selection, painting, and weathering. Discover how to select the perfect wig, style it to perfection, and add captivating accessories. **Makeup, Prosthetics, and Photography** Achieve breathtaking transformations with tips on basic makeup, special effects, and prosthetic application. Plan your photoshoot, work seamlessly with photographers, and master photo editing to showcase your work. **Conventions, Fitness, and Troubleshooting** Prepare for conventions with confidence, navigate competitions, and connect with the cosplay community. Maintain cosplay fitness, manage stress, and troubleshoot common issues like costume malfunctions and prop breakages. **Budgeting, Time Management, and Building Your Brand** Keep your projects on track with detailed budgeting and time management strategies. Learn to craft a personal brand, expand your network, and create a captivating cosplay portfolio. **Advanced Techniques and Future Trends** Push the boundaries of your creativity with advanced techniques like LED lighting, animatronics, and 3D printing. Stay ahead of the curve by exploring emerging trends and technological advancements in the cosplay world. Immerse yourself in the ultimate guide to cosplay and unlock the potential to create, inspire, and elevate your passion to new heights. Get ready to transform your RPG cosplay dreams into a stunning reality!
“This guide offers background information about how contemporary cosplay has developed as well as nuts and bolts practical information.” —Booklist Have you ever wanted to escape into a comic book and become your favourite superhero? Or run away into the world of Disney princesses? Well, who says you can’t? Maybe it’s time you get your cosplay on! Cosplay is a hobby that is sweeping the globe, you can see it at comic cons, book launches, movie screenings and even on popular TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory and Community. A mix of exciting craft skills, heady escapism and passion for pop culture, it’s easy to see why cosplay has become so popular with people no matter who they are, because now they can be anyone they want, and so can you. But how, why and where could you have a go at starting out in the wonderful world of cosplay? With a little bit of help from this handy, dandy guide to cosplay, you can learn about the history of the hobby (it’s been around longer than you’d think!), get your head around picking you’re first costume, find out how about all the amazing skills people are using to make these costumes, and perhaps even try a few yourself. Who knows, you might be rocking out as Captain Marvel or Flynn Rider at the next big comic con! (And don’t worry, there’s a guide to comic con in here too.) “Swinyard captures the ethos of cosplay and its significance, particularly in marginalized communities. Highly recommended for any nonfiction collection.” —Library Journal
Cosplay, a blend of costume and play, has taken off in popularity around the world. This entertaining and enlightening volume introduces readers to the wide and vivid cosplay world. They will learn the history of this creative outlet and how some people have taken this colorful and whimsical hobby and made it into a lucrative business. Whether the reader is interested in costumes, makeup, acting, photography, or another aspect of cosplay, this book provides inspirational yet practical examples of people who have made careers out of creative cosplay.
Enter the wacky world of Cosplay, Japan's underground costume scene. All over Japan hard-core fans of anime, video games and manga dress up in their latest costumes. This is a world where ordinary girls reinvent themselves as street-fighting chicks, em
