Cosplay: A Subculture

Costume-Play, more commonly known as “Cosplay,” is a phenomenon that has been around for years, originating in the 1960s while “Star Trek” was airing on television. Star Trek fans would organize small Star Trek conventions, and come in homemade costume as their favorite characters.Now cosplayers travel across the country to conventions where they meet other cosplayers and sometimes compete in contests. Today, cosplay covers a broad spectrum of fandoms, a group surrounding books, movies, TV shows, video games, etc. Costumes are often made by their wearer, which adds an extra aspect of creativity.Conventions are where people from all over the country — and often even the world — gather to meet people with shared interests. Most people have heard of San Diego International Comic-Con (SDCC), one of the largest conventions in the nation that is held in San Diego every summer. SDCC had over 130,000 attendees in 2010. Other well known conventions are WonderCon, which recently took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and Anime Exposition. Maia Lai (‘16) started cosplaying when she was in the eigth grade.“At first I was really reluctant to get into it because everyone I saw cosplaying looked so amazing, whether it be with the makeup or craftmanship of costume. But I realized that everyone starts somewhere, so I decided I’ll try it out.” Lai said. “Once I did, I didn’t regret it. I got to meet a lot of new friends with similar interests and because of it I found a new hobby.”There are many different kinds of cosplayers. Some cosplay for competition, but many also cosplay for fun. Cosplayers put lots of time and effort into making their costumes. It can take weeks, and sometimes months to get an entire cosplay together. Phoebe Edwards (‘16) makes most components of her cosplays before each convention.“I’ve set aside entire weekends to cut and sew what I need for the next convention. I’ve learned my measurements by heart, which, although it’s not amazing for self-esteem, are very useful. There’s lots of sewing, ripping out stitches, then more sewing.”Within the realm of cosplay, there is fun and also stiff competition. Some cosplayers will work for months before competitions to make their costumes perfect for competition day.“They’re not really that important; I entered one a year ago and didn’t see the point in doing it again. It was fun while it happened, but I don’t see myself doing another one in the future.” Edwards said.Conventions often have scheduled “cosplay meet-ups” where cosplayers from the same fandoms can meet each other and talk to one another about their shared interest, and take photos together. This year, Katie Kinsinger (’16) attended WonderCon.“Cosplay is rad because everybody is in it together. Especially at conventions. I’m a nerd in a costume, and that dude dressed like Magneto is a nerd in a costume. Everybody is a nerd in a costume. It doesn’t matter how good you are, or how much time or money you put into it, because it’s not about that,” Kinsinger said. “It’s about the experience. When you cosplay you get to be whoever you want to be. It doesn’t matter what you look like. Plus you get this awesome feeling walking around the con, wearing something you made yourself, you know? Creating an entire costume is hard, but it’s worth it when people start to recognize you, and take pictures of you — it’s the most amazing feeling.”Cosplay is a great way to meet people. Along with creating new friendships in the social environment of a convention, you get show off your costumes to a wider audience than just your family and close friends. Cosplay isn’t just people dressing up in costumes — it’s people with a passion for their interests and taking pride in what they love. lgraham@thesamohi.com