Cosplay (コスプレ,
kosupure?), short for "costume play", is a
performance art in which participants wear
costumes and
accessories to represent a specific
character or idea. Cosplayers often interact to create a
subculture centered on
role play. A broader use of the term
cosplay applies to any costumed role play in venues apart from the stage, regardless of the cultural context.
Favorite sources include
manga,
anime,
comic books,
video games, and
films. Any entity from the real or
virtual world that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. Inanimate objects are given
anthropomorphic forms and it is not unusual to see
genders switched, with women playing male roles and vice versa. There is also a subset of cosplay culture centered on
sex appeal, with cosplayers specifically choosing characters that are known for their attractiveness and/or revealing costumes.
The
Internet has enabled many cosplayers to create
social networks and websites centered on cosplay activities, while forums allow cosplayers to share stories, photographs, news, and general information. The rapid growth in the number of people cosplaying as a hobby since 1990 has made the phenomenon a significant aspect of
popular culture. This is particularly the case in Asia, where cosplay influences
Japanese street fashion.
The MEMBERS talked about the "hobby" and I had to be careful...there hobby is a little different than this one but.....
similar to this panel for a discuss of sex and costumes will have to look up the names of the characters who shared today!
Planet Comicon
. The costumes were better than Ren Fest! Even the little guys got into costume. I saw a discussion on cosplay. Have not had time to find out much about that though.....
so many people and great costumes....only thing I did not see was Dr Who;s talk box that crosses time and space. IF I COULD FIND THAT box and go back 4 months.........anyway I had whated to go all 3 days but a friend needed help and it looks like today is all I get. I considered going to the Trek Meet tomorrow, watch all the series and I did get to see the blind guy and the robot guy speak today! Jordie and ....any way...next year I may need a volunteer to go with me.....
