Photo: Elliander Eldridge
By Olivia Judd
Staff Writer
August 27th, just a another normal day for most people. August 27th also happens to be international cosplay day. The unofficial holiday began last year on facebook, and has thousands attending since. However last year many cosplayers were disappointed because it was on a Friday and some had to wear uniforms.
This year it was on a Saturday, and the attendees skyrocketed because of it. All the cosplayers around the world that new about it woke up in the morning, and put on whatever costume they felt like wearing before going out into the normal world. Cosplay is a combination of the words costume and play, but the play part is completely optional. Some people get completely into their character’s personality, while others just be themselves. The fun part is that no one really cares either way, and you can cosplay from any anime, manga, comic book, TV, or movie.
“Cosplay is expression of oneself and one’s favorite character. It can also be competition at times, and an excuse to spend hundreds of dollars on a very luxurious outfit that you’ll only wear a few times a year.” says Adam Tucker, a local St. Louis cosplayer that has been cosplaying for about three years.
It’s true that some people do spend an insane amount on their costumes online, while others spend months working on them at home, or just decide to cheap and alter things that they found in thrift shops.
“If it weren’t for thrift shops half the cosplays in the world would be ruined.” says Raven Bone.
However there are a few downsides to having a goodwill or closet cosplay. At conventions most of them require you to have made or altered a certain amount of your costume to be in the official costume costume contest, but they’re just fine if you’re a casual or new cosplayer.
“Occasionally you’ll come across cosplay snobs.” Claire Girkikesh warns. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, and if you’re in a group it’s ok if there’s a lot of the same character. It’s just about having fun.”
“It can look like a goodwill cosplay, but as long as you’re having fun, meeting people, and releasing your inner nerd it’s alright.” says Emma Bazzell, who’s been cosplaying for four years.
New cosplayers, or those who are interested in the hobby should always start with something easy to get the hang of it. Hopefully there will be more cosplayers out in the local public next year.
