Do you love dressing up as your favorite comic book, anime, or video game character? If you already have participated in a Comic-Con or Cosplay Expo yourself, you know how exciting it is to really look like the part. It means having a customized outfit, accessories, gear, and everything else to look and act like them.

Let’s delve into the exciting world of costume play!

A Short History of Cosplay

When people heard the word cosplay, they would always associate it with Japan. But do you know that the first documented record of costuming happened in 1908 in Cincinnati, Ohio? Yes, it originated in America.

A couple named Mr. and Mrs. William Fell went to attend a masquerade ball dressed like Miss Pickles and Mr. Skygack, the Martians from a comic story in the Chicago Day Book newspaper.

But it was in 1939 when Forrest J. Ackerman attended the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in New York City, donning tights and a cape as a futuristic entity that costuming has gained more public interest.

Ackerman became a major figure in the development and popularity of the sci-fi fandom along with Morojo (Myrtle Douglas), who wore a ‘futuricostume’ that she had sewn herself.

In 1984, the Japanese term “cosplay” was formally coined when Studio Hard founder Nobuyuki Takahashi adopted the costuming practice in a Los Angeles Comic-Con and took it to Japan. He called it ‘kosupure,’ which means masquerade implied aristocracy.

Eventually, the name evolved to Cosplay, and Takahashi began encouraging anime fans to transform themselves into their favorite fictional characters during conventions.

Costume playing in Japan was already a fan activity even before Takashi introduced it formally. But, with constant exposure in magazines and televisions, cosplay has become a common practice.

In the later part of the 1990s, cosplay cafes that are part of the intellectual properties or promotional campaigns started to appear along the Akihabara section of Tokyo. These cafes used generic maids, but the opening of Cure Maid Café in March 2001 permanently solved the problem as it offered costumed characters.

On October 12, 2003, the first World Cosplay Summit happened at the Rose Court Hotel in Nagoya, Japan.

Is Comic-Con the Same as Cosplay?

For over 50 years, Comic-Con has been one of the much-awaited events that offer workshops, seminars, panels, film festivals, and award ceremonies. Another highlight of the convention is the Masquerade costume contest, where fans of comics, books, or movies transform themselves to look like their favorite characters.

A lot of comic cons also embraced the pop culture fandoms like anime, allowing hobbyists to play their creative selves. You can also wear your cosplay outfit when attending a Comic-Con and mingle with other fantasy, gaming, and comic characters there.

The first event happened in 1974 when a multi-genre entertainment group held the Golden State Comic Convention in San Diego, California. Since then, it has become an annual event for people in the popular arts, entertainment, and pop culture.

Many media companies, comic book dealers, animators, video game creators, collectible merchants, and industry professionals participated in this convention to launch or promote their products.

However, there are some rules you have to follow at a Comic-Con. It includes restrictions to use Selfie sticks, stilts, GoPro poles, and other tools that would put your mobile phone away from your hand or body.

Extra batteries for your camera, tote bag, backpack, and business cards are allowed, but luggage and rolling carts are not permitted to be taken in the Exhibit Hall. Pets are also not permitted.

Why do people cosplay?

Cosplaying is about making a statement. Whether it is for fun, entertainment, hobby, or sport, cosplayers use it to express their inner, creative self. Cosplayers also make sure that they act like the character they are portraying, so they engage in body modification. It includes changing the color of the skin by using make-up when simulating the race of the comic or anime they like. They use contact lenses, get special body markings or tattoos, or have temporary hair dye to replicate all the necessary details to achieve the look and vibe. They would scour the market for character jewelry or accessories, commission prop weapons, custom patches, and embroidered emblems.

But remember that role-playing is an expensive self-project to really feel ‘in character.’ However, the enjoyment and fulfillment you get when representing a character you like to be are far more critical.

While there are shops that sell ready-to-wear cosplay costumes, many cosplayers prefer to have their outfits customized. There are also people who love to make their own costumes and personalize them.

You can save money if you will be creating your own cosplay outfits or have a ‘closet cosplay,’ which is repurposing or recreating your other costumes for a more casual or elaborate version.

The goal is to be as authentic as possible, from head to foot. This is why there are markets that provide cosplay apparel, wigs, costume jewelry, patches, prop weapons, body paint, and a whole lot more.

As the practice of cosplay grows incredibly, cosplayers are beginning to enjoy a number of places and ways to present their fictional persona. Conventions like Comic-Con remain the most popular.

Public events and competitions are also top favorites. There are also cosplayers who leveraged their hobby of dressing up into a professional modeling career or become social media influencers.

Final Thoughts

Are you ready to honor your beloved character right now? Be whatever you want to be and enjoy your moment without divulging your real self.

Listing down the things you’ll need for an event? Read ”Where to Rent Party Equipment” to learn more.