Cosplay or Costume – More Than Halloween

By: Alexandra Geisser

With October arriving one question will rattle in the people’s’ heads for weeks: What should I wear for Halloween? Many go with enjoyable store bought costumes of skeletons, witches and mummies while others take more creative routes and produce their own with handmade costumes that take the stage during Halloween. However, the question that haunts this month doesn’t end after the thirty-first for some as Halloween is only an excuse to get an early start for others. What am I talking about? Cosplayers, of course!

Cosplaying is an art within itself requiring skill, effort and countless hours depending on how high you aim for you costume. Cosplaying is much like Halloween––one either buys a costume from online (as cosplays are generally not found in stores in America) or makes one that they will surely show off at conventions! You may ask what is the difference between Halloween and cosplay? Cosplaying is someone dressing up as a character they love from a show, movie, book, anime or manga (a Japanese comic book).

For many, Halloween continues to be the one time of year where they can publically wear their cosplay costume without getting any odd looks (usually). For cosplayers, conventions (sometimes abbreviated “cons”) are a welcoming place. Sure, it is always a bit odd at first to walk or drive in public while wearing a bright neon green wig or carrying a large, red-black scythe. However, while Halloween is a day of candy and mischief, cosplaying and conventions are a day of love, effort and excitement.

Planning for a cosplay and going through with the makings of it are the toughest part. Unlike Halloween costumes, which are generally quite easy to find and make, cosplays require a lot more effort. Many of the decor worn in cons are extravagant and well thought-out, with a lot of time put into each small craft. It’s simply impossible not to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these cosplays. My favorite cosplays costumes seem to range in response from intricate and breath-taking to “Wow! I absolutely adore your 50 bomber jacket!”

Often at cons one of my favorite characters always seems to be present––Alfred F. Jones or the personification of America from the anime and manga Hetalia. He doesn’t have a complicated outfit (far from it actually) wearing a brown bomber jacket with the number 50 on the back, some jeans, a plain shirt, some thin-rimmed glasses, a blond wig and maybe even a hamburger. It’s honestly a very simple cosplay, but something about it really resonates with me. Alfred is such an outgoing and lovable character and to see others who care for him as much really warms my heart.

Another great character is Rose Quartz from Steven Universe. Rose’s outfit is in no way easy. For one, she’s almost always seen in a giant, beautiful pink dress that holds several layers of different versions of pink. Her pink hair is bouncy and curled and probably almost impossible to imitate. Yet the cosplays I’ve seen for this character are absolutely astounding. It’s amazing how dedicated and thorough some people are, truly. There are certain things people can’t get right, such as height, but good gosh some people go as far as they can when it comes to cosplaying.

I, personally, also love cosplaying. My cosplays have never been very intricate or well–thought out. I’ve always been a procrastinator, but that doesn’t take away the love and passion I have for toting around excruciatingly hot red coats and wearing bathing suit skirts over leggings. Some of my best cosplay costumes are easily some of the fastest and most rushed. I’ve never been one for planning ahead, but still these outfits always seem to turn out just right.

For instance, my first cosplay was Leaf Green from Pokemon: Red and Blue Versions. It was a messy project done in under a day, but something about the entire outfit felt satisfying in the end. Sure, the Pokeball symbol on the hat was oddly cut pink duct tape. And yeah, the pink skirt was actually a bathing suit bottom over leggings, but the entire outfit came together. I even got asked to have a picture taken with someone else, which is the biggest compliment a cosplayer can receive beyond winning a cosplay competition.

My second beloved cosplay costume was a bit nicer and a bit more endearing, as well as recognizable. I was Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. There’s nothing quite like standing out in hundred-degree weather in a black leather shirt, a pair of black pants, black boots, white gloves and a long-sleeved red jacket, which is what Edward Elric’s usual garb consists of. He has an interesting dress style for sure; however, that’s what makes cosplaying him so much fun! The jacket is one of my pride and joys, as I sketched and painted the symbol on the back. In fact, there was nothing better than having the English voice actor for Edward Elric, Vic Mignogna, sign the jacket and even praise me for it!

Cosplaying is a yearly event where people get to becoming closer to their favorite fictional characters. People have so many opportunities to express themselves and I’m happy to say I’m one of those who cosplays, whether it’s Halloween or not.