Cosplay in fan culture
By Karen Wang
04 June 2013
04 June 2013
The import of anime and manga in the US has changed the pop culture scene, and is an example of how pop culture is becoming more and more globalized thanks to the web. In past years, this has also led to the growth and expansion of anime conventions in the US, and to increased publicity and interest in cosplaying as over 50% of convention attendees are typically dressed in cosplay. Describing cosplay as a costume activity is too simplistic, since it encompasses social, cultural, and artistic pursuits. The truth is, cosplay occupies a unique place in anime fan culture, one that we'll discuss here in the following sections:
1. What cosplay reveals about cultural differences between America and East Asia
2. Cosplay as a redefinition of participatory fan culture
3. Cosplay as an art form
4. Cosplay as an outlet for self-expression
1. What cosplay reveals about cultural differences between America and East Asia
2. Cosplay as a redefinition of participatory fan culture
3. Cosplay as an art form
4. Cosplay as an outlet for self-expression
What cosplay reveals about cultural differences between America and East Asia
While cosplay culture has evolved from both American and Japanese fan culture, there are differences in cosplay culture between America and East Asian countries where cosplay is currently popular. For one, at American anime conventions, cosplayers are free to roam the surrounding area of the venue in full cosplay, and are welcomed in local stores and restaurants. For example, at FanimeCon, the local Psycho Donuts creates a special sushi donut set to appeal to FanimeCon’s attendees, and local fast food shops often have signs openly welcoming FanimeCon attendees to their stores. However, in Japan, cosplayers are discouraged from wearing their costumes outside of the convention, and stores and restaurants may refuse to serve a group of cosplayers in order to not scare away their normal clientele. In Japan, being an otaku, or “geek”, is more openly frowned upon that in the US. |
Cosplay as a redefinition of participatory fan culture
Cosplay is a subgenre of anime and manga fan culture, yet as Rauch and Bolton argue in “A Cosplay Photography Sampler”, cosplay represents a participatory form of fan culture that gives the fans narrative and control over their favorite series. By cosplaying, fans assume a role that was created by the pop industry, and are free to follow or redefine that role as they wish. Thus, part of the novelty of cosplay is its comedic value. Comedy is created when a popular fictional character is defined in a non-canon way, such as a male Sailor Moon with a beard and moustache, or normally cool and aloof characters acting in a goofy manner. On the other hand, cosplay is also taken seriously, as fans often try to depict their character as accurately as possible in a testament to both their dedication to the fandom, their ability as cosplayers, and to other fans who expect cosplayers to dress and act in character. This is why, at anime conventions, you will often see cosplayers posing in character for the camera.
Cosplay is a subgenre of anime and manga fan culture, yet as Rauch and Bolton argue in “A Cosplay Photography Sampler”, cosplay represents a participatory form of fan culture that gives the fans narrative and control over their favorite series. By cosplaying, fans assume a role that was created by the pop industry, and are free to follow or redefine that role as they wish. Thus, part of the novelty of cosplay is its comedic value. Comedy is created when a popular fictional character is defined in a non-canon way, such as a male Sailor Moon with a beard and moustache, or normally cool and aloof characters acting in a goofy manner. On the other hand, cosplay is also taken seriously, as fans often try to depict their character as accurately as possible in a testament to both their dedication to the fandom, their ability as cosplayers, and to other fans who expect cosplayers to dress and act in character. This is why, at anime conventions, you will often see cosplayers posing in character for the camera.
Cosplay as an art form
The artistic value of cosplay is evident in the amount of time and care that cosplay photographers put into creating a cosplay, and the process of going from visualization to completion of a costume. In addition, a second facet of artistic value can be seen in cosplay photography. For every cosplayer with an amazing outfit, there is a cosplay photographer who is responsible for taking, editing, and sharing photos of the cosplay. Cosplay photography can also encompass planning and executing photoshoots for cosplayers, with elaborate backdrops or storylines. In recent years, cosplay videos have also appeared as a new art form, with complicated panning and action shots of cosplayers timed with music to create a cinematic, movie-like result. |
Cosplay as an outlet for self-expression
Many cosplayers find their past-time as a way to overcome their shyness or meet new people. At an anime convention where attendees share similar interests, the atmosphere is very friendly and it is much easier to meet people who are fans of the same things as you are. Cosplayers who dedicate a lot of time to their craft are looked up to by other anime fans, and achieve celebrity-like status by amassing lots of followers on their cosplay profiles and other social media sites. Moreover, cosplay gives people the chance to express themselves by creating their own costumes and handiwork. So, it is very popular to make your own cosplay, as cosplayers enjoy the challenge to recreate difficult details or costumes they see in animes.
Finally, the cosplay community is remarkably accepting and helpful. While there are few rules when it comes to cosplay, the one important rule is to not belittle or maliciously compete with other cosplayers, even if they are cosplaying the same character as you. This fosters the friendly and uplifting environment of the anime fan community, and makes being a fan and cosplayer fun.
Many cosplayers find their past-time as a way to overcome their shyness or meet new people. At an anime convention where attendees share similar interests, the atmosphere is very friendly and it is much easier to meet people who are fans of the same things as you are. Cosplayers who dedicate a lot of time to their craft are looked up to by other anime fans, and achieve celebrity-like status by amassing lots of followers on their cosplay profiles and other social media sites. Moreover, cosplay gives people the chance to express themselves by creating their own costumes and handiwork. So, it is very popular to make your own cosplay, as cosplayers enjoy the challenge to recreate difficult details or costumes they see in animes.
Finally, the cosplay community is remarkably accepting and helpful. While there are few rules when it comes to cosplay, the one important rule is to not belittle or maliciously compete with other cosplayers, even if they are cosplaying the same character as you. This fosters the friendly and uplifting environment of the anime fan community, and makes being a fan and cosplayer fun.