The Cosplay Edition
What is Cosplay?
As defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Cosplay is “the activity or practice of dressing up as a character from a work of fiction”. The term “Cosplay” is a combination of the words “Costume” + “Roleplay” from the Japanese word “kosupure”. In an article published by Noboyuki Takahashi, the writer used “Cosplay” as a description for “a fan’s expression of his or her love for a favorite character” (Mai Anime).
Detailed in the 30th Anniversary of Cosplay issue of Cosplay in America, the art of dressing up in costume for a specific event became popular “in the summer of 1977, [as] there was a “big manga parade” which was formed by Tokyo Big6 University” (Cosplay in America). During that same time in the United States at the world sci-fi event a masquerade was hosted in which people dressed based on characters from a movie or novel. Common costumes were characters from classics such as Star Trek and Star Wars.
Today, Cosplay is a common activity that anyone, from any fandom can take part in. Most often, cosplayers can be found at conventions such as Comic-Con and AnimeExpo, but also at movie screenings and various festivals. A cosplay can be a purchased outfit, handmade or a combination of both. The style can be character accurate or what is known as a “closet cosplay” where you put together an outfit using your everyday clothing that resembles a character.
Meet HorrorQueenCosplay
A New Jersey based cosplayer, Twitch streamer, and cat mom to Calista. She is known for being a combination of regal and spooky. In the world of competitive cosplay, she is a Master; and, has competed on large stages such as the Crown Championship at New York Comic-Con.
In this inaugural issue of Beyond the Spotlight, we follow HorrorQueenCosplay as she participates in a variety of cosplay competitions throughout the tri-state area.
Full article + documentary coming soon….