Cosplay vs. Inspirations, Side-by-side Comparisons

Being a member of several groups that enjoy cosplay, costuming, etc., does give access to a world of lively discussions. One recent discussion which came about on a Facebook group for the UK-based con, MCM, involved real-life cosplay and the inspiration for said costumes. In other words, a sort of comparison of the original inspiration – whether it be movie, television, comic books, etc. – to the reality – the actual costumes/cosplay that people had created and/or worn to a convention. Some people take great care and pride in their costumes, making sure that every detail is picture-perfect. Some people like to interpret the character and produce their own versions of the original inspiration. Either way, I found the comparisons interesting, to say the least.

A lot of people began posting photos showing their costumes and the original that inspired them. Some are dead on almost to the point of being a bit difficult to tell which is which. You only have to look at this story’s featured image to know what I’m talking about. It took me a few seconds to figure out who was who and I know the character they’re basing their costume on. Here’s the photo so you can see what I mean.

There were quite a few photos that were of similar quality cosplays.

Now, I’m not saying that the other examples are not just as good. Some are looser interpretations, their own idea of what the character should be. And when the costume involves a non-human entity as the starting point, of course, it is more difficult to pull off the perfect look. Cosplayers come in all shapes, sizes, – both male and female. Not everyone is build like an animated character with tiny waists, long limbs, puffed up chests, or enormous eyes, as some characters are drawn. Here’s an excellent example of what I’m referring to. I think for the cosplay of an animation, she’s bang on with her interpretation.

Inspiration:  

Cosplay:   

So, for your perusal, here are some of the best examples from the world of costuming/cosplay and the original movie, anime, cartoon, gaming, television, comic book (hope I didn’t leave a genre out; sorry if I did) characters that inspired them.

  



















   

More geeky goodness coming at you next time. Till then…