When I started going to science fiction conventions a few years ago, one of the things that struck me was the wonder of cosplay. Partially, I was awed by the fact that anybody could create a fictional world that engaged the imagination of other people so much that they would want to dress up as characters from that world. Cosplay has really brought home to me the power of fiction. Partially, I am delighted by the creativity cosplayers bring to their costumes, many of which are hand-crafted and unique.
Almost from the beginning, I have been taking photographs of cosplayers at the cons I have attended (because: anal); eventually, I realized that I could post them on Flickr for others to enjoy.Here, I would like to share some of my personal favourites from the Fan Expo held at the end of August in Toronto.
To see all of the photos that I took at Fan Expo, go to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/72833254@N08/albums/72157685162475132.
To see albums of photos from events I have attended since 2011, go to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/72833254@N08/albums.
1. Miyazaki
The master of anime may not be as popular for cosplay in North America as Marvel or DC, but you can always see some representations of his works. Yay, I say! Yay!
2. The Creativity!
There are always characters I wasn’t expecting at the larger cons, or people who reimagine characters, or costumes that are just fun.
3.DC Irregulars
You want Batman, you got Batman. You want the Joker – there were a dozen to choose from, including a couple in a nurse’s uniform. But, me. I go for the more obscure DC character cosplay. Oddly enough, both of the examples here were created by the unique – and possibly uniquely deranged – Steve Ditko.
4. Cross-gender cosplay
Just because you were born in the body of a woman doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t cosplay as a male character (or vice versa) if that’s where your passion lies. After all, cosplay is all about unleashing your imagination, right? If you can dream it, be it!
5. Dr. Who Irregulars
Whenever I see a Matt Smith Doctor, I try to ask, “Now that another actor has taken over the role, are bowties still cool?” The most common answer is, “Bowties will always be cool!” Fair enough. But, can we add some variety to the many Smiths and David Tennants who show up at cons? Why, yes. Yes, we can.
6. Fun
Playing dressup is an opportunity to be silly, or wildly creative, or both. I end with some of the costumes that awed me or gave me a giggle.
