COSPLAY
The season of Comic Cons is well and truly upon us. For some it means getting their hands on exclusive and rare comics, to others, it’s meeting illustrators and artists of both comics and computer gaming. Not forgetting the various actors from film and TV… to others, it’s a world of Cosplaying.
For those of you who are yet to experience this alternative realm, it is a wonderfully creative place where people buy or make costumes worn by their favourite comic book, film, TV or gaming character. Some of the costumes are meticulous in their design, giving complete homage to the character in question.
In the months in the run up to the cons, people are sourcing weird bits of fabric and copious amounts of foam, scribbling designs on bits of paper and creating masterpieces! For many it’s all about the fun of dressing as their favourite characters and for others it’s about recognition of hard work. But for both, there is the Masquerade!
The masquerades are always well-attended events, with an array of costumes, cosplays and wonderful performances. And with coveted awards for each age group, it can be very competitive! The judges always have a hard time ahead of them.
For those of you who are yet to experience this alternative realm, it is a wonderfully creative place where people buy or make costumes worn by their favourite comic book, film, TV or gaming character. Some of the costumes are meticulous in their design, giving complete homage to the character in question.
In the months in the run up to the cons, people are sourcing weird bits of fabric and copious amounts of foam, scribbling designs on bits of paper and creating masterpieces! For many it’s all about the fun of dressing as their favourite characters and for others it’s about recognition of hard work. But for both, there is the Masquerade!
The masquerades are always well-attended events, with an array of costumes, cosplays and wonderful performances. And with coveted awards for each age group, it can be very competitive! The judges always have a hard time ahead of them.
I got the chance to speak to one of the judges, from Wales Comic Con, the cosplayer Lady Nightingale…
Cosplay has become increasing popular in the UK, what got you started and how long have you been cosplaying?
"About 2 years ago, I was studying animation and visual effects at the Uni [where the con is held] and attended the con and knew I had to do it straight away! I’ve always loved dressing up from when I was young but since I discovered Yaya Han [Yaya Han is a costume designer, model and cosplay entertainer based in Atlanta, GA] I haven’t looked back! It has started to mean so much more to me now…once I was asked to be a judge at the con, my social media pages exploded! And it’s so great to see so many other young people creating and exchanging ideas and tips…that’s something I have planned in the pipe line…workshops at the uni for con-goers and maybe some sessions outside of the con weekend too. Looking at makeup, performance and prop building, things I get asked about quite a lot."
What’s your favourite cosplay and what’s your dream cosplay?
"My steampunk Harley Quinn will always hold a place in my heart; I love all things steampunk! But I think Vi is my favourite to wear, it was also my first cosplay masquerade winner! I spent so long on researching her, 3D turn around studies to get the whole cosplay as accurate as possible. The tiniest details bring it together more and make the character seem real. Vi took me 6 weeks to complete with many early starts and late finishes!
I think my dream cosplay would be Erza Scarlet from the anime Fairytail. I just love the details in her wings – those swords!! I’m determined that I will cosplay her soon!"
Cosplay has become increasing popular in the UK, what got you started and how long have you been cosplaying?
"About 2 years ago, I was studying animation and visual effects at the Uni [where the con is held] and attended the con and knew I had to do it straight away! I’ve always loved dressing up from when I was young but since I discovered Yaya Han [Yaya Han is a costume designer, model and cosplay entertainer based in Atlanta, GA] I haven’t looked back! It has started to mean so much more to me now…once I was asked to be a judge at the con, my social media pages exploded! And it’s so great to see so many other young people creating and exchanging ideas and tips…that’s something I have planned in the pipe line…workshops at the uni for con-goers and maybe some sessions outside of the con weekend too. Looking at makeup, performance and prop building, things I get asked about quite a lot."
What’s your favourite cosplay and what’s your dream cosplay?
"My steampunk Harley Quinn will always hold a place in my heart; I love all things steampunk! But I think Vi is my favourite to wear, it was also my first cosplay masquerade winner! I spent so long on researching her, 3D turn around studies to get the whole cosplay as accurate as possible. The tiniest details bring it together more and make the character seem real. Vi took me 6 weeks to complete with many early starts and late finishes!
I think my dream cosplay would be Erza Scarlet from the anime Fairytail. I just love the details in her wings – those swords!! I’m determined that I will cosplay her soon!"
EZRA SCARLETT
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What’s the funniest experience you’ve had while cosplaying?
"I got invited into a wrestling ring once while wearing Vi!! I couldn’t get into the ring with the armour on! Would have made some great shots and video though!" What’s the best thing about cosplay and can you see yourself carrying on with it in the future? "There’s no stopping me! I will definitely be carrying on for as long as I can. I’ll be a cosplaying granny if I can! It’s wonderful when you realise people know your character, that essentially, they have the same interests as you. When you hear them call your name or say a line from the game, it’s amazing, there’s a connection. Not just recognition for the effort you have put in, but something that you’ve shared without knowing. It’s great!" |
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What cosplays have you made? "Vi, Steampunk Harley Quinn, Lady Loki, Poppi and Princess Monenoke and watch this space for Erza Scarlett!! My house is starting to feel small!" |
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You can check out Lady Nightingale on Facebook and Instagram @LadyNightingale124
Check out Lady Nightingale, the masquerade ball and more in our WALES COMIC CON video below:
Check out Lady Nightingale, the masquerade ball and more in our WALES COMIC CON video below:
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY GUEST WRITER MARY DAVIES.
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