Cosplay research paper

Judgement. Cosplay is considered an art form, because it’s an artistic expression that empowers individuals as they transform into different characters. And just like all art forms, cosplay starts with a passion, and turns into something tangible the moment an individual decides to make it come to life.

Cosplayers spend immeasurable monies and hours constructing or purchasing costumes, learning signature poses and dialogue, and performing at conventions and parties, as they transform themselves from "real world" identities into chosen (fictional) characters. This is the essence of cosplay, or kosupure (Aoyama and Cahill 2003; Richie 2003).

In a sense, cosplaying is like acting, for participants must get into character and behave like them once they wear their costume. Within this subculture, there is also a strong sense of community.

The few sources that discuss the origins of cosplay are primarily found on Web sites, online publications, and weblogs. Constructed and maintained by anime and manga fans, these sources communicate information about anime and manga (most with a personal bias).