Cosplay Calendar Project Part 1: Concept and Reasonings

Here at Comic Geeks Unite one of the things I try to do is to clear up stereotypes and misconceptions. Things like comics are trash literature, or all geeks are middle aged men who live in their parents' basement, or geeks hate to socialize, or comics aren't art and things like that. CGU is as much about educating the non-geeky as it is for geeky fun.

I have decided to do a project that is kind of a touchy subject even within the geek community. That subject is cosplay. For those unfamiliar with cosplay Dictionary.com defines it as:

cos·play[kos-pley] 

noun

1.the art or practice of wearing costumes to portray characters from fiction, especially from manga, animation, and science fiction.

2.a skit featuring these costumed characters.

verb (used with object)

3.to portray (a fictional character) by dressing in costume.

verb (used without object)

4.to take part in cosplay: He cosplayed as a Jedi from Star Wars.

Origin:
1995–2000; cos(tume) + play

 

Now the reasons that this is such a touchy subject are because 1) characters are drawn at such a physical peak they boarder on unrealistic 2) there has been this subculture within fandom that has cropped up that believe you should only cosplay if you physically look like the character 3) these elitist cosplayers aren't geeks and shame the average geek who cosplays if they aren't attractive looking.

I keep saying, and stand by, that geeks are a very open and supportive community. We embrace each other and everyone's love for their fandoms. We care more about having fun than judgement. If you're not in peak physical condition, but want to show your love for a character do it. Keep in mind that spandex isn't for everyone, but if you have the confidence to wear it you have my complete and utter respect for doing so. Don't get me wrong being in shape is good, but it's not everything. There needs to be some passion or interest in the character not to simply look pretty and sexy.

I want to share parts of a conversation I had with a fellow geek and your average everyday cosplayer. These are their thoughts on the subject when I explained the idea and concept to them after asking for their participation:

"I have been cosplaying since 2004 and for a niche oriented and outcast group (even if it is less so) people really do not present that open supportive group as much as they sound. We have our passions and are celebrating fandoms that help us or inspire us or make us happy. Things need to stop being to petty and be more positive about varied types of bodies."

 

"No I mean it is true that there are many things that are unforgiving. But 'sadly' we do not all have idlyic character bodies and in most sense the bodies are not likely to be had by the common person. Female characters especially with the lack of clothing involved but guys too. Either way I think there is more then having the body dead on. In a way if a person has the confidence and love their character they can really bring that character to life."

 

So the cosplay calendar I am doing will feature average fun loving geeky cosplayers. How is this different from other cosplay calendars? I have 3 things that make this calendar unique: 1) no supermodels just average people 2) it won't be solely heroes in skimpy sexy costumes 3) I will feature both men and women cosplayers. There are a lot of men out there who cosplay. They don't get nearly the recognition the girls do and I think that's kinda sad.

 

The calendar will also feature a couple of geek groups who dress up for non-profits and charity. They are the Wampa Clan of the Mandalorian Mercs and the Maine Ghostbusters. Both have some amazing people in them as well as their passion for who they depict.

More posts regarding the calendar's progress will be posted as the project goes on.