CosplayUK magazine Issue #1

Issue #1

April 2015

ÂŁ4.99

- Profiles - Competitions - Tutorials - Conventions -

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Editorial Hello and welcome to the first issue of CosplayUK! What is cosplay? Cosplay is the art form of dressing up as characters from a variety of mediums that encompasses comics to television – and even original characters created by the cosplayers themselves.

It is often mistaken as having originated from Japan where it was moulded to become what it is today, when in reality cosplay was first created by two passionate fans in the summer of July 1939 when they attended the first World Science Fair in America dressed in futuristic garb based on their favourite sci fi movies. This led to more attendees dressing up for future cons, and the rest, as they say, is history.

CosplayUK is a magazine dedicated to the cosplay scene within the UK – it may not be as big or as well known as in Japan or America, but we have so much to show to the world, and I want to bring the best of the talent and creativity we have in the UK to you.

In this opening issue as well as the cornucopia of cosplayers we’ll feature, we also have tutorials to help you start crafting, advice for your cosplaying needs, and everything else we think might come in quite handy for you.

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Editors: Hanna Valley cosplayukmagazine@gmail. com William Comrie w.comrie@gmail.com Ruben Pimental r.pimentel@gmail.com Features: Tascha Dearing tdearing.photograpy@gmail.

com Eddie Cheung e.cheung@gmail.com News editors: William Comrie w.comrie@gmail.com Ruben Pimental r.pimentel@gmail.com Contributors: Benjamin Hunt

ben.hunt@outlook.com Begona F. Martin b-martin@gmail.com Naomi Nomes naomi@gmail.com Adelaide Altria a.altria@hotmail.co.uk Rachel Conroy rachel.c@gmail.com Hannah Coote hannah.coote@gmail.com Phillipa Dickinson

pipa.dickinson@hotmail.com Sophie Wright s.wright@gmail.com Photographers: Tascha Dearing Art Food and Cosplay Thunderbolt photography Kings Cosplay Manga Girl Photography CoolADN

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Contents Features: #NotACosplayer 16-17 Tascha Dearing Art 20-21 Team Arkham 24-25 European Cosplay Gathering 36-37 World Cosplay Summit 38-39

Regulars: CosMerch 7 Convention Calendar 44 Reader questions 45 Coscopes 46

How to: How to make a sword 40-41 How to make a worbla corset 42-43

Cosplay Essentials 8-9 Valentine Cosplay 10-11 Games 12-13 Pipa Wolf Cosplay 14-15 Anime 18-19 Goldenmochi Cosplay 22-23 Disney 26-27 Exelia 28-29 Raven Quinn Cosplay 30-31 Captain Amelia Cosplay 32-33 Television 34-35 5

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CosMerch

Officially licensed merchandise for all your prop needs!

Harry Potter: Harry Potter Wand (Forbidden Planet) £26.99 With the wide spread popularity of the boy who lived (and died - but, spoilers), many cosplayers have pulled together cosplays of the iconic house robes and that dress - or added it to their lengthy cosplay list. And no matter which outfit you pick from the franchise, every wizard needs a wand - unless you’re cosplaying a muggle. And why would you possibly want to do that? With a whole series of official replica wands up for grabs at Forbidden Planet, now’s your chance to finally add that finishing touch to your Severus Snape cosplay.

Or Voldemort.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Homura Akemi Glasses (AmiAmi) 6,480 (£35.00) An exact copy of Homura Akemi’s glasses, these glasses would make an excellent accompaniment to those wishing to cosplay the secondary protagonist in her starter form - the shy schoolgirl. Accessorise with braids for the ultimate Moemura look!

Star Wars Replica: Biker Scout Trooper Helmet (Forbidden Planet) £599.99 This limited edition wearable 1:1 scale helmet is created to be worn for those part of the 501st Legion as well as those individual cosplayers wishing to show their love of this legendary franchise by dressing up as the light armoured variants of the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire. Tradtionally created with handlaid fibreglass and tools, this helmet even comes with hand carved decals and a pivoting visor.

Death Note: Ryuk Wings (Japanimation) $198.99 (£130.00) Belonging to everyone’s favourite Shinigami, this pair of wings are an officially licensed set that come with a body harness to wear with the cosplay to re-create a faitful reperesentation of the death god.

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Cosplay essentials Sewing repair kit As long as you’re wearing a cosplay that’s comprised of fabric, carrying around a mini repair kit is vital. Even if you don’t intend to use it 99.9% of the time you’re cosplaying, having that extra security of being able to fix rips and tears helps to stay confident whilst wearing your cosplay all day long.

Wig cap Over 90% of cosplays will recquire wigs - and for many with hair that is more than just a short boy cut, keeping that hair up and away secured neatly around your head will do wonders for a whole day of wig wearing, I promise!

Duct tape Useful for armour and props - and anything that isn’t fabric - duct tape is a necessary tool to have in your arsenal. Whether your wing harness has come apart or your scissor blade has snapped in half, being able to duct tape it together is a temporary solution that allows you to carry on rocking your cosplay until you get inside your hotel room.

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Hairspray Whether you’ve styled an elaborate hairdo or simply have a wig that’s not short and somewhat straight, hairspray goes a long way in keeping your wig in place and preventing it from tangling. Remember to get hairspray that’s okay to use on wigs though!

E6000 glue Cosplays always have a chance of coming apart in some way, whether it’s a nick or a large incident that sees you breaking your elaborate headdress that is the pinnacle of the costume. Having a glue gun handy to fix things is practically invaluable!

Scissors Whether you create your cosplays or buy them, a good pair of scissors, whether fabric or pocket scissors, are important to have. Even if you’ve bought your cosplay you’ll always find one or two stray threads that just need snipping!

Kitten Last but not least, this is probably the most essential. A cat. Cosplay photography? Pose with a kitten. Sewing or making props? Let your kitten help - unless it’s too dangerous. Or if you like hamsters or puppies instead, allow them to help you too. Cosplaying is so much more enjoyable when you have a pet to share your cosplay hobby with, including dressing them up too!

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Valentine Cosplay Hailing from Bristol, Valentine Cosplay has only been an active cosplayer for less than two years, but already has an impressive back catalogue of props and costumes on his resume. With a win at Cardiff Comic Con in 2013 and selected for the finals at London Super Comic Con 2015, it’s highly likely that with his wide range of skills and techniques, characters like Tom Raider and Oberyn Sands will be in close contention for awards at other conventions in the near future.

How did you get into cosplay?

Almost two years ago now, a friend of mine suggested that we go to a comic con (Summer London Film and Comic Con 2013), and having always been interested in going I jumped at the idea. I couldn’t imagine going and not dressing up, so sat down with a sewing machine and YouTube for a couple of hundred hours and created my first cosplay Ezio from Assassins Creed 2 - and I was hooked.

Why did you get into cosplay, and what do you like about it?

I’ve always required an artistic and creative outlet in my life.

I’ve been an artist, a photographer, a musician, and many different things over the course of my life, but at all points I’ve been “creating” things. Cosplay fits into a very tidy little box for me where it allows me to learn new skills, build things with my hands, teach and pass on those skills to others, “show off” (for want of a better word) the final creations, act and perform, and even compete with them if I so wish. It pretty much encapsulates all of the things that I’d ever want in a creative medium, so the appeal is really high.

What was your first cosplay, and what is your most recent cosplay?

My first ever cosplay was Ezio from Assassins Creed 2 worn at Summer LFCC 2013, and my most recent one was Prince Oberyn from Game of Thrones that I wore for LSCC 2015, plus I entered it into the Championship, which was a lot of fun.

You tend to be very active in making your own props - do you also believe in building your cosplay from scratch?

I could never really imagine buying cosplays off the shelf, because for me the build process is probably the part that I get the most enjoyment from. That being said, I have bought bits for some of my simpler cosplays (such as Tyler Durden’s leather jacket) which I felt was out of my current skill range to do to the standard that I’d like.

I like to try and work with as wide a range of materials as possible. I started with fabrics, soft leathers, and craft foam, then extended into EVA foam and harder leathers, then pepakura, fibreglass resin, Bondo etc, then wood and Apoxie Sculpt clay, and more recently silicone moulding and resin cold casting/metal fillering. I like to try and use the best material for the job, and if I don’t currently know how to use it, I’ll learn and then apply to try and widen my skill set. It’s a long ongoing process but means that I have an extensive amount of materials and tools at my disposal.

What techniques do you use and what new skills have you learned since you started cosplaying?

I’m becoming a massive fan of resin cold casting. It’s entirely changed how I work. Now, rather than seeing a detail on a piece and thinking “How on earth can I make ten of those?”

I immediately go down the silicone moulding route. It’s meant my builds are more detailed, stronger, lighter, and I can reproduce parts if something breaks (which is rare now)

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or a client wants a replica creating.

As for learning how to do it, YouTube. Other than one book I have on costume draping techniques, every single thing that I’ve learnt to do I’ve picked up from the Internet. YouTube, Instructables, other people’s cosplay builds, and so on. There are a number of great sources of information out there, you just have to look for them and apply.

What is your favourite or most challenging costume that you’ve made to date, and why?

The one that ticks both of those boxes is probably my Fallout Vault 101 Lone Wanderer. It was my first “complex” build that utilised a lot of skills of the first time, and was such an iconic character and had a number of details such as the glowing Nuka Cola Quantum bottle that made it super fun to wear.

When tackling the Lone Wanderer, I had to learn to follow a pattern for the first time for the Vault Suit, as well as adjusting it where appropriate, work with hard leathers for the first time, use a jigsaw and finish wood for the first time, as well as many other things. But, the result was great and incredibly well received at conventions, and some of the pictures I’ve had of it are just mind-blowing. It’s definitely a costume I’m going to revisit in the future, albeit with some upgrades and alterations.

How has cosplay changed your life?

It has become my life. Entirely. When I’m not working, I’m cosplaying, or building a cosplay, or planning one, or teaching someone something, or working on a commission. I have a 24/7 creative outlay that’s constantly in my mind, and I’ll be honest, I’m incredibly happy for that fact.

What cosplayers influence you?

Predominantly I’m a props man, and it’s the skilled prop makers that I aspire to. The two main ones that keep me going are Harrison Krix from Volpin Props and Bill Doran from Punished Props. They (as well as many others) continue to push the boat out and up the level on what prop makers can create, and for them it’s all about the quality, rather than the speed. This is something that I’m trying to bring to my own builds, and where I’m attempting to build my name; very highly detailed and high quality props, and so far it’s going pretty well.

What does cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay for me is the greatest excuse in the world to dress up like a idiot and hang around with my fellow idiots, most of whom I love to pieces.

What plans do you have for the future?

My current “large build” is the Iron Banner Warlock from Destiny complete with Gjallarhorn Rocket Launcher which is going to take a LONG time (I’m estimating 9+ months), but around that I have an updated Kreiger that I’m doing alongside Rosita Cosplay’s “Virtual Girlfriend”, continuing my quest to do all of the Lonely Island music videos, and the rest I’ll see what grabs me closer to the day.

Photograpers: Elleria Sands by BatBunny Cosplay, photo by Starbit Cosplay Marla Singer by Fushia Nova Cosplay, photo by Carlos Adama Geek Photography TPJerematic Cosplay Photographer Andrei Guiamoy Photography SCG - Super Cosplay Guys

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Games 12

Character: Harpie Channeler Source: Yu-Gi-Oh! Cosplayer: Luziver Cosplay and Photography Photographer: WidowFX Photography

Character: Female Jecht Source: Final Fantasy X Cosplayer: Masamune and Nightingale Cosplay Photographer: Angela Keocharoen

Character: Rosalina Cosplayer: Gemzus Cosplay

Character: Edward Kenway Cosplayer: Game4Frame Cosplay

Character: Lara Croft Cosplayer: CocoYumi Cosplay

Source: Assassins creed IV : Black flag Photographer: Alasdair Watson Photography

Source: Super Smash Brothers Photographer: Matt Eleven Photography

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Source: Tomb Raider Photographer: Arcangelo Cosplay Photography

Pipa Wolf Cosplay Specialising in cosplaying video game characters, Manchester’s Pipa Wolf has already made some stunning costumes in under two years. With a penchant for intricate designs from role playing games such as the Witcher and the Elder Scrolls, Pipa is definitely a cosplayer to look out for in the future!

How did you get into cosplay?

From an early age I was in the theatre, I loved dressing up and being characters and portraying them in such a way that it became part of me. During my teenage years, I took my theatre more seriously from the fun, pantomimes I’d been in when I was younger and did professional productions and did some work in TV and Film. I hated it. I loved the dressing up and acting, but I wanted to have fun and everyone was so serious and no one seemed to joke or enjoy themselves anymore. I quit drama and went on to fully focus on my art. From there, I found myself expressing a lot through my clothes and I enjoyed picking out things to wear, but I always wanted something more. I loved Halloween, I’d spend months planning and working on my costumes for that one day a year. When I was 18, I’d been attending comic con for a few years and a post from Kamui Cosplay popped up on my feed. I googled “cosplay” and found this new world of dressing up. I had just started a Games Art course at University and I wanted to go back to my fine art roots, I chose a character and the rest is history!

Why did you get into cosplay? What do you like about cosplaying?

I love dressing up. Cosplay was a way for me to create these insane costumes that I’d seen in games and on TV that I’d always wished I could wear or had a reason to wear. I love sitting for hours and working on something to then become my own panto-esque character.

What was your first costume and when? What is your most recent cosplay?

My first costume was Jean Grey from Ultimate-X at MCM 2008. About six years ago, I’d never even seen a convention before (this was when 30 minutes queuing was a long time!), so I decided to dress up as Jean in case other people were wearing costumes but in a plain, casual outfit so I’d blend in case no one was. Needless to say, I pulled off the ‘obscure outfit of a traditional character that she wore in a comic that was cancelled after six issues because no one bought it’ so well that even the comic book guys didn’t recognise who I was supposed to be.

When did you start making your own cosplays?

Jean Grey was a wardrobe costume, but since then all my costumes have been made by me. Sometimes I’ll buy under suits and modify them for characters as my sewing is pretty bad, but I try to make everything myself. Luckily now I’ve made an amazing group of friends and one of them does mostly all my sewing and I’m slowly learning. I started by just sort of… doing it. I’ve always been pretty handy with things and I can pick stuff up really easily. The first time I used my main material, Worbla, didn’t go too badly, but looking back on it it’s so terrible but I’m proud I just got stuck in and went for it!

What techniques do you use and what skills do you now

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have that you picked up along the way since the beginning of your cosplay journey? How did you learn them?

I’ve learned a lot of skills and techniques, mainly through hours of online tutorials and late night searches. Most of my stuff is trial and error and just seeing what happens, I have a really good knowledge of materials so I guess a lot of things and just wing it and hope for the best. I recently learned a lot about electronics which is fun. Every costume I try and teach myself a new skill, my next costume I’ll be learning some leatherwork from Cosmic Workshop, and the costume after that I’ll be doing a lot of prosthetics work and casting which should be fun!

What is your favourite or most challenging costume that you’ve made to date, and why? Can you tell us what skills you used?

Naga. Oh boy was it Naga. That costume is a love/hate relationship and the most difficult thing I’ve built. I wanted to challenge myself and see what I could push myself to create, but it was hell. So many things went wrong and I didn’t give myself enough time to finish the tail how I wanted. I tried to be over ambitious with the level of detail in the armour, and the tail sculpt was too heavy so it constantly fell over and broke. The cast of the tail was too flimsy, and I’d massively underestimated the difficulty in casting something so big. Casting is not my strong point, which is why I’m slowly building my skills in the hope of going back to the costume to do the tail properly.

Do you feel cosplay has changed your life at all?

I have cooler friends, that’s for sure. I feel now like cosplay has given me some sort of exciting purpose. People who bullied me in school are suddenly messaging me telling me how amazing they think my work is and how cool it is. Everyone seems proud of me and the things I’ve achieved and actively follow my work, it’s amazing.

What cosplayers do you look up to?

Kamui. Literally Kamui. I’m also a fan of LittleBlondeGoth and AllieCat Art and Cosplay. Their worbla work is so beautiful and clean.

What does cosplay mean to you?

It means a hell of a lot. My mum has pictures of me around the house in costume and my grandma cried when we gave her a canvas print of my Hircine for Christmas. Cosplay is pretty much my life now, as sad as that may be. I just really, really love making things!

What future plans do you have?

I’m hoping to start up my own cosplay supplies business soon selling the basic items for armour making. I also have a few other project ideas that I’d like to get started, but my first plan is to finish my degree! After that is my costume for July MCM, and then I’m hoping to enter a world contest this year if my work is good enough.

Photographers: Smallfry Creations Karen Berry Photography Abe Sankey Wojechki Zuxkowoski Photography

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#NotACosplayer Cosplay is a way of life for many people. It’s a way of showing support for their fandom, or to display the hard work and skills they put into crafting these elaborate costumes they wear, among many other reasons. The idea is to have fun and express yourself through your heroes.

Sadly, it has its dark side. When cosplayers put on an outfit and go to conventions to be among people who accept and understand them, they also run the very common risk of being mocked at laughed at, and whilst it does happen at conventions themselves, a large part of it happens online.

People can become attached to these characters, more so than they are to other human beings at times, so they will insult and attack people who they perceive to not be a perfect manifestation of those characters, our just out out of spiteful hatred. Whether it be someone portraying a character as a different race, gender, or body type, they can be vulnerable to these kinds of issues just for being viewed as misinterpreting a fictional character.

The #NotACosplayer movement aims to bring public awareness to the situation by demonstrating that such behaviour is not welcome under any circumstances and bringing victims forward to show that, yes, they are real people.

These are people that dedicated months, some even years, to creating these detailed and intricate costumes, or even just wearing them, drawing up enormous amounts of confidence to put themselves out there for the sake of bringing their favourite characters to life.

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be ideal to do it where there was a huge gathering of cosplayers.”

Cosplayers are often aware of what is being said about them on public forums and other websites, even if they are only mentioned to be mocked for any aspect of their cosplays. Food and Cosplay aim to make it known that cosplayers will oftentimes see the hurtful comments about them.

“To me, bullying and harassment are all the same. Just because the communication is said in a different manner, doesn’t make the words any less damaging. It’s very easy for bullies to either comment or even copy the image onto another site and make comments away from the original site and continue to make comments.” Eddie adds.

There are sites notorious for tearing into cosplayers; several such sites used for cosplaying in general tend to include daily threads mocking cosplayers, whether famous or not, with a bias on height, weight, skin tone, gender, and costume.

“I would say, try and ignore the bullying. Surround yourself with friends to give you support and encouragement. Nothing in cosplay should make you feel bad.”

And he is correct. Ultimately, cosplay is for fun and doing what you enjoy. And no internet bullies can take that away from you.

‘What you do isn’t proper cosplay.’

Photographer: Food and Cosplay Featuring: Valentine Cosplay Pipa Wolf Cosplay Credits to all others who participated in #NotACosplayer

‘You know it has to be good, right?’

“The campaign was started from talking to my friend who used that phrase and thought it was rude and wondered if anyone else had gone through the same experience. I saw some people doing a white board message so I thought that was a great way to show the internet this,” explains Eddie of Food and Cosplay, who are behind the movement. “When i initially did it, it wasn’t planned. It was a week before LSCC and I thought it would ‘Can I get a group shot? Oh, not you.’

‘It’s a shame that she’s fat and unattractive.’

‘Too skinny - eat a sandwich.’ ‘not big enoughn boobs.’

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‘That’s the funniest shit I’ve seen.’

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Character: Princess Neptune Cosplayer: Hildrhien

Source: Sailor Moon Photographer: Kings Cosplay

Character: Aoba Seragaki Cosplayer: Kaori Cos かおり

Character: Hatsune Miku Cosplayer: Ickle Cosplay

Source: DRAMAtical Murder Photographer: Kaori Cos かおり

Source: Vocaloid - Sandplay Singing of the Dragon Photographer: Alucard Photography (The-Last-Quincy)

Character: Black Rock Shooter Cosplayer: XxNinjahKittyxX

Source: Black Rock Shooter Photographer: RS Photography

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Character: Girl-type Ranma Saotome & Ryoga Hibiki Source: Ranma ½ Cosplayer: Usagi Joou Photographer: Paul Jacques

Tascha Dearing Art Tascha Dearing is a photographer first and cosplayer second, using her skills at capturing perfect photos to provide a service to those wanting stunning cosplay pictures for their portfolios. She has been an aspiring photographer since the age of 15, and attended her first convention in 2012, having been brought up on geeky hobbies such as games and jumping at the chance to attend her first convention, taking along her camera to snap pictures of the wealth of cosplayers attending the convention.

Photography is her passion, and the years of experience have allowed her to improve to capture the best images possible and manipulate them to create stunning effects, leading her to work with highly regarded cosplayers in the community such as Tabitha Lyons of Arty Fakes. “I just enjoy suiting the characters to the environment,” she says. “You have so many more things you can do!”

However, being a photographer at a con, surrounded by people and with not enough time to take pictures of cosplayers on the con floor can be difficult.

“At cons you have to be fast when you’re taking your photo and you’ve got to make sure you take a flattering shot. You’ve got to be quick as other photographers will get in your shot, the crowd may get in the way, and the cosplayer wants to get on with the rest of their day without spending too much time in the same spot.” She explains.

“I always use Photoshop to make sure to fix makeup and skin, and sometimes I’ve had a cosplayer say “oh god this bit has a bit of unpainted foam” or “crap you can see the hot glue on this bit!” then clean that up so the cosplayer gets a photo that they really love, and they look at the photo and be like ‘I LOOK GREAT!’ as if they didn’t know that already of course!” ‘’My favorite picture I’ve taken to date?” It doesn’t take her long to answer. “I will still always LOVE this photo of Tabitha Lyon’s post-apocalyptic Red Sonja that I snapped back in 2013. Even though the editing is atrocious, it was the first photo I took that showed lots of personality, and the first photo I took that everyone really loved, and that gave me a great big confidence boost to take more!”

Like commissioning, however, photography as a paid career does not work as well with many cosplayers unable to afford paying for photo-shoots on top of their cosplay and conventions expenditure. “As with most photographers at the moment, it’s a difficult thing to get tons money out of, as your target market is mostly people with no money. They’ve already spent hundreds of pounds on making the costume, booking the hotel, getting to the con, and buying

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the tickets. They don’t really have that much money to spare! This is why I usually offer a student discount to those who need it, and I tend to get more money from retouches rather than photo shoots, as I can’t afford a studio and it’s a pain to wander around in costume away from the convention for shoots if you feel uncomfortable doing it, and it’s a lot more difficult to find a decent area that suits your characters.

Thankfully there’s not much in the way of rivalry with photographers at cons, and everyone is more than willing to help someone else out by giving advice or lending equipment, I’ve found!”

“For everyone wanting to get into cosplay photography, my advice would be to literally just throw yourselves into it,” Tascha suggest. “A convention is a great place to meet people, and a great place to grow your business. Get business cards. The cosplayer can then get your photo from your Facebook or websites and share it with their friends/followers, which will get you more recognition and more people will see it. Everyone is super friendly at cons; f you don’t feel confident enough to wander up to strangers to start, don’t worry! I used to have to ask my friend to ask people for me because I was too nervous but after a while you just realize everyone’s there to have fun, everyone wants photos taken and mostly everyone is super friendly, you’ll get there eventually.”

“Always ask permission before you take photos of people-taking photos of people eating and doing other things without their permission is a giant no-no, it’s unflattering for the cosplayer and you will get a WAY better photo if you ask them to pose; they will be in character and they will make your photo so much better. In a similar respect, if people are eating, taking a break or are busy - come back later!

There are literally thousands of people who come to cons, as sad as it is to miss out on cosplayers, you might see them again later on during the day and you will take photos of loads of other people so try not to worry. Or if you are that desperate, ask if you can come back in five minutes or so when they’re done, and that’s that!”

For cosplayers, working together with the photographer and listening to each other’s suggestions leads to capturing optimal images, as Tascha explains. “Listen to your photographer; we’re behind the camera and we can see what you look like, so we can help you pose and look your best. You’ll never have a double chin again! Also on the opposite side, if you like a certain pose or you want to try something out, tell the photographer! Help each other out so you can get the best possible image that you’re both proud of.”

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Goldenmochi Cosplay Goldenmochi is an experienced cosplayer who has attended various conventions up and down the country for almost a decade. Drawing from a wide range of historical and modern influences, her cosplays range from Jacobean style Hetalia characters, to Toph from Avatar the Last Airbender. With projects ahead of her ranging from video games to movies, you’ll see Goldenmochi creating a stir regardless of what convention she attends.

How did you get into cosplay?

I’ve always enjoyed dressing up and any excuse to put on a costume. My friend suggested we go to Comic Con one year and that apparently people dress up at the event! We put some very hastily made costumes together and went along, had a wonderful time and haven’t stopped since!

Why did you get into cosplaying and what do you like about it?

I love the excuse to wear things you wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to wear in ‘everyday life’. The chance to dress up as a character you appreciate as well as learning new skills and getting better at what is essentially a big art and craft project.

What was your first cosplay and what is your most recent cosplay?

L from Death Note in 2006 at London Expo (October) was my first ever cosplay, and my most recent is Momiji from Fruits Basket.

How did you start making your own cosplays? What is your favourite materials to work with?

My first cosplay was put together with bits and pieces I bought from a store, however, the next bunch of costumes I wanted to do couldn’t be bought off eBay or adapted from store-bought items, so I asked my gran to help me make them since she used to make costumes for me when I was younger. She taught me everything I needed to know about using a sewing machine and many tips and tricks on how to make a costume! The first costume we made together was Haruhi from The Perplexity of Haruhi Suzumiya. I love working with ‘real’ fabrics, by that I mean, not just generic polycotton or twill, but things like wool, silk and linen are my favourite since they make outfits look like a real garment.

What techniques do you use and what skills do you now have that you picked up along the way since the beginning of your cosplay journey? How did you learn them?

Before I started cosplaying I had absolutely no skills in sewing whatsoever and hated learning textiles at school. Now I know how to sew whole garments together – specialising in historical clothing such as Jacobean doublets and hose, Tudor dresses

Photographers: Charite Jane Photography Beth Dooner Photography Saz Pixie Soul Many Lemons Seraphim Cry

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and military attire. I love doing embroidery and studying cultural techniques that aren’t in wide use in costume making. Part of the fun is research!

What was the most challenging costume you’ve made so far?

Did you need to use any new techniques to create it?

Leylei from A Bride’s Story. The source material is a manga that is set in 19th century central Asia. I was determined to make a historically and culturally accurate cosplay of the character, which meant researching traditional materials and techniques the Turkmen and Uzbek people used in their traditional costumes. It meant I had to learn how to do batik dye, which is a resist dye technique with hot wax and a series of repeated dying processes to create a coloured design that is part of the fibres. I also did a series of traditional embroidery techniques including shisha which incorporates seashells instead of sequins due to the fact the story and characters are located around the Aral Sea and shells would be a primary part of jewellery and spangles. I also learned how to do gold work, which is a technique that involves couching gold wire that is wrapped around a silk core to fabric to create a raised ‘filled in’ look. This was very time consuming but the overall effect gave the outfit a very realistic appearance which is exactly what I wanted to recreate.

How has cosplay changed your life?

I’ve made a wide variety of friends and gained an immeasurable number of skills which I’ve applied to a variety of experiences including the opportunity to work for both The Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne Opera house in their wardrobe department. I even got the opportunity to be overseer of costume for the extras in the film Les Miserables! I wouldn’t have had any of these opportunities if it wasn’t for cosplay getting me interested in costume-making in the first place.

What cosplayers do you look up to?

Malindachan, Kairi Cosplay, Korin Cosplay, Iloon.

What does cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay is a chance to become a character, to create the character in real life and pretend to be them for a day. To dress like them is to become them and share your love for them with the people around you.

What future plans do you have?

I have several big projects on the cards, Marie Antoinette from the Sofia Coppella film, Seraphim from Sakizou’s Mystic Animism art book and Sora from Kingdom Hearts.

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Team Arkham

Team Arkham consists of Jake and Dave, two previously single cosplayers who teamed up in a memorable double act at LSCC as DC Comics’ Joker and the Penguin. With a wide range of cosplays behind them as individuals and over a decade and a half of experience, hopefully we’ll be able to see this villainous dynamic duo team up once again in future conventions!

How did the two of you get into cosplay?

Jake: I have always been into costume and fancy dress. When I was in school my dad was part of the PTA so we were always in the school carnival, costumes, make up and performing on a lorry’s trailer waving to everyone. It’s normal stuff, then I got into sci-fi and anime and in 2005 I went to my first MCM Expo.

Dave: I come from the steampunk community, so I’ve been modifying stuff to make costumes for years. I used to go around cons in full steampunk and people were suggesting I should cosplay the Penguin.

So I gave it a try and the rest is history.

Why did you decide to team up for LSCC? Jake: Well me and Dave became friends from entering the last LSCC contest.

Dave: Yeah, we challenged each other to a “who can sing the rudest song” contest while waiting to go on stage. After the contest was over for the day we also had a great time going around the con floor in character as the Penguin and Bat Mite causing chaos.

Jake: At some point Dave suggested we team up and I must have been struck by some sort of temporary insanity because I said yes!

How did you work together to prepare for the contest?

Dave: I think we both pretty quickly agreed that we wanted to do a musical comedy act with batman villains. We threw around various ideas for songs, but once we came up with the idea for “Do you wanna kill the Batman” it was immediately clear that it would be the most fun.

Jake: From that Dave used his connections with the theatre and music and got us some time with Jen Hazel, who is an all round musical genius. She helped us get the song recorded for the track.

Can you tell us more about your experience working together?

Dave: Surprisingly successful, in that we managed to avoid killing one another.

Jake: Indeed! It was also a very fun process allowing for improvements to both mine and Dave’s work in both cosplay and theatre.

What did you aim for when joining the LSCC championship? How did it go and what did you take away from it?

Jake: We aimed to just make a great performance and make people laugh and we did, surprisingly well to the fact that we got through to the finals.

Dave: We didn’t expect to be picked for the top ten, so we were backstage chatting, not paying attention and we didn’t hear our names called. One of the stagehands had to grab us and tell us to

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get on stage! Probably why we looked so gob-smacked when we got up there!

Jake: It still didn’t sink in! On Sunday we were lining up backstage. I remember grabbing Dave and shouting “Dave we’re in the final!”

Dave: Then we went back to dancing with all the cosplayers queuing up for the open masquerade Jake: Something to take away? How about “build a better set that doesn’t fall apart!” HAHAHA Dave: Personally I took away a pen I nicked from the judges table when they weren’t looking!

Jake: HA! Go Team Arkham!

Do you plan to continue working together in the future?

Jake: You’ve not seen the last of team Arkham, but maybe in a different form or series Dave: **Laughs manically** Where are you located?

Jake: I come from Sittingbourne in Kent, a town famous for being titled the most boring town by Live & Kicking Dave: I live in Rugby, the town that heard about Sittingbourne winning most boring town and immediately demanded a recount.

What techniques do you use and what skills do you now have that you picked up along the way since the beginning of your cosplay journey?

Jake: Well with all art it is an evolving process so basic sewing and you can’t beat a bit of blue peter magic with paper mache. That stuff I learnt from doing myself, from parents and my Nan who was a trained dressmaker. Working with Dave allowed me to start using facial casting for noses.

Dave: I personally learn stuff by trying to do something ridiculously over-ambitious, royally screwing it up, trying it again and screwing it up a bit less. I repeat this plan until I get my stuff to the level of “not very good” and which point I try something else ridiculously over-ambitious.

What was your first costume and what is your most recent cosplay?

Jake: My first cosplay was Akabane from the anime Getbackers, I was in a goth phase and I was like this guy is cool he has blades coming out of his body, a long trench coat, and a bad asshat. I want to be that guy! Problem was I didn’t have the badass hat so I had to make one from cardboard; the thing was terrible **Laughs** it kept falling off my head.

Dave: Mine was a character I created myself called the Viscount. He is an idiotic time travelling steampunk assassin who on the one occasion he got near his target, he ended up getting killed himself.

Jake: My most recent costume is The Joker which I wore at LSCC; I am currently working on a Transformers costume for Auto Assembly in August. Dave: I’m currently working on Ryuk from Death Note. I’m building him for the UK qualifier for WCS (World Cosplay summit, the world championships of cosplay).

How did you start making your own cosplays? Do you buy any? What materials do you like to work with?

Dave: Once I have picked the character I want to play, I then spend quite a lot of time researching and looking at the source material, from there you can start planning your costume.

Jake: Initial design I always look to what I am capable of and if I can get it done in time. I always love working with craft foam and fabric.

I have to go with something shiny. I do buy parts of the costumes but I always modify what I buy-maybe lift something higher; maybe attach new colours to it. Dave: Funnily enough, I have just bought am assassin costume made for me by Danny Hoang. He’s such a talented guy that when he offered me a costume I instantly said yes! I’m now part of a 4 assassin cosplay group. What materials do you like to work with? Dave: I love doing make up, especially special effects make up.

It is so much fun.

What is your favourite or most challenging costume that you’ve made to date, and why? Can you tell us what skills you used?

Jake: Most difficult costume was Fred Fred Burger from Billy and Mandy, a full body suit using foam and green fuzzy material. The thing took forever to take off! My favourite costume has to be Dr Zoidberg. I have always enjoyed wearing that costume.

Dave: Ryuk is proving to be my most challenging costume. When you get to see it I think you may be able to see why!

How has cosplay changed your life?

Jake: I have met some amazing people like this guy! I have been lucky enough to talk about cosplay on stage at EGX and GEEK in Margate. So cosplay has allowed me to enjoy new things.

How long have you been into cosplay for?

Dave: Counting my time as a steampunk? About 6 years.

Jake: Over 10 years now, it certainly has been an experience.

What future plans do you have?

Jake: World domination Dave: Oh yes, world domination. And killing the batman

Jake: In my free time, when I’m not ruling the world, I’m going to be teaching myself to use worbla.

What are your favourite characters that you have or would like to cosplay? Jake: I usually go for quirky characters that make people turn their head and think, OMG THAT’S ZOIDBERG. You know, get away from the regular costumes you see - the Gokus, Sailor Moons and Dr Whos. Always go for the ones I find interesting and funny, I think ‘hell I want to see these guys at conventions!’

Dave: I like the characters that are both creepy and ridiculous! They are the ones I want to cosplay!

What cosplayers do you look up to?

Jake: I always enjoy the work of Andrew’s Stay Puff Cosplay - he does stuff with foam I dare not think about! And the characters he does amazing work!

Dave: I really like the people who are totally believable as the character they are cosplaying. For example, when he is in his Loki costume, Enja Cosplay IS Loki.

What does cosplay mean to you?

Jake: To be able to run around and be silly, to get smiles and reactions from people. Because that smile or laugh or that little interaction may be the thing to brighten their day because I know how lonely places like that can be sometimes.

Dave: Cosplay is about fun and nothing else, how many likes you get doesn’t matter, how many photos you get asked for doesn’t matter, how many contests you win doesn’t matter, what anyone else is doing, or saying, or thinking doesn’t matter. Cosplay is about making something you are proud of and having fun with it. And nothing else.

You can see more of Jake and Dave’s wonderfully wacky creations at Rocket Penguin Cosplay and Jake’s Cosplay Contrapions, where you can keep up to date with the latest in convention and cosplay news, and their many more plans for the future.

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Disney 26 26

Character: Megara Cosplayer: Klysm

Source: Hercules Photographer: Aperture Alternative

Character: Queen Elsa Source: Frozen Cosplayer: Frederica la Noir - Artisan Costumer Photographer: gaming_goddess cosplay

Character: Belle Cosplayer: Superdebz Cosplay

Source: Beauty and the Beast Photographer: Paper Cube

Character: Maleficent Cosplayer: Gabby Monet

Character: Snow White Source: Cosplayer: Jess Caldwell Cosplay

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Photographer: Tilly Robins Photography

Source: Maleficent Photographer: John Ayliffe Photography

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Exelia Exelia is a cosplayer from Newcastle who has been into anime and games for a number of years and has been cosplaying for a decade. She has attended many conventions up and down the country over this period, competing in a number of highly contested competitions such as Hyper Japan, and has even represented Team UK at the 2013 World Cosplay Summit in Japan. Exelia has a specific love for the Tales of Symphonia series, so you may see her as a Tales character at a convention soon!

How did you first get involved in cosplaying?

My sister and I have been into anime and manga since I was about 10. She went to a convention when I was 15 (and too young to attend) and her friends encouraged her to cosplay. I remember seeing photos and being really interested so as soon as I was able to go myself I joined in! The ball has been rolling ever since...

Why did you decide to cosplay and what makes it so enjoyable to you?

It was a great way to meet new people and make new friends with the same interests, really. And that’s pretty much why I still do it. It’s a fun, creative way to show your appreciation and love for a character or series and a great conversation starter with other fans!

I also like being someone else for a day, my life is boring, but cosplay lets me be somebody different for a day. And that’s nice. Nobody sees you for who you are, just for whom your character is, and it’s nice to get away from daily life for a while!

So has your first and most recent cosplays been from the Tales series, by any chance?

My first costume was Zelos Wilder from Tales of Symphonia at AyaCon 2005! And now, 10 years later, my newest costume is Ludger Will Kresnik from Tales of Xillia 2... some things never change.

Do you always create your own cosplays? What would you consider your favourite material to work with?

My first costumes were made by my mum, and over the years I’ve bought a few basic school uniforms – they were cheaper to buy than make! But for about 6 years now I’ve made all my own costumes. I usually use cotton because it’s easy to sew, looks nice and is quite cheap, but I’m very picky with accuracy so I’ve made a lot of costumes with more difficult fabrics too. Silk and spandex are probably the worst!

What techniques do you use and what skills do you now have that you picked up along the way since the beginning of your cosplay journey? How did you learn them?

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In school I couldn’t thread a machine, never mind use one!

I’ve learned a lot – how to sew, draft patterns, painting, drawing, basic DIY and most essentially how to (roughly) cut in a straight line. Truth be told I don’t know where to start listing things. I’m very headstrong and everything I’ve learned is just through trial and error – I can’t learn from books very well, so I just try everything out.

What was the most difficult cosplay you have made - did it require anything that made it more difficult than usual?

In 2012 I made Totori from Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland. The costume itself wasn’t that difficult, but there were so many new techniques involved in making it! It took me about 3 months to make (which is a long time for me – some take me as little as 3 days) and the whole thing was made from scratch, from the headdress down to the boots, using leather, silk, taffeta, embroidery and gradient dyeing.

Do you feel that cosplay has changed your life?

Well, it’s changed it quite a bit! I’ve been across the world for cosplay - in 2013 I was part of Team UK for World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, Japan, with my partner Yuka, which was an amazing experience. I have friends all over the world now and have met some incredible people.

What cosplayers inspire you?

I admire a lot of cosplayers for their craft. Cosplex and Sands are staples – their work is incredible. There are also some great international cosplayers like A.K. WIRRU, Hezachan, J. Hart Design and Cupcake Cosplay who have phenomenal work. There are far too many to mention. I’m lucky that a lot of cosplayers I admire are also my friends.

What exactly does cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay means a lot of things to me. I get frustrated, I get mad, I get upset, but ultimately cosplay is fun with friends and so many good memories. I really love having a hobby that tests me and pushes me to improve.

What plans do you have for the future?

At the moment I’m hoping to try out for European Cosplay Gathering with Ramirez from Skies of Arcadia, but we’ll see how that goes! There’s a few other big exciting plans I have but I’m a bit too nervous to say what they are just yet, but regardless of what happens I’m always working on something new!

Phtographers: Arphrial Felixize Frazzy

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Raven Quinn Cosplay Raven Quinn is an experienced cosplayer and artist from Bath, who has been creating her own cosplays for almost a decade. With a skilfully assembled back catalogue of characters such as Harley Quinn, Supergirl and Mystique, you will more than likely see her at LSCC or MCM London this year.

How did you get into cosplay?

I first started cosplaying things like a Silent Hill Nurse at Halloween in my early twenties, then after seeing everyone else in such wonderful costumes at conventions I started cosplaying at conventions too.

Why did you get into cosplay? What do you like about cosplaying?

I have always loved costumes and dressing up from a very early age, although it wasn’t until my twenties that I started going to conventions and dressing up. I love the challenge of bringing a beloved character to life and playing them all day. I have also found it a great way to boost my confidence and make new friends at conventions and meets.

What was your first cosplay, and what is your most recent cosplay?

My first cosplay at a convention was a shop bought Harley Quinn at the very first London Super Comic Convention. My most recent costumes are a black and white version of Harley Quinn (based on the statue) and Squirrel Girl; both are yet to be debuted at a convention.

Why did you start making your own costumes instead of using store bought ones?

I started making my own mainly because the shop bought versions are inaccurate and often poorly made. I have been sewing my own clothes and home furnishings since I was very young, so the next logical step for me was to make my own costumes to a standard I was happy with. I make a lot of costumes that involve spandex but have used all sorts of things in the past from worbla and craft foam to rope and moss. My favourite things to work with are fabric (the thing I’m most experienced with) and worbla. I love worbla but I know a lot of people don’t get on with it and use other materials instead.

What techniques do you use and what skills do you now have that you picked up along the way since the beginning of your cosplay journey?

For me I like the challenge of figuring out how to accurately recreate something from a drawing (rarely does an artist consider things like how a costume would fit together in real life) using any skills and techniques I can, which often involves learning new techniques and skills. I’ve learnt to sew with many fabrics I wouldn’t necessarily have touched previously, to use worbla and foam to build structure and more. Some techniques I’ve used have been adapted from other uses such as the vines on Lady Weeds. I made the vines using a technique meant for creating fake vines for a vivarium. You take some polypropylene rope, cover it in brown or black silicone (the kind you can buy in a DIY store) and covered that in coconut husk substrate bought from a pet store (normally used to cover the bottom of your

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vivarium). For Squirrel Girl I have adapted techniques used for making fursuits to make a realistic tail and hide the zip in the fur bodysuit.

Would you consider Lady Weeds your most challenging costume? Why? And what was your favourite to make?

Lady Weeds was definitely the most challenging. It was my first time working with worbla so it was a steep learning curve. Also the making of the vines as explained above was an interesting and messy process. Also I wired LED’s into the mask so that eyes glowed, made gloves using fabric and string which I painted to look like vines (all while making sure I could still move my hands) and sewed so many leaves onto the skirt. I put zips on the inside of the wrists on the gloves to make it easier to put them on and take them off again. The actual painting of the hat, mask and bodice was actually the easiest part, that and sewing the fabric underskirt. I’ve been drawing and painting since I could first use a pencil, so that is one of the easiest and most enjoyable bits for me... I love precision painting and adding shadow and highlights.

My favourite costume would probably be my original Harley Quinn costume. It was the first time I had made a catsuit and drafting the pattern to the correct scaling was challenging, but fun. Mostly she’s my favourite as she’s so easy and comfortable to wear.

How has cosplay changed your life?

My flat is certainly a lot messier! There’s always fabric or paints or bits of foam and fabric lying around. I find it also gives me more confidence to talk to people at conventions.

Also I’ve made a lot of very good friends through cosplay and costuming.

What cosplayers do you look up to?

Hmm... That’s a hard question to answer. I guess I look up to a great many cosplayers who are well known, but also those that are not so well known. Anyone that puts on a costume because of their love of the character and has fun with it (no hate or bashing of others for any reason) gets my respect and admiration.

What does cosplay mean to you?

Cosplay to me is an escape from normal life and a way of boosting my confidence events and conventions. Cosplay means being able to let go of my normal restraints and shyness and jump about having fun instead. One of the best things for me is really bringing the character to life for others as well as myself, especially children. Children often believe that I am the character that I’m cosplaying as and to see their faces light up with joy is amazing.

Do you have anything planned in the future?

I have many, many plans for future cosplays. There are more costumes that I want to make than I will ever have time for.

Photographers: Frazer Brown - Promotopia Pictures Food and Cosplay

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Captain Amelia Cosplay London cosplayer Captain Amelia is relatively new to the UK Cosplay scene with three years of experience behind her, but has already combined her love of Disney princesses with characters from television and film, most notably Game of Thrones where she has been invited to meet the author himself and be a part of exclusive events happening within the UK. When did you first start cosplaying properly?

I’ve been officially cosplaying since 2012, but the first time I pulled together a costume for a specific event was a shoddy Bellatrix Lestrange for Deathly Hallows: Part One in 2010.

Before then, I remember my mum making me a rich little Victorian girl’s costume for a history day at school!

How did you get into cosplay?

The first con I attended was LFCC 2012; I’d heard about it from my friend, who attended the previous year, and cosplay sounded like the best thing ever. My friends and I decided to put together some costumes, I entered my first masquerade, and the rest is history!

What do you enjoy most about cosplaying? What exactly is it that keeps you doing it?

I’ve been dressing up since I was a kid, and I loved the idea of not having to grow out it! I used to sit in front of everything from period dramas to superhero movies and long to wear the costumes that actors got to – And now, not only do I get to wear them, I get to make them as well. It’s an incredible artistic platform to learn new skills and create incredible costumes, and the community as a whole is a really inspiring group to be part of.

What was your first costume and when did you debut it?

What is your most recent cosplay?

I consider my first costume to be Rapunzel from Disney’s Tangled, which I wore to LFCC 2012. The couple of costumes before that were store-bought items pieced together, which I’ve upgraded to handmade stuff since. My most recent cosplay is DC’s Bombshell Supergirl for the incredible Bombshells group at LSCC this year!

Did you have help when you started cosplaying and do you enjoy creating your own costumes?

My mum helped me make my first few costumes, and I definitely couldn’t have got to where I am without her help! I really enjoy the actual construction process that comes with building a costume, so I endeavour make them all myself.

I’m definitely big on working with fabric; I haven’t tried an armour build yet, but I’m hoping to branch out into Worbla this year.

What techniques do you use and what skills do you now have that you picked up along the way since the beginning of your cosplay journey?

I couldn’t sew before I started to cosplay, and now I’d say I’m pretty proficient! I’m a perfectionist, but I try to be a firm believer in trial and error, and learning through doing. I recently made my first boned and laced corset with the help of a friend, so I can categorically say that sewing parties are the best for picking up new skills.

What would you consider your most challenging work so far

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and what element of it was the most difficult to do?

My favourite costume is probably Rapunzel, because she represents an important character from a significant period of my life, but my most challenging costume to date is probably Elizabeth Swann. The gown is based mostly from Pirate of the Caribbean but also has elements of historical fashion, like cartridge pleats, a half-lining on the skirt and a bum roll to give the skirts the right shape. All of the detail on the bodice is hand-sewn, and I’ve owned that pirate medallion for over ten years! Supergirl, however, was pretty challenging to wear in the freezing cold middle of March...

Has cosplaying and moving into the entertainment business with princess costumes given your opportunities you thought you may never have?

Becoming a cosplayer has allowed me to take advantage of opportunities I never thought possible: I’ve performed in the London New Year’s Day Parade; been part of a George R.R. Martin book event; invited to the launch of Game of Thrones: The Exhibition at the O2 and the premiere of GoT: Series Five at the Tower of London; I also do a lot of charity entertainment work, especially with my princess costumes, so I’m able to give something back to the community that has supported me. I’ve also had the privilege of meeting with some incredible people I never would have known if it hadn’t have been for cosplay, and being a part of a community this big is incredible!

What exactly does it mean to you?

Cosplay is an incredible platform to be able to learn, practice and demonstrate new artistic abilities, gather suggestions and advice from other talented craftsmen and seamstresses all over the world. For me personally, it’s an incredible confidence boost, an opportunity to hone my skills, to develop pride in my own work, and to have the chance to bring some of my favourite characters to life.

Are there any established cosplayers you look up to?

Lisa Marie was one of the first friends I made in the community; Kyoshi Cosplay, Helen Alice Cosplay and BexiBeans Cosplay are just the most wonderful people; and some of the most inspirational cosplayers I follow are Timeforlemontea, Starbit, Aigue-Marine and Paine. I’m very lucky to be able to call some of my favourite cosplayers friends, and I’m always in awe of the talent and genuine love this community has to offer .

What future plans do you have?

There are some incredible cosplay groups planned for later in the year that I’m dead excited about and everyone should definitely keep an eye out for; I’m looking forward to expanding my portfolio, attending more events, working with more photographers at more conventions, and creating more historical costumes this year. I’ve got a cosplay to-do list as long as my arm and I’m hoping to make some headway into it this summer!

Photographers: Nick Acott Kosh /arts Danny Harvey David Kane

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Television

TV

Character: 11th Doctor Source: Doctor Who Cosplayer: David Ormsby - Cosplaying Adventurer Photographer: Edd Jones Photography

Character: Bumblebee Cosplayer: Katie Cosplays

Source: Transformers Photographer: Josh Keating

Character: Christine Daae Source: the Phantom of the Opera Cosplayer: Clockwork Dandy Noodles Photographer: Dave Habbick

Character: Luna Lovegood Cosplayer: Stephanie Luna Noel

Source: Harry Potter Photographer: Amber Godden-Wood

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Character: Boba Fett Source: Star Wars Cosplayer: Koop Amarna Cosplay / Prop Art Photographer: Thunderbolt Photography

European Cosplay Gathering For the last five years, hundreds of aspiring cosplayers have taken part in ECG (European Cosplay Gathering), an event that aims to bring out the very best in creativity and imagination from the cosplay community across Europe. Last year the UK’s entrants consisted of cosplayers Enja Cosplay and Laura Sindall who won the team finals as Marvel’s Loki and Black Widow, as well as Cosplex who placed first in the solo category as Satine from Moulin Rouge, which won them a trip to Tokyo and provided the UK with it’s first ever ever wins in both divisions. .

With a number of events across Europe used as vehicles for contestants to enter the competition, entrants can come through small qualifying venues featuring less than a dozen cosplayers to major nationwide events where entrants can go up to the hundreds. We had the wonderful opportunity to speak to the Enja Cosplay as well as the solo and group competitors in the upcoming 2015 event.

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The 2014 ECG team consisted of Benjamin Hunt and Laura Sindall, who won the group competition with a performance as brilliantly orchestrated as their costumes, acting out a scene between Loki and Black Widow that wowed the audience. Though both were veteran cosplayers who had worked with other partners before, this was their first time performing together as a duo. As Ravenna and William from Snow White & The Huntsman in the preliminary rounds, they demonstrated excellent teamwork by beating three other teams at Hyper Japan in London to qualify for the final, where the number of competitors would dra-

matically increase - as would the talent and skill levels.

Ben has had prior experience with entering ECG, with many lessons to take away which he used to improve for future championships. “I was in Season 1 of ECG with another cosplay partner and we represented the UK in the group section. It was my first time making a full costume and we didn’t really know what we were getting into. We didn’t do fantastically but it was still a great experience meeting so many amazing cosplayers and it really inspired me to learn how to make better costumes and try again.”

Ben has been cosplaying for a decade as a variety of different characters ranging from Elrond in Lord of the Rings to Red Robin from DC Comics. He has won a number of cosplay awards in the UK and other parts of Europe, such as coming first in World Cosplay Masters. Along with his cosplaying, Ben is also a judge of many tournaments, flying as far afield as Belgium to overview the Eurocosplay Convention in Brussels.

2015 ECG entrants Shirak, Altria, and Nomes are three highly skilled cosplayers who draw their influences from a wide variety of entertainment sources, from both Eastern and Western pop culture.

ECG 2015 solo entrant Shirak is a veteran cosplayer with fourteen years of experience to draw upon. Shirak entered the preliminary phases of the ECG as Beetlejuice from the Tim Burton film of the same name.

She is currently working on an elaborate costume for the finals, again drawing from cinema with Gary Oldman’s Dracula from the 1992 film directed by Francis Ford Copolla. As an experienced cosplayer who has been a judge at several events as well, she is all too happy to give tips to those wishing to enter competitons: “ I would advise to leave enough time to work on the costume. Make it as accurate as possible. A big bulky costume might be impressive from the distance, but not well finished when you see it up-close, so size doesn’t matter! Try to make it as neat as possible, and be as creative with the performance as possible.” She tells us.

Group entrants Altria and Nomes are excited to cosplay as Captain Harlock and Kei Yuki from the seminal space anime, Captain Harlock, for the finals, as well as cosplaying as Levi and Eren from Attack on Titan during the non-competitive parade. With a decade and a half’s experience between the two of them, they are quietly confident that they can do well in both elements of craftsmanship and performance, both of which will be judged by a team of highly respected and experienced cosplayers.

Altria was keen to impress how important doing as much research as possible on the character and outfit you will be competing in is, adding: “ References are your friend.

Try and hunt down references from all angles. If you can’t find a particular reference or it doesn’t exist, then you have to interpret that part of the costume based on your knowledge of the character.”

With judges awarding points for both the creativity and skill used in the costumes, Altria and Nomes will also be judged on their performance while attempting to show off how accurate they can portray their characters - a challenging task when you are in front of thousands of people with cameras at a large convention!

This year’s finals will be held in the Paris-Nord Viellepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris, France, between the 2nd and 5th of July. This will be the 16th edition of the annual gathering and the 10th to be held in the Viellepinte Exhibition Centre with over 240,000 attendees expected over the four day event. Not only focusing on cosplay, the event will also feature Japanese pop culture, music, anime and other aspects of Japanese culture.

Let’s hope the UK based entrants can do us proud and go far into their competitions!

Photography by CoolADN

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World Cosplay Summit The World Cosplay Summit is a major event in the annual calendar, where highly skilled cosplayers from across the world compete against each other to reach the finals in Nagoya, Japan. The UK only recently joined WCS’s list of countries in 2012 and other countries are still steadily being added to that list.

The Team UK 2015 prelims were held at Hyper Japan Christmas Market - Olympia Centre, London, Nov. 2014. All other countries who enter into WCS also have preliminaries at various cons annually; some even have preliminary competitions for the official preliminaries as there are so many entrants!

I had the opportunity to speak to two very talented cosplayers from East Yorkshire, Rachel Conroy and Hannah Coote, who go by the stage names Tarka and Noa. The pair have known each other since 2008 and have competed in three UK trials claiming victory in their third. They were willing to share their experiences with us about the WCS, as well as share it’s history.

Tarka has been cosplaying for about 7 years, but has only been doing it competitively in the last 3 years. “Meeting Noa at a local con was what really kicked it off though,” she claims. On her cosplay routes she says, “I’ve always loved Japanese culture and being a crafty person by nature it was inevitable I’d end up getting into cosplay sooner or later.”

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Noa originally tended to convert clothes to make costumes, but slowly taught herself dressmaking so that she could make her own. “I researched techniques and practiced so much,” she explains. “It has been over the past year or two where I began to try to make as accurate and finished costumes as possible! I’m a perfectionist haha!” Indeed she is, disclosing that her next big step is working on raising her confidence. The two first met in 2008 at a local TokyoPop event in Waterstones where Noa had premiered her first cosplay, and they’ve been friends ever since. The two stayed in touch, and have been working together when big projects came up and supporting each other.

“Noa convinced me to enter WCS the first time, and since then we’ve just kept going back,” says Tarka.

Preparation and research were crucial to the pair. They’d spend months passionately laboring away to master their costumes and props. They’d plan and source before deciding on music, timing, choreography, script and set.

They’d study previous winners and performances from conventions all over the world, looking at what made them successful, and trying to incorporate different elements into their own. They’d also take into consideration the judges’ critiques from the previous year, which they claim only drove them to try harder.

“It’s a lot more complex than you would first think!” explained Noa, “The judging is generally marked into the categories of– performance, faithfulness to characters and story, costume impact on stage and craftsmanship.”

Craftsmanship includes accuracy, quality and technique of the costumes/props.

“I would advise on looking at each of these elements and thinking about how your costume and performance fit into them,” Noa added. “Are the costume finished, have good movement on stage, look accurate to the characters and suit you as a cosplayer who is trying to represent them.”

The pair worked brilliantly as a team, communicating and allowing plenty of room for compromise so that their work would not get in the way of their friendship. “We met up at every opportunity we could, wherever we could to practice and throw ideas around. You become a two-person theatre production in that sense!” said Tarka on how they learned to develop a mutual understanding which, along with their can-do attitudes, made them quite the dynamic duo.

“I guess at first it was not wanting to ruin our relationship with getting into competitive cosplay, and suddenly finding that we have completely different ideas, and cannot find even ground – but this was not the case thankfully!” said Noa about their previous fears. That’s not to say there weren’t troubles and last minute changes, but over time the two grew to find it less daunting, learning from their mistakes and gaining experience to build confidence while maintaining their passion.

Though their plans for the finals were confidential, they were happy to tell me about their preliminary choices.

Both chose priestess versions of their outfits from Fushigi Yuugi. Tarka chose to cosplay as Miaka Yuki, while Noa decided on Yui Hongo. The pair chose the cosplays for their straightforwardness and elegance, noting it’s simple appearance but deceptively complex parts with ornate headdresses and elaborate wigs, all of which had to be handmade as are stated in the rules. The sleeves on both were a massive lure because of how we could utilise them onstage and make the cosplays on a whole flow really nicely both static and in motion. They didn’t stop there

however, they also made their character choices based on the performance they would have. I was attracted to the nostalgia of the show and the strong female characters as well. I felt a real connection with Yui.” stated Noa, “which is very helpful when you are performing on stage in character – it makes it a whole lot easier!” They considered each little detail such as the way they move, how they could utilize the outfits onstage and make the cosplays on a whole flow nicely, as well as transport.

For Tarka, entering the competition was all about gaining experience, focusing on learning, getting hands-on knowledge, and trying out new ways of creating cosplays, props and sets. Noa on the other hand is all for competition, stating, “I never go into anything expecting to win. but of course wanting it so much! Who enters into a competition and doesn’t want to win? Of course I was upset when we didn’t, but what I took from it is perseverance – if you work hard enough at something, you can get there!”

Though the two note that they are far from where they once were, they also acknowledge they’re not perfect, and are dedicated to trying their best. The two are excited to attend several parades and events on their trip to Japan and the finals.

Let’s wish them the best of luck as they represent the UK in Nagoya!

For more information, check out the official website: http://www.worldcosplaysummit.jp/en/ WCS Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldCosplaySummit?fref=ts WCS Team UK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCSTeamUK?fref=ts Photography: Manga Girl Photography

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Tutorial 1: How to make a sword Step one: Draw the shape of the sword you want to make on cardboard and cut it out, then place a thin wooden dowel in the center of the sword running along the blade and down to the hilt.

You will need: • • • •

Step two: Wrap masking tape around the cardboard cut out and dowel, securing the dowel andwrapping around the sword completely.

• • • • •

Cardboard Wooden dowel Masking Tape Expanding Foam - any brand will do (here I used B&Q’s own) A boxcutter Paper Mache Worbla Wood Filler Primer

•

Paint- black and silver

Step three: Spray expanding foam over the sword on one side and wait to dry, then flip over and cover the other side with expanding foam until it is covered all over.

Step four: Using a boxcutter, carve the expanding foam until you have whittled it away down to your desired sword shape.

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Step five: Cover the sword in paper mache and leave to dry. This step is necessary as it fills in all the air holes ansd protects the weak structure of the expanding foam.

Step six: Cover the entire sword in worbla and mould it to fit the sword tightly in all the edges. Cover in wood filler then sand it down. Add a coat of primer and leave to dry.

Step seven: After the primer has dried, your sword is now complete and now only needs painting. Start off with a base coat of black paint.

Step eight: After the base coat has dried, paint the blade silver and leave to dry. You can now embellish the sword as you want before covering in a final coat of primer and leaving it to dry to dry. And you’re done!

Tutorial by: Kyokyo Cosplays Photographer: Photography by Ian B

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Tutorial 2: How to make a worbla corset Step one: Either wrap yourself or a dressmaker’s mannequin in cling film and cover in tape around the waist, hips and bust. Next, wear an old bra to get the shape of the bust above the main corset body, and then remove to see where the lines are to build the corset round using tape.

Shape off the corset using electrical or masking tape, and continue using the tape to make the main body of the corset. Use a marker pen to mark the patterns that the corset will have.

Step two: Draw two lines at the back - the second one is to allow a little space when working on the rear.

You will need: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Roll of worbla Hot glue gun Clingfilm and tape, can be any type Scissors Pencil and marker pen Craft foam Heat gun Acrylic globes in your cup size Vaseline Paper clay D-rings Primer Acrylic paints

Step three: Use a pair of scissors to cut the tape corset shapes out. Once cut out, lay all the pieces flat. Using the shapes cut out, lay them on a piece of craft foam and draw around them with a marker pen. Make two copies of each piece for both sides of the corset. Number or name each piece of foam and material so it is easy to match them up at all times.

Step four: Lay the pieces flat on the worbla and sketch around them again with a marker pen- make sure you make two copies of each piece. Leaving a little space around the edges cut the pieces out with a pair of scissors or box cutter. Heat the worbla up with either a heat gun or hot water. Lay the foam on top of the first piece of worbla then cover it with the second piece of worbla to make a worbla/foam/worbla sandwich and heat once again. Use your fingers to press down the excess edges of the worbla to create a seal. It may be advisable to use a cloth to do this, as the material will be hot. Cut the edges off with scissors- the snipping motion of the scissors should seal the edges tightly.

Step five: Start arranging the pieces and heat and press to make them bond together.

Step six: Start bending the worbla/foam pieces to either your body or the dressmaker’s mannequin to get them into the correct shape to match your body. Repeat for each piece of worbla- add, heat, fit and cool until the corset is fully formed. Once completed, you should be left with a solid corset body.

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Step seven: To make the cups, the best option is to use acrylic globes coated in Vaseline. Push worbla on top of this while heating it to cover the dome shape.

With scissors remove the excess worbla once it has cooled until you have a nice, rounded cup shape.

Step eight: Heat up the bottom of each individual cup and push it into the body of the corset and allow it to mould into the body.

Step nine: Use a pencil to sketch on the pattern for the foam and clay you will place on top to embellish it. Paper clay is good to use as it is far cheaper to buy than worbla. Cover the corset in tape and draw on with marker pen the patterned sections you require for the body. Remove any excess tape not needed for the soon to be covered section. Cover the shapes in foam and tape into place.

Step ten: Use D-rings to create fixings, they are far easier to use than holes and will save time and effort in the long run. Cover the flat end in a worbla loop as pictured. Cut a hole into the worbla. The foam will be in there, so use a knife or scissors to gently ease the ring into place. Press down with your finger to recreate the seal. After this the D-lock will be securely in place and will take most of the strain easily. Repeat for the second D-link fixing.

Step eleven: To finish off, use any excess worbla and foam to decorate the corset as you see fit. Cover the corset in a coat of primer - car primer is recommended - and once dry, paint it however you see fit and seal with a top coat.

Your worbla corset is finished.

Tutorial by: Pipa Wolf Cosplay

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Convention Calendar 2015 May - MCM Comic Con London 22nd - 24th May

ALcon 3rd - 6th September J-Con 25th - 26th September

June - Sunnycon 26th - 28th June

Northampton Comic Con 26th - 27th September MCM Comic Con Glasgow 26th - 27th September

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Kitacon 31st - 2nd July-August

July - Hyper Japan 10th - 12th July

Yorkshire Cosplay Con 8th August

July - London Film and Comic Con 17th - 19th July

Scotland Film and Comic Con 22nd - 23rd August

MCM MCM Comic Con Manchester 25th - 26th July

Reader questions I want to crossplay but I have a large chest so I’m worried I won’t be able to pass off as male. Is there anything I could do that actually works in making my chest look flatter?

Binding your chest is the best option, however people do have varying degrees of success. You should be careful about binding as you could injure yourself and cause breathing complications if you bind too tight or incorrectly! People recommend many different ways to bind – it is possible to create your own binder, as all it requires is breathable stretch fabric with a zip or hook to fasten shut, and (stretch) bandaging and listings for binders are other options you have. However, to be on the safe side you should look into investing in a good binder from established sellers – looking for FTM items are one of the best ways to acquire a good binder that works well. Some good companies you could acquire high quality binders from are Underworks and T-Kingdom.

Do you have any tips or advice for performing in masquerades and competitions?

The main thing to remember is have a solid idea of what you’re doing! Even if you’ve not practiced beforehand, always try to come up with a beginning, middle, and end for your performance before you apply or in the days leading up to the competition or masquerade. As long as you have a set idea of how to start and how to end, you can always improvise the middle on stage, but optimally you should know the full sketch you’re doing and practice several times beforehand. Audio is also very important – stay in rhythm to the music and learn to lip sync properly, or if you’re speaking live practice your speech and background music and make sure you have working equipment!

People always say you should make your own cosplays, but I can’t sew. Is it okay for me to buy my cosplays?

Of course! Buying your cosplays does not make you any less of a cosplayer than those who make their own cosplays. Not everyone has the time, money, or skill to make them, and that’s perfectly fine. You will look just as lovely as other cosplayers, regardless of bought or handmade costumes. The quality of store bought cosplays have increased, and there are some reputable sellers such as Cosplay Sky and highly rated sellers on eBay and other marketplaces that deliver really well made and accurate cosplays. Alternatively, you can always commission cosplays if you have the money, as commissioners are individuals who labour for hours over creating near perfect costumes for others.

I’m going to my first non-local con at a hotel and I’m not sure what I should be packing, what should I take?

Remember to take body spray! With many people jam packed into the same building things will get a little warm and the last thing you want is to swear profusely.

Medical supplies are essential even if it just comprises of painkillers, and always have a cosplay repair kit on hand (if you decide to go in cosplay) – worst case scenario you just pop up to your hotel room and fix your cosplay quickly and can be back downstairs within minutes.

Food over the weekend can get pricey, so do remember to bring snacks. Money for the dealer’s hall and other purchases is necessary, and you might want to bring along a camera to remember the weekend, as well as a wash bag for all your toiletries and enough clothes for the duration (with extras) of your stay. And lastly, remember your electronics and games or books to keep you entertained during the travel!

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Coscopes

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Aries (March 21 - April 19) Like Kirk you are energetic and dynamic, with the ability to use all manner of skills to make sure your cosplay is done in a variety of creative and energetic ways!

Libra (September 23 - October 22) You dislike hard work, but you are always brimming with new ideas to try out, even if the execution of the work annoys you.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Katniss is strong, stubborn and determined- and so are you! Diligently working on whatever cosplay you are working on as you absolutely make sure what you do is done to the very best of your abilities.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) You are always passionate and forceful when it comes to making and wearing what you create, always determined to excite and be the best- just like Yuffie.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Flexibility and being supportive are hallmarks of gemini- which shows true in Ash. You are always open to trying out new methods and techniques in order to complete your goals!

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Straightforward and to the point when it comes to your creations, you’re always aware of what you can do and hat you can pull off!

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Born under this sign means you love nothing more to retreat into your own den and get started on a new project.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) Hinata is always patient with what she does and like her, you’re always painstakingly careful with any project you put together and it will usually pay off handsomely.

Leo (July 23 - August 22) Creative and enthusiastic at all times, just like Makise Kurisu, a Leo is always broadminded and ambitious when it comes to creating the perfect cosplay!

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Inventive and independent you’re not one to stop and take the easy, well trodden path has to offer.

Like Ken you’re out to create and adapt at every chance to show what you can do.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22) Hermione is the height of practicality and being meticulous, you’re always putting your thoughts into your cosplay and are an absolute perfectionist.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) Like Barry Allen you are intuitive and imaginative, you have many ideas in your head for fantastical otherworldly designs that will blow people away!

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