the list from the Unplanned panel (argument about cosplay)

[majinshadow]

Korukun (AKA computer guy) here again with the list from the "panel" that happend before the Anime that scarred me for life Panel. it wasn't planned and ppl sorta meshed into the room (me included) and we talked about cosplays that we are sick of seeing each year and some rules to cosplaying that we feel should be followed. Don't take this as we hate "insert your name here" thread, we are just saying that it sucks to show up each year and see the same stuff over and over again in mass amounts.

some of these are for and excessive amount while others just feel tacky to do.

These we don't want to see anymore, exceptions in ( )
-note that these aren't all my opinions, but a collaboration of many-

Naruto (newest Akatskui and chouji)
BLEACH (no exceptions!)
L from death note
FMA - (winwry and the sins are exceptions)
Inuyasha
MAN-faye
any Man+Fem character (exception is if you get a group of guys to do it. cause not only did you have the guts to do it, but you got 2+ others to do it too!)
Link (there are just too many :\ )
historical figures not in anime
no non-anime
no cheap rack cosplay (if you bought it completely pre-made, you shouldn't cosplay, akatsuki coat is an example)
no zatch bell unless you ARE zatch bell (same height)
no domo-kun - it's too mainstream now
pirates of Caribbean - it's not anime T_T
KH - it's done, put it to rest please
be weight aware!
ff 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 - we want to see more classic characters
Internet memes - you are breaking rules 1 & 2 you cancers!T_T
Harry potter - again, not anime

these are just some cosplays that we (the unplanned panel) came up with. we ask to mix it up a bit and if you are going to try one of these, then sell it, make it a godly and memorable. BE REALISTIC!, if you tossed your cosplay together from random rags at goodwill you aren't trying hard enough.

~the unknown, un-named panel

[majinshadow]

o.o my bad

[Ayumu]

Eh, well... I have some mixed feelings on this. Sure, there are a TON of costumes that I'm pretty sick of seeing and I wish I could see more diversity, but at the same time, I'm of the opinion that cosplay should be about fun no matter what. If you're enjoying yourself dressing up as a certain character, who really should be allowed to say "NO IT'S OVERDONE STOP IT!!!"? *shrugs* 

[koru-kun]

omg i remembered my actual account !

anyway, we do agree that cosplaying should be fun, but be realistic. i'll use bleach as an example.

first year it came out (jpn only, go subs!) it was nice to see ichigo's being cosplayed and such. the next year bleach got ported to america and became main stream, suddenly we had some 20+ ichigos.

now when i say be realistic, i mean realize how popular a series is and base judgment off that. I mean it was awesome to see some out of the ordinary cosplayers like officer jenny and the draw face neko (idk what you would call it >.> )

[AnimeMatrix]

I was actually pleasantly surprised how few Dark Knight Joker's  I saw this year. I thought this year was going to be Joker-con, but I only saw a handful. And about the repeat cosplay, though there are alot of repeat characters that I see and I get tired of, I don't really care what people dress up as- especially non- anime cosplay. Heck- in Japan, Japanese people cosplay as non-anime/manga characters to Japanese anime/manga cons all the time, so why should it be such a big deal in America.

[DancingTofu]

Cosplay's for video games too not just anime. . .

[Hazuza]

Eh, well... I have some mixed feelings on this. Sure, there are a TON of costumes that I'm pretty sick of seeing and I wish I could see more diversity, but at the same time, I'm of the opinion that cosplay should be about fun no matter what. If you're enjoying yourself dressing up as a certain character, who really should be allowed to say "NO IT'S OVERDONE STOP IT!!!"? *shrugs* 

This.

Also, a lot of people cosplay series as soon as they find out about/get into them. For a lot of cosplayers this year, it was their first con. Who are they to know if it was overdone or not? Heck, who are they to CARE. They were doing it for fun.

Also, I dislike your comment on Man+Fem characters ]: There were a few this year that did it well. Better than females in one case. I don't believe crossplay should be a girls-only kind of thing.

[nikkiolie]

I did Temari this year and everyone kept telling me that I did a good job, and that costume was thrown together from clothes from good will

But yeah I try to avoid anime that is over done and if I really must do it I would much rather do a character that isn't seen a lot....in this case there were a lot of Temari's this year x.x

[FizzTheCarbonated]

Naruto is actually the best show for multiple cosplays, in my opinion, since it has all the Clone jutsus.  You don't think, "Damn, she did my character!"  You get in a picture together and both do a different pose.  BOOM!  Clone Jutsu!

I, personally, don't really care who a person cosplays as.  I just like to see them well-done.

[megchan]

I, personally, don't really care who a person cosplays as.  I just like to see them well-done.

Quoted for truth.

To be truthful, I have never watched FMA, Bleach, or Naruto which are some of the BIG TICKET cosplays and I don't understand the jokes AT ALL. But, I notice when someone's doing a good job and I can respect them for that!

I like that no one mentioned seeing underaged girls in barely nothing outfits >___> Isn't THAT a little overdone?

[koru-kun]

I like that no one mentioned seeing underaged girls in barely nothing outfits >___> Isn't THAT a little overdone?

when it comes to reality, i think so, but then again, half of anime promotes this so i understand why it shows up. at least it's better than the first kumoricon (although i did enjoy the sight, i'm a guy i can enjoy it if i want T_T )where there were some ffx-2 cosplay with some lacking of bra and underwear. they were fine untill they leaned forward.

[murder_of_raven]

Also, I dislike your comment on Man+Fem characters ]: There were a few this year that did it well. Better than females in one case. I don't believe crossplay should be a girls-only kind of thing.

As a (transgender) crossplayer I obviously agree with you, however I get the impression they are refering to "Man" as in MtF crossplayers who actually go out of their way to look /male/. Yeah, it was poignent once or twice, but the shock-value and the statement have worn out and I must say I'm somewhat offended by what has turned into mocking of actual crossplayers. Also, honestly (and I'm sure this could be taken the wrong way) I don't want to be hanging out with a heavy-set, sweaty, REALLY hairy person in a skimpy costume whatever their gender. I think equality should be taken into account and crossplayers should be held to the same unspoken standards cosplayers of their assumed gender are held to.

[koru-kun]

let me clarify about the whole man+fem-character part.

what we mean is manFaye level or Manry level. you know, the really out of place crossplays. i've got nothing against crossplay, but as most can figure, manFaye and the like are not the best thing to see, as epic as it might be >_>

[ThiefKingsHier]

...

Bleach
Naruto
FMA
Inuyasha

ect

I don't think the problem is their popularity or excessive amount,  as the excessive amount of 'epic fail' that most of them are.

Because the main characters from these shows are soo popular lot of people just throw together a cheap costumes and crappy wig in two minutes, or worse just by them off the infamously crap-sites.

If people can cosplay  those character WELL or in an original fashion, then more power to them I say.

One huge problem I do have that was listed;

Non-Anime.

In my opinion if it is not Anime, manga, vdeo game or at least from Japanese culture GTFO.

If there is NO other place for it and you feel that you'll just DIE if you don't get to do it, then okay, for one day or gathering then, alright.

I wanted to strangle every damned Joker I saw. ( I counted 5 within the first 30 minutes on Friday.)  NONE of them were even good..in a half-assed sort of way.

I haven't even SEEN Dark Knight and I am sick to death of the freakin Joker.

You want to know 'Why so serious?" BECAUSE IT ISN'T F-ING FUNNY ANYMORE !! * RAAAGE*

The Joker would be one of those costumes you can wear to comicom, Norwestcon ect. Leave it there!

This also ( and especially) applies to Starwars costumes. I HATE Sci-Fi that is why I'm not AT a Sci-Fi-convention GET OOUT!! There are PLEANTY of other places you can go to show-off your 'uber nerd-dom'.

[khaosvanity]

Hey, can you add Furries to that list. 
Kumoricon isn't a Fur con.

[Winfred]

Hey, can you add Furries to that list. 
Kumoricon isn't a Fur con.

Isn't Kumoricon an 'everything that isn't ridiculously inappropriate and can be appreciated by those who attend' con? At least, hopefully it is? Otherwise it'd be a sad, sad Kumoricon indeed. -nodnod-

[nikkiolie]

I think my beef is with any costume that is done poorly. If you want to cosplay take the extra time and extra money to do a good job. It almost seems like a waste to by the organization coat or the akatsuki coat and not do anything else. You are showing the creators and artist that you appreciate their work and by doing a half ass job you are making yourself look bad and not showing them anything. Also it brings all our cosplay down (just look at all those sites saying Asians are the only one who can cosplay and Americans do it horribly wrong, I thought I did a good job and I think others did too)

[megchan]

This also ( and especially) applies to Starwars costumes. I HATE Sci-Fi that is why I'm not AT a Sci-Fi-convention GET OOUT!! There are PLEANTY of other places you can go to show-off your 'uber nerd-dom'.

*heartbreaks a little* The clone trooper (gah, I wish I would've learned his name) was suuuuuch a nice guy! And to be fair, I run the Star Wars panel AT Kumoricon and Sakuracon so it's not like there's NO prompting for it.

Plus, if there's mandatory HAS TO BE JAPAN RELATED costuming, then a lot more stuff would be kicked out. Like Avatar: the Last Airbender cosplays (that's a US created show, isn't it?), panels about the internet or randomness (or Star Wars) that can't promise to be all about ~japan~, and ANYTHING to do with stuff like 4chan costumes (which could be a good thing, but it's not my place to decide) because it's NOT Japan related, the fandoms just happen to overlap.

But really, it's kind of impossible to separate these things anymore. Maybe back in the day (Baka con '99, hellz yeah) when there was like...100 people at con and EVERYONE was from Sailor Moon, Ranma 1/2, or Gundam Wing, but there's NO WAY it can be like that anymore.

[koru-kun]

for an example of mindblowing level of cosplay that just about anyone would want to see. i present this Vash.



now for an example of what most would say "DO NOT WANT" and sorry for the low quality.

[Ayumu]

So... you've gone from saying "NO THIS AND THAT" to saying "NO THIS AND THAT AND YOU HAVE TO BE FREAKING AMAZING OMFG"? Honestly, that's ridiculous. Are people who are just starting to cosplay just sit around by themselves in their house with their costumes on, worrying about going to a convention because of rude people like you? Geez, everyone has to start somewhere. Do you even cosplay?

[koru-kun]

don't forget people. only some on the list are my opinions. the list was made from a group of people with ideas about how cosplay should be done. i'm not saying that every cosplay has to be godly. but if you're going to be Naruto or ichigo or any other really popular character then do a good enough job to stand out. and shadow jutsu is a lame excuse for multi naruto cosplays.

[FizzTheCarbonated]

and shadow jutsu is a lame excuse for multi naruto cosplays.

Excuse?  There is no "excuse."  Someone shouldn't need an excuse for cosplaying as a popular character.  They liked the character--they wanted to cosplay the character.  That's all the "excuse" they need.  I like to see well-done cosplays but someone who just did their first costume ever isn't going to get attitude from me for it not being up to my construction standards.

Give the kids a break.  Unless a person cosplays as a completely obscure character, there will probably be someone else there in the same costume.  Heck, last year my boyfriend and I fully expected to be the only Captain Harlock cosplayers at con, and not only was there another pair, they did exactly the same outfits we'd done.  That was a totally shock, but we just thought it was cool!

[Ayumu]

I agree with Fizz. And I see you just glazed over my question... what are new cosplayers supposed to do? Just mope around by themselves instead of having fun because of people like you and your "panel"?

I used to think the same way you did about cosplay, to be totally honest. "Do it "right" or don't do it at all!" But, then I grew up. 

[Acheron]

I totally agree with you! I think we should have a pre-con thing for anyone who wants to cosplay, and if you are cosplaying as someone that people can recognize, then you can't come in costume. If more than three people have heard of the anime, cosplaying from it it right out, too.

Better yet, no-one should be allowed to do a cosplay of a series I don't like!

And you're so right about the not-Japanese cosplayers not being wanted. Everyone knows Japan is so much better than stupid America. If the series has ANY English in it, or has been translated, GTFO! This isn't a con for YOU smucks. Kumoricon is for the elite fans. In fact, the website should be entirely in Japanese, so only the Real Fans can register.

THAT's what would make Kcon enjoyable, not people having fun and cosplay whoever they want! Sorry losers, you're not cool enough to come to our con, maybe you should try some lame one like Sakuracon, where they *shudder* let people dress up as whatever, from whatever series they enjoy. Ugh, right?

In other, not anvilicious, news, this post has cemented me going as a Bleach character to my next con! Yay!

[megchan]

I totally agree with you! I think we should have a pre-con thing for anyone who wants to cosplay, and if you are cosplaying as someone that people can recognize, then you can't come in costume. If more than three people have heard of the anime, cosplaying from it it right out, too.

Better yet, no-one should be allowed to do a cosplay of a series I don't like!

And you're so right about the not-Japanese cosplayers not being wanted. Everyone knows Japan is so much better than stupid America. If the series has ANY English in it, or has been translated, GTFO! This isn't a con for YOU smucks. Kumoricon is for the elite fans. In fact, the website should be entirely in Japanese, so only the Real Fans can register.

THAT's what would make Kcon enjoyable, not people having fun and cosplay whoever they want! Sorry losers, you're not cool enough to come to our con, maybe you should try some lame one like Sakuracon, where they *shudder* let people dress up as whatever, from whatever series they enjoy. Ugh, right?

In other, not anvilicious, news, this post has cemented me going as a Bleach character to my next con! Yay!

quoted for love. <3

[khaosvanity]

Hey, can you add Furries to that list. 
Kumoricon isn't a Fur con.

Isn't Kumoricon an 'everything that isn't ridiculously inappropriate and can be appreciated by those who attend' con? At least, hopefully it is? Otherwise it'd be a sad, sad Kumoricon indeed. -nodnod-

Oh I'm sorry? It's a fetish isn't it? I kinda think that that's inappropriate to a FAMILY convention.

You don't see many BDSM fetishes running around the dealers room in full leather gear with gimp masks and nipple clamps do you?

[murder_of_raven]

Hey, can you add Furries to that list. 
Kumoricon isn't a Fur con.

Isn't Kumoricon an 'everything that isn't ridiculously inappropriate and can be appreciated by those who attend' con? At least, hopefully it is? Otherwise it'd be a sad, sad Kumoricon indeed. -nodnod-

Oh I'm sorry? It's a fetish isn't it? I kinda think that that's inappropriate to a FAMILY convention.

You don't see many BDSM fetishes running around the dealers room in full leather gear with gimp masks and nipple clamps do you?

Despite my disinterest in the furry community, I must disagree with you. While furry /can/ be a fetish, a large percentage of them are doing it just for fun, just like any cosplayer. Tell me honestly, are you saying there isn't a /single/ guy or girl at kumoricon running around in skimpy cosplay and not deriving some amount of sexual gratification? Please don't hate on a whole community of people, especially if you're not completely sure you aren't misinformed.

[khaosvanity]

Hey, can you add Furries to that list. 
Kumoricon isn't a Fur con.

Isn't Kumoricon an 'everything that isn't ridiculously inappropriate and can be appreciated by those who attend' con? At least, hopefully it is? Otherwise it'd be a sad, sad Kumoricon indeed. -nodnod-

Oh I'm sorry? It's a fetish isn't it? I kinda think that that's inappropriate to a FAMILY convention.

You don't see many BDSM fetishes running around the dealers room in full leather gear with gimp masks and nipple clamps do you?

Despite my disinterest in the furry community, I must disagree with you. While furry /can/ be a fetish, a large percentage of them are doing it just for fun, just like any cosplayer. Tell me honestly, are you saying there isn't a /single/ guy or girl at kumoricon running around in skimpy cosplay and not deriving some amount of sexual gratification? Please don't hate on a whole community of people, especially if you're not completely sure you aren't misinformed.

I'm not saying there isn't. And I don't care if you agree or disagree.

And Please don't tell me what I can or can't like.
I'm just saying that here are cons for furries.  That's all.

[Winfred]

Oh I'm sorry? It's a fetish isn't it? I kinda think that that's inappropriate to a FAMILY convention.

You don't see many BDSM fetishes running around the dealers room in full leather gear with gimp masks and nipple clamps do you?

Despite my disinterest in the furry community, I must disagree with you. While furry /can/ be a fetish, a large percentage of them are doing it just for fun, just like any cosplayer. Tell me honestly, are you saying there isn't a /single/ guy or girl at kumoricon running around in skimpy cosplay and not deriving some amount of sexual gratification? Please don't hate on a whole community of people, especially if you're not completely sure you aren't misinformed.

I'm not saying there isn't. And I don't care if you agree or disagree.

And Please don't tell me what I can or can't like.
I'm just saying that here are cons for furries.  That's all.

True, there are cons for furries. That is a fact! However, that doesn't mean we ought to exclude them from our con just because they also have other cons to go to. We're a welcoming place, amirite?

[xxxchihiroxxx]

I argue on a few points...

While sometimes Man-fem costumes can be disturbing, they can also be funny and well done! For instance there was a male Haruhie who was great and really nice this year xD and I think a lot of us have enjoyed a good laugh at the male chi and the male winry (sadly i didnt see them just pictures ): )

Also some non anime can be cool too :3 Harry Poter cosplays and Pirates can be great! Take the Davy Jones for instance, may not have been anime but she fit in perfectly well at the con and even won an award in the copslay contest :3 non anime can make great costumes and are really fun to do sometimes, Kumoricon may be centered on Anime but really we are all just having fun anyway we want to (that is within moral rules thank you)

As a KH cosplayer myself I have to say its just a game where you can cosplay it for a while :3 the games are still going so its not over yet actualy xD Like FF I feel its one people will be cosplaying a while after its done and gone just cause its so fun :3

FF is always a fun cosplay, any of them, while their are a lot of them, its pretty fun. Final Fantasy is one of the greatest pieces of anime in some ways, its brought many people together in their fandom and the game continues with a new plot each game :3 giving new characters and new stories to think of when people cosplay them. The old ones are still fun to do just cause they are so awsome and there are SO many fans xD from 7-12 FF is almost always fun.

and lastly, people can cosplay whoever they want :3 given I have seen many people just pull off an L because it was easy and thrown together, (though the ones where people work on them and are in character kick but) or a few other cosplays that seem generic its still not anyones say to regulate who can cosplay what >: And sometimes the epic fail's are hilarios xD most of them done on purpose!

Cosplay is a freedom to be some one else for a day, anyone! No one should have to restrict that!

(With the exception of cosplays that reveal to much..... or are moraly inapropriat for a pg-13 con)

[koru-kun]

just checking in, i'm just gonna leave this discussion here for you all to talk about. like i said i was there to type it down and get it heard, and there will always be case to case scenarios.

P.S. watch out for those quote pyramids D:

[EmAino]

Oh, wow...reading over the list that started this thread it seems like the only cosplays I did this year that would be acceptable would be Marcus...oh wait, the whole outfit came from either Goodwill or my closet, so that's out....Sailor Jupiter....oh wait, I'm not exactly height/weight proportionate, so I shouldn't have done that one either. 

Seriously though, I thought cosplay was supposed to be fun, and I'm sorry if me and my fellow peeps dressed up as a non-anime character caused you any grief, but that's your problem...not mine.   And just so you know, I'm probably going to show up as a pirate again next year...plan accordingly.

[ThiefKingsHier]

Oh I'm sorry? It's a fetish isn't it? I kinda think that that's inappropriate to a FAMILY convention.

You don't see many BDSM fetishes running around the dealers room in full leather gear with gimp masks and nipple clamps do you?

Despite my disinterest in the furry community, I must disagree with you. While furry /can/ be a fetish, a large percentage of them are doing it just for fun, just like any cosplayer. Tell me honestly, are you saying there isn't a /single/ guy or girl at kumoricon running around in skimpy cosplay and not deriving some amount of sexual gratification? Please don't hate on a whole community of people, especially if you're not completely sure you aren't misinformed.

I'm not saying there isn't. And I don't care if you agree or disagree.

And Please don't tell me what I can or can't like.
I'm just saying that here are cons for furries.  That's all.

True, there are cons for furries. That is a fact! However, that doesn't mean we ought to exclude them from our con just because they also have other cons to go to. We're a welcoming place, amirite?

Personally I DESIPSE furries. I can't tell you why, maybe my parents were murdered by them in a past life, I don't know.

 BUT it believe that they hsould be unallowed to do it.

I DO however, thing that they should be able to enter in any of the contests, hallway, masquerade ect.

[Acheron]

Personally I DESIPSE furries. I can't tell you why, maybe my parents were murdered by them in a past life, I don't know.

 BUT it believe that they hsould be unallowed to do it.

I DO however, thing that they should be able to enter in any of the contests, hallway, masquerade ect.

Er, you believe that they should be unallowed to do... what? Exist? I'm not getting your drift, here.

ALSO. I love the thing going on in this thread; Kcon isn't an X con, where X is anything you hate. It's like an algebra problem, only it's less educational and more exclusional!

Yeaaah, that's exactly how we geeks roll, cutting other people out of our cliques because they're not cool enough. Er, wait, haven't I heard that somewhere before...?

[ThiefKingsHier]

Personally I DESIPSE furries. I can't tell you why, maybe my parents were murdered by them in a past life, I don't know.

 BUT it  don't believe that they should be unallowed to do it.

I DO however, think that they should not be unable to enter in any of the contests, hallway, masquerade ect.

Er, you believe that they should be unallowed to do... what? Exist? I'm not getting your drift, here.

ALSO. I love the thing going on in this thread; Kcon isn't an X con, where X is anything you hate. It's like an algebra problem, only it's less educational and more exclusional!

Yeaaah, that's exactly how we geeks roll, cutting other people out of our cliques because they're not cool enough. Er, wait, haven't I heard that somewhere before...?

Uh no, that post got really messed up somehow.

They SHOULD be allowed to do it, but not allowed to enter contets.

 I think theres a bug difference between a convention and a 'clique'.

A convnetion is not a clique and it has nothing to do with 'cool'.
If we were going to let do people do whatever they want, then what be the point of even having an anime convention? It would just be a random get together and act like a dork con..oh wait.

[Acheron]

Personally I DESIPSE furries. I can't tell you why, maybe my parents were murdered by them in a past life, I don't know.

 BUT it  don't believe that they should be unallowed to do it.

I DO however, think that they should not be unable to enter in any of the contests, hallway, masquerade ect.

Er, you believe that they should be unallowed to do... what? Exist? I'm not getting your drift, here.

ALSO. I love the thing going on in this thread; Kcon isn't an X con, where X is anything you hate. It's like an algebra problem, only it's less educational and more exclusional!

Yeaaah, that's exactly how we geeks roll, cutting other people out of our cliques because they're not cool enough. Er, wait, haven't I heard that somewhere before...?

Uh no, that post got really messed up somehow.

They SHOULD be allowed to do it, but not allowed to enter contets.

 I think theres a bug difference between a convention and a 'clique'.

A convnetion is not a clique and it has nothing to do with 'cool'.
If we were going to let do people do whatever they want, then what be the point of even having an anime convention? It would just be a random get together and act like a dork con..oh wait.

There isn't that big of a difference, no! They're both gatherings of people based on things they like, or their attitudes, or whatever. It's a group of people, baseline here.

You're right, though, there is a difference, small as it may be. But as soon as we start excluding people because they cosplay as Naruto or Bleach characters, or they wear fursuits, or they're not Japanese enough, we are no different from some stupid high-school clique who doesn't let anyone who isn't cool enough, or doesn't have the right connections, or because they're different. It clearly has something to do with cool, too. "We don't want those **** furries at OUR con. They don't belong here. They're not one of us." "We don't want those overdone costumes at our con, they're so lame, nobody likes them anymore!" "We don't want..." You get the picture?

If you want to have an anime convention, only have anime panels, only have anime cosplayers, go right ahead. Kumoricon, however, is a place where geeks of all shapes and sizes and genres can get together and, well, get their geek on. It may be an anime convention at heart, but don't you think there's room for everyone in this con of ours?

Now, if you'll excuse me, this is degenerating quickly into wank and srs bzns. Personally, I DESPISE wank and srs bzns, and believe they have no place at Kcon.

[reppy]

Hm. While I understand some of the sentiments expressed here, I must admit at times some of the points do come across as a bit elitist.  Certainly not every cosplayer can put together an amazing costume.  So should they be excluded from participating?  Have you ever participated in something where you weren't the best at it?  Never played a sport or a game where just wanted to have fun and goof off?

Excluding non-anime seems like a bit much, too.  Kumoricon without the Power Rangers, or totemo's awesome Leeloo cosplay just seems .. well, blah.

Also, why should someone not be able to cosplay as their favorite character simply because it's popular?  Better yet, how are they supposed to know?  "Hm, I really want to cosplay this character, but this anime is kind of popular.. I better go against what I want to do so I can impress some people I don't even know."

As for the Man-Fem thing, well.. I certainly can't speak for others, but I can speak for myself.  I cosplayed as Chi because she is my favorite anime character.  If a male character was my favorite, I'd want to cosplay as him.  That said, I feel like I made a pretty good effort not to come across as a Man-Faye type character, maybe others feel differently.  It's was a big enough of a pain for me to shave my entire body and wear a bra, much less grow 6" shorter, lose my Adam's apple, grow some hips, and lose my shoulders. ^_^;

And I think next year, we should get a group of like 100 people to dress up as Link. 

[Ayumu]

And I think next year, we should get a group of like 100 people to dress up as Link. 

Sounds like a party. 100 people as Link, 100 people as Naruto, 100 people as whatever else the O.P. hates... XD

[oslapedo]

And I think next year, we should get a group of like 100 people to dress up as Link. 

Sounds like a party. 100 people as Link, 100 people as Naruto, 100 people as whatever else the O.P. hates... XD

Epic winnage! I'd so join in : D

[koru-kun]

And I think next year, we should get a group of like 100 people to dress up as Link. 

Sounds like a party. 100 people as Link, 100 people as Naruto, 100 people as whatever else the O.P. hates... XD

T_T love to see that you listen to what i said. brace for caps

I ONLY SHARE SOME OF THE OPINIONS FROM THE PANEL. IT IS A LIST FROM MANY PEOPLE WITH IDEAS ABOUT COSPLAY. IT MAY SEEM ELITEST BUT THOSE ARE OUR OPINIONS! ALSO I RECALL IN THE CON RULES ABOUT COSPLAY THAT IT HAS TO BE RELATED TO ANIME OR THE JAPANESE CULTURE TO PASS!

caps off now. don't hate me for posting this, i only think that some are sickly overdone each year.

[Hazuza]

"ALSO I RECALL IN THE CON RULES ABOUT COSPLAY THAT IT HAS TO BE RELATED TO ANIME OR THE JAPANESE CULTURE TO PASS!"

... Please direct us to where it says this. Please.



And fine, I'll lighten the load.

Sounds like a party. 100 people as Link, 100 people as Naruto, 100 people as whatever else this panel hates... XD

*fixed

--

btw, caps makes you seem desperate >:

[nikkiolie]

Well I plan on going as Kimimaro from Naruto and I have rarely seen it done. So i figure if you like an anime even if it is over done you should still cosplay as your favorite. But if you have characters that you like that aren't main characters then go for it. I doubt a lot of you know who Kimimaro is, unless they have seen the majority of the show, he is only in a few episodes.
 


My opinion is even if the character is overdone if you do it well then it doesn't matter (I may have said this already)

[Ayumu]

T_T love to see that you listen to what i said. brace for caps

I ONLY SHARE SOME OF THE OPINIONS FROM THE PANEL. IT IS A LIST FROM MANY PEOPLE WITH IDEAS ABOUT COSPLAY. IT MAY SEEM ELITEST BUT THOSE ARE OUR OPINIONS! ALSO I RECALL IN THE CON RULES ABOUT COSPLAY THAT IT HAS TO BE RELATED TO ANIME OR THE JAPANESE CULTURE TO PASS!

caps off now. don't hate me for posting this, i only think that some are sickly overdone each year.

Well, you didn't answer questions I posed in my post, so why should I pay any attention to you....

Naw just kidding. If you don't realize that post was a joke, maybe you need to take a few steps back and calm down a bit. Either that, or brace yourself and your panel cronies for an army of repeat, overdone costumes next year 

[reppy]

And I think next year, we should get a group of like 100 people to dress up as Link. 

Sounds like a party. 100 people as Link, 100 people as Naruto, 100 people as whatever else the O.P. hates... XD

T_T love to see that you listen to what i said. brace for caps

I ONLY SHARE SOME OF THE OPINIONS FROM THE PANEL. IT IS A LIST FROM MANY PEOPLE WITH IDEAS ABOUT COSPLAY. IT MAY SEEM ELITEST BUT THOSE ARE OUR OPINIONS! ALSO I RECALL IN THE CON RULES ABOUT COSPLAY THAT IT HAS TO BE RELATED TO ANIME OR THE JAPANESE CULTURE TO PASS!

caps off now. don't hate me for posting this, i only think that some are sickly overdone each year.

Well, it had more to do with the tone I've noticed in some comments, here and elsewhere on the forums.  I'm not trying to single anyone out or anything, so I hope you don't think my comments were directed at you.  I probably did come off a little terse or annoyed, so I apologize for that.  Really though, the point of my post is that I want people to look at things differently.  Also, I think it is very important not to discourage people from cosplaying or attending the con.  Lets admit it, for a lot of us, anime and cons are a bit of a sanctuary: we can hang out with people just like us and be ourselves, be goofy, etc without (too) much fear of being judged.

A lot of us (myself included), especially on the Internet, are not as adept at speaking in a way that does not come off as critical.  What's the difference between "How to be a better cosplayer" and "A list of things that piss me off about cosplaying?"  In the end, there's probably little difference in the substance, and instead the presentation.  It's times like this when I am reminded of the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.  Ever notice how if a Yojimbo yells at you to get out of the halls, you immediately feel defensive?  Yet if a maid politely asks you if you would please stop blocking the hall, you do not feel defensive in the least?  Same concept, different approach, (generally) a dramatically different response.

Most cosplayers are sincere fans and they're trying to pay tribute to their favorite characters and animes.  I don't really care how well their costume is done.  Are great costumes impressive?  Hell yes they are.  But I like everything in between, too.  I like to take a nice variety of pictures of cosplayers, being sure to thank and compliment everyone on their costumes.  Why?  I'd say they're much more likely to cosplay again, return to the con, and be more outgoing with their fellow con attendees.  And hell, just talking to someone and letting them know they're appreciated will make you and them both happy.

My biggest fear is that people will take cosplay too seriously (it has "play" in the name!) and that cliques will form and animosity will result.  Pretty soon you'll have the Man-cosplayers taking on the Narutos (while the yaoi fans squeal) and that won't be a pretty sight. ^__^;

[/rant]

[laurifer]

T_T love to see that you listen to what i said. brace for caps

I ONLY SHARE SOME OF THE OPINIONS FROM THE PANEL. IT IS A LIST FROM MANY PEOPLE WITH IDEAS ABOUT COSPLAY. IT MAY SEEM ELITEST BUT THOSE ARE OUR OPINIONS! ALSO I RECALL IN THE CON RULES ABOUT COSPLAY THAT IT HAS TO BE RELATED TO ANIME OR THE JAPANESE CULTURE TO PASS!

caps off now. don't hate me for posting this, i only think that some are sickly overdone each year.

Well, you didn't answer questions I posed in my post, so why should I pay any attention to you....

Naw just kidding. If you don't realize that post was a joke, maybe you need to take a few steps back and calm down a bit. Either that, or brace yourself and your panel cronies for an army of repeat, overdone costumes next year 

QFT

No matter what people try to do, there will always be repeats. So learn to deal with it

[totemo_oishii]

One huge problem I do have that was listed;

Non-Anime.

In my opinion if it is not Anime, manga, vdeo game or at least from Japanese culture GTFO.

If there is NO other place for it and you feel that you'll just DIE if you don't get to do it, then okay, for one day or gathering then, alright.

I wanted to strangle every damned Joker I saw. ( I counted 5 within the first 30 minutes on Friday.)  NONE of them were even good..in a half-assed sort of way.

I haven't even SEEN Dark Knight and I am sick to death of the freakin Joker.

You want to know 'Why so serious?" BECAUSE IT ISN'T F-ING FUNNY ANYMORE !! * RAAAGE*

The Joker would be one of those costumes you can wear to comicom, Norwestcon ect. Leave it there!

This also ( and especially) applies to Starwars costumes. I HATE Sci-Fi that is why I'm not AT a Sci-Fi-convention GET OOUT!! There are PLEANTY of other places you can go to show-off your 'uber nerd-dom'.

 

I cosplayed Leeloo from The Fifth Element this year - yes, it's not anime.

However, it was much more well received than I thought. A lot of anime/manga fans like sci-fi too.

Someone even told me, "That was the last cosplay I expected to see here. You made my day."
A lot of other people told me they absolutely love the movie, and that I did a great job.
THAT made my day.
It was also my most popular cosplay to date.
I also worked hard on it.

I don't care if it's not anime.

[megchan]

One huge problem I do have that was listed;

Non-Anime.

In my opinion if it is not Anime, manga, vdeo game or at least from Japanese culture GTFO.

If there is NO other place for it and you feel that you'll just DIE if you don't get to do it, then okay, for one day or gathering then, alright.

I wanted to strangle every damned Joker I saw. ( I counted 5 within the first 30 minutes on Friday.)  NONE of them were even good..in a half-assed sort of way.

I haven't even SEEN Dark Knight and I am sick to death of the freakin Joker.

You want to know 'Why so serious?" BECAUSE IT ISN'T F-ING FUNNY ANYMORE !! * RAAAGE*

The Joker would be one of those costumes you can wear to comicom, Norwestcon ect. Leave it there!

This also ( and especially) applies to Starwars costumes. I HATE Sci-Fi that is why I'm not AT a Sci-Fi-convention GET OOUT!! There are PLEANTY of other places you can go to show-off your 'uber nerd-dom'.

 

I cosplayed Leeloo from The Fifth Element this year - yes, it's not anime.

However, it was much more well received than I thought. A lot of anime/manga fans like sci-fi too.

Someone even told me, "That was the last cosplay I expected to see here. You made my day."
A lot of other people told me they absolutely love the movie, and that I did a great job.
THAT made my day.
It was also my most popular cosplay to date.
I also worked hard on it.

I don't care if it's not anime.

Exactly! People should appreciate cosplay (especially well done cosplay) no matter what it is!

Like the Clone Trooper guy was my hero. He and Darth Vader came to my Star Wars Panel. FREAKING MADE MY DAY.

[koru-kun]

One huge problem I do have that was listed;

Non-Anime.

In my opinion if it is not Anime, manga, vdeo game or at least from Japanese culture GTFO.

If there is NO other place for it and you feel that you'll just DIE if you don't get to do it, then okay, for one day or gathering then, alright.

I wanted to strangle every damned Joker I saw. ( I counted 5 within the first 30 minutes on Friday.)  NONE of them were even good..in a half-assed sort of way.

I haven't even SEEN Dark Knight and I am sick to death of the freakin Joker.

You want to know 'Why so serious?" BECAUSE IT ISN'T F-ING FUNNY ANYMORE !! * RAAAGE*

The Joker would be one of those costumes you can wear to comicom, Norwestcon ect. Leave it there!

This also ( and especially) applies to Starwars costumes. I HATE Sci-Fi that is why I'm not AT a Sci-Fi-convention GET OOUT!! There are PLEANTY of other places you can go to show-off your 'uber nerd-dom'.

 

I cosplayed Leeloo from The Fifth Element this year - yes, it's not anime.

However, it was much more well received than I thought. A lot of anime/manga fans like sci-fi too.

Someone even told me, "That was the last cosplay I expected to see here. You made my day."
A lot of other people told me they absolutely love the movie, and that I did a great job.
THAT made my day.
It was also my most popular cosplay to date.
I also worked hard on it.

I don't care if it's not anime.

alright, the anime/ japanese culture used to be a rule, and as far as cosplay goes, yours was spot on!

[sailorspazz]

I didn't attend this panel, but it sounds to me like it had more of a joking tone to it and wasn't meant to be taken super seriously.  It's not like they're saying they want to make a petition to get these types of cosplay banned from the con, it was just a bunch of fans venting about stuff that annoyed them.  No one's saying you're not allowed to just throw on jeans and a white shirt and call yourself L, but that doesn't mean other people aren't going to grow tired off seeing certain characters/series done over and over.  Trust me, between Kumori Con and Sakura Con, I've been a con attendee about 15 times total, and there are aspects of cons that I find incredibly annoying, which I bitch about with like-minded individuals (my husband and I even made a bingo game for things you commonly see at cons....I had blackout by the middle of the second day).  As this thread has shown, it's probably not best to do so publicly, since people are bound to be offended, but be aware that as you gleefully squee and glomp a cosplayer of your favorite character, there's probably a old, cynical congoer behind you rolling their eyes and checking off that square on their bingo card 

[Acheron]

I cosplayed Leeloo from The Fifth Element this year - yes, it's not anime.

However, it was much more well received than I thought. A lot of anime/manga fans like sci-fi too.

Someone even told me, "That was the last cosplay I expected to see here. You made my day."
A lot of other people told me they absolutely love the movie, and that I did a great job.
THAT made my day.
It was also my most popular cosplay to date.
I also worked hard on it.

I don't care if it's not anime.

Exactly! People should appreciate cosplay (especially well done cosplay) no matter what it is!

Like the Clone Trooper guy was my hero. He and Darth Vader came to my Star Wars Panel. FREAKING MADE MY DAY.

Oooh, I swore I wouldn't post in this thread again 'cause I said my piece, but I concur so hard.

My friend went as Old Greg from The Mighty Boosh and got so many "WHAT OLD GREG YES HAVE A GLOMP" type responses. Actually, two other friends, the Death Note and the Inventory, didn't go as anime characters either, and got tons of love. Creativity goes a long way, and people like seeing things you wouldn't usually see at an anime con.