Editing Cosplay (section)

==Practice of cosplay==
Cosplay costumes vary greatly and can range from simple themed clothing to highly detailed costumes. It is generally considered different from [[Halloween]] and [[Mardi Gras]] costume wear, as the intention is to replicate a specific character, rather than to reflect the culture and symbolism of a holiday event. As such, when in costume, some cosplayers often seek to adopt the affect, mannerisms, and [[body language]] of the characters they portray (with "out of character" breaks). The characters chosen to be cosplayed may be sourced from any movie, TV series, book, comic book, video game, music band, anime, or manga. Some cosplayers even choose to cosplay an [[original character]] of their own design or a fusion of different genres (e.g., a [[steampunk]] version of a character), and it is a part of the ethos of cosplay that anybody can be anything, as with [[genderbending]], [[crossplay (cosplay)|crossplay]], or [[drag (clothing)|drag]], a cosplayer playing a character of another ethnicity, or a [[hijabi]] portraying [[Captain America]].<ref name="Hijabi Captain America">{{Cite web |url=http://themarvelreport.com/2016/08/cosplayer-spotlight-hijabi-hooligan-cosplay/ |title=Cosplayer Spotlight on Hijabi Hooligan Cosplay |last=Richter |first=Shawn |date=5 August 2016 |website=The Marvel Report |access-date=26 September 2017 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030015637/http://themarvelreport.com/2016/08/cosplayer-spotlight-hijabi-hooligan-cosplay/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="The Muslim cosplayer who uses the hijab in her outfits">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-41400973/the-muslim-cosplayer-who-uses-the-hijab-in-her-outfits |title=The Muslim cosplayer who uses the hijab in her outfits |date=26 September 2017 |website=BBC |access-date=26 September 2017 |archive-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526160314/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/magazine-41400973/the-muslim-cosplayer-who-uses-the-hijab-in-her-outfits |url-status=live }}</ref>  {{clear right}}

===Costumes===
[[File:Cosplay of Aya Shameimaru Hakurei Shrine Reitaisai in Taiwan 3.jpg|thumb|188px|left|Cosplayer of Aya Shameimaru from [[Touhou Project]] at the [[Touhou Project#Reitaisai|Hakurei Shrine Reitaisai in Taiwan]] 3, 2019]]
[[File:Ciri Cosplay (The Wither 3 Wild Hunt).jpg|thumb|A [[model (person)|model]] cosplaying [[Cirilla|Ciri]], a main character of ''[[The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt]]'']]
[[File:Cosplayers of Monogatari Series at the Nippombashi Street Festa 2014.jpg|thumb|''[[Monogatari (series)|Monogatari]]'' series cosplayers at Nippombashi Street Festa 2014]]

Cosplayers obtain their apparel through many different methods. Manufacturers produce and sell packaged outfits for use in cosplay, with varying levels of quality. These costumes are often sold online, but also can be purchased from dealers at conventions. Japanese manufacturers of cosplay costumes reported a profit of 35&nbsp;billion yen in 2008.<ref name="Hayden2012">{{cite book|author=Craig Hayden|title=The Rhetoric of Soft Power: Public Diplomacy in Global Contexts|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vPYTvqf6fzsC&pg=PA115|year=2012|publisher=Lexington Books|isbn=978-0-7391-4258-5|page=115}}</ref> A number of individuals also work on commission, creating custom costumes, [[Theatrical property|props]], or wigs designed and fitted to the individual. Other cosplayers, who prefer to create their own costumes, still provide a market for individual elements, and various [[raw material]]s, such as unstyled [[wig]]s, hair dye, cloth and sewing notions, [[liquid latex]], [[body paint]], [[costume jewelry]], and prop weapons.

Cosplay represents an act of [[embodied cognition|embodiment]]. Cosplay has been closely linked to the [[Dramaturgy (sociology)|presentation of self]],<ref>{{cite journal|title = Stranger than fiction: Fan identity in cosplay|url = http://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/246/230|journal = Transformative Works and Cultures|year = 2011|doi = 10.3983/twc.2011.0246|access-date = 23 November 2015|language = en|last1 = Lamerichs|first1 = Nicolle|volume = 7|doi-access = free|archive-date = 11 December 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201211135552/https://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/246/230|url-status = live}}</ref> yet cosplayers' ability to perform is limited by their physical features. The accuracy of a cosplay is judged based on the ability to accurately represent a character through the body, and individual cosplayers frequently are faced by their own "bodily limits"<ref>{{cite web|title = Intersections: Cosplay, Lolita and Gender in Japan and Australia: An Introduction|url = http://intersections.anu.edu.au/issue32/galbraith_intro.htm|website = intersections.anu.edu.au|access-date = 23 October 2015|archive-date = 20 July 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200720113351/http://intersections.anu.edu.au/issue32/galbraith_intro.htm|url-status = live}}</ref> such as level of attractiveness, body size, and disability<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14709-Cosplaying-With-A-Disability-Is-Awesome |title=Cosplaying With A Disability Is Awesome &#124; Cosplay Dossier &#124; The Escapist |website=Escapistmagazine.com |date=29 September 2015 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930175008/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14709-Cosplaying-With-A-Disability-Is-Awesome |url-status=dead }}</ref> that often restrict and confine how accurate the cosplay is perceived to be. Authenticity is measured by a cosplayer's individual ability to translate on-screen manifestation to the cosplay itself. Some have argued that cosplay can never be a true representation of the character; instead, it can only be read through the body, and that true embodiment of a character is judged based on nearness to the original character form.<ref>{{cite journal|title = Toward new horizons: Cosplay (re)imagined through the superhero genre, authenticity, and transformation|url = http://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/613/502|journal = Transformative Works and Cultures|year = 2015|doi = 10.3983/twc.2015.0613|access-date = 23 November 2015|language = en|last1 = Kirkpatrick|first1 = Ellen|volume = 18|doi-access = free|archive-date = 25 November 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201125062421/https://journal.transformativeworks.org/index.php/twc/article/view/613/502|url-status = live}}</ref> Cosplaying can also help some of those with self-esteem problems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14746-Power-Girl-and-Ivy-Cosplay-Boost-Self-Esteem |title=Power Girl and Ivy Cosplay Boost Self Esteem &#124; Cosplay Dossier &#124; The Escapist |website=Escapistmagazine.com |date=6 October 2015 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=7 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007142344/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14746-Power-Girl-and-Ivy-Cosplay-Boost-Self-Esteem |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/15005-Cosplay-and-The-Benefits-of-Bravery |title=Cosplay and The Benefits of Bravery &#124; Cosplay Dossier &#124; The Escapist |website=Escapistmagazine.com |date=17 November 2015 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118142849/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/15005-Cosplay-and-The-Benefits-of-Bravery |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Many cosplayers create their own outfits, referencing images of the characters in the process. In the creation of the outfits, much time is given to detail and qualities, thus the skill of a cosplayer may be measured by how difficult the details of the outfit are and how well they have been replicated. Because of the difficulty of replicating some details and materials, cosplayers often educate themselves in crafting specialties such as [[textiles]], [[sculpture]], [[face paint]], [[fiberglass]], [[fashion design]], [[woodworking]], and other uses of materials in the effort to render the look and texture of a costume accurately.<ref name="Cosplay Costumes at LoveToKnow Costumes"/> Cosplayers often wear wigs in conjunction with their outfit to further improve the resemblance to the character. This is especially necessary for anime and manga or video-game characters who often have unnaturally colored and uniquely styled hair. Simpler outfits may be compensated for their lack of complexity by paying attention to material choice and overall high quality.

To look more like the characters they are portraying, cosplayers might also engage in various forms of [[body modification]]. Cosplayers may opt to change their skin color utilizing make-up to more simulate the race of the character they are adopting.<ref>{{cite web|title = Blacked Out: Discussing cosplay and 'blackface'|url = http://nerdreactor.com/2015/09/29/blacked-out-discussing-cosplay-black-face/|website = Nerd Reactor|date = 29 September 2015|access-date = 22 October 2015|archive-date = 6 December 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171206170230/http://nerdreactor.com/2015/09/29/blacked-out-discussing-cosplay-black-face/|url-status = dead}}</ref> [[Contact lenses]] that match the color of their character's eyes are a common form of this, especially in the case of characters with particularly unique eyes as part of their trademark look. Contact lenses that make the pupil look enlarged to visually echo the large eyes of anime and manga characters are also used.<ref name="Japanese Circle Lens - A Secret Trick for Anime Cosplayers"/> Another form of body modification in which cosplayers engage is to copy any tattoos or special markings their character might have. [[Temporary tattoo]]s, [[permanent marker]], body paint, and in rare cases, permanent tattoos, are all methods used by cosplayers to achieve the desired look. Permanent and temporary [[hair dye]], spray-in [[hair coloring]], and specialized extreme styling products are all used by some cosplayers whose natural hair can achieve the desired hairstyle. It is also commonplace for them to shave off their eyebrows to gain a more accurate look.

Some anime and video game characters have weapons or other accessories that are hard to replicate, and conventions have strict rules regarding those weapons, but most cosplayers engage in some combination of methods to obtain all the items necessary for their costumes; for example, they may commission a prop weapon, sew their own clothing, buy character jewelry from a cosplay accessory manufacturer, or buy a pair of off-the-rack shoes, and modify them to match the desired look.

===Presentation===
[[File:Milky Holmes in London (5080111215).jpg|thumb|The four voice actresses of the Japanese manga/media [[Media franchise|franchise]] [[Tantei Opera Milky Holmes|Milky Holmes]] reenacting the famous cover of the [[The Beatles|Beatles]] album ''[[Abbey Road]]'' (1969) during their London visit in 2010]]
[[File:Paris Manga - Dimanche - 2011-10-02- P1260492 (cropped).jpg|thumb|In 2011, four cosplayers imitate the above scene (a ''[[meme]]'') during the Manga convention ''Paris Manga 2012'' at a zebra crossing in [[Paris]].]]

Cosplay may be presented in a number of ways and places. A subset of cosplay culture is centered on [[sex appeal]], with cosplayers specifically choosing characters known for their attractiveness or revealing costumes. However, wearing a revealing costume can be a sensitive issue while appearing in public.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5900134/skimpy-outfit-gets-lollipop-chainsaw-cosplayer-asked-to-leave-pax |title=Skimpy Outfit Gets Lollipop Chainsaw Cosplayer Asked to Change Or Leave PAX Show Floor |date=8 April 2012 |publisher=Kotaku.com |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-date=15 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015233908/http://kotaku.com/5900134/skimpy-outfit-gets-lollipop-chainsaw-cosplayer-asked-to-leave-pax |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Azliah |first=Nurul |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/woman-calls-police-over-cosplayer-s-%E2%80%98underboob--at-anime-festival-100256199.html |title=Woman calls police over cosplayer's 'underboob' at anime festival |date=15 November 2013 |publisher=My.entertainment.yahoo.com |access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015150722/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/woman-calls-police-over-cosplayer-s-%E2%80%98underboob--at-anime-festival-100256199.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2016/jun/25/cammy-cosplayer-forced-cover-ceo-not-tournament-staff/ |title=Cammy cosplayer forced to cover up at CEO, but not by tournament staff |website=Eventhubs.com |date=25 June 2016 |access-date=26 June 2016 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429050011/https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2016/jun/25/cammy-cosplayer-forced-cover-ceo-not-tournament-staff/ |url-status=live }}</ref> People appearing naked at American [[science fiction fandom]] conventions during the 1970s were so common, a "no costume is no costume" rule was introduced.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 March 2012 |title=A Treasure Trove of Cosplay from the Swinging 1970s [NSFW&#93; |url=http://io9.com/5895773/a-treasure-trove-of-cosplay-from-the-swinging-1970s-nsfw |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008110149/http://io9.com/5895773/a-treasure-trove-of-cosplay-from-the-swinging-1970s-nsfw |archive-date=8 October 2015 |access-date=16 May 2014 |publisher=Io9.com}}</ref> Some conventions throughout the United States, such as [[Phoenix Comicon]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Convention Policies|url=http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/page/4|website=Phoenix Comicon|access-date=8 October 2014|archive-date=23 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423231425/http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/page/4|url-status=live}}</ref> (now known as [[Phoenix Fan Fusion]]) and [[Penny Arcade Expo]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://prime.paxsite.com/safety-and-security |title=PAX Prime – Seattle, WA Aug 28–31, 2015 |publisher=Prime.paxsite.com |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-date=18 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618172346/http://prime.paxsite.com/safety-and-security |url-status=dead }}</ref> have also issued rules upon which they reserve the right to ask attendees to leave or change their costumes if deemed to be inappropriate to a family-friendly environment or something of a similar nature.

====Conventions====
[[File:Cosplay at Comiket 84.jpg|thumb|left|A crowd including many cosplayers at [[Comiket]] 84 in 2013]]

The most popular form of presenting a cosplay publicly is by wearing it to a [[fan convention]]. Multiple conventions dedicated to anime and manga, comics, TV shows, video games, science fiction, and fantasy may be found all around the world. Cosplay-centered conventions include [[Cosplay Mania]] in the Philippines and [[EOY Cosplay Festival]] in Singapore.

The single largest event featuring cosplay is the semiannual ''[[doujinshi]]'' market, Comic Market ([[Comiket]]), held in Japan during summer and winter. Comiket attracts hundreds of thousands of manga and anime fans, where thousands of cosplayers congregate on the roof of the exhibition center. In North America, the highest-attended [[fan convention]]s featuring cosplayers are [[San Diego Comic-Con]] and [[New York Comic Con]] held in the United States, and the [[anime convention|anime-specific]] [[Anime North]] in Toronto, [[Otakon]] held in Washington, D.C. and [[Anime Expo]] held in Los Angeles. Europe's largest event is [[Japan Expo]] held in Paris, while the [[London MCM Expo]] and the [[London Super Comic Convention]] are the most notable in the UK. [[Supanova Pop Culture Expo]] is Australia's biggest event.

[[Star Trek]] conventions have featured cosplay for many decades. These include [http://www.destinationstartrek.com/ Destination Star Trek], a UK convention, and [http://www.creationent.com/cal/st_lasvegas.html Star Trek Las Vegas], a US convention.

In different comic fairs, "Thematic Areas" are set up where cosplayers can take photos in an environment that follows that of the game or animation product from which they are taken. Sometimes the cosplayers are part of the area, playing the role of staff with the task of entertaining the other visitors. Some examples are the thematic areas dedicated to Star Wars or to Fallout. The areas are set up by not for profit associations of fans, but in some major fairs it is possible to visit areas set up directly by the developers of the video games or the producers of the anime.

====Photography====
[[File:Mileena Space City Con.jpg|thumb|Professional photographers working with [[Mileena]] cosplayer for a [[chroma key]] studio photoshoot at Space City Con 2014 in the United States]]

The appearance of cosplayers at public events makes them a popular draw for photographers.<ref name=entertainmentscene360/> As this became apparent in the late 1980s, a new variant of cosplay developed in which cosplayers attended events mainly for the purpose of [[model (person)|model]]ing their characters for still photography rather than engaging in continuous role play. Rules of etiquette were developed to minimize awkward situations involving boundaries. Cosplayers pose for photographers and photographers do not press them for personal contact information or private sessions, follow them out of the area, or take photos without permission. The rules allow the collaborative relationship between photographers and cosplayers to continue with the least inconvenience to each other.<ref name="out of hand"/>

Some cosplayers choose to have a professional photographer take high quality images of them in their costumes posing as the character. Cosplayers and photographers frequently exhibit their work online and sometimes sell their images.<ref name=entertainmentscene360/>

===Competitions===
[[File:ACGHK Gantz.jpg|thumb|left|A cosplayer at the 2011 [[Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong]] contest dressed as a character from ''[[Gantz]]'']]

As the popularity of cosplay has grown, many conventions have come to feature a contest surrounding cosplay that may be the main feature of the convention. Contestants present their cosplay, and often to be judged for an award, the cosplay must be self-made. The contestants may choose to perform a skit, which may consist of a short performed script or dance with optional accompanying audio, video, or images shown on a screen overhead. Other contestants may simply choose to pose as their characters. Often, contestants are briefly interviewed on stage by a [[master of ceremonies]]. The audience is given a chance to take photos of the cosplayers. Cosplayers may compete solo or in a group. Awards are presented, and these awards may vary greatly. Generally, a best cosplayer award, a best group award, and runner-up prizes are given. Awards may also go to the best skit and a number of cosplay skill subcategories, such as master tailor, master weapon-maker, master armorer, and so forth.

The most well-known cosplay contest event is the [[World Cosplay Summit]], selecting cosplayers from 40 countries to compete in the final round in [[Nagoya]], Japan. Some other international events include European Cosplay Gathering (finals taking place at Japan Expo in Paris),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.european-cosplay-gathering.com/ |title=The Best european cosplayers meet at Japan Expo for the Finals |publisher=European Cosplay Gathering |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225201600/http://www.european-cosplay-gathering.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> EuroCosplay (finals taking place at London MCM Comic Con),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/attractions/eurocosplay/ |title=EuroCosplay Championships &#124; London Comic Con |publisher=Mcmcomiccon.com |date=26 October 2013 |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101033204/http://www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/attractions/eurocosplay/ |archive-date=1 January 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the Nordic Cosplay Championship (finals taking place at NärCon in [[Linköping]], Sweden).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ncc.narcon.se/ |title=NCC – The Nordic Cosplay Championship |publisher=Ncc.narcon.se |access-date=22 March 2014 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130070255/https://ncc.narcon.se/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{clear}}

====Common cosplay judging criteria====
This table contains a list of the most common cosplay competition judging criteria, as seen from World Cosplay Summit,<ref name="worldcosplaysummit" /> [[Cyprus Comic Con]],<ref name="cypruscomiccon" /> and ReplayFX.<ref name="replayfx" />
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Criteria !! Description !! Example
|-
| Accuracy || Resemblance to the original character in terms of appearance. || 
* Hair color/styling
* Make-up
* Costume
* Props
* Stage props
|-
| Craftsmanship || Quality and details of the costume and props. || 
* How well the costume is made
* Maneuverability/functionality of the costume
* Quality of materials
* Level of detail
* Amount of effort
* Percentage of costume that is handmade
* Technique
|-
| Presentation || Likeliness in terms of character portrayal and performance. || 
* Acting
* Posture
* Movement
* Talking with iconic phrases and tones of the character
* Facial expressions
* Interaction with other characters
* Faithfulness to the story
|-
| Audience Impact || Stage presence and connection with the audience. || 
* Eye contact
* Making full usage of the stage space
* Engaging with the audience
|}

===Gender issues===
[[File:Comic Market 91 Day 1- Cosplayers (36106848610).jpg|thumb|[[Hideaki Kobayashi (cosplayer)|Hideaki Kobayashi]], known for crossplaying as a schoolgirl.]]
Portraying a character of the opposite sex is called [[crossplay (cosplay)|crossplay]]. The practicality of crossplay and cross-dress stems in part from the abundance in manga of male characters with delicate and somewhat androgynous features. Such characters, known as {{lang|ja-latn|[[bishōnen]]}} ({{lit|pretty boy}}),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/15085-What-Is-Crossplay-And-What-Does-It-Say-About-Gender |title=What Is Crossplay And What Does It Say About Gender &#124; Cosplay Dossier &#124; The Escapist |website=Escapistmagazine.com |date=1 December 2015 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=6 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206225615/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/15085-What-Is-Crossplay-And-What-Does-It-Say-About-Gender |url-status=dead }}</ref> are Asian equivalent of the elfin boy archetype represented in Western tradition by figures such as [[Peter Pan]] and [[Ariel (The Tempest)|Ariel]].<ref name="retrieved"/>

[[File:Aria H. Kanzaki by 結佳梨Yukari 03.jpg|thumb|Aria H. Kanzaki from [[Aria the Scarlet Ammo]] by a [[crossplay (cosplay)|crossplay]]er from [[New Zealand]]]]

Male to female cosplayers may experience issues when trying to portray a female character because it is hard to maintain the sexualized femininity of a character. Male cosplayers may also be subjected to discrimination,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/15277-Gender-Discrimination-Against-Male-Cosplayers |title=Gender Discrimination Against Male Cosplayers &#124; Cosplay Dossier &#124; The Escapist |website=Escapistmagazine.com |date=14 January 2016 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=7 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207001544/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/15277-Gender-Discrimination-Against-Male-Cosplayers |url-status=dead }}</ref> including homophobic comments and being touched without permission. This affects men possibly even more often than it affects women, despite inappropriate contact already being a problem for women who cosplay,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14863-Metal-Gear-s-Quiet-and-Cosplay-s-Free-Speech |title=Metal Gear's Quiet and Cosplay's Free Speech &#124; Cosplay Dossier &#124; The Escapist |website=Escapistmagazine.com |date=27 October 2015 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=7 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207003925/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14863-Metal-Gear-s-Quiet-and-Cosplay-s-Free-Speech |url-status=dead }}</ref> as is "[[slut-shaming]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14907-Cosplay-and-the-Normie-Stare |title=Cosplay and the Normie Stare &#124; Cosplay Dossier &#124; The Escapist |website=Escapistmagazine.com |date=3 November 2015 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113042442/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14907-Cosplay-and-the-Normie-Stare |url-status=dead }}</ref>

''[[Animegao kigurumi]]'' players, a niche group in the realm of cosplay, are often male cosplayers who use [[zentai]] and stylized masks to represent female [[anime]] characters. These cosplayers completely hide their real features so the original appearance of their characters may be reproduced as literally as possible, and to display all the abstractions and stylizations such as oversized eyes and tiny mouths often seen in Japanese cartoon art.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rietveldacademie.nl/files/download/Scriptieprijs/Florian_Jomain.pdf |title=Surrender : Image Contamination of Networked Bodies |author=Florian Jomain |website=Rietveldacademie.nl |access-date=6 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223162019/http://www.rietveldacademie.nl/files/download/Scriptieprijs/Florian_Jomain.pdf |archive-date=23 December 2015 }}</ref> This does not mean that only males perform ''animegao'' or that masks are only female.

=== Harassment issues ===
[[File:NYCC 2014 - Cosplay is not consent.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Tall black standing sign with the phrase "Cosplay Is Not Consent" in large lettering, alongside New York Comic Con branding and further explanatory text in smaller lettering.|"Cosplay Is Not Consent" sign at the 2014 New York Comic Con]]
"Cosplay Is Not Consent", a movement started in 2013 by Rochelle Keyhan, Erin Filson, and Anna Kegler, brought attention to the issue of [[sexual harassment]] in the [[Fan convention|convention]] attending cosplay community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/07/28/geeks-for-consent-comic-con-sexual-harassment/|title=Philly Women Battle Sexual Harassment at Comic-Con|date=28 July 2014|website=Philadelphia Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-date=29 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429151100/https://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/07/28/geeks-for-consent-comic-con-sexual-harassment/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/news/a14976/geeks-for-consent/|title=Women Are Being Sexually Harassed at Comic-Con—but One of Them Is Making It Stop|last=Trageser|first=Claire|date=6 July 2015|website=Marie Claire|language=en-US|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528005111/https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/news/a14976/geeks-for-consent/|url-status=live}}</ref> Harassment of cosplayers include photography without permission, verbal abuse, touching, and groping. Harassment is not limited to women in provocative outfits as male cosplayers talked about being bullied for not fitting certain costume and characters.

Starting in 2014, [[New York Comic Con]] placed large signs at the entrance stating that "Cosplay is Not Consent". Attendees were reminded to ask permission for photos and respect the person's right to say no.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mashable.com/2014/10/15/new-york-comic-con-harassment/|title=Cosplay Is Not Consent: The People Fighting Sexual Harassment at Comic Con|last=Romano|first=Andrea|website=Mashable|date=15 October 2014|language=en|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125205957/https://mashable.com/2014/10/15/new-york-comic-con-harassment/|url-status=live}}</ref> The movement against sexual harassment against cosplayers has continued to gain momentum and awareness since being publicized. Traditional mainstream news media like ''[[The Mercury News]]'' and ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' have reported on the topic, bringing awareness of sexual harassment to those outside of the cosplay community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/16/comic-con-2018-the-movement-to-protect-cosplayers-from-harassment-in-a-metoo-world/|title=Comic-Con 2018: The movement to protect cosplayers from harassment in a #MeToo world|date=16 July 2018|website=The Mercury News|language=en-US|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-date=30 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630035608/https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/16/comic-con-2018-the-movement-to-protect-cosplayers-from-harassment-in-a-metoo-world/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/weekend/news/tn-wknd-et-0712-cosplay-harassment-20150712-story.html|title=At comic cons, some jokers get away with harassment|last=Woolsey|first=Brittany|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=12 July 2015|access-date=28 January 2019|archive-date=28 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428140446/https://www.latimes.com/socal/weekend/news/tn-wknd-et-0712-cosplay-harassment-20150712-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Ethnicity issues===
As cosplay has entered more mainstream media, ethnicity becomes a controversial point. Cosplayers of different skin color than the character are often ridiculed for not being 'accurate' or 'faithful'.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ore |first1=Jonathan |title='Cosplay is for everyone': How these cosplayers are combating online hate with reimagined looks |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/hong-kong-counter-protests-vasek-pospisil-cosplaying-while-black-ao3-gets-a-hugo-how-to-free-dive-and-more-1.5256258/cosplay-is-for-everyone-how-these-cosplayers-are-combating-online-hate-with-reimagined-looks-1.5256267 |website=CBC Radio |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427144630/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/hong-kong-counter-protests-vasek-pospisil-cosplaying-while-black-ao3-gets-a-hugo-how-to-free-dive-and-more-1.5256258/cosplay-is-for-everyone-how-these-cosplayers-are-combating-online-hate-with-reimagined-looks-1.5256267 |url-status=live }}</ref> Many cosplayers feel as if anyone can cosplay any character, but it becomes complicated when cosplayers are not respectful of the character's ethnicity.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Strapagiel |first1=Lauren |title=This Twitch Streamer Was Suspended For A Blackface Cosplay |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/twitch-karupups-suspended-blackface-cosplay-apex |website=Buzzfeed News |date=17 April 2019 |publisher=BuzzFeed |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524064344/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/twitch-karupups-suspended-blackface-cosplay-apex |url-status=live }}</ref> These views against non-white cosplayers within the community have been attributed to the lack of representation in the industry and in media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Emilyann |date=2022-11-21 |title=Discrimination In Cosplay Is Influenced By The Lack Of Representation In Media |url=https://seattlemedium.com/discrimination-in-cosplay-is-influenced-by-the-lack-of-representation-in-media/ |access-date=2022-11-30 |website=[[The Seattle Medium]] |language=en-US |archive-date=17 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017085629/https://seattlemedium.com/discrimination-in-cosplay-is-influenced-by-the-lack-of-representation-in-media/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Issues such as [[blackface]], [[Racial brownface|brownface]], and [[Portrayal of East Asians in American film and theater|yellowface]] are still controversial since a large part of the cosplay community see these as separate problems, or simply an acceptable part of cosplay.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

===Cosplay models===
{{See also|Promotional model}}
Cosplay has influenced the advertising industry, in which cosplayers are often used for event work previously assigned to agency models.<ref name=entertainmentscene360>{{cite web|url=http://www.entertainmentscene360.com/index.php/cosplay-models-real-life-japanime-characters-38228/ |title=Cosplay Models Real Life Japanime Characters by Cynthia Leigh |publisher=Entertainment Scene 360 |date=11 March 2007 |access-date=16 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517122218/http://www.entertainmentscene360.com/index.php/cosplay-models-real-life-japanime-characters-38228/ |archive-date=17 May 2014 }}</ref> Some cosplayers have thus transformed their hobby into profitable, professional careers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cosplaynewsnetwork.com/fox-news-report-sexy-cosplayers-can-make-200000-a-year/|title=Fox News Report: Sexy Cosplayers Can Make $200,000 A Year|date=1 August 2017|work=Cosplay News Network|access-date=10 October 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502123652/https://cosplaynewsnetwork.com/fox-news-report-sexy-cosplayers-can-make-200000-a-year/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BollingSmith2014"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Lingle |first=Samuel |url=http://www.dailydot.com/entertainment/cosplay-crystal-graziano-costumes-red-5-studios/ |title=Costume designer turns play into work with cosplay |publisher=Dailydot.com |date=1 February 2012 |access-date=16 May 2014 |archive-date=3 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603173151/http://www.dailydot.com/entertainment/cosplay-crystal-graziano-costumes-red-5-studios/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Japan's entertainment industry has been home to the professional cosplayers since the rise of Comiket and [[Tokyo Game Show]].<ref name=entertainmentscene360/> The phenomenon is most apparent in Japan but exists to some degree in other countries as well. Professional cosplayers who profit from their art may experience problems related to [[copyright infringement]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14500-What-Does-A-Professional-Cosplayer-Do |title=What Does A Professional Cosplayer Do &#124; Cosplay Dossier &#124; The Escapist |website=Escapistmagazine.com |date=25 August 2015 |access-date=6 February 2016 |archive-date=6 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206233752/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comicsandcosplay/columns/cosplaydossier/14500-What-Does-A-Professional-Cosplayer-Do |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A cosplay model, also known as a cosplay idol, cosplays costumes for anime and manga or video game companies. Good cosplayers are viewed as fictional characters in the flesh, in much the same way that film actors come to be identified in the public mind with specific roles. Cosplayers have modeled for print magazines like ''Cosmode'' and a successful cosplay model can become the [[brand ambassador]] for companies like [[Cospa]]. Some cosplay models can achieve significant recognition. While there are many significant cosplay models, [[Yaya Han]] was described as having emerged "as a well-recognized figure both within and outside cosplay circuits".<ref name="BollingSmith2014">{{cite book|author1=Ben Bolling|author2=Matthew J. Smith|title=It Happens at Comic-Con: Ethnographic Essays on a Pop Culture Phenomenon|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u7jPAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA36|date=12 February 2014|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-7694-7|page=36}}</ref> [[Jessica Nigri]], used her recognition in cosplay to gain other opportunities such as voice acting and her own documentary on [[Rooster Teeth]]. [[Liz Katz]] used her fanbase to take her cosplay from a hobby to a successful business venture, sparking debate through the cosplay community whether cosplayers should be allowed to fund and profit from their work.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nerdreactor.com/2013/05/30/is-fundraising-a-cosplay-outfit-wrong/ |title=Is fundraising a cosplay outfit wrong; Nerd Reactor |website=nerdreactor.com |date=30 May 2013 |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205112041/https://nerdreactor.com/2013/05/30/is-fundraising-a-cosplay-outfit-wrong/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://nerdreactor.com/2015/05/11/cosplayer-ani-mia-cosplay-crowdfund/ |title=Cosplayer Ani-Mia sheds light on the dark side of cosplay crowdfunding |website=nerdreactor.com |date=11 May 2015 |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205112151/https://nerdreactor.com/2015/05/11/cosplayer-ani-mia-cosplay-crowdfund/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the 2000s, cosplayers started to push the boundaries of cosplay into eroticism paving the way to "erocosplay".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/how-japanese-cosplay-is-moving-closer-to-porn-5844981 |title=How Japanese Cosplay Is Moving Closer to Porn |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=2011-09-29 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher= |access-date=2023-01-20 |quote=During the late 1990s and around the turn of the century, with cosplay cafes popping up in Akihabara and with "image clubs" (places of prostitution where the girls dress up in outfits to create an "image") increasingly popular, erotic cosplayers began to take their initial steps. By around 2003 or 2004, cosplayers were wearing increasingly sexy outfits. The increase of skin seems to directly relate to both the explosion of the internet and the increase in quality of digital photography. |archive-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813014633/https://kotaku.com/how-japanese-cosplay-is-moving-closer-to-porn-5844981 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2022/06/29/cosplay-onlyfans/ |title=51 Sexiest Cosplay Onlyfans Models You Need To See |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2022-06-29 |website=[[The Village Voice]] |publisher= |access-date=2023-01-20 |quote=Apparently there’s a term for what these sexy full nude and explicit cosplayers are doing, and it’s called ‘erocosplay’, a fusion between the words Erotic and Cosplay we’re assuming. |archive-date=7 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607053706/https://www.villagevoice.com/2022/06/29/cosplay-onlyfans/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The advent of social media coupled with crowdfuding platforms like [[Patreon]] and [[OnlyFans]] have allowed cosplay models to turn cosplay into profitable full-time careers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.insider.com/cosplayers-reaping-thousands-from-onlyfans-content-twitch-streams-and-merchandise-2021-9 |title=Cosplayers — once relegated to the niche world of comic conventions — have transformed themselves into brand influencers, and are raking in thousands, and sometimes millions, in the process |last=Teh |first=Cheryl |date=2021-10-01 |website=[[Business Insider]] |publisher= |access-date=2023-01-20 |quote= |archive-date=20 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220054013/https://www.businessinsider.com/cosplayers-reaping-thousands-from-onlyfans-content-twitch-streams-and-merchandise-2021-9 |url-status=live }}</ref>