Johnny is the Reason I Cosplay

'SUP, NERDS?!

It's been a while since I've discussed cosplay. How awkward, considering I started this blog with the sole purpose of discussing the subject. It has also been a million years since I've sewed something. This could be due to being busy graduating college or moving across the country... but a lot of it has to do with glamour, vanity and self-esteem involved with cosplaying.

The Fear and Pressure of Dressing Up

This isn't  a well sewn dress...
but I made it, so that's cool.

I've been a little afraid to cosplay over the last year or so. I was frustrated because someone near to me consistently told me that cosplay was too expensive and made me feel it wasn't worth my time or effort. I asked for help with my projects and was left with little enthusiasm. Today I still consider myself a n00b-level seamstress. The fiscal pressure made me feel like I couldn't sew anything without the expectation of the clothing coming out perfect.

When I cosplay, I literally become whatever I want and feel the prettiest in the room-- even during the lowest peaks of my self-esteem I became a queen for a night.

Although it should be celebrated, I'm really bothered by the uprising of "thicc" cosplayers in the mainstream. It wasn't cool to be chubby or have a big butt years ago. It's refreshing to see bigger girls get the recognition they deserve, however female cosplayers of all shapes sexualize themselves and I think it is distasteful.

Aware of my own assets, I felt I wasn't good enough to be a "thicc" cosplayer. Thoughts like "Are my boobs big enough?" or "omg how do I afford a little bit of lipo with my insurmountable school debt?" were trapped in my head these past couple years. The toxicity of money and sex-appeal ate my cosplaying spirit.

I am so sick of thicc...

Just a Bit Character

The hours I slave over cosplay are recognized when I'm complimented. My last entirely homemade cosplay didn't get much buzz, which totally bummed me out at ACen last year.

Hnnnnghhhh why am I so in love with Johnny?? Is it the cape?

I cut week of classes prior to ACen 2016 in order to make Johnny, who is just a guy featured in a single episode of Space Dandy. As a one-shot character, he charmed me with his dashing good looks and his dream to be a rock star-- even though he's already the emperor of the most powerful army in the universe! I knew I had to replicate his glittering cape and be a she-version of Emperor Johnny.

The sparkles from the sun.

The Johnny Dilemma

Unfortunately cosplaying bit characters or creating weird interpretations of even a mainstream character nobody knows who you are. That is the Johnny Dilemma.

Proudly toting my heavy, sequined cape, I rocked Johnny upon debut. But nobody got it. Hell, I even bumped into people who were wearing the t-shirt of the band that Johnny and Dandy formed and didn't get a reaction. Oh, and actual Space Dandy cosplayers??? I don't think any of them watched the anime because nobody got my character.

Most of ACen 2016 flew by, Johnny didn't get any love from the 30000+ attendees until I browsed the vendors hall for overpriced anime. A young woman approached me from behind and stroked my cape. She stuttered, "Are... are you... Johnny?!"

The moment I uttered "yes" this woman excitedly asked for photos and exclaimed "I never thought I would ever find a Johnny."

Upon reflection and being in a better place than I was last year, I finally learned this is what cosplay is about.

Eradicating the Johnny Dilemma

Although the characters I cosplay are extremely niche or are taken in a unique direction, the people you meet matter more than the vanity or competition. I don't get a ton of attention at convention for my cosplay, but the interactions and relationships I've built as a result of bonding over a character or piece of media is invaluable.

I found the right people by cosplaying things dear to me.
My buddy, Aeron, is dressed as Space Dandy from Anime Midwest 2016.
We had such a broment when we bumped into each other.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be sexy and cosplay either. I've determined that if I'm going to make a sexy cosplay, it's for me, not to impress and garner the attention of anyone else. All of the outfits I make are for me to express my love of some cartoon, comic, game or movie.

Revisiting Old Cosplay & Looking to the Future

I want to make my Johnny cosplay again... I want to remake all of my old cosplay, I harbor so many good feelings for these characters and want to take what I've learned and improve. Hopefully I can go into remaking and creating new costumes with the spirit of community and friendship that I hadn't recognized before.

Cosplay is meant to be fun. Take pride in every piece you make or buy. Embrace the character and what attracts you to that imagery or personality. I really can't wait to show you what I'm working on right now. I'm in the middle of a few new costumes, all at various stages. My goal is to debut 2 or 3 solid cosplays by the time ACen 2018 rolls around.

Love you guys. Have fun.

LATER, DWEEBS!

-Loverly Liz