If you Google “Cosplay” you’ll see 146 million search results. If you do the same for “Steampunk”, another 39+ million will come up. That’s a lot of dedication and it shows how much has changed over the years when it comes to indulging your inner dork. Dressing up as your favorite superhero or character has changed and evolved so much from the days of Halloween and simple costume parties. It has become a multi-billion dollar business. And it’s not just kids or virgins, it’s for all walks of life. That guy sitting in the corner office can very well fashion himself as a Stormtrooper from Star Wars or a Klingon warrior from Star Trek or better yet, his own creation from the world of Steampunk. Or maybe it’s that Girl Scout Leader who can make for the greatest Maid Marian straight out of Sherwood forest and the world of Robin Hood.
So what is Cosplay? Cosplay is short for costume play. Think of it as performance art. This is where the world of movies, role-playing games, comic books, animation and manga come to life. These costumes or self creations become our alter-egos. Or, maybe it’s your “real” self while your other personality is your alter-ego. Whether you’re going to Comic Con as your favorite superhero or the Renaissance Faire as a Prince or Princess, either way, it is a culture all its own. A culture where there are so many faces, so many ideas and all are welcomed. It is an all inclusive world where no one needs to feel out of place. And in today’s world, that is a major blessing. Which leads to…
What is Steampunk? Well according to steampunk.com, Steampunk is a combination sub-genre of both science fiction and fantasy using the steam technology of the 19th century and a re-imagining (the punk part) of that technology. Now, is that all there is to it? Partially. Depending on who you ask, there can be many more facets to this incredible world. There are those who like and embrace the romance of the Victorian era while others what to “create” their own realm and be slightly out of this world.
Being a novice myself, I don’t think there is a “wrong” way as long as some of the basic costume rules are observed and followed. Which means, if you want to be Batman or Mr. Spock, adhere to the rules and add a little “steam” and a little “punk”. And while you’re at it, throw in some riveted goggles or a double clip-on magnifying loupy and you’re all set.
Remember, you are only limited by your imagination. At the end of the day, be that guy who wears a dark robe and carries a lightsaber and becomes a Jedi or Sith. Be that young lady who is creative enough to be her own unique Wonder Woman. Be creative. Be different. Because ordinary is so boring 😉
Here are some great sites to check out for a better understanding or what to wear:
James aka “The Dork Knight” is a blogger and writer based out of Upstate New York. For James, it all started with a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… when he dragged his mom to see The Empire Strikes Back 10 weeks in a row. He lives and breathes nerd culture. James is proof that a Star Wars fanatic can be a passionate Trekkie as well. So much so James dressed up as Captain Kirk to the premiere of Star Trek VI in 1991 and still has the uniform.
When it comes to Comic Books, Sci-Fi or Fantasy whether in print or digital, in the theatre or on my TV screen, I’m all about it and I love it. So bring your Phaser (set to stun), Lightsaber, Sonic Screwdriver, a Wand, Mjolnir or the Ring to rule them all, because this site is for the dork in all of us.
