Cosplay, or the art of impersonating a character by wearing their costume, is a phenomenon that has gained increasing popularity in recent years, evolving from a niche of enthusiasts to a true form of artistic expression with a global community that now brings together people from all over the world.
However, many wonder: what are its origins? How has it evolved? And what are the tools that cosplayers use today? This is what we will talk about in today’s article, where you will discover the evolution of the world of cosplay, from the shadows to the current success.
From hobby to profession
The roots of cosplay can be found in Japan, in the late seventies, with the birth of manga and anime. The first cosplayers dressed up as their favorite comic book characters, participating in fan gatherings and events. Only in the eighties did the phenomenon begin to spread to the West, with well-known events such as Comicon and Lucca Comics & Games, which helped create the atmosphere conducive to the birth of cosplay as we know it today.
It was in 1984 that the Japanese writer Nobuyuki Takahashi, during his visit to the Worldcon in Los Angeles, coined the term “cosplay” (“costume” + “play”) to describe to the readers of the magazine My Anime. From that moment, the movement began to attract the attention of fans from all over the world, becoming a real subculture in the 90s.
Nowadays, cosplay is a mainstream phenomenon, with events held all over the world such as the World Cosplay Summit and prestigious competitions that attract participants from all over the globe. The level of detail has increased over the years, thanks to the use of increasingly innovative materials and techniques to reproduce the beloved character as faithfully as possible.
Experts say that cosplay has become an attraction within an attraction, creating an economic and cultural circle around it. It is not new that cosplayers dedicate themselves to competitions, contests, TV series and documentaries, transforming what was a hobby into a real profession, for which they are paid and even hired by video game companies to move their stand. Behind all this is a passion that over time has become professionalized, aiming for a high level of constructivist craftsmanship.
What are the materials of the modern cosplayer?
As we mentioned, in recent years the materials used in the world of cosplay have become increasingly innovative. Today, those who dedicate themselves to this passion have the possibility to choose from a wide range of materials, some with unique characteristics and specific applications, as we will see below.
- foam: It is one of the most versatile and popular materials in the world of cosplay. There are a variety of different types that adapt to specific needs. Depending on the density of the foam, the foam will be more rigid and have smaller cells, to ensure greater definition of details during cutting. Currently, the most used foam is craft foam, cheap and soft, used especially by beginners.
- Worbla: the favorite material in the world of cosplay. Used for the manufacture of scenographic components of films and TV series, it is a thermoplastic material sold in sheets capable of maintaining its shape adapting to any type of construction. Working with worbla is quite simple: just heat it with a hot air gun for a few moments, so that it becomes soft. It is then placed on surfaces to shape it with gloves to avoid burning yourself, giving it the shape of your interest.
- EVA Rubber Cosplay: in this case we are referring to a light, flexible and easy to work material, used for the creation of weapons, armor and accessories. In the catalogs of specialized Cosplay Shops you can find EVA rubber available in a great variety of colors and thicknesses that lend themselves to working with simple tools such as knives and scissors.
- 3D Prints: on the other hand, if foam and worbla are materials used because they are easily available, 3D prints are a rather innovative element. The objects made with this technique are more precise, but also require subsequent processing of the print.
Cosplay shops: the Mecca for cosplayers
Anyone who wants to find all the materials needed to make their own costume should contact Cosplay Shop. These stores offer a wide range of products, from basic materials such as EVA rubber and worbla, to accessories such as buttons, buckles, rivets and much more.
This is the case of Green Stuff World, a Spanish company specialized in the production and distribution of innovative products for miniature modeling and hobby crafting. On their official website you have a selection of products that include paints, tools, materials that can be purchased directly by all enthusiasts in the sector.
Conclusion
Ultimately, cosplay is constantly evolving. Its growing popularity has led to the birth of a thriving industry, with a wide range of materials, tools and services available in Cosplay Shops, where you can find catalogs with everything you need to recreate the characters of your dreams.
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