What is cosplay?

Cosplay comes from the combination of the words "costume" and "play". It is the activity of wearing a costume where the "cosplayer" represents and makes a performance about a specific character from a movie or an anime series, for example.

What about the experience?

The first time I was at this Comic-Con was in 2019 before the Pandemic and in that opportunity, I asked for photos to the cosplayers, and of course, it was easier that being the person in the costume.

Last year, around November I had the chance to do my first cosplay as an amateur cosplayer. That day, there were several events that made me an "official cosplayer". Just getting into the culture by experience. 

Let's be honest, I was kind of nervous the first fifteen minutes until some people started asking for some photos. First, there were around five or six kids asking for a photo with me. Suddenly, the people asking for a moment of my time were my age, older and even awesome cosplayers. That was very cool to experience, at least for me.

Someone who has loved anime and science fiction, video games and more, all my life, this was just a different but a very nice experience. The most important thing was that I had so much fun doing it. I mean, of course, I do want people to ask me for photos.

Come on! Isn't that the whole point? 

Well, not exactly. The fact that I was in that place, it was for fun, to see other cosplayers, getting to know some of them, to see their work. Some other people did the same as I did, bought a suit and wear it. As simple as that. You might think that that doesn't make you a cosplayer, but it really does. It's just because you're there showing your performance and your attitude and... a contribution to the community, one might say. So, in the end, it's all about having fun but it really feels super nice when someone asks for a photo with you.

How many times did they ask me for photos?

I can't remember exactly, it was quite the ride for my first day being Miles Morales, so, the one thing I can say is that I had so much fun those days. I was there three days in a row. Some professional photographers even asked me to pose and take me photos for their Instagram accounts. That was very cool. I couldn't believe that. Of course I got into the personality of Miles Morales character and did some performance with all people.

Other anime and comics events

Last but not least, I got photos with famous cosplayers in another important event called Megacon in Santiago. The famous ones were @labettychica_, @spideygraph and some others that I couldn't get their socials. I remember these two because in both opportunities, I was just walking around the place and first was Betty with her Harley Quinn cosplay. She saw me and said "Hello Miles", and we got some photos.

Also, this spideygraph guy is super humble, nice and very welcoming. He just approached to me and asked about my cosplay, my name and how I was doing so far, we also took photos and in that specific moment, there were around seven Spider-men together, including me and this famous dude.

Next cosplays and events 2023

I want to keep doing this hobbie and have fun in those events. Let's say I want to try another costume and see how it goes. I don't go to all of the events that are scheduled for other communities or associations related to anime and comics, but, I like getting "prepared" for the ones that are kind of famous and big, just because the place is huge with all stands selling almost everything you can imagine regarding anime, geek culture and so on. 

I will be there, at another Comic-Con to share experiences with any cosplayer that is willing to and perhaps, getting more cool photos to mark those moments in time.

Yeah, I like cosplaying ;)