Author: Kaylah Vargas

In light of recent events (events that I will choose to mention only ambiguously) there is quite a flame war going on about sexual harassment in the community. Now, the cosplay community is no stranger to the topic of sexual harassment. While we often focus on cosplayers being the victim, what happens when light is shed on a cosplayer being the aggressor? While this situation is also not new to our community, it is often glossed over based on popularity (let’s face it) as well as other factors such as double standards. When someone is popular enough, the popularity can often outweigh…

It doesn’t get much more classic sci-fi than Frank Herbert’s DUNE. The 1965 novel skyrocketed in popularity in the the 70s, selling millions of copies world wide, and won two of the most prestigious science fiction awards (the Nebula and Hugo). We owe it to Dune for the single most distinctive sci-fi fantasy that is Star Wars; as everything from names to plot points *cough* copy *cough*… I mean, were inspired by the novel Dune. While a Dune movie did get released in 1984, David Lynch was so ashamed of the piece that he had his name removed from the credits. Although this version of…

We all know that networking is a HUGE part of the cosplay world. Whether or not you are doing this to a small degree, or if you are doing this full time; you want to show off your work. Making friends, using social media, and partnering with others is completely harmless. Social climbing is completely different, yet often hidden under the guise of networking. The difference being, social climbing is using people around you in order to gain a higher status in a community. One example of this is using hashtags or groups that you openly do not qualify for in order to…

While Cosplay is generally viewed as a hobby, there is no doubt that it certainly has become a competitive industry. For those who choose to pursue cosplay in more of a business direction, the possibilities are endless! You can choose to sell photos, get sponsored to create items, host/participate in panels, have guest booths, model costumes/geek inspired clothing (etc). With this, it is very clear that some have become more successful than others. It’s just something that happens in every business environment. Yet I have seen a onslaught of resentment against those who have a more auspicious experience in this craft. Instead…

IT’S SUMMER!!! …And I want you to remember on very important thing as you go out there and attend your cosplay events… WEAR SUNSCREEN. I do not care what age, gender, sexual orientation, or color that you happen to be. The best advice I can give as a fellow cosplayer is to wear sunscreen! Because cosplayers assume that they will *mostly* be inside, or that our cosplay may cover most of our bodies, or that we have enough makeup on to block on the sun; the truth is that it is not enough. Any exposed skin should have sunscreen. Yes, even in…