Cosplayers of AnimeNYC 2018
/Photos by Young Jeohn
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This is only AnimeNYC’s second event and yet it feels different from last year. As far as cosplayers go, it seems the winds are changing as the pioneers and the seasoned players move on to be the teachers and instructors (at panels and events) while the newer cosplayers (which seem to be most people) try their hand and show their creations.
Something we’ve noticed gaining widespread acceptance is the rise of organized group photos, which go something like this:
Are you cosplaying Sailor Moon? Meet other players at 2pm at XYZ location and take photos together!
And once everyone is gathered, the instructions are: “Everyone ready with a pose? 3! 2! 1! Go! Ok, get ready with pose #2, and…”
It builds on a feeling of community and inclusion for newer players who aren’t used to having photos taken of them.
In several instances, group teams came and took over an area to prepare themselves. It very much looked like a theater production with makeup, hair, props and even a manager.