It is Northern Ontario Expo 2013 and I am terribly nervous. I’m dressed in costume for my first time, in my hometown of Timmins Ontario, and I am terrified that my neighbours, friends and family are going to think I have lost my mind. I step out of the car, big curly orange wig fit snuggly on the top of my head, archer’s bow in hand and I make my way to the McIntyre Arena. As I approach the building hosting the Schumacher Lions Club’s annual Sportsman Show and Northern Ontario Expo, I remind myself the following; I worked hard on this costume, I should be proud, and most importantly, I am Disney’s newest princess Merida and I am here to have fun! With that in mind, I enter the building. On my way to the ballroom where the Expo is hosted, I am stopped by an elderly woman, her daughter and her granddaughter. My nerves, at most times, get the best of me and I smile nervously. “Excuse me,” the grandmother says. “My granddaughter and I are big fans of the movie Brave, can we get a picture with you?” I look over to see the awe in the child’s eyes. I smile and put on my best Merida impression. “Of course!” A feeling of pride rushes through me, all the fear is gone and I realise that I am here to have fun and cosplay is my hobby.
What is Cosplay?
We’ve seen pictures of people dressed in costumes of our favorite characters, or perhaps your friends talked about making the most elaborate Batman costume ever known to man. Maybe you’ve been to a sci-fi convention and took a picture of yourself with someone dressed as Han Solo from Star Wars. What is it about dressing up in character that just seems so appealing and how did it all start? Here is an in depth look at the ins and outs of pop culture’s latest phenomena.
Cosplay’s popularity grew immensely in the early 90’s as a live medium forum for fans to pay homage to their favorite characters from comic books, video games or tv and movies. Nowadays, you will see the many colorful and elaborate costumes worn by devoted fans at any pop culture convention, theres also Facebook fan pages, Youtube videos and TV Shows such as documentaries “Cosplay! Crafting a secret identity” and scripted reality show “Heroes of Cosplay”. Cosplay is a way to show your admiration for the fandom you love. It is a sense of community, understanding and most importantly, fun. For some cosplayers, it’s a way to devote their time and effort to become their favorite characters, and for some it’s the look on the other attendees faces as you walk around in costume as their favorite hero or heroine. With over 100 different conventions all over the world, the chances of seeing someone walking around in costume are at an all time high.
Why should I Cosplay, and is it okay for me to Cosplay?
The beauty of this hobby is that it can be for anyone who has an interest in it. No matter your age, size, gender or race you can dress up as any character you choose to be. Whether you work at WalMart or you teach in an elementary school, Cosplay is for anyone. You don’t need Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne’s mass fortune to participate in cosplay. Imagination and determination is all you will need. Some cosplayers do it for the glory of the competition, some for making new friends, some to express themselves. There is no one real reason as to why someone wants to cosplay. You have the option to create your own costume or have someone make it for you (since not everyone has access to a sewing machine). Some costumes, you can easily piece together from items in your closet or thrift shops. With cosplay, there are no limitations as to what you, the craftsman, can do.
Where can I cosplay?
Most cosplay is seen at conventions, and North America has plenty. More close to home, however, is the Northern Ontario Expo right here in Timmins. Now in its fourth year, the Expo will be hosting a costume once again on April 26th and 27th. Participants will be showcasing their costumes for a chance to win first prize. This year, there are two categories to enter, youth and adult, making the contest an event the whole family can participate. First prizes, donated by Future Shop - an iPad Mini (adult) and Nintendo DS (youth). Let’s not forget the amazing second place prizes donated by The Book Bin Entertainment Exchange and NEO Laser Tag, respectively - 100$ gift certificate (adult) and 3 free games (youth). And finally, a very gracious donation from Mike’s Midtown Bowl - 5 free bowling games and shoe rentals for both the adult and youth divisions. So if you’re ready to step out of your Clark Kent disguise and into your Superman costume, Northern Ontario Expo at the McIntyre Arena will be the place to be this April.
