Cosplay World

Description

For over one hundred years, men and women around the world have been dressing up as their favourite characters from movies, games, comics, TV and books. Beginning as a curiosity and hobby for social outcasts, it's now a global phenomenon, fuelled by the Internet and an explosion in geek fandom. This in-depth look at the world of cosplay includes interviews with the stars, photographers and props builders, offers insights into cosplay's history, current landscape and explains its creative processes, like how to build the perfect costume. Cosplay World features over two hundred compelling photographs, showcasing everything from campy 70's costumes to cutting-edge suits engineered in workshops and built using space-age materials. The result is both a celebration and serious look at a popular means of self-expression that continues to fascinate.

Author description

Brian Ashcraft is a senior contributing editor for the video game site, Kotaku, an arm of Gawker.com. He is the author of Arcade Mania! and Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential Luke Plunkett is a video game writer based in Canberra, Australia and a contributing editor for Kotaku.