Cosplay, short for “costume play,” is a unique hobby where people dress up as characters from all types of media like anime, comic books, video games, or other pop culture sources.
It’s popular at conventions like Comic Con and events where fans gather to celebrate their favorite characters.
People who participate in cosplay typically put a lot of work and time into creating these costumes. Some people just like to dress up while others act like the character they’re dressed as, to add to the overall experience.
Cosplay is a way for fans to express their love for different characters and stories while connecting with others who share similar interests. It brings people together through creativity.
Eric Wall, a transfer CDM major here at Neumann, is the founder of the new Costume/Cosplay club here on campus, and he hopes cosplay will also bring people together here at Neumann.
Wall hopes the group will “ease some social anxiety that would come with going to places in full costume.”
The group is still working out a few kinks, like when they are going to be meeting, but they are confident they will hold an event on Halloween next month in hopes of gaining more interest!
One way they are getting involved on campus is by working with other clubs. They hope to provide costumes to groups that require them such as Knightflix, Neumann Knight Live, and Neumann players.
This is why the group is not strictly for cosplay, but also for students who like making costumes.
The cosplay club’s plan, however, is to get groups of people together and go to different convention events as a way to bond and have something to do off campus as well. Philly Fan Expo, Thy Geekdom Con and TooManyGames are all conventions that are popular in the area.
Catherine Fochi a Senior Communications major has dressed up as Ryomen Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen, as well going to the ren faire in seasonal costumes. Although she is new to cosplay she is excited to practice with special effects makeup.
“I want to learn from a community that I’m part of and that are passionate about cosplaying, as well as learning new ways to make cosplays. I’m excited to be in a group that wants to go to cosplay events and have fun together!” said Fochi.
Hopefully going with some new friends will ease any nerves that people may have when attending these events.
This type of social anxiety can turn people away from going to these events even though they may really enjoy dressing up.
A main hope for this club is to promote diversity in the cosplay community and to enable people to express themselves.
“There’s so much hate and going around nowadays but I’m confident in Neumann students building each other up,” said Wall.
The community at Neumann really does follow its R.I.S.E.S. values, this is so important because it allows for students to make their niche interests a club/part of the campus community.
