Anything Goes in Costumes at Anime Expo
Earlier in July, the Los Angeles convention center was host to the 2010 Anime Expo, the largest event of its kind in the United States. Drawing in crowds from around the world, this gathering of industry professionals and fans was all about this very popular Japanese pop art form that is found in television, films, video games, books and more. Organizers of the 4-day convention report that more that 100,000 attendee visits were counted and spectators say they saw nearly as many costumes on display.
A rainbow of wigs and outrageous outfits added color to the exhibit halls as costumed-fans perused merchandise, attended workshops and generally just hung out cosplay-style with each other. If you’re not into manga and anime, you might need to be informed that “cosplay” means “costume-play” in world-wide teenage slang. If you didn’t know better, just glancing around the expo would lead you to believe that you’ve landed on another planet. But attendees report that the Expo is their new reality – so welcome!
One of the most popular events during the Anime Expo is always the Masquerade – although with all the costumes, everyday could be considered a masquerade party day! The Masquerade event is like a huge costume-talent show where individuals or groups get on stage to perform as their favorite anime, manga or Asian-origin video game characters. The anime costumes are judged based on craftsmanship on a three-tier system – novice, intermediate and master! This way, everyone that comes to the masquerade from newbie to seasoned showman all have a chance to win prizes in their category.
Even if you never have a chance to rub shoulders with the most die-hard of anime fans in LA, you can still host your own cosplay event by inviting your buddies over for video games and hanging out. From Naruto and Sailor Moon costumes to the characters from Bleach and Full Metal Alchemist, there should never be a shortage of mens and womens costumes to slip into.
Action Packed Costumes for Gamers
Apparently, playing video games is the new national past-time! According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), more than 65% of American households play computer or video games and in total spend more than 9 billion dollars on games, a three-fold increase since 1996. Everyone loves to play video games, not just the kids; EAS reports that the average game player is 35 years old and has been playing for 13 years. And, not all fit the male “gamer” image – 40% are women.
When Halloween or a video game convention rolls around, gamers always seem to want to dress up as one of their favorite characters. Spending so many hours playing video games, it’s no wonder why they are influenced! While some people might frown on the influence and even put limits on “screen time”, 63% of parents believe that video games have a positive impact on their children according to EAS. So, go ahead and dress up in a video game costume and enjoy all the fantasy and fun.
A top choice in video game costumes are the characters from Mario Brother’s franchise, especially Mario and Luigi. Suiting up in a Mario costume or a Luigi costume is a “rated everyone” choice that is suitable for the entire family. Get into character the easy way by purchasing a pre-packaged Halloween costume or come up with a homemade version accented by great costume accessories. Mario wears blue overalls with a long-sleeved red shirt and “M” cap and Luigi also wears blue overalls but with a green shirt and “L” cap. Oversized, white cartoon gloves and a faux mustache complete the look.
Another good costume idea for video game events, especially for teens and adults, is to dress up as a character from any of the Halo Games, especially the Master Chief. Originally a DC Comic superhero, this video game character creates a fierce façade for any gaming spree. A replica Master Chief Halloween costume features a fully padded body with body amour and helmet. Because Master Chief is known as a weapon expert, include some intimidating faux weapons with your Halo costume such as rifles, flame throwers, rocket launders and more.
Facebook Friends
Archives
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009