As we all know, last night the SyFy Channel aired the first of six episodes on their new special, “Heroes of Cosplay”.  From the reactions on Facebook, it was hated truly, compared to Twitter, where most people loved it.

I am on the fence.

I thought that I would hate this show outright, but I was able to tolerate it.  In the first episode, they explain that cosplay is a cutthroat competition (which it’s not) and that everyone is on their A game… That’s somewhat true for the most part.

I find the problem with this episode, and probably with the rest that there is no emphasis on fun, because that’s what cosplay is all about.  Hell, 25% of cosplay is the masquerade, 75% is everything else.  If that was the case, there would be 2 – 3 times the amount of people competing.  Also, it didn’t help that they showed footage from San Diego Comic Con when they were at Wizard World Portland… I could have sworn I saw footage from Katsucon when they showed Yaya Han appearing, I could be wrong though.

The trials and tribulations that you saw the cosplayers go through isn’t too far from the truth.  It was more exaggerated.  One such example is when they found out that Yaya was judging at WW Portland.  Most of the time cosplayers that know the judges don’t overreact like that.  Food for thought, if you know that you have to work on your cosplay, YOU WILL NOT GO OUT CLUBBING.  I know cosplayers who have been holed up in their hotel room to almost until it’s masquerade time to get the cosplay done.

The saving grace of this episode is the scene with Merida and Belle.  It was quite touching.  This has happened to some cosplayers before.  Think about it… How would you feel if a young child comes up to you at a con and hugs you because you are that character?

If after this episode, you’re still watching, take things with a grain of salt, it’s not all that serious when it comes to cosplay.

Pro: It goes behind the scenes of what it takes to put together a cosplay.

Con: The amped up drama and bullshit is not needed.

Overall: Popcorn and soda.  That’s what you’ll need, along with an open mind to get through this.

DJ Ranma S

DJ Ranma S is cosplay veteran. He has won numerous performance awards with his friends over the years. He has staffed conventions in the past, ran panels, judged a couple of masquerades, a jack of all trades. He's worked dealer's room too! Running this site is his way of giving back to the cosplay community. He feels that it's his turn to give a future cosplayer their fifteen minutes of fame.

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