Animation to Reality

Japanese animated films obviously left its mark on the United States society. It's all I can seem to talk about with my friends. In fact, this Saturday, I'll be attending Magic City Comic Con in the Miami Airport Convention Center dressed as Hiroomi Nase from Beyond the Boundary (refer to here and here for information on the anime).

There's a bit of an unspoken art form of cosplay. Cosplay is a word derived from "costume play" and its the art of wearing a costume or fashion accessories to represent a certain character or idea. Cosplay sources mainly come from comic book, TV series, manga and anime, and videogames. The act of cosplaying may also include action roleplaying, though it's not something I participate in much (I do roleplay, but mostly through forums).

Although cosplay is very big in Japan, it has migrated into the United States thanks to comic conventions such as Mega-Con, Ultra-Con, and Super-Con. It is also huge support to the manga and anime industry for those who promote the idea or the characters of said anime or manga, resulting in interest towards the series.

Cosplaying has become quite the trend in American culture as many people prepare and get excited for upcoming cosplay events. It's also a great way to meet and greet the stars of popular animated TV shows or films and to further promote the productions.

Since I am going as Hiroomi from Beyond the Boundary, I am spreading the word of this fabulously animated, well-directed series while enjoy doing what I love. Due to its new release of the Kyoukai no Kanata - I'll Be Here movie coming out in March, it is also promoting the series and getting people interested in the series as well. It may be interpreted as silly fun, but marketing wise, it has gotten huge props from cosplaying businesses, animation companies, film companies, and the comic book industry too.