Cosplay and the Dressing of Identity - by Vivian Asimos (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Featuring several images of cosplay, a fun and fascinating look at the power and meaning of this cultural phenomenon.

Cosplay, born from the fusion of "costume" and "play," transcends mere dress-up by transforming enthusiasts of TV shows, movies, books, or video games into living embodiments of their cherished characters. This book is a close exploration of the vibrant world of cosplay, showing what makes it so captivating for so many. Vivian Asimos frames cosplay as an enactment and embodiment of mythology, revealing its inherent complexity, and in so doing, provides valuable insight into cosplayers' experiences.

Exploring cosplay performances, the skills involved, and its community, she shows how cosplayers build a strong connection to the characters and stories they treasure, and ultimately how they are constructing their own identities.

Review Quotes

"The artistic and expressive value of fan practices has been increasingly analysed, and Cosplay and the Dressing of Identity is a highly relevant contribution to this growing field of fandom and media studies. This book offers a compelling account about fan costuming and what this hobby offers fans in terms of identity. Asimos looks at cosplay as an art form, showing a deep understanding and appreciation for using characters and bodies as a medium for self-expression, and gains deeper insights into the practice through her qualitative research and dialogue with other fans. This is a book about how we each use bodies, fashion and characters to tell our own, unique stories in today's media culture."--Nicolle Lamerichs, senior lecturer in creative business, HU University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, cosplay scholar, and author of "Productive Fandom"

About the Author

Vivian Asimos lives in Salisbury, United Kingdom, and is the author of Digital Monsters and Digital Mythology and the Internet's Monster: The Slender Man. She explores nerd culture and fandom in her podcast I'm A Fan of That!.