A history of the colorful and complex kingdom of cosplay and fandom fashion by Andrew Liptak, journalist, historian, and member of the legendary fan-based Star Wars organization the 501st Legion.
In recent years, cosplay—the practice of dressing up in costume as a character—has exploded, becoming a mainstream cultural phenomenon. But what are the circumstances that made its rise possible?
Andrew Liptak—a member of the legendary 501st Legion, an international fan-based organization dedicated to the dark side of Star Wars—delves into the origins and culture of cosplay to answer this question. Cosplay looks at the practice’s ever-growing fandom and conventions, its roots in 15th-century costuming, the relationship between franchises and the cosplayers they inspire, and the technology that brings even the most intricate details in these costumes to life.
Cosplay veterans and newcomers alike will find much to relish in this rich and comprehensive history.
Excerpts
Hitting the Books: How 3D printing helped make cosplay costumes even more accurate, Engadget
How Costumes and Conventions Brought Sci-Fi Fans Together in the Early 20th Century, LitHub
How cosplay went mainstream, The Week
Reviews
“Enriched by amusing tales of his own fandom (and fascination with Star Wars’ “white-armored” stormtroopers), Liptak’s narrative also explores the dynamics between owners of intellectual property and the makers of costumes based upon it, a relationship that’s sometimes mutually beneficial… Liptak’s study is an inspiring one, underscored by the community’s efforts to spread “magical moment[s]” with organizations such as the Make-a-Wish foundation. Cosplayers and curious minds alike will enjoy this intriguing dive into an eccentric world.”
— Publishers Weekly
“An entertaining look at a vibrant, “interactive, interpretive, and immersive” pop-culture community…A wonderfully fun book showing that the art of having a good time has not been lost.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Liptak’s history is generously packed, almost overpacked, with information about cosplay fandom, including chapters on legal issues and costume manufacture.
— The Washington Post
“A comprehensive, entertaining and fascinating exploration of costuming and its relationship to popular culture. Cosplay: A History perfectly captures the hard work, pure pleasure and social interactivity that makes costuming more than just playing at fancy dress. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in costuming, in the history of popular culture conventions and exploring the amazing world of wearable art. Andrew Liptak combines a historian’s eye for detail with an enthusiast’s passion to pull together an enthralling book about a wonderful aspect of popular culture.”
—Michael A. Stackpole, New York Times bestselling author of I, Jedi and Rogue Squadron
"Andrew Liptak not only covers the history, fabulous art, and fun of cosplay, but takes on the thornier issues like gatekeeping and racism by interviews with a wide range of fans. This is a comprehensive resource for anybody interested in our world of fandom."
—Martha Wells, Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Award–winning author of The Murderbot Diaries
"Andrew Liptak expertly demystifies the culture of cosplay for those out there under the mistaken impression that the phenomenon is just a glorified game of dress-up. Liptak makes the case that it's not just a pastime, but a robust community, an art form, even something transcendent. His book is sure to be embraced as the definitive history of cosplay."
—Brian Merchant, author of The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone
“Cosplay brings our favorite stories to life in the real world around us. This utterly fascinating book, in turn, brings the world of cosplay to life. A serious history of fandom, which will make you a fan."
—P. W. Singer, New York Times bestselling author of Wired for War, Likewar, andGhost Fleet
Now out!
Publisher: Gallery / Saga Press
Length: 288 pages
ISBN13: 9781534455825