GRAPHIC NOVELS

Cosplayers

Fantagraphics. Sept. 2016. 116p. ISBN 9781606999486. $22.99. F
COPY ISBN
OrangeReviewStarSeven loosely connected stories follow the ventures, successful and not, of cosplayers Annie and Verti, who film amateur web videos of scenarios with unwitting bystanders by hidden camera, attracting comments—some caustic. Then at a manga convention, they don't win the cosplay contest but meet an inappropriately besotted fan of their various productions. Everyone has illusions: the cosplayers, the admirer crushing on Annie, and a self-dubbed "anime expert" convention speaker. Annie and Verti, however, rebound from setbacks and decide that creativity can be its own reward. Unfortunately, Verti's budding romance in the first story is not followed further. Shaw's art intercuts cosplayer cameos and collage pages among the stories, which are drawn in simple yet realistic outlines with muted full color.
VERDICT These complications and contradictions of fandom, told with pathos and humor, will resonate with readers interested in the pop culture fan world. For adult and teen collections.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?