People about Cosplay...

I’m going to address this question from a different viewpoint. Why is cosplay popular amongst those that do it?

There is the factor of honoring the source material/fandom that you love. There is the creative outlet. Then there is the sharing of the work with other fans and making new connections with like-minded people. Getting complimented for your work can create a sense of accomplishment, as can having a photographer ask to take your picture. A three day event like a local comic-con or Anime/SF/Fantasy Convention can be more rewarding than a two week vacation in the tropics, to some people.

This all has a spillover effect, those that aren’t doing it, see the results and fun that those that are having and want to do it themselves next time. This keeps the world of Cosplayers growing at a currently staggering amount. I’m staff on a 2,200 person Anime Convention and we are constantly amazed at the ~60% cosplay attendance.

Let me make it simple for you.

These are some factors which make this fun-filled activity very fascinated.

1) It is Fun

We are all fed up of real life sometimes, the animated world always considered as utopia and we like to experience that Utopian life as the way it is – funny and playful. It is entertaining and enjoyable.

2) Fandom

You can express your love for the character which fascinates you. This is the best way to enjoy the fandom of a particular character that you really like it and want to hide your personality under the charm of whatever character.

3) Compliments

People like to be a center of attention. Getting compliment on your creativity or catching the eyes of your friends towards famous movie character is always flattering.

4) Creativity

We all like creativity, sometimes costumes are crafted by hand. The process includes sewing, cutting, using something completely different thing for entirely different purposes make you proud of cracking the unique idea that nobody ever think of.

To me, it’s equally a tribute to the property that I’m making the cosplay from, and the art form.

One could say the same thing of not getting the appeal of creating any media – learning any instrument, painting a picture, writing a book. It’s creation and display – this may not be the same to everyone, but it’s definitely a big part to me. It’s also a way to meet new friends from all walks of life. I’m certain if you looked closer, a lot don’t meet the stereotypes of an overgrown kid. I cosplay with people in the military, aerospace, tech, and all walks of life. Conversely there’s people that do this for a living, myself included.

As someone that enjoys hobbies and media that was formerly shunned for being “too nerdy”, perhaps immediately throwing anyone that takes part in cosplay into the “you’re a man/woman child” box is a bit reductionist, and a little offensive.