Trends in Cosplay
Otakon '02 - "Trigun Con"; Katsucon '03 - "J-Rocker Con"; Otakon '04 - "Fullmetal Con". Just what exactly fuels hordes of con-going otaku to cosplay the same set of characters at the same event? There're several factors; and it's a bit more than "what's hot" at the time. (Although "what's hot" naturally plays a large role in cosplay trends most of the time.)
Most conventions set a new theme each year to keep its con-goers minds sharp. A new theme offers new cosplay challenges: what would be a truly unique addition to the cosplay list that fits in this theme? ; could I form a group large enough to accomodate the cast of the series I have in mind? ; do I have time to complete a good costume for my character? ; will I need help?
Themes aside, many cosplayers try to think of an obscure character - someone you just don't see often (if at all) - to go as. Depending on how popular the series a cosplayer's obscure character is in often times means that a that a cosplayer's chance of being the only cosplayer as their obscure-hopeful are limited. But there're always those who love to gamble.
There're also those who love a good challenge. You'll almost always find a couple (or more) cosplayers dressed as the same seemingly-impossible-to-make costume. Why? Simple: no matter how popular the character, ones with truly unique design are a good challenge.
So you see, while popularity plays a part in cosplay fads, there are other factors which ultimately impact how many "Vash the Stampede"s or "Rei Ayanami"s you'll see at the next convention you attend.
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