Sexuality vs Talent – Why Manufactured Drama on Syfy’s ‘Heroes of Cosplay’ is Ruining Cosplay

Never being one that's cosplayed myself, just a person that enjoys the medium, I couldn't help but tune into SyFy's Heroes of Cosplay - a reality series that chronicles (somewhat) new and veteran costumers as they go from con to con in their latest garbs to be judged and take top position for fame and money. As with any reality series, some (very obviously edited) drama ensued. Some superficial BS, which has sent the cosplay community in a fritz. When I say fritz, I mean fans taking to Twitter and saying, "Well cosplay community, brace yourselves for the newsfeed attacks and people's opinions." Well, I guess, since I'm writing this, I'm guilty as charged. What I'd like to do, though, is discuss the abhorrent editing from SyFy and how its depiction of cosplayers and misrepresented opinions is actually hurting the community.

MORE AFTER THE JUMP.

So, what's all the fuss about? Well, in last nights episode (the second of the season), the main judge and famous cosplayer herself Yaya Han (above) was talking about the direction of one of the contestants costume choice. The contestant, who's name I can't remember, went for a sexy burlesque version of Batman villain Poison Ivy (see below). Now, keep in mind, this contestant is a close personal friend of Yaya Han and has received much tutelage from the veteran; aka Robin to her Batman. Yaya has a personal view that craft and talent should take precedence over sexuality. The contestant apparently ignored Yaya in favor of modeling herself after another famed lady cosplayer by the name of Jessica Nigri; who is known for displaying her body proudly in revealing (that's an understatement) costumes. Which, I guess she did, because the girl trolloped on stage flaunting her goods and getting no praise for it.

Le sexy Victorian style Poison Ivy

The real drama here, though, was a quote from Yaya referring to Jessica Nigri as whats wrong with cosplay, saying "The content that Jessica Nigri puts out, really displays cosplay in the wrong light". Basically, "sexuality vs talent". Catfight in the making, people! Queue up the Mortal Kombat "Fight" song.

Clearly, if you watched the show and read into what Yaya was trying to say rather that what was said (or rather what was conveniently edited) you'd know she was expressing her stance on appreciating work involved in costume making. She wasn't personally attacking Jessica Nigri or those like her for choosing to embrace the sexy side of cosplay. In fact, Yaya often has presented herself in promiscuous costumes and poses, so she's no prude. She's not a hypocrite either, just someone that tries to find the right balance. There's no beef here between two authorities on cosplay. No matter how much SyFy takes comments out of context and intercuts shots of an opposing cosplayer, things are not going escalate to some fight in high heels.

Beside churning up some crap catty-ness between two different minded cosplayers, the show went on to make Yaya sound like more of an elitist when a discussion amongst the contestants came up on whether or not unfit people should be wearing costumes that don't flatter their body type or the character they're portraying. Yaya (and others) said pro cosplaying is a serious thing and not everyone can be subject to scrutiny. Implying that heavy set people should fill costumes that match their body type; in other words a fat person shouldn't be Superman. Which, if you've ever read Yaya's view on cosplay (there's a great write up on her Facebook Page - HERE), couldn't be more far from the truth. She's been very vocal in her support for all cosplaying body types. In fact, here's a direct quote from her on the subject:

This is a hobby. An art form. A career for some. A social pastime for others. Cosplay is not a sport. There is no rule book, commandments, or memo on HOW you should cosplay. If you want to dress as a character that looks nothing like you, go for it! There is so much judgement on race, gender, weight, size, height and other things that CAN NOT BE CHANGED in cosplay - it has never made sense to me. Just like anyone should be able to collect an action figure of their favorite character, or wear a T-shirt of their favorite superhero, anyone should be able to show their love for a character by cosplaying them. People get so wrapped up in how THEIR ideal real life version of a character should look like that they forget that they are talking about REAL HUMAN BEINGS. With feelings.

I won't argue that ignorant comments were said, but not by Yaya. Editing made it seem she did, or at least agreed, with another cast member's dumb remark. How horribly misleading and damaging it is to present a legend that way. It just goes to show you how a genuine person with such a supportive mindset can be easily manipulated to capture eye-widening television.

Based on what I saw transpire on the show versus how I see cosplayers act in real life (and online), coupled with the negative reactions abound on Twitter, SyFy's edit team is sooooo obviously manufacturing drama... and it's total crap! It's a gross misrepresentation of what cosplay is all about. Which, if you're not clear on this, is about dedicated fanboys/girls who spend time and money to craft costumes of their pop culture idols. Yes, there is a pro level to cosplay in which fame and money are involved and puts certain participants on a pedestal (with some egotism). For the most part, though, it's the simple joy of expressing oneself through costume. There is true talent, creativity, hard-work and comradery amongst those who choose to partake in this venture. A dramatized show like Heroes of Cosplay tarnishes all of that in favor of digging for melodrama. It really takes all the fun out of it. Completely discouraging to those who currently cosplay or are thinking about doing it for the first time. I mean, honestly, who'd want to be associated with such egos and assholes, right? I'm all for nerdism hitting the mainstream and all, but not like this. It does more harm that it does good.

In the end, this is a TV show. I would expect nothing less than for there to be some level of amped up crisis, tension and people being douchecanoes (ignorant to think otherwise). I just wish it wasn't so goddamn blatant. Especially on the subject of cosplay, which is a self creative medium and something wildy appreciated in the nerd-verse - in other words, something of value. If there has to be a show about cosplay, put more of a focus on the magic of costume making, what goes into it and the personalities/story of the person behind it. Something SyFy's Face Off does very well. Watching passionate people make something from nothing and owning it... that's true entertainment.

First Look at SyFy’s New Series ‘Heroes of Cosplay’

SyFy has a new series, Heroes of Cosplay, airing in August about the wonderful world of Cosplay Competition. I know, I know. SyFy . . . everyone take a deep breath and then a moment to slowly exhale. Everyone settled? OK, now let's give this show a chance. The series has some very talented people involved (Yaya Han being one) and should provide an interesting look at how they put together their terrific costumes.

The series synopsis contains a complete list of who's in the show below after the video first look. My only concern at this point is the whole competition-reality-show-drama-factory that every other show of this type format uses. That format usually casts an uncomfortable shadow over the contestants personalities and social skills, and often paints the same wide brush on others interested in the pastime.

Everyone knows that these shows are edited for maximum drama and tension and that's my main issue at this point. My experiences within the Cosplay community as a whole have been very positive. Everyone is helpful and always ready to offer their advise and knowledge when you have a problem that needs solving. I'm worried that the competition side of the show will overshadow the regular hobby side of Cosplay, most people do not Cosplay to compete with other Cosplayers.

Take a look at the first look video below and let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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Cosplayers and cosplay contests are a fixture and highlight at the many comic book and genre fan conventions around the world. These conventions provide an international stage for fans to showcase often spectacular handcrafted costumes and portray their favorite characters from sci-fi movies, video games, anime and more. In Syfy's new Heroes of Cosplay (formerly Cosworld), nine passionate fans put their imagination and skills to the test to make a name for themselves in the competitive world of cosplay.

Heroes of Cosplay is a tantalizing docu-series that lifts the veil on the imaginative world of cosplay competition, because fans at the comic book conventions don't merely dress up as their favorite character; they also compete to see who's the best!

The series follows cosplayers of all levels, from legend Yaya Han, to rising stars and newbies, as they make a splash at comic book conventions around the country. The series will dive deep into their lives, following their process as they create extravagant and visually arresting costumes each week. These nine constantly defy odds and race against the clock to transform themselves into amazing fictional characters that push the boundaries between fantasy and reality, all in hopes of impressing the convention judges to win a cash prizes and take their cosplay stardom to new heights.

The Heroes of Cosplay cast bring to life a variety of fictional characters but the pressure each one faces and the drama that ensues is very real. The cast includes:

Yaya Han - Yaya is one of the acknowledged legends of cosplay whose entrance at each convention - always in full costume - never fails to create a stir. A source of inspiration and intimidation to the contestants, Atlanta-based Yaya Han is often a judge at contests.

Riki LeCotey - Riki moved from rural Canada to the United States to follow her passion for cosplay. A special effects technician on sci-fi films, she is also the founder of Cosplay for a Cause, which has raised money for victims of the Japanese Tsunami.

Monika Lee - Monika is from Atlanta and a student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she's majoring in industrial design. A cosplayer since the age of 13, she's competed in numerous craftsmanship contests winning several "Best in Shows" and various other awards.

Victoria Schmidt - Victoria is co-founder of the geek fashion and style blog settostunning.com. A passionate fan of cosplay since high school, she's especially proud of being Princess Leia on LucasFilm's Star Wars float in the 2007 Rose Parade.

Chloe Dykstra was almost fated to be in the cosplay community; her father is an F/X legend, having worked on the original Star Wars and Star Trek films. An actress and model, she hosts the Just Cos show on YouTube's Nerdist channel.

Jessica Merizan and Holly Conrad - Jessica has performed in regional theater in Southern California since she was five years old. Together, she and fellow cast member Holly Conrad co-founded a costume fabrication shop, cosplay community and new media entertainment company.

Holly was mentored by her very qualified grandfather, Dorse Lanpher, an F/X animator for Disney and others. She now works in the special effects business for several major studios, in addition to her business with Jessica.

Becky Young - Becky has created costumes since attending San Diego Comic-Con in 2006. A trained actress, she has voiced Video Game Nussie on Maxim Radio and was a judge on CBS Sports' Guitar Hero Competiton show. She lives in Burbank.

Jesse Lagers - Jesse lives in Portland, Oregon, where he works as a software systems administrator. He hopes that success in cosplay competitions will lead to his own business creating costumes and props. Jesse is a stickler for realism and authenticity in all of the costumes he creates.

Heroes of Cosplay premieres August 13th at 10:30 PM/9:30c following the special 90-minute Season 5 premiere of Face Off. The show then moves to its regular time - 10/9c on Tuesdays - starting on August 20th.

Via: SyFy