My guest today is the fabulous Red Tash, fellow contributor to THE CORNER CAFE and fellow Star Trek fan. Like me, she particularly likes Counselor Troi from The Next Generation. Unlike me, she does NOT refer to the counselor as “Hello Kitty”. Possibly she, unlike me, didn’t first see the character with a big bow in her hair and her eyes wide and frightened. Troi will always be Hello Kitty to me.
At any rate, here is Red’s delightful post about cosplay, or playing dress-up for adults. And, if you’re going, “How childish!” or something equally fustian, remember what my dear old gray-headed Granny used to say, “If you ain’t tried it, don’t knock it.”
To Boldly Go…out for coffee? Cosplay on the street, at the Corner Cafe.
By Red Tash
“What is cosplay?” A fellow writer asked me this question recently. Despite the over 31 million results Google returns for the term “cosplay,” you’ve got to dig a little to find a strict dictionary definition. The Oxford Dictionaries define cosplay as “the practice of dressing up as a character from a film, book, or video game, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga or anime.”
That definition vexes me a little, because here in the United States where I live, manga still hasn’t really swept the nation. Sure, it has its share of fans, and its influence is broad, but when you think of people dressing up in costumes, what do you think of? Halloween? Sure. Clowns? Okay, if you must. Anything else? If you know even one nerd in your life, I’d be willing to bet you know someone with a Star Fleet uniform in his closet. Star Trek fans have been cosplaying since cosplay wasn’t cool. And, hey—maybe it still isn’t cool, but since when have Trekkers cared about that?
I’m not a cosplayer, but I admire people who are. I haven’t been to many conventions, but I envy those who have. To boldly throw oneself into the physical reenactment of one’s favorite characters? That’s going where most humans haven’t the courage to go. I think that kind of fandom is lovely.
For what it’s worth, it’s not that I’m afraid to do it. I’d dress up as Deanna Troi in a heartbeat if I could 1.) find enough reinforced Spanx in the world to contain my non-Troi-ish physique, and 2.) attend anything without children clinging to me 24/7. Chasing kids around tends to detract from the magic of reenactment, I presume. No, cosplay isn’t for me right now.
photo courtesy of a cosplay site. – love the look on the face of that guy in the background!
So, how do cosplayers deal with real world situations while in character? I had the opportunity to explore that question when the BBT Cafe group decided to gather short stories set in the mythos of the Corner Cafe. Why, I had a place called The Corner in This Brilliant Darkness, and it was, indeed, a cafe! A cafe/bookstore, but, still. What better setting than on Halloween night, the evening of Bloomington, Indiana’s annual Star Trails parade?
Wait, what? Okay, allow me to back up a second. In my book This Brilliant Darkness, there is a Star Trek parody subplot. I decided not to be sued by Roddenberry’s people, so the show isn’t Star Trek, it’s Star Trails. My characters aren’t Vulcans, they’re FullCons. They don’t live long and prosper, either—they live well and tidily. I threw in glowing ET hearts just for good measure, because why not? FullCons aren’t the end of the story, either. They’re one of many species that populate the fictionalized version of this wacky college town for one special night each year. If you’ve visited or lived in the real Bloomington, home of Indiana University, you know the scenario isn’t all that far-fetched. It’s a magical place filled with good-humored folks, where virtually anything can and does happen, eventually.
Every time I visit Bloomington, I find inspiration. The same thing can be said of The Corner Cafe, fictional though it may be. I simply never know what characters will be waiting—in the case of this particular story, that was never more true! Living Well at the Corner Cafe poured out like a hot cuppa joe. The first few drafts burned, but were so sweet to write. Whether dealing with loose ears, hot coffee, interfering blondes, or jealous lovers, my cosplayers were in for a difficult walk on their way to what was supposed to be great fun—and it was fascinating to write. I hope you’ll give it a read.
Thanks once again to Marian for having me as her guest today as part of the blog tour to kick off the book. Fun! If you haven’t sampled from the menu yet, one of our reviewers says “I recommend you grab yourself a big cup of coffee, slice of pie, and dive into the tales of the Corner Cafe!” I’ll be taking that advice, how about you? See you in Ten Forward?
Thanks for the visit, Red! Enjoy Ten Forward — I’ll be on the holodeck playing Firefly! lol
A WRITING PROMPT FOR YOU: If you had the nerve, the money, and friends with the right attitude, what cosplay would you do? How about your main character? Your villain?
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but now live in the woods in southern Indiana. Though I only write fiction, I love to read non-fiction. The more I learn about this world, the more fantastic I see it is.
Marian Allen's Amazon profile
I was a huge Star Trek fan – Star Wars, as well. Never dressed up, but I loved the show and movies. After a long lapse of nothingness, there is Star Trails. Yay.
I remember the original show with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. THAT one will always be “Star Trek” to me, although I love what I’ve seen of the others. I never dressed up, either, but I’ve written my share of fan fiction! (See http://marianallen.wordpress.com/fan-fiction for proof.)
I loved your story in the collection, Red. I, too, am a Star Trek fan, although I probably have a milder form of the disease than others. LOL I actually liked the movies more than the series. I caught the parallel between Star Trails and Star Trek and thought that was quite clever.
My first husband was a Trekkie and had pointed ears. Do I get extra points for that? 😉 Hey, I just tried to tweet about you and can’t get live @s for your handles. Are you two following me back? Or is the birdie sick today?
*Waving* Hey Leslea! Your story down at The Corner Cafe is bodacious. I do NOT watch the spinoffs. The series has my heart. Dr. Spock is just so cool. I just watch reruns. Over and over and over.
What thee are about to see comes down from the time of the beginning, without change. This is the Vulcan heart. This is the Vulcan soul. This is our way. ~T’Pau
As to your prompt: I’d cosplay Steve Carella, a homicide detective in the 87th Precinct series by Ed McBain. He’s decent, intelligent, persistent, but not especially cool.
I once dressed up as Generic Pioneer Woman at a Rendezvous in Washington State. Does that count? Am I a cosplayer? I don’t really care much for any of the shows that feature pioneer garb (except for Happy Canyon, but let’s not pick off THAT scab), but does the fact that they exist qualify me? And my son used to use bath towels to make Superman capes. Was he a cosplayer? (I use the past tense, because he’s grown considerably and bath towels-around-the-neck no longer have the same effect.) I feel like a cosplaying hypochondriac. There needs to be a “Are you a Cosplayer?” questionnaire somewhere that I can take and know if my symptoms indicate cosplaying, or just a tumor.
Bodie, LOL!!! I think reenactment counts as cosplay (bigtime!), but not sure the SuperMan towel does, unless you wear it out in public. Hrm. Let’s see if we can find a quiz…
I dressed up like a duck once for Halloween. Does that count? Red, I laughed when I read your story It took me a moment to get the play on trek words because I watched them BC (before children) and never seen any of the other series. I am a William Shatner and Leondard Nimoy fan. They are still hunks and in my space never age, just like me. LOL. Great post!
Wendy W.S. Gager on Writing
We’re going to ComiCon in San Diego and it will be fun to see people dressed up as their favorite characters. I’ve never tried it, but if I have enough beer, who knows?
I remember the original show with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. THAT one will always be “Star Trek” to me, although I love what I’ve seen of the others. I never dressed up, either, but I’ve written my share of fan fiction!
Hi, John! I grew up on “The Old Show”, too, and it’s “The Real One” to me. 🙂 Our #4 Daughter showed me some episodes of TNG, and I got a girl crush on Hello Kitty — I mean Deanna Troi. I’m too cheap and lazy to do cosplay, me, but I enjoy other people’s success at it. And coffee? That’s a big 10-4!
Oh! I love cosplays and cosplayers! I think they bring manga and anime characters to life. And I appreciate the fact that they had to spend a lot of time, money and effort to be able to copy the look of a certain character. I have high respect for cosplayers, may it be children or adults alike. So if you want to be one of them, go for it! Who cares about what other people think, anyway!
Marian Allen We’re going to ComiCon in San Diego and it will be fun to see people dressed up as their favorite characters. I’ve never tried it, but going to make this year.
I think you’ll enjoy it. I just got back from Fandom Fest in Louisville, and I suspect it was more like ComiCon than it has been in the past. In previous years, there was a heavy horror element that creeped me out, but this year was skewed away from that, so I was happy. 🙂
It’s pretty crazy to see how far cosplay has gotten. Now they cover the more advanced video games as well as television and movies.
Down here in LA, it’s always a fun time to watch them walk around. It does cause some problems for the “superheroes” who are trying to make a living by panhandling though! LOL
OMG, I would love to see a photo of superheroes panhandling! I mean, it’s WRONG of me to think it’s funny for anybody to feel the need to panhandle, but the visual just struck me funny.
Fandom Fest is always full of cosplayers I have to ask about. Thanks to Youngest Grandson, I can recognize some of the video game cosplayers, but I usually need to ask somebody else. If anybody ever dressed as Juan Valdez, I’d know who THAT was!
My guest today is the fabulous Red Tash, fellow contributor to THE CORNER CAFE and fellow Star Trek fan. Like me, she particularly likes Counselor Troi from The Next Generation. Unlike me, she does NOT refer to the counselor as “Hello Kitty”. Possibly she, unlike me, didn’t first see the character with a big bow in her hair and her eyes wide and frightened. Troi will always be Hello Kitty to me.
Helen Ginger
June 11, 2012 at 7:08amI was a huge Star Trek fan – Star Wars, as well. Never dressed up, but I loved the show and movies. After a long lapse of nothingness, there is Star Trails. Yay.
Marian Allen
June 11, 2012 at 8:58amI remember the original show with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. THAT one will always be “Star Trek” to me, although I love what I’ve seen of the others. I never dressed up, either, but I’ve written my share of fan fiction! (See http://marianallen.wordpress.com/fan-fiction for proof.)
Red Tash
June 11, 2012 at 9:09amI really liked most of the spin-offs, Next Gen, in particular, but for the first few years? No. I wouldn’t watch it. It felt against my religion.
Red Tash
June 11, 2012 at 9:09amThanks for your support, Helen!
Chris Verstraete
June 11, 2012 at 7:55amI wonder why I get Wonder Woman coming to mind? If I had that figure of course…. Interesting post.
In Miniature Style II
Marian Allen
June 11, 2012 at 8:59amYour secret alter-ego? 🙂
Red Tash
June 11, 2012 at 9:03amI say go for it! @Chris Verstraete –
Maryann Miller
June 11, 2012 at 9:40amI loved your story in the collection, Red. I, too, am a Star Trek fan, although I probably have a milder form of the disease than others. LOL I actually liked the movies more than the series. I caught the parallel between Star Trails and Star Trek and thought that was quite clever.
Red Tash
June 11, 2012 at 10:31amThanks, Maryann!
Morgan Mandel
June 11, 2012 at 11:20amHalloween anyday for adults! Great costumes! Fun idea.
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
Red Tash
June 11, 2012 at 7:29pmAs the kids are saying “YOLO!” (Google it!)
Dani G.
June 11, 2012 at 11:29amMy first husband was a Trekkie and had pointed ears. Do I get extra points for that? 😉 Hey, I just tried to tweet about you and can’t get live @s for your handles. Are you two following me back? Or is the birdie sick today?
Marian Allen
June 11, 2012 at 1:35pmO’COURSE I’m following you back! That darn bird!
Red Tash
June 11, 2012 at 7:29pmDani, I’m totally following you!
Robyn Campbell
June 11, 2012 at 2:17pm*Waving* Hey Leslea! Your story down at The Corner Cafe is bodacious. I do NOT watch the spinoffs. The series has my heart. Dr. Spock is just so cool. I just watch reruns. Over and over and over.
Red Tash
June 11, 2012 at 7:31pmHey, Robyn!
What thee are about to see comes down from the time of the beginning, without change. This is the Vulcan heart. This is the Vulcan soul. This is our way. ~T’Pau
Dani G.
June 11, 2012 at 2:34pmI thought Spock was kind of hunky. I’m not the only one? ‘Fess up!
Red Tash
June 11, 2012 at 7:32pmI love him, but I am also a Worf fangirl!
Chris Verstraete
June 11, 2012 at 3:37pm@Marian Allen –
ha ha only if it’s super spanx!
Patricia Stoltey
June 11, 2012 at 4:25pmThanks for hosting Red today, Marian. It’s so nice to learn more about The Corner Cafe authors.
Marian Allen
June 11, 2012 at 6:09pmThanks for visiting, Patricia. I’m enjoying visiting all the stops on the tour. 🙂
Bob Sanchez
June 11, 2012 at 6:36pmAs to your prompt: I’d cosplay Steve Carella, a homicide detective in the 87th Precinct series by Ed McBain. He’s decent, intelligent, persistent, but not especially cool.
Bodie P
June 11, 2012 at 7:32pmI once dressed up as Generic Pioneer Woman at a Rendezvous in Washington State. Does that count? Am I a cosplayer? I don’t really care much for any of the shows that feature pioneer garb (except for Happy Canyon, but let’s not pick off THAT scab), but does the fact that they exist qualify me? And my son used to use bath towels to make Superman capes. Was he a cosplayer? (I use the past tense, because he’s grown considerably and bath towels-around-the-neck no longer have the same effect.) I feel like a cosplaying hypochondriac. There needs to be a “Are you a Cosplayer?” questionnaire somewhere that I can take and know if my symptoms indicate cosplaying, or just a tumor.
Red Tash
June 12, 2012 at 10:32amBodie, LOL!!! I think reenactment counts as cosplay (bigtime!), but not sure the SuperMan towel does, unless you wear it out in public. Hrm. Let’s see if we can find a quiz…
Dani G.
June 11, 2012 at 8:19pm@Red Tash – I would hate if only parts of you were following me. Body parts on Twitter… ewwwww! 😀
W.S. Gager
June 11, 2012 at 9:52pmI dressed up like a duck once for Halloween. Does that count? Red, I laughed when I read your story It took me a moment to get the play on trek words because I watched them BC (before children) and never seen any of the other series. I am a William Shatner and Leondard Nimoy fan. They are still hunks and in my space never age, just like me. LOL. Great post!
Wendy
W.S. Gager on Writing
Red Tash
June 12, 2012 at 10:34amYes, Wendy, dressing up like a duck counts!
So glad you enjoyed Living Well. 😉
Live well & tidily, all!
Stephen Tremp
June 13, 2012 at 1:23pmWe’re going to ComiCon in San Diego and it will be fun to see people dressed up as their favorite characters. I’ve never tried it, but if I have enough beer, who knows?
Scooby Costumes
July 15, 2012 at 9:12amCosplay simply mean costume play. However it is not wrong to ask on something you don’t know. Cheers peeps!
Marian Allen
July 15, 2012 at 9:49amThanks, Scooby! I agree that people should never lose a child’s willingness to admit lack of knowledge and to ask for answers. 🙂
John
January 11, 2015 at 8:09amI remember the original show with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. THAT one will always be “Star Trek” to me, although I love what I’ve seen of the others. I never dressed up, either, but I’ve written my share of fan fiction!
Marian Allen
January 11, 2015 at 8:24amHi, John! I grew up on “The Old Show”, too, and it’s “The Real One” to me. 🙂 Our #4 Daughter showed me some episodes of TNG, and I got a girl crush on Hello Kitty — I mean Deanna Troi. I’m too cheap and lazy to do cosplay, me, but I enjoy other people’s success at it. And coffee? That’s a big 10-4!
John
January 14, 2015 at 8:18amThank you very much Marian Allen!
Claire
March 4, 2016 at 4:44amOh! I love cosplays and cosplayers! I think they bring manga and anime characters to life. And I appreciate the fact that they had to spend a lot of time, money and effort to be able to copy the look of a certain character. I have high respect for cosplayers, may it be children or adults alike. So if you want to be one of them, go for it! Who cares about what other people think, anyway!
Marian Allen
March 4, 2016 at 8:37amI can’t be a cosplayer, myself. Too cheap and too lazy. I’m doing well enough pretending to be a responsible adult. heh
Ally
April 20, 2016 at 7:40pmI’m a young girl, but I watched the older Star Trek episodes as well – and I do confess I also find William Shatner attractive. :p
Marian Allen
April 21, 2016 at 7:52amThere IS something about him. Still, my favorite was Scotty. 😀
Vulcan Hart Parts
August 3, 2016 at 7:04amMarian Allen We’re going to ComiCon in San Diego and it will be fun to see people dressed up as their favorite characters. I’ve never tried it, but going to make this year.
Marian Allen
August 3, 2016 at 8:15amI think you’ll enjoy it. I just got back from Fandom Fest in Louisville, and I suspect it was more like ComiCon than it has been in the past. In previous years, there was a heavy horror element that creeped me out, but this year was skewed away from that, so I was happy. 🙂
Vulcan Hart Parts
August 3, 2016 at 7:07am@Vulcan Hart Parts – Marian Allen forget to say it was a great post we provide vulcan hart parts
Marian Allen
August 3, 2016 at 8:17amWith a name like Vulcan Hart Parts, you’ll be a natural at science fiction conventions. 😀
Bob Lee
October 12, 2016 at 1:05pmIt’s pretty crazy to see how far cosplay has gotten. Now they cover the more advanced video games as well as television and movies.
Down here in LA, it’s always a fun time to watch them walk around. It does cause some problems for the “superheroes” who are trying to make a living by panhandling though! LOL
Marian Allen
October 14, 2016 at 8:31amOMG, I would love to see a photo of superheroes panhandling! I mean, it’s WRONG of me to think it’s funny for anybody to feel the need to panhandle, but the visual just struck me funny.
Fandom Fest is always full of cosplayers I have to ask about. Thanks to Youngest Grandson, I can recognize some of the video game cosplayers, but I usually need to ask somebody else. If anybody ever dressed as Juan Valdez, I’d know who THAT was!
Lili Overmars
March 10, 2017 at 12:39pmThank you Marian for a good read. I am going to dress up and run around with a huge cup of coffee :)) Going to visit Fandom fest.
Marian Allen
March 10, 2017 at 4:03pmDo come to Fandom Fest! You’ll love it!