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Post by Matt Holden on Sept 22, 2013 22:26:22 GMT
As part of the Journeys in Fandom Podcast we'll be reviewing Heroes of Cosplay in our next episode.
We'll record most likely between Sept 30th and Oct 2nd.
I'd love to know if any of you saw it and what you thought of it.
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Souffle Girl
Gallifreyan
Run, you clever boy. And remember me.
Posts: 24 
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Post by Souffle Girl on Sept 22, 2013 22:34:46 GMT
I watched the show, and as a person who hasn't just cosplayed in the DW realm, but also as a part of the anime/video game/comic book subculture, I was appalled at the way the show portrayed cosplay as a whole.
First off, it seems most of the episodes focus on these people wanting to win competitions, which is all well and good! Competition is fun every now and then. But the show is making it seem as if that's all cosplay is; making costumes for the purpose of contest.
Secondly, I have to say that this is a guilt of all reality television; oftentimes, Heroes of Cosplay makes the costumers out to be bad people, only emphasizing on the stressful points in their days. It shows "shallow" bits to create controversy.
Third, calling the show "Heroes" of cosplay is inaccurate; I like to think I'm fairly well-versed in the realm of cosplay and cosplayers, and I've never even heard of these people; because that just isn't what cosplay is about. I mean, everyone wants to be known, myself included. But it shouldn't just be about the fame. A friend of mine said it quite well; if you're going to be calling it Heroes of Cosplay, focus on the women who dress like Disney princesses and visit children in hospitals, or those who use their costume work for the good of others. Not those who barely make it seem as if they're having a good time unless they've won something or gotten some recognition over it.
That's my little rant on this.
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Post by thefourtheleven on Sept 22, 2013 22:39:07 GMT
I lasted 6 minutes before wanting to shoot my computer as a mercy killing. I've never seen such a blatant misportrayal of cosplayers in all of the time I've been interested in this hobby. And frankly it sickened me! I really did not like it at all. Cosplaying is supposed to be fun, not a competitive hobby like what some of the people there saw it as. It's not supposed to be stressful!
On top of that, Souffle Girl hit the nail on the head.
1/10 would not watch again.
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Post by Matt Holden on Sept 22, 2013 22:55:05 GMT
I confess I marathoned all 6 episodes in one sitting with a half way break for a bite to eat. It was tough going!
What did people think to the actions of the Doctor Who group in ep 6?
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Post by Torchwood TeaBoy on Sept 22, 2013 23:05:10 GMT
I refused to even attempt to watch it because shows like this have destroyed other hobbies of mine with their extremely poor portrayal of the hobby & community. My complete lack of desire to watch was further bouyed by this post on tumblr from one of the girls from "that DW group", and everything I've heard about the episode they were in has completely painted them to be the shallow bad guys when that is the furthest from the truth. Utter nonsense. As if there wasn't enough drama and bullshit in the cosplay world. |
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Post by Matt Holden on Sept 22, 2013 23:12:21 GMT
It's definately going to be an interesting JiF episode when we pick the show apart...
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Post by Torchwood TeaBoy on Sept 22, 2013 23:13:40 GMT
It's definately going to be an interesting JiF episode when we pick the show apart... mwahahaha. |
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Post by Clara Oswald on Sept 22, 2013 23:18:09 GMT
I haven't finished watching the series yet, but so far I have mixed feelings about it. I respect their talents as cosplayers but the show makes it out like everyone is in it for the money and fame. Nothing about how much fun it is. It really gives cosplayers as a whole a bad name. It frustrates me to no end. I saw them attending these cons and most of them drop lots if money to attend them yet don't even get to enjoy them, they're so concerned about their cosplay competition. It's such a waste.  |
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Post by thefourtheleven on Sept 23, 2013 0:10:48 GMT
Oh you're kidding, there was a Doctor Who group? Now I've got to watch that episode, if only to fulfill my own sense of morbid curiousity. >_<
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Nullien
Gallifreyan
"Actually it went just about as badly as it could have done, but that wasn't my fault."
Posts: 46
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Post by Nullien on Sept 23, 2013 0:12:27 GMT
I don't know which of them said that, but actually there's at least one that said that their cosplay lifestyle is not the one that everyone chooses, but they do. I mean, I think we need to see the show as what it is: a reality show. There's gonna be lots of things manipulated, and they gonna choose to show always the things that bring money (and nothing brings more money than money itself haha). That's why I don't get mad at the show. I read things of those cosplayers on their pages, stating that things actually got manipulated (for example long stares that weren't reactions to something they said, etc), so... I don't pay attention to the drama part, and watch the show to see the costumes  (the costumes are pretty cool ^^) About the DW cosplayers drama, at first I thought they overreacted about that, but then I read about the fact that no one was told that they must do a skit. That sucks . But I don't think that the cosplayers of the show knew that (I think most probably they just told them "there's a con, you need a skit, go!"), so I'd have yelled to the producers, not the people of the reality. Anyway, anyone can get mad, and it's quite normal to just yell to the one you have in front of you. Also, if you want to see something with the craftmaking and no drama, you should see the documentary: "Cosplay! Crafting a secret indentity". It's so much better  |
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Post by Timey on Sept 23, 2013 4:05:57 GMT
Heroes of Cosplay? Rubbish. Distorted, manipulated, largely set-up and fictional, sneering snide mockumentary style "reality" TV.
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Post by Clara Oswald on Sept 23, 2013 11:23:58 GMT
Third, calling the show "Heroes" of cosplay is inaccurate; I like to think I'm fairly well-versed in the realm of cosplay and cosplayers, and I've never even heard of these people; because that just isn't what cosplay is about. I mean, everyone wants to be known, myself included. But it shouldn't just be about the fame. A friend of mine said it quite well; if you're going to be calling it Heroes of Cosplay, focus on the women who dress like Disney princesses and visit children in hospitals, or those who use their costume work for the good of others. Not those who barely make it seem as if they're having a good time unless they've won something or gotten some recognition over it. So well put! I love that we do have people here in the DW coplay community who do go out and do things for charity and are known for it. What a wonderful thing! When I think of the real cosplay heroes, I think of the 501st and the Rebel Legion. They make TONS of appearances in SA costumes and donate all their profits to charities, and EVERYBODY adores them! Why no showcase people like that? These are the unsung heroes, and they make me proud to do what I do. If I am ever known for my cosplay, I hope I'm known for giving back to others, not for having the biggest and best costume out there. |
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(the costumes are pretty cool ^^)
