LETTER FROM THE EDITOR I first discovered cosplay when walking by the local convention centre during a comic book and gaming con in Vancouver, back in April 2012. I had been vaguely aware at the time of the concept that people dressed up at these events, but had no idea the depth and complexity of the culture surrounding the world of cosplay. Cosplay was a new term for me, and the more I learned about this community the more I was hooked. I have been fortunate over the past few years to have been able to meet and photograph a number of talented cosplayers, and have had the opportunity to meet cosplay photographers, prop builders, artists and designers from all over the world. I had no idea how diverse and exciting this new world of cosplay was until becoming immersed in the culture myself. Fast-forward to today and you’ll find that my obsession with cosplay has grown exponentially, and this is why I’ve decided to dedicate my time to publishing this magazine. I wanted to create a means in which to share and promote the work of some of the many talented cosplayers out there – and not only the cosplayers, but also the photographers, prop builders, illustrators, storytellers, organizers, designers, and many, many more. There are so many creative and talented people out there, and I wanted to share what I can of it with you through these pages. My hope is that this magazine will further connect the cosplay community and bring awareness to the culture behind what I know now is much more than simply a hobby. The name Cos Culture Magazine stems from my belief that cosplay truly is a unique culture in itself, and everyone involved contributes to this internationally inclusive community that offers support, guidance and encouragement to everyone involved. This magazine is dedicated to all facets of the cosplay community, and I am thrilled to be involved in such an exciting and creative project.
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COS CULTURE MAGAZINE
I wanted to set Cos Culture Magazine apart from other related cosplay magazines by not only featuring cosplayer profiles and interviews, but by creating themed articles and features that bring cosplayers and the rest of the community together in a way that has never been done before. I like to think of this magazine as a curated art gallery in print. Our main feature in this first edition is entitled ‘Faun & Games’, where we bring five talented cosplayers from around the world together in one feature spread and discuss the current fascination with faun cosplays. This edition also features an interview and tutorial from Folkenstal of Folkenstal Armory - weapon and armour builder. Not only do we get to know the girl behind the amazing props, but we get to learn her process in creating the Blade of Woe from Skyrim through a visual tutorial. To top it all off, we also feature photographs and an interview from the amazing Ashley Badie of AshB Images, who has photographed some of the most creative and well known cosplayers out there. I am extremely thrilled to release this first edition of our magazine, and I hope it brings as much joy to you as it did to me. This magazine is truly dedicated to the amazing people behind this craft, and I thank each and every one of you who submitted material to us and participated in this project. Much love,
Nikko Marie