Fanime 2022 Cosplay Craftsmanship Spotlight

By: Belfry

The pandemic has made cosplay more challenging than it used to be. Between the need for masks and the importance of social distancing there are more barriers than there were in 2019 and earlier. Despite that, we had some great cosplayers step up to the challenge at Fanime 2022!

Our first spotlight goes to @gamercosplayerfit for his Hisuian Decidueye. He created a smooth, cohesive cosplay that literally works from head to toe. Many cosplayers forget to include their feet in their cosplay but he created a great set of talons. Most impressive of all was the functionality of this cosplay. He was able to move his arms and legs comfortably while still having all of the parts work together seamlessly.

This year’s Fanime prop spotlight goes to @thebluebeast3. He did a great job creating Marik’s Millennium Rod. All of the pieces fit together perfectly. The side fins are just the right size and shape and the three dimensionality of them was expertly done. My favorite part, though, is the use of a garden spike to make the pointed end of the scepter.

Weathered armor is an art that @visguard has down pat. His Dave Strider cosplay truly looks like he went through a harrowing battle! The cuts and chips are well distributed and the blood stains make it very clear where the heaviest damage was done to his cosplay.

While @richard.roth ‘s armor work is excellent, I want to draw special attention to the sewing details of his cosplay. The panels of his armor are authentically attached with (faux?) leather straps. Not only is this small detail authentic to armor of this timeframe, it also surely required a lot of time and care to complete. And to choose a cosplay that naturally lends itself to wearing a mask with was brilliant.

Overall, it was a breath of fresh air returning to the convention scene and getting to admire so many talented cosplayers! Next stop...Anime Expo!