My Issues With Heroes Of Cosplay

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I’ve been debating for a while how I would approach the topic of the recent Syfy series Heroes of Cosplay. The show had quite a few cosplayers up in arms about the not so pleasant light some of the ‘heroes’ shined upon the community. Some people were upset about the cattiness and elitism. Others were put off by the lack of insight on the development of the costumes. Then there were the few that were disappointed in the almost complete lack of a male presence on the show.

All of these feelings towards the show are completely valid. I think many of us were looking forward to a cosplay version of SyFy's other hit Face/Off that completely did not happen. Nonetheless, the show happened and we all watched and had our loves and loathes about it.

Personally, what I loved about the show was the insight on how someone like Yaya Han becomes a ‘cosplay sensation’ and can make a living at it. In the most basic of ways, she is a model. She is just modeling for the things she enjoys instead of fashion magazines. Yes, she has her novelties that she sells, but I’m sure the bulk of her income comes from being a guest at conventions and selling those beautiful, glossy, sometimes racy, and oh-so-geeky cosplay calendars and prints. I have always been perplexed by these Facebook pages with 100k+ likes, but after seeing this show and understanding the business side of the cosplay world it all makes sense. She has essentially branded herself in the community!

https://www.facebook.com/RonGejonPhotography

Now to get to the easy part; what I loathed about Heroes Of Cosplay. Let me start by saying I did not hate the show. I did watch every episode so obviously there was something enjoyable about it. Even so, it was not without cringing. My first plight was that there was only one male cosplayer cast member. ONE?! I remember reading a quote from Mark Cronin, the executive producer that I had to go back and find to make sure I got it right. He said, “Male characters tend to be simpler – lots of body armor and weaponry and spandex and capes. They’re usually nowhere near as interesting and intricate, or sexy, and cool, as the costumes worn by the women.” Wow! Way to poo-poo all over the guys! No wonder they are nowhere to be found! They are over looked and underappreciated! This man obviously has no idea how much time, effort, and intricate work goes in that ‘simple’ body armor and weaponry. There are some pretty damn cool male cosplayers out there, but apparently if it is not ‘sexy’ it is just not good enough. Everyone has their own interpretation of what is sexy and what is not. Personally, there is nothing sexier than a creative, crafty, and handy man. You know how to sew? Hot! You used your thesis to paper mache’ this Master Chief armor? You’re so crafty! Swoon! (This actually happened!) Let’s give credit where credit is due, shall we?

My next issue is mostly with reality TV in general. No matter what show I’m watching, they are making women look like hot messes. Why was Victoria so bossy with her boyfriend and take all the credit for his work? Don’t you know women are selfish and just take, take, take?! It’s all about them, all the time! Why were they arguing with strangers at an out of town convention? Oh, because women are catty and always fight and cry about meaningless things. Why was everyone so worried about Jessica Nigri and her boobs? Duh, because girls love to slut shame each other even more than the guys do! I’m so sick of every reality TV show trying to complete with the Bad Girls Club! Ladies, we are all beautiful! Let’s stop bashing each other and love each other. Let’s stop letting reality TV make us look like dumb-asses. We are smart, strong, creative, resilient, passionate, and graceful creatures.

 Yayahan.com

Lastly and likely the most obvious, where was the diversity? I feel like to a certain degree Yaya doesn’t count, based on the fact that she is one of the biggest things in cosplay right now and was cast as such. I would have loved to see myself ‘represented' on that show. Outside of racial diversity, I would have loved to see some financial diversity on the show as well. What about the cosplayers that don’t have the means to go out and buy $300 dollars worth of foam or worbla to make things? What about the cosplayers that can’t sew, but are fiercely thrifty at putting found pieces together to recreate their favorite characters? Not everyone has a sewing room or a studio to fabricate things. Most people probably just have their bedroom and kitchen table, but I could just be speaking for myself.

Assuming Syfy does another season of Heroes of Cosplay, I will most likely tune in. At the end of the day in the most basic of ways, it is entertaining. I get to see some amazing costumes and see interesting people do exciting things, but it definitely would not hurt if Syfy decided to take the fans into consideration when planning for the next season.

Marjie Southerland is an actor/singer/mover/shaker from New Jersey, living “The Dream” in Chicago,IL. Check out her website www.marjiesoutherland.com and ‘like’ her on facebook to stay posted on all of her adventures!