cosplay 2013

I mentioned yesterday how I was knocked for a six by the level of cosplay professionalism at rAge. I think everyone who took part, honestly deserves a round of applause and it was fantastic seeing that appreciation from the rAge crowds. Unfortunately with an event this big, a few bad apples are bound to spoil the fun.

Over on the Cosplay SA Facebook page, there’s numerous accounts of how our local cosplayers had some difficulties with certain members of the public. Some got groped inappropriately, others were heckled, and there’s even a few accounts of cosplayers being man-handled like pieces of meat.

Hell, just sitting in the chill area and talking to Donovan Noyle, who had been rocking an incredible Venom costume for most of the day, revealed some of the careless attitude that some attendees had as he told me how his hard work had been broken by one flippant and unapologetic visitor.

And as big as the cosplay event was this year, we still have to realise that this is a fairly new concept in South Africa. A lot of folks don’t know that there’s a general etiquette that goes with this hobby, that would make the experience fun and safe for all involved.

But at the same time, I’d recommend that cosplayers have a buddy system in place when attending larger events. Having a spotter on hand to watch out for you works wonders, and is a practice widely used in the international cosplaying scene.

Not to mention the fact that the Cosplay chill area could have done with a little bit of security, as numerous cosplayers were still getting mobbed for photos despite being dead on their feet after a hard day of trooping around.

There’s still room to grow with our local cosplay scene, and I’d hate to see it ruined by the few, the childish and the hateful. People need to realise that even the simplest costume has hours of work poured into it, and the passion that fuels this hobby is just as intense as any other hobby. And spreading a little bit of public education for the next big event, as part of a concerted effort from the cosplay community, couldn’t hurt either.

 

Last Updated: October 8, 2013

1.1
was reviewed on PC

75 Comments

  1. That’s just sick man. I’ll volunteer for security detail.

    Reply

    • Downloadable content John

      October 8, 2013 at 13:25

      Me too. This upset me now.

      Reply

    • Alex [SS] PsyChoPanthis

      October 8, 2013 at 13:32

      I know people… We’ll make a plan for next year 😛

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief of Rivia

        October 8, 2013 at 13:35

        Indeed. I find it quite sick that a person warrants the need to grope another person.

        SWIFT FOOT IN ASS JUSTICE will ensue

        Reply

        • Alex [SS] PsyChoPanthis

          October 8, 2013 at 14:11

          agreed

          Reply

        • GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness

          October 8, 2013 at 15:59

          Have a buddy system for the security… one tazes the perp, the other one records it and uploads it to some big screens… that’ll keep the people honest

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief of Rivia

            October 8, 2013 at 16:01

            Business action plan: APPROVED!

      • Arcky

        October 8, 2013 at 17:15

        agreed!!!!

        Reply

  2. Matewis Jubilai

    October 8, 2013 at 13:03

    “Some got groped inappropriately, others were heckled, and there’s even a
    few accounts of cosplayers being man-handled like pieces of meat” Too many goddamned assholes in the world seriously… or only a few prominent ones perhaps

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief of Rivia

      October 8, 2013 at 13:04

      You said it dude

      Reply

  3. Jolene Jin Underwood

    October 8, 2013 at 13:07

    Hi guys I took part in the Alienware cosplay at rAge, please would you vote for my photo. Much a appreciated. Also this was my very first attempt at cosplay ever, and I really enjoyed it so much.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=520336364715740&set=pb.166360716779975.-2207520000.1381228315.&type=3&theater

    Reply

    • Devourer of Small Bunnies

      October 8, 2013 at 13:10

      Roping in votes for an FB page in a comments section on a gaming website? Classy!

      Reply

      • NecroRince

        October 8, 2013 at 13:18

        My thoughts too 🙂

        Reply

    • Umar ZoMg Reiner

      October 8, 2013 at 13:26

      “Hey Guys, please CLICK ON THE PHOTO AND and then PLEASE LIKE IT.”

      If people like it they will like it, it’s for the spirit of Cosplay right…..You don’t have to beg people like that ….

      Reply

      • Devourer of Small Bunnies

        October 8, 2013 at 13:35

        Also if you retweet this a billion times we can save the lesser spotted underground flamingo

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief of Rivia

          October 8, 2013 at 13:36

          Haha

          Reply

      • NecroRince

        October 8, 2013 at 13:46

        Well, I don’t like your face. There. I said it. *runs.

        Reply

  4. Devourer of Small Bunnies

    October 8, 2013 at 13:12

    Must admit, I didnt get ragged on too much, but I was missioning around for most of the day. Also, there was the bloodied 4 iron I was toting about that helped too.

    Its quite shocking to hear of this in all honesty. That being said though, surely personal space applies if you look funny, are running around in lingerie or hitting waves in a set of boardies?? Have I missed something or what here?

    Reply

    • Matewis Jubilai

      October 8, 2013 at 13:14

      Well yes you are missing something, because you are reasoning like a decent human being…

      Reply

    • NecroRince

      October 8, 2013 at 13:18

      What did you go as mate?

      Reply

      • Devourer of Small Bunnies

        October 8, 2013 at 13:36

        Hotline Miami Panda Mask dude guy thing, Was simple, hardly any good, was just for the sake of going as something

        Reply

        • NecroRince

          October 8, 2013 at 13:46

          Good for you. Should have used 9 iron 😉

          Reply

          • Devourer of Small Bunnies

            October 8, 2013 at 13:53

            No I use her at least 😛

        • Major Commodore 64 Darryn B

          October 8, 2013 at 13:46

          THAT WAS YOU? Man, my brain must have really been fried at the meet up.

          Reply

          • Devourer of Small Bunnies

            October 8, 2013 at 13:53

            😀 its ok, must have been all them chillis floating about

  5. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    October 8, 2013 at 13:15

    Time for rAge to invest in some GTA V-style bouncers –

    The simple mantra: You touch a cosplayer, you get beaten up a bit before getting the chance to collect your teeth outside in the dumpster.

    I guess it’s a good thing Valshen and I didn’t go as two pairs of Zangiefs… 🙁

    Reply

    • NecroRince

      October 8, 2013 at 13:47

      You don’t get to offer advice, now for ditching the huge Cape Town meet group!

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        October 8, 2013 at 14:01

        I have a feeling you guys would have tried to touch my banana… but George was nice. They didn’t actually need me there. I was so pissed off! 🙁 Could have been playing GTA online.

        Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      October 8, 2013 at 13:50

      Don’t touch me on my cosplay!

      Reply

  6. Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

    October 8, 2013 at 13:16

    I really enjoyed all the people who put effort into cosplaying. I was reluctant to bother them for pictures as I know that it can become very tiresome. I did take some pictures of people that did cosplay, and my lady and her sister even asked some people if they could take pictures with them and I could see some weren’t really up to it, but they did anyway.

    We are definitely going to cosplay next year and I have some awesome ideas, but I need a 3D printer for that. Just a pity that building a RepRap will be a bit expensive!

    Reply

    • Devourer of Small Bunnies

      October 8, 2013 at 13:37

      ^ right there folks. Right fucking there. That is the attitude to have! Kudos guy dude.

      Reply

      • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

        October 8, 2013 at 13:51

        Lol, thanks. I assumed that it was common sense. But…

        Reply

  7. NecroRince

    October 8, 2013 at 13:17

    Dammit, was hoping this shit wouldn’t happen. I suggest you hire Rincethis and OVG as security.

    Reply

    • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

      October 8, 2013 at 13:22

      I am planning on cosplying as this guy next year… Will you act as security as some people might not be able to keep their hands off…

      Reply

      • NecroRince

        October 8, 2013 at 13:25

        YOU BASTARD!!!!!!!!!! Downvote for you!

        Reply

        • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

          October 8, 2013 at 13:31

          So I take that as a no then?

          Reply

          • NecroRince

            October 8, 2013 at 13:51

            NOOOOOOOO! I mean, YESSSSSSs, to your NOOOOO!

      • Downloadable content John

        October 8, 2013 at 13:27

        No no no no no no no!
        This damn video nearly ruined my weekend!

        Reply

        • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

          October 8, 2013 at 13:34

          LOL, but it’s just ice cream 😀

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief of Rivia

            October 8, 2013 at 13:36

            Is it butt ice cream???

            O_O

          • Her Highness the Hipster

            October 8, 2013 at 13:41

            yay, i get to use my new catch phrase here – “at least it’s not cum!”

          • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

            October 8, 2013 at 13:43

            Lol, take it you haven’t seen the video? 😛 Most people hate me for it 😀

          • ToshZA

            October 8, 2013 at 13:49

            yes. yes we do.

          • NecroRince

            October 8, 2013 at 13:51

            I HATE YOU!

          • NecroRince

            October 8, 2013 at 13:51

            I, I, I, Wha?! 0-O

          • ToshZA

            October 8, 2013 at 13:54

            really? you went all the way there? Why are you so mean to us? T_T

        • NecroRince

          October 8, 2013 at 13:50

          Mibe to buddy. And he posted it like, 15 minutes before I left. The whole week, and so close to the end, and BOOM!

          Reply

          • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

            October 8, 2013 at 13:52

            It’s a pleasure 🙂

          • NecroRince

            October 8, 2013 at 13:54

            I will remember this!

          • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

            October 8, 2013 at 14:15

            I will make sure you never forget 😀

  8. Skyblue

    October 8, 2013 at 13:19

    Thought you’d have been kicked out of rAge walking around chanting “busting makes me feel good!”
    Disgusting story though. Unfortunately when ppl put themselves out in public with cosplay certain assholes think they’re public property and other assholes think they’re at their local exotic import store.

    Reply

  9. Brett Miller

    October 8, 2013 at 13:20

    Google “john scalzi convention policy”. He’s a Sci-Fi Author who does a lot of conventions. He’s written a few articles about harassment rules which are relevant.

    RAGE should have an anti-harassment policy. If it doesn’t then the cos-play community should see that one is enforced. Unwanted touching and “man handling” shouldn’t be “frowned upon” It should warrant removal from the convention.

    If you did some “unwanted touching” at the beach you would be arrested. The context of the occasion shouldn’t matter at all.

    Reply

    • NecroRince

      October 8, 2013 at 13:21

      What you said sir. What you said.

      Reply

    • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

      October 8, 2013 at 13:26

      Maybe we should take this up with NAG and have them look into this? Maybe get them to sell separate designated cosplay tickets to allow access to a better chill area?

      Reply

      • Skyblue

        October 8, 2013 at 13:27

        I don’t see why cosplayers should have to pay to get in at all. They help make rAge unique and deserve free entrance.

        Reply

        • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

          October 8, 2013 at 13:30

          But then you would have every idiot running around with “cosplay” and nobody would pay. Like I said, make a weekend pass for cosplayers and then give them access to a better chill lounge where the other people won’t have access to.

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            October 8, 2013 at 14:17

            I can already see it… Banana Jim cosplaying as the box from Metal Gear Solid.

        • Devourer of Small Bunnies

          October 8, 2013 at 13:40

          Pretty damn good point. Possibly a Cosplay pass? Minimal or reduced entry ticket with the addition of entry forms or some form of register. Makes accountability and planning of marches and photo shoots much more manageable.

          Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      October 8, 2013 at 13:26

      Excellent suggestion.

      Reply

    • Admiral Chief of Rivia

      October 8, 2013 at 13:26

      Unwanted touching results in perpetrator getting unwanted punch in nuttsack.

      Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      October 8, 2013 at 14:16

      Absolutely agree Mr Miller!

      Reply

  10. Umar ZoMg Reiner

    October 8, 2013 at 13:29

    Horrible, I’ve got a luscious behind. So be warned if you to try to grab, I placed lil ninja spikes there, YOU WILL FEEL THE PAIN

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      October 8, 2013 at 13:50

      lulz – I need to watch more of that show.

      Reply

      • Umar ZoMg Reiner

        October 8, 2013 at 13:51

        Man I love this show! The East Vs West vids are the best

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          October 8, 2013 at 13:55

          The one where they’re two married guys pretending to talk all tough about ordering their wives around while making sure they can’t hear them killed me.

          Reply

          • Umar ZoMg Reiner

            October 8, 2013 at 14:52

            I said biiiitch Lol great show, Season 3 is quite funny too

  11. TiMsTeR1033

    October 8, 2013 at 13:43

    I can’t believe how low some people are to manhandle some of cosplayers, I mean if woman down the street looked like harlequin does that mean you can grab her ass? Or if spawn walked into your store, does that give you the right to pull on his threads and insult him? NO IT DOESN’T!!

    YOU GIVE THOSE COSPLAYERS RESPECT! I MEAN HOW MANY OF YOU COULD LOOK HALF AS GOOD AS THEY DO?? MY POINT EXACTLY!

    Reply

  12. UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

    October 8, 2013 at 14:05

    In general safety needs to be managed by the event. Rage should have security making sure that people are behaving in an orderly fashion.

    If this was Murica you could probably sue the organizers actually…

    Reply

  13. Trebzz

    October 8, 2013 at 14:52

    They need better protection… They need a Dark Knight

    Reply

  14. Sageville

    October 8, 2013 at 15:19

    Just wanted to thank the cosplayers who took the time to have photos taken with kids and admirers.

    Reply

    • Donovan Noyle

      October 8, 2013 at 19:56

      Sage we always happy to take photos with the kids and admirers its you guys that make the con’s fun and exciting to go to. Nothing more fulfilling then seeing a child recognizing your cosplay eyes lighting up and asking you for a photo. Fans of cosplay Rock!!!

      Reply

  15. Brett Gunter

    October 8, 2013 at 16:15

    I do believe I saw someone cosplaying a Darryn Bonthuys in the OR Thambo Airport smoker’s lounge yesterday :/

    Reply

  16. Donovan Noyle

    October 8, 2013 at 19:02

    Come on Darryn organize a security detail from P.E bro 🙂

    Reply

  17. George William Flatt

    October 8, 2013 at 19:04

    Guys, I have created a group that is dedicated to changing this! if you are interested go join the group and help us to prevent this from happening again.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/601396793251613/

    Reply

  18. Paul Fouche

    October 8, 2013 at 20:59

    that is just SHOCKING! hope i see that next year so i can break my foot off in someones ass

    Reply

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