Cosplay in America by Ejen Chuang

Posted by : Deborah Takahashi Saturday, March 26, 2011

Plot Summary:
In this book are photographs of some of the most elaborate and clever cosplay outfits from six different Anime Cons (Conventions). Each photograph is accompanied with quotes from each cosplayer and what Cosplay means to them. For those new to Cosplay, it is where Anime, Manga, and Comic fans masquerade as their favorite character. Not only are they dressed like the characters, but they have managed to become the character through mannerisms and speech.

Critical Evaluation:
Last summer, I met photographer, and author, Ejen Chuang at Anime Expo (AX) in Los Angeles. As I marveled, from 10 feet away, I saw kids, 'tweens', 'teens, and adults just having the time of their life dressed up; Ejen captures this spirit in his photographs and interviews with each person photographed. Teens who are die hard cosplayers will love this book simply because it will not only give them ideas for their next cosplay, but convey to them they are not the only ones are nuts about this stuff and it is completely normal to be different. More importantly, the quotes that are interspersed throughout the book, and his insightful "Foreward," Ejen and the cosplayers tell readers that as long as you have passion for something, you can do anything you want since most of the adults in this books are either fashion designers, architects, bankers, teachers, and/or librarians who have a passion for anime and manga.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Ejen Chuang is a Los Angeles based photographer who was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He graduated from north Texas University and moved to Los Angeles in 1999.He has been in this industry for over ten years and has an amazing portfolio where he worked on a variety of projects where his photos have been used in posters, press kit photos, production stills, and gallery shots.

On his website, he as a rather entertaining set of random questions, potential clients and fans may want to know for example:

What is your favorite candy?
Skittles or M&Ms

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Purple. Not sure why but that’s the first color to pop in my head

What was your favorite toy as a child?
Legos ! Hands down best toy I’ve ever had !

What is under your bed?
Nothing, probably dust bunnies.