Black Cosplayers

Well, of course people can't look exactly like the character... But I think one thing Japanese cosplayers get that Americans (and other countries) don't is that cosplay is about over all appearance, not just the costume. The kind of body and face are important! A very rugged man dressing as a bishounen known for his beauty or a flat chested girl dressing as a girl known for her figure doesn't fit... Also if your character is very short and you're very tall, it doesn't make sense. People should choose characters who are similar to them, not just characters they like... People might say this is mean but it doesn't look good when people choose characters who are unlike them u.u

I'm sorry Candid Ishida, but I think you are way too caught up on appearances and who people appear to be instead of who they really are. True, it is cool when someone really resembles the character they are cosplaying. But honestly, who really cares if they don't? They are having fun and expressing their passion and interest in anime nonetheless. Why should it matter if they cannot look exactly like the person they want to cosplay as?

Cosplay is kind of like an art... So when someone shows up with a ridiculous cosplay (not looking anything like their character and/or having a bad costume) they are only embarrassing themselves. The best cosplayers have the entire package, it's not just about the costume. So yes, people should care. It's exactly the same as a person wearing unflattering clothing, it's embarrassing to everyone!

Nicely stated. I feel the same way. Why should skin color matter when to comes to dressing up? ..or anything else for that matter. I'm actually quite upset that this question was even asked...I'm sorry to have to say that.

From Yugioh, guys can be Odion and maybe even Marik because they both have darker skin. Yugioh GX has that one black duelist that likes to be in danger, and his father. I hope this helps a little. Girls can dress as Ishizu Ishtar also.

Candid_Ishida, I'm sorry to say but you seem like a very narrow-minded and prejudice person. Everything seems to have to fit into a neat little package for you, huh? If someone doesn't look like how YOU envision then it is wrong and they are not only embarrassing themselves, but everyone else? You know, you pretty much are embarrassing yourself asking such an arrogant question. If THEY don't have a problem with how they look, then why should you? You have no right. Do you always look exactly like the characters you cosplay as? I don't think so. People cosplay to have fun, who cares if they don't have the "right" height, the "right" body structure or the "right" skin color. Anyone should be able to dress how they want, regardless. I suppose it would bother you if a Caucasian person cosplayed as an African person, right? I'm sorry, but you're pathetic. Maybe you should try stepping into someone else's shoes once in while.

Takahashi, since you seem to have had a ball openly insulting me, I'll be blunt with my response. I made sure to ask black anime fans if they were annoyed that there are not many dark skinned anime characters, so I obviously have no problem with a diverse range of people cosplaying. But yes, pathetic costumes ARE embarrassing, for everyone around. The entire point of dressing up is to do your best to look like your character and look good doing it. There should be a certain amount of effort and reason involved, and those who choose totally unsuitable characters and spend no time on costumes are being ridiculous and giving everyone else a bad reputation. Also, the fact that you're being so bent out of shape about this and attacking me tells me that you're most likely one of those 400 pound Lolitas who tromps around wearing kitty ears and a short skirts scarring everyone around you. I don't see why wanting to look good is such a crime these days...

Cley, I think you're one of the few who has understood what I am trying to say without jumping on the 'political correctness' bandwagon. I have NO problem with black people or people of any race, people are who they are. I will come right out and say it's unfair that there aren't more dark skinned anime characters, leaving black or hispanic people few characters they resemble. Of course, people can do whatever they like, but at least I know I'm not the only one who finds it a bit strange when people pose as characters completely unlike them. Personally, I find it more fun to choose a character who is close to my height or appearance so my costume can be a real success.

Glad I can clear things up. I was afraid I'll get a beating from mylot-ers who might misunderstand what I'm trying to say.

Cley_CJ you are absolutely right, thank you. Candid_Ishida and anyone else who has been annoyed with my stupidity I apologize. What set me off was this being labeled 'Black Cosplayers' and your stated question. I bid you all a wonderful night and hope you sleep well.

I guess there are more black characters than I was aware of. That's good though, because it gives all types of people more options when cosplaying. And, yes... it's a little awkward when people wear unflattering costumes. Of course, most people don't have the perfect body, but one should try to wear something that suits his or her body, I think.

First things first, I'm sorry for reviving a sensitive thread - I just want to get my own opinions across. Candid_Ishida, your points hold an essence of truth but I feel they are exaggerated somewhat. You described cosplay as being "kind of like art." Art is a form of universal communication and should not be restricted so easily. After all, we can't exactly sue God for making us what we are. Do you disregard females who cosplay as male characters? What of the many disabled people I have seen cosplay? You say that when a person cosplays as a character they like and look "ridiculous, they are only embarrassing themselves." I'm sorry to say it but that IS a narrow minded statement. Have you even considered the possibility that they are enjoying cosplaying as a character they love, regardless of skin or physical handicaps? I believe the problem is that people view having black skin as a hindrance. I'm black yet I see it as a chance to throw an interesting perspective on characters that I (and most people around the world) have grown up liking. I'm planning to enter a cosplay as a 'black' Cloud Strife. The fact that I have black skin makes me even more determined to improve my costume. MAKE THE CHARACTER SUIT YOUR SPECIFICATIONS, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. Surely you'll be remembered for throwing a new spin on a much loved character than most other cosplayers? Being black isn't a hindrance it's an advantage. 100 BLACK COSPLAYERS - (QUESTION: DOES THIS ANNOY YOU?) http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=44h7daxuqfM

Lol sorry that last comment says it has mature content but its nothing bad like swearing or anything i dont know what it was. so just change your preferences and read it if you cant now