Newgrounds.com — Everything, By Everyone.

At 6 minutes ago, Travis wrote: Cosplay is childish and embarassing.

The only time you can save your dignity in dressing up in a costume is during a job that requires it, (I.e. Internet reviewers getting a pass) Halloween or a Halloween themed party/wedding/whatever.

Basically, unless it has something to do with Halloween, you are more than likely a dork.

Meh, so we are dorks. Everybody is a dork in some respect. We just happen to be ones that like creating costumes. Cosplay can be freaking amazing, and some outfits are so detailed that it can only be pulled off by a person (or team) with years of experience.

Cosplay can be pretty fun. The act of making your own costume is a great learning experience for working with crafts, clothing, foam, etc. Finishing an outfit and being able to display your final product is a really rewarding feeling. When you go to a convention which fits in with the category of costume you are making (e.g. Anime Convention for anime cosplay, superhero costume for Comic Convention...), you will be among other people who will recognize your character. You will also be among other cosplayers with whom you can relate (since you've gone through similar struggles to create your costume).

So I guess, from my POV, there are personal growth, pride, and social aspects to why some people cosplay. I totally support cosplayers for doing what they do. :D