One of the best parts of a fan convention like Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is seeing the variety of cosplays on display. You never know what you'll see! It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of choices and intimidated by the creativity of others, so we’ve put together a list of manga you can draw inspiration from depending on your skill level. (Pro tip: check out your local YOUmedia for access to sewing machines and lessons that can help you nail your cosplay!) Whether you’re looking for a cosplay you can put together last-minute or one that’ll take over your life, here are some fun ideas that’ll get you noticed at C2E2.
Beginner Level
The action-packed, slice-of-life manga Sakamoto Days by Yuto Suzuki is the perfect manga to inspire a last-minute cosplay. Since the characters are ex-Triad members trying to live a normal life, their outfits are nothing out of the ordinary. All you need is a green apron, and people will know who you’re cosplaying. Of course, if you want to take it a step further, a yellow tee and round glasses will really sell it.
If you want to take on the classic Japanese high school look, Bocchi the Rock! by Aki Hamazi is a great source of inspiration. Hitori is known for three main things: her social anxiety, her talent with a guitar, and her oversized pink track jacket that matches her hair. Pair that with a pleated skirt and loafers, and your look is good to go. And if pink isn’t really your color, the rest of the band provides some easy alternatives as well.
Intermediate Level
For those who like the Ren Faire style and Dungeons & Dragons classes, Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui has plenty of options that fit that vibe. Part fantastical cookbook, part dungeon crawler, this manga gives you a fun story with a unique format and tons of characters to choose from. Some members of the party are easier to cosplay than others, but if you’re looking for an excuse to build an entire suit of armor, Laios is your character.
Post-apocalyptic, dystopian manga like Gachiakuta by Kei Urana are perfect for finding creative and new styles. Within this manga, Rudo visits different lands and meets various groups of people, like the Cleaners and Raiders, each with styles that resemble futuristic takes on current fashion trends. Find something unique in your wardrobe and add a couple of alterations, and you’re sure to look like a character from this world.
Expert Level
If you’re interested in a side of education with your cosplay, The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyuuga is sure to inspire some research during the creation process. This historical fiction manga follows Maomao as she works as an herbal servant in the imperial court during the Middle Ages. The characters in this manga wear traditional clothing, like an aoqun hanfu or a Yuanlingpao, so cosplays from this manga are about accuracy as a way to respect the culture. Be sure to pay attention to what each character wears and why, and avoid customizations that could be seen as disrespectful or stereotypical.
Extravagance is what Disney’s Twisted-Wonderland by Yana Toboso is all about—well, that and teaching young mages of Night Raven College the lessons of the seven greatest Disney villains. Each of the seven dorms has its own unique style and color palette based on the villain it’s inspired by, as well as a crew of characters you’ll find difficult to dislike. Sure, you can Disney-bound it and DIY some outfits that look like part of a dorm, or you can put all your skills to the test with an attempt to cosplay one of the housewardens.
Which cosplay is calling out to you? Let us know in the comments below!
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