Cosplay Souls

Za's October 29, 2024 blog post discusses the difficulty of judging cosplay photographs, distinguishing between simple aesthetic beauty and the ability to express the essence of the character. The author criticizes many photos for the lack of connection between the subject portrayed and the character represented, emphasizing the importance of context and atmosphere to make the photograph effective. The contrast between technical quality and lack of expressiveness is highlighted, proposing that, even for a non-expert audience, the real difference lies in the ability to convey the soul of the character. Finally, the author seems to resign himself to the prevalence of superficial aesthetic judgment.

We present a list of ten anime for 2025, not as a ranking of quality, but as a selection of works worthy of attention, some less known to the general public. We provide short descriptions of each anime, highlighting plot, graphic style and strengths, explaining the choices and personal evaluation criteria. The list includes titles of different genres, from shonen action to slice-of-life, with a particular emphasis on the emotional aspect and characterization of the characters.

I dieci anime consigliati per il 2025, non come una classifica di qualità, ma come una selezione di opere meritevoli di attenzione, alcune meno note al grande pubblico. Brevi descrizioni di ogni anime, evidenziando trama, stile grafico e punti di forza, tramite criteri di valutazione personali. Sono inclusi titoli di generi diversi, da shonen action a slice-of-life, con una particolare enfasi sull'aspetto emotivo e sulla caratterizzazione dei personaggi.

The article reflects on the motivation of cosplayers to participate in fairs, highlighting how size and popularity, rather than quality, are determining factors. The paradoxical aspect of this participation is highlighted, often dictated by the fear of being forgotten, both in the context of fairs and on social media. The author criticizes the superficial and illusory nature of these interactions, where online or physical presence does not guarantee authentic relationships, revealing the precariousness of the bonds built in this way. The reflection concludes with a question on the frequency with which one forgets, and is forgotten, in this system.

We discuss the legal and regulatory ambiguity surrounding pornography, using the cosplay of sexually explicit characters, such as Angel Dust from Hazbin Hotel, as an example. We look at the legal definition of pornography, highlighting the discrepancy between case law interpretations and practical applications on social media. We highlight the difficulty in defining what constitutes sexually explicit content, considering the subjectivity of sexual instinct and the wide range of content present online. Ultimately, we highlight the inconsistency between regulations and the reality of online content, showing how the line between what is legal and illegal is blurred and subject to conflicting interpretations.

We talk about the change in comic book fairs, we complain about the decrease in space dedicated to comics themselves in favor of activities such as cosplay and merchandising. We highlight the shift in focus towards an audience more interested in the spectacular and commercial aspect of the event; we reflect on the contradiction of criticizing the presence of adult content in a context frequented by minors. Finally, we underline the competition between different entertainment sectors, such as animation and video games, for the public's attention.