What is Cosplay?

Cosplay is a hobby where people make (or in some cases, buy) costumes and wear them to conventions or other events. It is similar to dressing up for halloween, or to a costume party. Cosplay usually is apparent at conventions that involve scifi, gaming, anime, comics or horror.

For some, cosplay is just fun in dressing up but there is also a competitive side. There are competitions at most conventions, called masquerades, where people compete with their costumes by preforming skits or just walking on stage and showing the outfit off.
There are various awards for both the skits and the craftmanship. There is also competition on the global scale known as the WCS - World Cosplay Summit where a competition takes place in japan for the top cosplayers in several countries.

Cosplay can involve armor, crazy wigs, and large props

Where can I learn more?

If you would like to see cosplayers in action, try checking out animecons.com and look for a convention in your area, while most cost money to actually attend the con, it is usually free to visit the area and see what is going on.

Online you can check out one of the many cosplay communities, one in particular is cosplay.com where you can chat with cosplayers in the forums, or search pictures of your favorite characters. If you are interested in getting into the hobby, cosplay.com is also good for help and advice as well as finding other cosplayers in your area.