Now that you've been through this page, it's time to find out what the meaning is behind the title of this page, Cosplay In Black.  I saw once on someone's page they were teasing a guy who was dressed as Rei Ayanami from Neon Genesis.  Not based on what his costume looked like, but based solely on the premise that he was African-American and choose to don Rei's costume.  That really kind of bothered me.  So months after seeing this I decided to create this page.

  Cosplay, to me, isn't about looking like the character down to the skin tone.  It's about dressing as the character you find appealing.  It doesn't matter what your height, your weight, or your skin type.  I get so annoyed with these holier then thou types who think they can dictate to someone, that they can't dress as a certain character because or body type or skin tone.  I dress as who I want, when I want, and because I like that particular character or costume.  If you don't like my rendition, then screw you (to put it mildly)!  I'm not dressed as Digiko for you anyway.  I'm dressed as her because I love the show, the character, and the costume.

  This page was also constructed to also give those who dream about cosplaying the chance to see that you don't have to feel awkward about cosplaying.  My very first cosplay was Eternal Sailor.  I was a bit apprehensive when I first came downstairs wearing that at Otakon 1998, but once people saw me, they wanted to take my picture and were really surprised that I even used my own hair color for the signature "Odango".  In the end, everyone was really nice and supportive to me and has been ever since.

  So to put it in terms everyone can understand, feel free to dress as you wish.  It's not about size, height, weight, color, it's all about having fun.  What's the point in cosplaying if you don't have fun.  And people, when you do dress be sure to strut your stuff for all it's worth, there's nothing worse then a shy cosplayer, unless you're supposed to be Rei Ayanami.  And another word of advice.  I know it's tempting to dress as type appropriate characters, but dare to take a risk every now and then.  Go as someone who is your complete opposite and you'll find that you'll have tons more fun!