Alexander Williams, also known by his character Dark Dagger, created his own Toronto version of Batman to break the norm of Cosplay.
Cosplay is the art of dressing up and portraying a character from popular cultures, such as video games and anime. This popular form of artistic expression is an outlet for many.
For character authenticity, cosplayers frequently face criticism from other members of their own community.
Alexander Williams breaks norms as he dresses up as the character Dark Dagger, a Toronto version of Batman. Photo credit: Alexander Williams
“It’s about freedom, and bringing something new to the table,” Williams said. “I use my imagination to create.”
Being a cosplayer has its controversies, and unaware bystanders tend to stare in either awe or confusion.
Samantha Hiebert, a 21-year-old cosplayer from Brampton, is used to standing out in public places. For years, she has been taking public transportation to cosplay conventions in downtown Toronto.
Samantha Hiebert has been attending Toronto cosplay events for years. Much of the criticism she receives comes from within the cosplay community. Photo credit: Samantha Hiebert
“I take the train in cosplay, and you do get a few weird looks,” Hiebert said. But most of the tension comes from within the community.
She most recently appeared at the FanExpo at Toronto’s Metro Convention Centre in March where she planned for months to appear as Rapunzel.
Hiebert said she’s is an avid cosplayer and attends multiple conventions each year including the annual FanExpo, attended by thousands, including hundreds of other cosplayers wearing their own creations.
“It’s a creative outlet,” said Hiebert, who has been cosplaying for about seven years. “You get to wear it around and show it off, and interact with other people who share the same hobby in a very unique way.”
The cosplaying community in Canada, and even Toronto alone, is large. From online discussions to in-person events, the cosplay community is strong, she said. But the gatekeeping of cosplayers can be intense.
“Some say you don’t have the right body type, or you’re not pretty enough,” Hiebert said. “There’s also a stigma against people buying costumes and a lot of people think if you make the costume, you’re a better cosplayer.”
Race is also a major concern in the world of cosplay. For accuracy and appropriation reasons, debates often surround who can, and cannot dress up as certain characters.
“There’s a thing going around about how all characters in anime are supposed to be Caucasian because not all Asians have blue eyes or blonde hair,” Hiebert said. “A lot of people are very much like ‘they’re supposed to be white people, so we’re doing it better,’ but a lot of people just like ‘they’re just artistically representing whatever they want in a cute art style.’”
For Dark Dagger, these types of reactions don’t add up.
“Some people don’t like the idea of a kid cosplaying as Blank Panther, but he’s Black Panther! He’s a hero to everyone,” Williams said. “If you want to cosplay this person, by all means, don’t let anyone tell you can’t do this or do that.”
For Hiebert, the bottom line is to remain conscious of the identity of the person they’re portraying.
“As long as you’re respectful about whatever culture they come from,” Hiebert said.