PHOTOS: Celebrate 28 Days of Black Cosplay With These First Cosplays
What inspired you to start cosplaying?
Today is the first day of February which means it’s the first day of one of my favorite times of the year: #28DaysOfBlackCosplay! Launched by Chaka Cumberbatch back in 2015, the cosplay movement was made to uplift Black cosplayers and encourage them to share their work.
We here at Crunchyroll News have decided to join in and celebrate with weekly features that highlight the Black cosplay community. To kick things off we’ll be showcasing looks with the theme First Cosplay, that starting point that guides you toward a life full of fabric, wigs, looking at the clothes in your closet in a whole new way and, sigh, diminishing paychecks. This particular theme got so much love we’re dividing it up into two posts!
UPDATE: All submissions are closed, you can check out all of our cosplay themes at the end of the article!
Sydsugoi Cosplay as Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV (Cowboy Bebop)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
I've been a lifelong Cowboy Bebop fan.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
I'm really proud of how I styled the wig, and that I was able to capture Ed's joyful, kinetic energy so thoroughly (note: be sure to check out the entire photo set).
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Cosplay doesn't need to be flashy or expertly detailed to embody a character. Your love for the character makes it shine.
Where can everyone follow your work?
SuperNamu as Sakura (Cardcaptor Sakura)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
Cardcaptor Sakura was always one of my favorite anime when I was a kid! Even back then, I knew I always wanted to be her, dress up as her! It was one of my dream goals!
What's something you love about this cosplay?
I finally get to be the magical girl I always wanted to be!
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
It's OK to be shy and afraid to cosplay because of your skin tone and weight. Remember it's all about having fun. Don't worry about what anyone else says!
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
YouTube
Giodeci as Giorno Giovanna (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Photographer: Sharingan Photography
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
The outfits they wear in this anime plus the R&B ending music.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
I love that I was able to put my own spin on it with the Golden Durag and still be myself (note: be sure to check out the entire photo set).
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
You're doing great, just keep on having fun.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Spider-Renzo as Miles Morales (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
I wanted to raise awareness for mental health. I watched many cosplayers online and said I would love to do that but with a good cause.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
I can relate to Miles Morales because we're both black Hispanic men from Brooklyn, NY just trying to survive and live life (note: be sure to check out the entire photo set).
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Never be too hard on yourself. Everyone has an origin story and you have to start somewhere. Patience is a virtue and never compare yourself to anyone else.
Where can everyone follow your work?
KrystalShanelle as Vash the Stampede (Trigun and TRIGUN: STAMPEDE)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
I love Trigun a lot, especially Vash! He is such a fun-loving character and he has a lot of qualities that I see in myself.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
I LOVE THE GLASSES AND THE EARRINGS! I like the way I edited some of the photos, too, so they can be similar to the reference images I found (note: be sure to check out the entire photo set).
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
To have fun with it and not think too much about it.
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Website
Meanie Mosey as Nanami (JUJUTSU KAISEN)
Photographer: Meanie Mosey’s friend Rebecca
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
Attending Houston Comicpalooza.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
How instead of making his weapon, I used a cow print purse which was very useful during the convention (note: be sure to check out the entire photo set).
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
As long as you're having fun that's all that matters.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Jade Aurora as Blair (Soul Eater)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
Soul Eater is one of my favorite anime and Blair is one of my favorite characters from the series.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
I love how it makes me look. Before this cosplay, I was really self-conscious about my body. Wearing this cosplay made me feel confident
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Just do it. Forget what anyone else has to say about it. What's important is how YOU feel about yourself
Where can everyone follow your work?
Bella Victress as C. Viper (Street Fighter)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
I love martial arts and I saw that Street Fighter was iconic. There weren't too many people cosplaying as C. Viper and I LOVE how she looks!
What's something you love about this cosplay?
The wig! Although it was super heavy.
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Do the wig better, lol!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Weeabootrapqueen as Kimberly (Street Fighter)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
Her outfit is cute and it was a good easy cosplay to do in between my bigger cosplays.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
The comfort and hair piece (note: be sure to check out the entire photo set).
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Prime your foam first before painting.
Where can everyone follow your work?
David Glasgow and his daughter as Eddie and Adam Hunter (Streets of Rage)
Photographer: David’s friends Jordan and Madeline Aldera
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
Nostalgia and last-minute ease of execution.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
I love the feeling of nostalgic joy. It was also awesome to connect my daughter with a piece of my history with the gaming world.
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Plan ahead and have fun!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Kurenai Kiba as Tentacruel (Pokémon)
Photographer: Kendra J Harriston - KJH Photography
Tentacle make-up: Karina Dar Juan - MUA
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
The gigantic Tentacruel that wreaked havoc over the surface world had such an overwhelming presence that I was fixated on this Pokémon for years. To be able to create this cosplay, I wanted to make sure that my silhouette and overall presence was as ominous as it was in the show.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
The gigantic headpiece and figuring out how to balance it on my head without it being heavy.
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
This was a bit ambitious, but it was fun! Like most art, including sewing, remember the basics because they will take you so far in your sewing journey.
Where can everyone follow your work?
TikTok
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Website
Pally Kashra as Hiro (Lunar: Eternal Blue)
Photographer: Elemental Photography
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
Hiro is a character that I have always related to due to his kindness and his positive personality. When I started my journey as a cosplayer I wanted to portray one of my favorite characters and, in a sense, start my journey with that same enthusiasm.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
Even though this cosplay was a first for me, it did challenge me to learn how to sew and adapt things on my own. Plus having a snazzy cape always makes things better... especially when you stand in the wind and it flaps.
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Don't be afraid to mess things up. We learn best when we make mistakes. Then we get to fix them and make them better. Take those chances and really go for it!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Twitch
Simone Malcolm as Mirko (My Hero Academia)
Photographer: Christian Clouden
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
Mirko is one of my favorite characters in My Hero Academia. She’s strong, powerful and one of the top heroes in the story. Plus she’s brown and we need more of that in anime.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
Her hero outfit makes me feel sexy especially because I’m a plus-size woman.
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
I was so nervous doing it because it was my first time cosplaying and I thought I didn’t have the body to pull it off. But I’m glad I dealt with my nerves and did it anyway. I would tell myself cosplay is for everyone and it doesn’t matter if you cosplay the character to the T, it’s all about having fun and adding your own spin to the character.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Danisayso as Rogue (X-Men)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
It was a random choice really. I liked Rogue's look and always felt she was one of the strongest characters in the franchise.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
The hair lol. Definitely gives punk vibes.
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Keep experimenting with different looks, cosplays aren't meant to be one look for all. Versatility is where you'll find your niche.
Where can everyone follow your work?
cosplay_matcha as Yoruichi (Bleach)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
I love the character.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
It’s my first cosplay and everything came from my closet.
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
You did great!
Where can everyone follow your work?
EYHU as Josuke Higashikata (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
I was watching JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and I really loved Josuke's character and character design.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
It was my first real cosplay and it inspired me to do things I want to do even if they are dorky by societal standards.
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Try and do a loc pompadour and go a size larger.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Megumi as Pain (Naruto Shippuden)
What inspired you to do this cosplay?
I admire Pain and his strength and I love his character design.
What's something you love about this cosplay?
The piercings :) (note: be sure to check out the entire photo set).
Looking back at your first cosplay, what advice would you give yourself?
Great job but keep working on those editing skills to make your art POP!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Here are all of our cosplay themes! Thank you to everyone who took part in our #28DaysOfBlackCosplay celebration!
Week One: First Cosplay Part Two
Week Two: Favorite Anime of 2022 Part One and Part Two
Week Three: Most Anticipated Anime of 2023 Part One, Part Two and Part Three
Week Four: Dream Cosplay Part One, Part Two and Part Three
Week Five: Celebrating Black Photographers in the Cosplay Community and Crunchyroll Staff
Briana Lawrence is the Senior EN Features Editor here at Crunchyroll. When she’s not writing she’s taking care of her three butthead cats and playing Hades for the 100th time. You can check out her writings and her book series over at her website and give her a shout over on Twitter.
