Cosplay Challenge 09

By [z]en • June 24, 2009

Starting off this year’s cosplay event, along with Start Of Year Again (SOYA) hosted by Ngee Ann Tsubasa Club, Singapore Cosplay Club(SCC) launched Cosplay Challenge 09.

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Contrary to what you may think, this isn’t a competition targeted at seasonal cosplayers. Instead the objective is to encourage fans to pick up and experience cosplay for themselves.

Working along the objective of teaching, Cosplay Challenge was the first of its kind to introduce cosplay workshop. Series of pre-event workshops was held for its competitors, introducing them on to the basis of costume making and guidance was given to assist them in completing their costume for the challenge. In addition to that, SCC also held a master class given by Goldy-san, a world acclaimed mecha cosplayers who was famous for his Strike Freedom Gundam cosplay, on the actual date for its visitors.

The challenge began with the master class help by Goldy-san. A very enriching class it is as he shared some of this trick in making of his armors as well as some of his insights in prop making while he began his construction of a helmet. Goldly-san was also very kind to bring one of his completed work for us to see.

In the afternoon, one by one each contestant took their first step as the competition began. One must commend on the effort which the contestants have put in and the quality of the costume they have made considering that many had never attempted tailoring before. Performance by the cosplayers where entertaining, many where nervous but nevertheless a few outshone the others. I could still remember the reaction of the audience when one cosplayer threw an actual “fireball” into the crowd.

Special performance by Singapore Winds Symphony Youth Winds followed while the results were being tabulated. Familiar pieces from various anime and games were played, ranging from Inuyasha, Final Fantasy to theme song from animated film Ponyo! Being a fan of anime original soundtracks (OST), it was a special moment for me to be able hears them for the first time through a live ensemble.

Finally, the moment the initial start up sequence for Strike Freedom performed by Kira Yamato (Gundam Seed) was played, I knew the breathtaking moment of the whole event has began. Goldy-san and his Strike Freedom appeared as the backdrop was lowered and the crowd when wild as he amazed us with a stunning performance of his Strike Freedom launching its dragoon bits and actual gas discharge from its chest. It was indeed a sight that never failed to impress me.

At the end of Goldy-san’s performance, all the competitors where invited back to the stage for a photo taking session followed by the announcing of the results. The event concluded with the award presentation and token of appreciation followed by more photo taking.

Throughout the whole event, I felt that there many places where more attention could have been paid to. The concept of having workshop during the event was excellent, however I was disappointed to find that the master class was the only workshop offered contrary to what was shown in the event list.

A problem that was feedback by many visitors after the event was the accessibility of the location as well as the guide given to the event site was not clear without any directions being put up at the interchange to the shuttle bus pick up.

Cosplay Challenge 09 was no doubt a good concept by Singapore Cosplay Club, but I believe there are many areas to be improved on. Perhaps we can expect something new at this year’s Cosfest.