Book excerpt: In recent years, cosplay, which is the act of dressing up as one's favorite character from TV, movies, comic books, video games, or really just about any pop culture media, has grown significantly from a niche community to a massive society of costume enthusiasts creating a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. For some, cosplaying is a hobby, while for others, it's a lifestyle. In The Art of Cosplay, every day cosplayers are transformed into the subject of their own fan art, making them the main character in their own story. Along with being filled with unique character art, this book is filled with interviews, stories and insights from real cosplayers, providing a narrative as to what cosplay means to them. Lavishly illustrated in full color, The Art of Cosplay is a book that celebrates real cosplayers and their craft by featuring them in unique and character specific pieces of art. The images in this book are uniquely specific to the individual, giving life to the character they portray and to showcase the costume they spent so much time and effort creating. Featuring numerous cosplayers from all over the world, The Art of Cosplay is sure to give you a new and exciting look at real cosplayers, their fashion and their passion!