Talk:Cosplay/Archive 2

Leading picture
Hi, I think the current picture in the lead is not the most illustrative one on the topic so I replaced it, but User:Niemti reverted this change. The two pictures are on the right. I think the Phoenix convention is obviously a worse choice because

1) it's more crowded, with less clear focus on the cosplayers.

2) one of the two cosplayers in focus is turned away

3) the lighting is bad and the color balance is off (too red), making the picture rather dull

The Japanese replacement is a much clearer picture, it's more striking and it's of Japanese cosplayers - which makes sense as this is where (the modern form of and the very word) cosplay originated. I think most readers would expect a picture of Japanese cosplayers at the top. JPNEX (talk) 09:27, 10 June 2014 (UTC)


 * It isn't and please stop pushing you own work. (We've seen this before.) The whole point is not to make anyone at all a "face of cosplay". Btw, from technical standpoint ("a much clearer picture, it's more striking"), your photo has a wrong white balance (besides being oversaturated). Here are some of my own most recent photos: - but guess what, I'm not going to push them (it's Poland, btw). --Niemti (talk) 09:33, 10 June 2014 (UTC)
 * Wow, that's most unfriendly! Of course I add my own pictures to articles but only when I think they are better than what's currently in place - this is hardly "pushing". If people disagree, I'm happy to discuss it, but opposing it merely because I've added a picture I have myself taken can hardly be supported by the guidelines. While looking for articles to insert my images into, I've many times found pictures which were better than mine, and in those cases I haven't of course made any changes. In this case, however, I do think my replacement goes better with WP:LEADIMAGE than the previous one. The white balance may be a little bit off in mine as well, but it still strikes me as obviously technically better than the previous one, more reprsentative and more interesting. What does everybody else think? JPNEX (talk) 10:02, 10 June 2014 (UTC)
 * Your pictures are very nice, btw! JPNEX (talk) 10:14, 10 June 2014 (UTC)


 * I think it's borderline. In my ever-so humble opinion both are arguably as bad as each other.  I honestly agree with your assessment of the current lede image, but think that the positives of said image:
 * Multiple cosplayers in one shot
 * Wide variety of clothing/characters
 * Natural stance and posing


 * Outweigh the deficiencies.


 * However, I don't think that your own image is really much better. The quality is better, but it's essentially a headshot, and contains no imagery of the "cos" part of cosplay - the costume.  I would have to side with Niemti that on those grounds alone the image is not suitable for the lede - with the proviso that I don't think that means it has no place in the article, only the lede.


 * I'd like to see a completely new image if we have to replace it, or a mix-up and one of the already used images replacing it. To my mind the best image on the page is Princess Amidala - it's almost too good, as you could be mistaken for thinking it really is Princess Amidala.  Chaheel Riens (talk) 10:39, 10 June 2014 (UTC)
 * Thank you for the input, I guess I have to agree. I do see the point in having several different styles of cosplay in one photo, though I don't think the current photo really satisfies this as only two are in focus, and one is turning the other way. I don't think the Princess Amidala picture would be great either though, I mean it's certainly a great shot but it's not the most representative of cosplay. JPNEX (talk) 10:59, 10 June 2014 (UTC)
 * Seems I already included one of your photos as to illustrate the Japanese etymology. Btw, much of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Cosplay is actually models. Some models are also cosplayers (like in case this one of my recent photos, she's with her own costume and was just hired a booth babe), but many are just regular models who wear what they were given and for example  is obviously not even a character costume). IF you guys really want, actually I can post a good picture of a large group on stage or something (speaking of Amidala: 1 week ago I did this ). --Niemti (talk) 10:49, 10 June 2014 (UTC)
 * Many people on a stage sounds like it could look a little too sterile (just my 5c).JPNEX (talk) 11:00, 10 June 2014 (UTC)
 * Isn't that other picture of mine better for the lead than the current one though? Rather than in ethymology. (giving it the caption suggestion #4 in case it floats away) It shows a duo in full costume. JPNEX (talk) 11:06, 10 June 2014 (UTC)Cosplayers of Monogatari Series at the Nippombashi Street Festa 2014.jpg
 * Here's a group of Japanese, "body shots". Suggestion 5 — Preceding unsigned comment added by JPNEX (talk • contribs) 11:07, 10 June 2014 (UTC)

My propositions (random groups of people, unposed):  Or just this: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Unidentified_cosplay#mediaviewer/File:20140118174713IMG_5618_M_-_Desucon_Frostbite_2014_-_matiast1.jpg (white balance is screwed but I like it anyway). --Niemti (talk) 11:21, 10 June 2014 (UTC)
 * The picture you replaced is rather boring and stiff and, as I guessed it might be, sterile. I think the lead image should be more zoomed up. If it includes more than one person (which I don't think is strictly necessary), I think in general there shouldn't be many more than 3, and maybe only torso up. The picture shouldto be immediate and attention-grabbing, and full body shots of a bunch of people standing lifelessly on a stage just doesn't cut it. Also, Niemti, please don't just change the lead image willy-nilly when we are discussing the different options and what to do. If everybody did that, we'd have a revert war in no time. (JPNEXP, not signed it)126.109.230.86 (talk) 14:28, 10 June 2014 (UTC)

I support the current File:20140118174713IMG 5618 M - Desucon Frostbite 2014 - matiast1.jpg. Good quality, many cosplayers. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 01:47, 27 October 2015 (UTC)


 * This picture has been removed by User:Sleyatx with no rationale a year ago. I am restoring it. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 13:06, 7 August 2017 (UTC)

Discussion of current images
This article seems to be a magnet for some people replacing the lead image with little discussion. Setting aside the usual 'personal preference', I think we also have to deal here with aspects of vanity - some of those pictures can be added by individuals with COI (either the cosplayers themselves or people connected with them). This was discussed several times in the past, and I think we have the consensus for at the very least ensuring that the lead image is not an image of a single individual, but of a group. With regards to other pictures included here, the issue is more difficult, but we should try to focus on gathering images that are representative of the topic in general and individual sections in particular. What is representative is of course open for more discussion but I think we should have at least one of the following:
 * a picture of group cosplay (which should be in the lead, I favor File:20140118174713IMG_5618_M_-_Desucon_Frostbite_2014_-_matiast1.jpg). We also have File:Costumes (1118158480).jpg and File:Cosplay at Comiket 84.jpg
 * a picture of individual cosplay - well, that's most of the pictures so I won't bother listing them
 * a picture of cosplay in Japan, currently we have File:Silent Hill nurses.jpg, File:Cosplay at Comiket 84.jpg, File:Visual kei 1.jpg
 * a picture of cosplay outside Japan (perhaps several, space permitting). Currently we have File:20140118174713IMG_5618_M_-_Desucon_Frostbite_2014_-_matiast1.jpg (Norway), File:Ciri Cosplay (The Wither 3 Wild Hunt).jpg (US), File:Cosplayer of Dark Magician Girl, Yu-Gi-Oh! 20161029.jpg (UK), File:Costumes (1118158480).jpg]] (US), File:Padme2 (1).jpg (France)], File:Mileena Space City Con.jpg (US), File:ACGHK Gantz.jpg (Hong Kong), File:DragonCon 2012 - Marvel and Avengers photoshoot (8082145363).jpg (US), File:Cosplay (20242487348).jpg (Germany), File:Bombshell Harley Quinn Cosplay.jpg (UK)
 * a picture of cosplay of a Japanese character, currently we have File:Cosplayer of Dark Magician Girl, Yu-Gi-Oh! 20161029.jpg
 * a picture of cosplay of a non-Japanese character, currently we have File:Ciri Cosplay (The Wither 3 Wild Hunt).jpg, File:Padme2 (1).jpg, File:Bombshell Harley Quinn Cosplay.jpg, File:DragonCon_2012_-_Marvel_and_Avengers_photoshoot_(8082145363).jpg
 * a picture of 'historical/old cosplay' from a close to mid-20th century as possible: File:Masquerade attendee dressed as "Mister Skygack, from Mars" (1912).jpg, File:Costumes (1118158480).jpg
 * a picture of cosplaying female - that's so easy I won't list them :P
 * a picture of cosplaying male: File:Anime Expo Raiden.jpg
 * a picture of cosplayer of non-humanoid object (robot, etc.) - currently missing
 * a picture of a professional cosplay model. Sometimes it's hard to be sure if someone is getting paid of is just a reasonably well known amateur. I will list here pictures whose cosplayers have been IDed: File:Ciri Cosplay (The Wither 3 Wild Hunt).jpg, File:Anime Expo Raiden.jpg, File:Lara-Croft-by-Tatiana-DeKahtar.jpg
 * a picture of an amateur cosplay, i.e. one by people who are not professionals (don't get paid for that). Only a few pictures we have are attributed to indivuduals, so I assume all others are amateur.
 * a picture of a character from a computer game: File:Silent Hill nurses.jpg, File:Ciri Cosplay (The Wither 3 Wild Hunt).jpg, File:Lara-Croft-by-Tatiana-DeKahtar.jpg, File:Anime Expo Raiden.jpg
 * a picture of a character from anime/movie: File :Padme2 (1).jpg, File:Ginny Weasley.jpg, File:ACGHK Gantz.jpg, File:DragonCon_2012_-_Marvel_and_Avengers_photoshoot_(8082145363).jpg
 * a picture of a real-world character (actor, politician, historical figure, etc.) - missing
 * a picture of a generic class of a character - generic fantasy warrior, etc. File:Cosplay_(20242487348).jpg, File:Visual kei 1.jpg
 * a picture situation cosplaying in a bigger context (think competitions, group settings, public settings professional settings): ex. File:Mileena Space City Con.jpg shows a photo session. File:ACGHK Gantz.jpg shows a contest participant
 * section-specific illustration:
 * File:Masquerade attendee dressed as "Mister Skygack, from Mars" (1912).jpg, File:Costumes (1118158480).jpg - they are both used to illustrate history section
 * File:ACGHK Gantz.jpg is used to illustrate contest section
 * File:DragonCon 2012 - Marvel and Avengers photoshoot (8082145363).jpg illustrates crossplay
 * File:Visual kei 1.jpg is illustrating cosplay in Japan (in a public location)

The above is only for current pictures, many others were included in the past. It would look even better in a table. Anyway, I think we should try to add past pictures to this, and then see how we can balance it.

Few final thoughts: picture quality matters (through not too much, since most readers don't go beyond thumbs). Illustrating many aspects help, and so does explaining this in a good caption.

Ping editors previously engaged in those discussions: of course anyone else is welcome to chip in too.--Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here  13:52, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Not a fan of the current lead. Too many figures, too small, too big a black stage background. I like the idea of the lead being a group shot to show some variety, just not this one. Maybe a group of 5, so they're not becoming too small individually. Andy Dingley (talk) 14:03, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * I am totally fine replacing this with a better group shot if we can find a better one. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 17:38, 7 August 2017 (UTC)


 * First of all, I think these images File:Mileena Space City Con.jpg and File:Cosplay (20242487348).jpg do not meet quality requirements (too blurry) and need to be deleted from the article.--Александр Мотин (talk) 15:47, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * I wouldn't delete them, but they shouldn't be used (too poor quality). Andy Dingley (talk) 17:17, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * (e/c)
 * I have purposefully avoided re-reading my comments regarding the previous changes, but I'm willing to bet that my opinion has changed somewhat, as the last discussion was a few years ago (I think).
 * Firstly, I disagree with Александр Мотин regarding File:Mileena Space City Con.jpg. In this case the cosplayer is not the focus (no pun intended) of the image, but the photographer is.  That particular image is intended to show that photography and posing is an accepted part of the Cosplay phenomena - the caption makes this clear:  "Professional photographers working with Mileena cosplayer for a chroma key studio photoshoot".  I have no real opinion over the second image, but if pushed agree that it's probably not the best type of image to be included.
 * My opinion regarding the images - especially the lede image - is that the only essential criteria they have to meet is "do they represent the article subject to the best of their ability?" In answer to that I agree with Andy Dingley regarding the stage image - yes it shows variety, but only if you squint, and even then not very well.
 * I would be against using the File:Ciri_Cosplay_(The_Witcher_3_Wild_Hunt)_•_2.jpg image as a lede for several reasons: The character and show are not well known enough for a casual reader to recognise them, and it's a headshot only, there is no real costume to be seen - an important part of cosplay.  To that end, I suggest that an image such as File:Padme2_(1).jpg, or File:Lara-Croft-by-Tatiana-DeKahtar.jpg are used as the lede.  Both are of well-recognised characters (Lara Croft more so, I admit) and both show a costume in detail as well.
 * ISTR that I advocated the Padme image last time as well, but we decided against it for some reason. Fair enough.
 * From a personal point of view, I like File:Ginny Weasley.jpg, mainly because it's a well framed non-anime image, but probably not esoteric or full costume enough for the lede. Chaheel Riens (talk) 17:28, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * I generally agree with Chaheel. The first image has an interesting focus, even if the quality is average. If anyone can find a better image showing professional photoshot of a cosplayer, we can consider replacing it, until that point, I think it can do. File:Cosplay (20242487348).jpg is one of the weaker images and doesn't really show anything that unique - generic female fantasy attire. We could likely find a better technical quality, and the image doesn't really fill any particular niche except a generic type of a cosplay. I am also ok with moving the Ciri image down or removing it, and out of the two other single character images I think Lara Croft is better (technical, and likely a better known character).--Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 17:38, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Do not hesitate to use these images for costume demontration:
 * File:Ciri Cosplay (The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt) • 3.jpg --> File:Ciri Cosplay (The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt) • 4.jpg --> File:Ciri Cosplay (The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt).jpg
 * As you can see the whole costume of Ciri is made in compliance with the original one in the game. And even eye color is the same as the character has in the game. I have got reasonable doubts that cosplayer of Lara Croft File:Lara-Croft-by-Tatiana-DeKahtar.jpg has authentic costume. Frankly speaking it is far from be authentic (check Google images). The eye color of Lara Croft isn't blue. These images of Ciri cosplay have very big advantage towards the other ones - their notability (WP:N) confirmed by reliable sources at least like Gamespot (Alexa global rank - 687 ) and Nerdist  (Alexa global rank - 5368 ) and rated like "excellent". I have no idea why you think that less quality images should replace notable and professional ones in this article.--Александр Мотин (talk) 20:39, 7 August 2017 (UTC)

I think we differ over our intepretation of notability. While I have no doubt that the Ciri images are notable and have been covered in popular media the actual character is not well known - a casual reader who glances at the cosplay page will not know who Ciri is, but they will know instantly who Lara Croft is, even if the eye colour is wrong. Chaheel Riens (talk) 21:42, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Lara Croft's costume is also wrong along with inadvertence to the look of Lara while costume (and its authenticity, of course) is very important part of the article as you said above. For now I may conclude that Ciri photos (you may choose one you like) are professional (high quality image, authentic costume, sword, scar on face, hair, eye color etc.) and notable. And I don't see any reason why one of them cannot be included to article. --Александр Мотин (talk) 11:55, 8 August 2017 (UTC)
 * (e/c) It may be wrong, but that does not make it bad cosplay. Lara Croft is more notable than Ciri, so by default a cosplay of Lara Croft is more notable to the average Wikipedia reader.  This alone makes the Lara Croft images more appropriate.  I'm not saying that the Ciri images are not appropriate for the article somewhere else, only that they are not the best representation of the article subject, which is what shoudl be considered for the lede.  Chaheel Riens (talk) 12:16, 8 August 2017 (UTC)
 * The inappropriate image of Lara Croft's cosplay (reasoned above) is bad choice for the best representation of the article subject to my opinion. And even if Lara Croft as heroine is more notable than Ciri it doesn't mean that you can place such inappropriate images to the article while the article subjest is about costume (as you said above and I totally agree).--Александр Мотин (talk) 12:28, 8 August 2017 (UTC)
 * Both images are valid, Ciri as a professional cosplay endorsed by the copyright holders, while Lara is presumably more amateur. We could, I am sure, find a picture of a professional, endorsed Lara model too - through I am not sure we have one under a free license at commons:Category:Cosplay of Lara Croft. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 19:08, 8 August 2017 (UTC)

Discussion of former images
I will post some comments about former/proposed images in this section shortly. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 17:39, 7 August 2017 (UTC) The following images have been either present in the article or suggested on talk. Here are my thoughts on them:
 * File:Cosplayers (7277897740).jpg - while this shows a Japanse game and Western movie/comic character together, it is too low technical quality to be worth much consideration
 * File:Blond cosplay.jpg - two Japanese cosplayers, decent technical quality, but the focus is on the face and the characters are not easy to recognize.
 * File:Cosplayers of Monogatari Series at the Nippombashi Street Festa 2014.jpg - two Japanese cosplayers, this time the focus on the full body, and the quality is good. This could be used to illustrate public space amateur photoshots.
 * File:Cosplayers at Comicdom 2012 in Athens, Greece grant interviews to the MTV television channel 34.JPG, File:Cosplayers at Comicdom 2012 in Athens, Greece grant interviews to the MTV television channel 21.JPG, File:Cosplayers at Comicdom 2012 in Athens, Greece grant interviews to the MTV television channel 21.JPG - photos of cosplayers interviewed by the media as an example of media interest. I supported adding one of them few years back (Talk:Cosplay/Archive_1) but I guess this was forgotten. While the second has the best known character, it is bad moment (closed eyes), so I'd lean towards the first - both have similar quality, and I think first character is more visually distinct/recognizable. Or, looking at the parent category, if we want to go with Wonder Women we can go with File:Cosplayers at Comicdom 2012 in Athens, Greece grant interviews to the MTV television channel 24.JPG
 * File:Cosplayer of Meiling Li, Cardcaptor Sakura at Comicdom 20120331.jpg - this was suggested to improve geographical coverage (Greece) and I was the one who objected since the facial expression is IMHO not good, plus low technical quality. Another picture from Greece was suggested that is superior - File:Tira cosplay.JPG - through it doesn't add much except showing that Cosplay happens in Greece.
 * That's for images with thumbs on this discussion page. Analyzing each image that ever appeared in the article would take few hours just to list them, so I will just list whatever caught my attention when I looked at the half-yearly (summer/winter) snapshots of this page. It also shows that some decent images were removed with no rationale. A lot of the first images have been deleted. First surviving ones are from ~2006


 * pictures of gotic lolita fashion which is related to but not part of cosplay
 * File:Harajuku bridge 02.jpg - two cosplayers in Japan, average technical quality
 * File:Wikipe-tan (Cosplay).jpg - ok technical quality of a Taiwanese cosplay of Wikipe-tan. Wikipe-tan cosplay seems like something that would be worth illustrating as one of our images, cosplay of a minor fan character is still a decent, representative type of a cosplay. Perhaps a better image could be found at commons:Category:Cosplay of Wikipe-tan
 * File:AN Liana K 1.jpg - decent technical quality image of an American female superhero, also a relatively popular type of genre. But I am pretty sure we can find a better image of that type in commons:Category:Cosplay of superheroes, this one doesn't have the best background
 * File:Dyy047.JPG - cosplay public event in Beijing, China. Three people in public space, posing, but average technical quality.
 * File:Disney princesses cosplay at Animecon 2009.jpg - interesting theme of a Western group cosplay. Not sure if the technical quality (brown background) is ok....
 * File:GodzillaBlockparty.jpg - trash picture that should've never been added...
 * File:K-On! cosplayers in Beijing 20100814 2.jpg - female Chinese cosplayers. Not sure if this picture is the best (probably not) but a picture of cosplay of 'Japanese schoolgirl' would be good as another relatively typical type of a cosplay
 * File:Dyy032.JPG - and schoolboys, but that's more niche and so unlikely to find space here
 * File:Slytherin-Cosplay.jpg - group Harry Potter cospay picture. There are likely better ones in the parent category, and it doesn't add that much - as far as group of Western cosplay, superhero or disney themes would be more recobnizable
 * File:Cosplay-boston-02.jpg - two unidentified cosplayers, nothing special
 * File:Cosplay-boston-01.jpg - three cosplayesrs, bad framing, rather weak
 * File:Cosplay002.JPG - cosplay of not-sure-what, likely to weird/niche/difficult to recognize to warrant inclusion
 * File:Dyy028.JPG - unidentified historical cosplay ? in China? Since the description is poor, not likely to warrant inclusion as it could be historical re-enacting
 * File:Japan Expo 2010 - Cosplay - Dimanche.jpg - decent Wonder Women cosplay, but a group superhero image would likely feel that niche better
 * File:Superman and Batman.jpg - two superheroes, and male, which is under-represented in our article.
 * File:The Cosplayers of Comiket 69.jpg - three Japanese cosplayers, iconic bulding, why was this removed? The only problem with this image is that cosplayers are unidentified, but that could still be fine - representative of 'generic cosplay fashion'?
 * File:10.12.12CosplayPanelByLuigiNovi1.jpg - photo of a cosplay discussion panel. Interesting, through it would need better description along the lines of what is it exactly illustrating? If cosplay panels were to be discussed, it would be fine. As the panel was titled 'The Psychology of Cosplay' and according to the description included one academic (Psychologist Dr. Andrea Letamendi) it could be an illustration of (semi)scholarly research into cosplay, perhaps.
 * File:Photographing photography.jpg - another picture of professional photography of cosplay, perhaps better than the one we have?
 * File:Saboten-Con Portraits - Jessie Nigri as Yoko S.T.A.R.S. 4.jpg - decent quality of semi-professional model, but the character is not very famous. My recommendation for the professional model section would be to chose a good quality picture of notable model cosplaying a notable character
 * File:Cosplay Girls at Harajuku Bridge, Tokyo, Japan (2422541129).jpg - three Japanese cosplayers, not bad, but there are probably better ones (framing)? Also unidentified cosplay problem
 * File:C82-cosplay-day-3-2-119.jpg - nice framing, iconic building, but not a very well know character. Still, the picture is 'eye-catching', and this is also something we want to consider
 * File:Yuna FanimeCon 2014.jpg - good technical quality outdoor pic of a Japanese game (reasonably well known but not iconic)
 * File:Vulcan cosplayer.jpg - Star Trek cosplayer, a relativey iconic type of a cosplay that likely should be here (together with Star Wars - and on that note, we should likely go with Princess Leia, not much less known Padme)
 * File:Montreal Comiccon 2014 - Kasumi (Dead or Alive).jpg - very average picture, noise in the background, pass
 * File:Luki Cosplay.jpg - again, average, unidentified cosplay
 * File:Cosplayers at Igromir 2011.jpg - cosplay at trade shows, likely professional models, which makes it interesting to include around promodelling section
 * File:Jerry Polence 2.jpg - focus too limited (face only)
 * File:Claude Monet-Madame Monet en costume japonais.jpg - an interesting example for the historical section, 19th century dressing up in different culture clothing

What's my conclusion? Many mediocre pictures are added, survive for few months or even yeas, them rotate out. This is certainly something to put an end to. At the same time, same happens with high quality, interesting pictures. Several of the ones linked above should IMHO be restored. I think we need to chose the best of those pictures, plus new contenders, and then add a rule for this page that any change to the pictures needs to be discussed on talk. The free style adding and removing pictures on a whim needs to end. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 18:53, 7 August 2017 (UTC)

Discussion of proposed images
I'd also like to add this image into the mix - File:Tekkoshocon_2010_cosplayer_with_Mahora_Academy_Middle_School_for_Girls_winter_uniform_from_Negima.jpg, which amuses me, because it's so realistic it was actually a part of the Catholic school uniform for several months before being removed (by yours truly). Chaheel Riens (talk) 17:40, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * And yes, I'm aware of the provenance of the image. Irony, no? Chaheel Riens (talk) 18:23, 7 August 2017 (UTC)
 * You mean it was part of that article's page? Ha. However, I'd say this picture's quality is problematic: a bit fuzzy face, noisy background. While I do think we should have a picture of a 'Japanese schoolgirls', I think we can find better. Sadly, commons:Category:Cosplay of students is underpopulated. I'd chose group File:Cosplayers of Mio Akiyama, Yui Hirasawa, Tsumugi Kotobuki and Azusa Nakano, K-On! at FF18 20110731.jpg or File:FF21 cosplayers of Yui Hirasawa, Azusa Nakano, and Ritsu Tainaka 20130216.jpg instead, through I hope we could find even better. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 19:02, 7 August 2017 (UTC)

If pictures of male cosplayers are wanted ("under-represented in our article" above), then I think these are quite good photos: At least one of them might have a place. - AdamBMorgan (talk) 16:54, 16 August 2017 (UTC)
 * File:Anthony Misiano as the Joker (7574256222).jpg (or File:Anthony Misiano as the Joker (8005180453).jpg)
 * File:C2E2 2013 - Luke Cage (8701573387).jpg
 * File:San Diego Comic Con 2014-1323 (14571754679).jpg
 * File:Sub-Zero - Sonya Blade - X-23 (cropped Sub-Zero).jpg
 * File:SDCC 2014 - Thor & Loki (14814959132).jpg
 * File:Anime Expo 2015 - The Wolverine (19510192704).jpg
 * File:New York Comic Con 2015 - Hulkbuster & Black Widow (22038760116).jpg - only technically male (with female for scale) but the Hulkbuster costume is impressive (there are also a few more pictures of it at Commons:Category:Thomas DePetrillo)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 2 external links on Cosplay. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20151223162019/http://www.rietveldacademie.nl/files/download/Scriptieprijs/Florian_Jomain.pdf to http://www.rietveldacademie.nl/files/download/Scriptieprijs/Florian_Jomain.pdf
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20161031211813/https://animesho.com/product-category/apparel-cosplay/cosplay/ to https://animesho.com/product-category/apparel-cosplay/cosplay/

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 22:42, 6 December 2017 (UTC)

External links modified (January 2018)
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified one external link on Cosplay. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20170208034705/http://ww.efanzines.com/Morojo/ to http://ww.efanzines.com/Morojo/
 * Added tag to http://www.costume.org/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=90298
 * Added tag to http://www.costume.org/gallery2/v/bruce_mai/Worldcons/worldcon30/WOR1969_01_016_001.jpg.html

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 02:12, 24 January 2018 (UTC)

A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the nomination page. —Community Tech bot (talk) 11:36, 31 July 2019 (UTC)
 * Aria H. Kanzaki by 結佳梨Yukari 03.jpg

Too many pictures
This article is impressively crowded with pictures as examples. I think a trimming is in order. Zero Serenity (talk - contributions) 07:46, 11 July 2020 (UTC)
 * Did it. Zero Serenity (talk - contributions) 15:19, 29 July 2020 (UTC)

File:20140118174713IMG 5618 M - Desucon Frostbite 2014 - matiast1.jpg is the among the higher-quality cosplay images on Commons, and it shows off a large number of cosplayers and a variety of styles/props. I appreciate the work that has been done by User:Zero Serenity to cut down excess images in this article, but I support this image's inclusion and have added it back to the #Costumes section.

I have also removed File:Fallout Cosplayer Villa Carrara.jpg from the #Conventions section, as it has a noticeably lower quality than other images in the article, isn't very illustrative, and causes WP:SANDWICH issues in that area.

I would like to further propose swapping the current positions of the Yukicon and Ciri images: while of excellent quality, the Ciri image (1) is framed as a headshot, limiting the amount of "costume" that we get to see; it is a very good example of cosplay makeup, but not a broader/traditionally-conceived "cosplay", which includes costumes and props (2) is only of a single subject, and fails to show off a variety of styles and cosplay sources like the Yukicon image.

What does everyone else think? — Goszei (talk) 08:59, 29 October 2020 (UTC)
 * I do agree Ciri's cropping doesn't make it the best lede image and been trying to figure out a better full body shot to put in that place. I don't think the Yukicon photo works better here as its pretty far pulled back. Do we have something else better in commons? Zero Serenity (talk - contributions) 12:59, 29 October 2020 (UTC)
 * 20140118174713IMG 5618 M - Desucon Frostbite 2014 - matiast1 (cropped).jpg
 * I read through this talk page's Archive 2, where User:Piotrus put together a pretty good review of the pickings on Commons. I also looked through c:Category:Group cosplay (500 images) a bit, but none of the selection really jumped out at me, and much of it is low-quality. I uploaded this crop of the Yukicon image on the right, maybe that helps with the zooming? — Goszei (talk) 19:52, 29 October 2020 (UTC)
 * That wasn't quite what I was going for. I think group shots lower in the article would be great, but I think the first photo should be a singular cosplay. Zero Serenity (talk - contributions) 14:31, 30 October 2020 (UTC)
 * Cosplayers of Monogatari Series at the Nippombashi Street Festa 2014.jpg
 * In my opinion, an image with a group of cosplayers is more in line with reader expectations (MOS:LEADIMAGE), as the first sentence defines "cosplay" as a "performance art", and being on a stage in a group seems to exemplify the conception of cosplay as a subculture/social experience. Also, cosplay is primarily defined from other forms of costuming by its amateur creativity, which is deeply tied with convention events, as opposed to the more recent trends of professional costumes and photoshoots outside of conventions. Another more minor point is variety: the lead says "Favorite sources include anime, cartoons, comic books, manga, television series, and video games", which is a point that can only be represented by a group of cosplayers.
 * I feel that another problem with the Ciri image (that should be avoided for the lead image) is that without looking at her sword and scar, it's not immediately evident that she is a cosplayer: her clothes and hair are "relatively" normal instead of eye-catching and fantastical.
 * I personally still favor the Yukicon image (which I think also has great colors and framing), though here is another image I found for consideration. — Goszei (talk)  18:13, 30 October 2020 (UTC)
 * I feel that another problem with the Ciri image (that should be avoided for the lead image) is that without looking at her sword and scar, it's not immediately evident that she is a cosplayer: her clothes and hair are "relatively" normal instead of eye-catching and fantastical.
 * I personally still favor the Yukicon image (which I think also has great colors and framing), though here is another image I found for consideration. — Goszei (talk)  18:13, 30 October 2020 (UTC)
 * I personally still favor the Yukicon image (which I think also has great colors and framing), though here is another image I found for consideration. — Goszei (talk)  18:13, 30 October 2020 (UTC)

I think because of its unique historicity the photo of Morojo and Forry Ackerman from the first Worldcon still belongs here. -- Orange Mike &#124;  Talk  22:24, 30 October 2020 (UTC)


 * For the lead, a group is good as it avoids promoting a single cosplayer. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus&#124; reply here 05:16, 2 November 2020 (UTC)


 * I think the File:Fallout Cosplayer Villa Carrara.jpg is explicative since it shows a Cosplayer involved in a thematic area since the article talks also about the thematic areas. "In different comic fairs, "Thematic Areas" are set up where cosplayers can take photos in an environment that follows that of the game or animation product from which they are taken. Sometimes the cosplayers are part of the area, playing the role of staff with the task of entertaining the other visitors. Some examples are the thematic areas dedicated to Star Wars or to Fallout. The areas are set up by not for profit associations of fans, but in some major fairs it is possible to visit areas set up directly by the developers of the video games or the producers of the anime.". It may be of a lower quality but it sums ups perfectly this lines. --79.44.15.156 (talk) 19:06, 7 November 2020 (UTC)

Dunno why it took a year for me to get back to this, but the cropped version is fine for the article. Gonna call this one closed for now. Zero Serenity (talk - contributions) 14:26, 21 October 2021 (UTC)