Cosplay Basics: A Beginners Guide to the Art of Costume Play

by Yuki Takasou

Curious about the growing new trend of cosplay? Then this guide is for you! Learn all the basics of cosplay here straight from experts in the heart of Tokyo. Japanese cosplayers have taken the art of cosplay to a new level and now you can learn their secrets! Cosplay Basics has collected all you need to know in an easy to follow how-to book on the making and engaging in the art of cosplay. With original designs and patterns included, you can learn how to make your own! Learn how to: Buy costumes! Make your own! Wigs and make-up! Attend events! Photography tips! And more!

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Graphic Novels

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 2015

Reviews

[(Jen) The Artist Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hybrid graphic novel and "how to" instructional book. Nice art, good tips, tricks, and hints. I believe this was first published in Japan and translated into English, so there are some interesting cultural details.

[Jen • Just One More Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is also posted on my blog.

That was a very quick, enjoyable, and informative read!

I figured it would be especially appropriate for me to pick up now, since my library’s Comic Con is in two weeks (I’m going to be Arwen!!), and it didn’t disappoint. There wasn’t much in it that I could use for this particular event, besides the advice on posing for photographs. But there is SO much good information in here for future cosplays, from buying a pre-made costume to specific tips and tricks on how to make your own, to wig care, and event etiquette, and photography tips… it is SUCH a good book for a beginner to cosplay and I fully intend to obtain my own copy for me to have on hand in the future. Every section is incredibly thorough and detailed, and while some of the translations from Japanese seem a bit awkwardly worded and some tidbits seem to be Japan-specific (in my novice’s eye, anyhow), it was easy enough to figure out and seems to be invaluable for figuring out how to pick up the hobby.

The beginning of each chapter is introduced in manga form, following two characters who are actively following a storyline of an experienced cosplayer helping a newbie, so if you don’t like graphic novels those bits might be a bit hard for you to get through. They’re each quite short and read left to right in American comic fashion, so I think anyone would be able to muddle through them just fine, but if you *truly* can’t stand it you can skip them and not miss anything important.

All in all, I felt this book was fantastic and hit the nail on the head for beginner cosplayers, and if you feel like you fall into that category, you should try to get your hands on a copy and give it a read! It really ought to help you out and feel like the whole concept of cosplay isn’t as intimidating as it first seems!

[Neo · Rating 3 out of 5]

One star may be just a cuteness bonus :D Reia in the manga parts is ADORABLE.

As an introduction to cosplay, this book is quite strict. Yes, it informs you well, but it also makes it look like everything mentioned is required in cosplay. As someone who would love to return to cosplaying, all the advice on how integral make-up, buying products x y and z, and wanting to focus on good pictures is... scary? That's not the cosplay I want to do.

This most certainly is a cultural issue: the book is Japanese in origin, then translated in English having the US scene in mind. In Finland, the scene is so different from both of these that it's hard to compare.

So, perhaps a better book for someone in those scenes.

[Rowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book actually gets into some aspects of cosplay that i've rarely seen discussed in books framed as guides to the hobby, which is awesome! the main issue for american readers in 2025 is that it's coming from a japanese perspective on the hobby and it's over a decade old at this point so a lot has changed and sadly, a lot of the links and resources it mentions no longer exist. the whole book also makes the interesting choice to have a story of a new cosplayer learning the ropes from a more experienced friend, so there's periodic comics telling their story. it's sweet, though might frustrate some readers who want something more straightforward.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very detailed on how to do everything involved with cosplay. A story was used in short strips in between chapters to lead into the topic. This story was entertaining and refreshing after a flood of information. I may even keep a copy of the book on hand for reference, it had so many useful cosplay tips. I recommend this book to anybody who wants to cosplay or who has just begun.

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read for beginners in cosplay or if you just want to learn a little about it. Gives you so much great information on where to begin your journey.

[Monique Brownrigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an informative read, I learned a few things even though I've read a lot online before. Im not giving it 5 stars because I didn't agree with some points like makeup is a must for cosplay.

[Amber Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a good comic/graphic novel. It’s very informative. Great book for cosplayers, beginner cosplayers, or people who love to go to conventions.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.

This nonfiction manga introduces readers to cosplay, costumed-play centered around creating costumes inspired by characters from popular anime, video games, or manga. The authors are characters in the manga -- who is an experienced creator and cosplayer, the other a novice. The two are preparing a costume and attending a cosplay event. Each chapter includes different advice on costume making and what to do to prepare for the day-of an event, including some important elements such as what materials to pack into your costume suitcase, how to participate with other cosplayers, how to ask permission for photographs, and what to say when others ask for your permission for photographs.

Some of the advice is specific to Japanese cosplay events and may not be as applicable, but the book is still a solid primer for creating costumes and getting into the cosplay culture. Another challenge with creating nonfiction content is that some of the websites listed will become defunct or not be available in North America, or will be links to Japanese websites without international shipping. Regardless, the sentiments are still consistent, such as finding some pre-made pieces versus hand-making all pieces, or researching costumer makers available to your local region. Despite the challenges of localizing something that's specifically made for a community in Japan, this title still provides insight into a popular community that readers in North America are interested in.

Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very educational, especially because I didn't know anything before reading this book and now I know a lot more about cosplay. I liked how this book didn't just explain how to make costumes, but also explained how to transport, take good photos and how to find the right event for you. Overall it was a very good book.