blackmage9’s article causing quite a rift in the cosplay community

One of the newspaper giants here in the Philippines recently interviewed the blackmage9 for her take on what it takes to be a standout cosplayer. The article was published both in print and on their site and quickly crawled its way on forums everywhere causing some minor flame and turmoil. I read the article wwwaaayyyy before it was posted in the community that I was in (cosplay ph) and never did I thought that a single article will cause so much distraught to the forums. Tons and tons of reply to the post were cast on their take on what the flaw(s) of the article was/were. Until the blackmage9 broke her silence and gave the low-down on what happened to the article (and am not gonna detail it here). Basically, the gist was she had no idea that the publisher would publish a separate article when she asked the blackmage9 certain questions regarding cosplay (let alone the title of the article).

Now, I respect very much the blackmage9’s take on things because that is how she sees it. We have different perspective on certain things and it is this differences that makes us human and this is what makes cosplaying fun. I guess what the community is hinting at is watch what you say because it will not affect only you but the whole community as well (especially having the status of the blackmage9). One of the major blows that were pinpointed in the community was cosplay being expensive (according to the blackmage9). I, for one, agree in this aspect with the blackmage9 but it doesn’t have to be as “expensive” as other people think. One can always use recycled materials and other stuff, you just gotta be resourceful. This point alone will drive the youngbloods away from the cosplay world instead of bringing them in. While the blackmage9 were born above us commoners (as I read from her deviantart), literally blood, sweat and tears were spent for her to be able to buy the things and accessories needed for her costume. This is the reason why she’s doing auctions and art commissions – to be able to spend her earnings on a hobby that she loves doing and is very passionate of.

All is well now and I hope the blackmage9 learn something from this ordeal. And I hope that she don’t stop from cosplaying/costripping.


Disclaimer: I am not one of blackmage9’s fanboy(s) nor one of the haters. I just wanted to share my sentiments on this issue. It would be a huge blow to the cosplay community (both us photographers and cosplayers) should the blackmage9 leave the scene. It will be a great shame if we are not to see the excellent craftsmanship and innocent face that is the blackmage9.