A review by brokenbodybitch
Maker Comics: Create a Costume! by Sarah Myer
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
I didn’t really have expectations going into this book as I grabbed it through my local library because it looked intriguing however I absolutely loved it!
To start I really loved the way this book has been formatted; often time with instructional books similar to this, you run into these situations where each pattern or instructional is frankly too boring to bother reading all the way through. You may find yourself skimming the patterns or even just looking at pictures until you find a specific pattern that peaks your interest enough for you to read each step; however with this Maker Comic you’re going to find yourself reading all the way through because you’re taken through these patterns by an adorable hamster narrator telling the reader a story about these two kids who are learning how to create these cosplay’s for their first convention.
Although I stated at the beginning of my review that I had no expectations for this graphic novel, I will say I was anticipating just patterns/instructions for some basic cosplay’s. HOWEVER, not only are those explained to the reader through this sweet tale of two friends, you’re also getting a lot of general information and advice surrounding Cosplaying and the cosplay community in general! I was genuinely thrilled to see the advice given (especially some of the advice in particular) because although fandom spaces tend to be a more welcoming environment there are still dangers and rules that are important to know for not only your safety but the safety of others. In the beginning the advice seems to be more targeted towards the creative process itself; expert tips on the crafting itself, reminders to be gentle with yourself and take breaks, encouragement of outside of the box ideas, etc. However towards the end, the advice ventures a bit more broad and focuses in on the Cosplay Community and Conventions in particular; these conversations being discussed in the second half of the book are vital for the younger audiences this book is marketed towards. There are critical conversations about consent as well as respecting others and their cosplays; they brush on consent surrounding photos, touching others/being touched or their props, assuming familiarity due to the character someone may be cosplaying as, as well as having fairly comprehensive information on etiquette surrounding photos, props, socialization in these con spaces.
I adore the unique combination of storytelling & instructional information, the art is adorable and I highly appreciate the emphasis on consent and expectations for your safety in these large events/Convention situations especially being a book targeted towards a younger demographic!
[As someone who has experienced firsthand (as well as heard horror stories) of younger generations being in dangerous situations in these fandom spaces I am very grateful this book chose to include the information it did surrounding personal and communal safety]
To start I really loved the way this book has been formatted; often time with instructional books similar to this, you run into these situations where each pattern or instructional is frankly too boring to bother reading all the way through. You may find yourself skimming the patterns or even just looking at pictures until you find a specific pattern that peaks your interest enough for you to read each step; however with this Maker Comic you’re going to find yourself reading all the way through because you’re taken through these patterns by an adorable hamster narrator telling the reader a story about these two kids who are learning how to create these cosplay’s for their first convention.
Although I stated at the beginning of my review that I had no expectations for this graphic novel, I will say I was anticipating just patterns/instructions for some basic cosplay’s. HOWEVER, not only are those explained to the reader through this sweet tale of two friends, you’re also getting a lot of general information and advice surrounding Cosplaying and the cosplay community in general! I was genuinely thrilled to see the advice given (especially some of the advice in particular) because although fandom spaces tend to be a more welcoming environment there are still dangers and rules that are important to know for not only your safety but the safety of others. In the beginning the advice seems to be more targeted towards the creative process itself; expert tips on the crafting itself, reminders to be gentle with yourself and take breaks, encouragement of outside of the box ideas, etc. However towards the end, the advice ventures a bit more broad and focuses in on the Cosplay Community and Conventions in particular; these conversations being discussed in the second half of the book are vital for the younger audiences this book is marketed towards. There are critical conversations about consent as well as respecting others and their cosplays; they brush on consent surrounding photos, touching others/being touched or their props, assuming familiarity due to the character someone may be cosplaying as, as well as having fairly comprehensive information on etiquette surrounding photos, props, socialization in these con spaces.
I adore the unique combination of storytelling & instructional information, the art is adorable and I highly appreciate the emphasis on consent and expectations for your safety in these large events/Convention situations especially being a book targeted towards a younger demographic!
[As someone who has experienced firsthand (as well as heard horror stories) of younger generations being in dangerous situations in these fandom spaces I am very grateful this book chose to include the information it did surrounding personal and communal safety]