>Are you going to watch? What are you hoping to see if you do?
Yes. Something different, something better than masquerades usually have. Something more creative than past 'dramatic story' Yaya Han-style shit.
>Do we have any predictions? Who is competing?
No clue, don't really know who's competing. Is everyone keeping it secret?
>Who is judging?
As far as I know: Umister, Rynn, Ashe and one other (maybe Alli). And the obligatory Japanese judge whose decision is final.
>Will the cupcakes finally make it?
Nope.

>>5381106
Alright cgl. Crowdsourcing time. Lets find out who all is competing.

Here's what I've got:
-Starlighthoney & Breathlessaire (again)
-Erisaka & ??? (per Katsu Thread)
-Evenstar & CloakedSchemer
-Tohma & ???
-Katie & ???
-Volpin & his wife?

>>5381181
Bur Loire posted on her DA she's in it. I don't know who her partner is though.

>>5381181
volpin and his wife? I kind of hope that's true!

>>5381181
>>5381043
You know the facebook page is going to post a list of all the competitors in a few days...

>>5381249

This sounds like a silly rumor, he doesn't even costume from japanese animation. Calling lies.

>>5381106

Quite honestly I trust the japanese judge more. US cosplayers value construction and dramatic interpretive dance skits with color guard flair. But winners of WCS always have a skit with high entertainment value.

If we had more entertainment skits compete maybe we would do better in Japan.

>>5381254
Seriously? What about competitors who'd rather stay secret until the con?

>>5381295
yeah, that's not gonna happen. If you read the US WCS facebook like they tell you to in the competitor confirmation email, they tell you that the judges and the competitors (not their costumes tho) will all be announced sometime soon.

>>5381295

They aren't posting what the pairs are entering with, just posting the group photos of each team (each person entering had to submit a group photo in their application). So everyone is going to know who's competing, just not what their series will be.

>>5381322
This is going to cause such a shitstorm.

>>5381441
Yeah, it is.

live!

>>5381462
I like it. I want to know who is competing, since they're going to be representing my country.

According to her twitter, Athena-chan is entering. I would guess her partner is neoangelwink? Just a guess.

>>5381589
And why do you have to know before the competition? They won't be representing your country until they win.

>>5381651
Because I like knowing if the competition is worth watching at Katsu. :p

>>5381776
The regular masquerade? Nope. Not anymore it isn't.
WCS? Yeah, probably. Lot of former usual masq people coming back out for it.

I like when masquerades put WCS in the masquerade. The Masq is going to suck with all the top competitors going to WCS.

>>5381280
> he doesn't even costume

Fixd. He isn't a cosplayer. By his own words in his blog, he's an occasionally prop-maker. If he is able to find anyone that can make the clothing for his accesories, then that's the moment he cosplays.

>>5381820
*ocassional prop-maker.

>>5381820
I hope his wife can sew, then, because I'd be pissed if I found out their costumes were commissioned by GodSavetheQueen.

>>5381997
apparently the competition is closed to professionals so I don't think she is allowed to enter since she is a professional seamstress. I DO love her work tho- her stuff is amazing.

Ana aesthetic just announced she is running

>>5381820
Well, he DID wear his own NX armor from Mass Effect, but I think that was more so he could walk around a convention with his rifle without looking like "oh hey, look at me, I'm a replica propmaker" lol

lol i dunno

Awwww bump

There are a lot of people who are talking about wcs on their twitters and stuff. I am really looking forward to the competition this year.

bump

bump

>>5392125

god forbid you wait a couple days until they announce all this shit on the website

bumping all the delicious specula

>CloakedSchemer
>Ana Aesthetic

wow, I guess pretty much anyone can compete. I didn't even know cloakedschemer was still around, I remember her being all over cosplay.com years ago. Her Yoko cosplay was terrible.

>>5394563

Well I think they allow up to 30 entries, so that's probably the vast majority of what they receive and they only have to turn away a few teams. CloakedSchemer though has some shoddy craftsmanship from what I have seen in person. It doesn't take much to qualify.

>>5394681
WCS is like cosplay roulette.
It's not who has the best costumes, it's not who has the best performance. It's who ever the Japanese Judge points at and goes "I want them"

NYAF lost WCS because they wanted to stick to legit judging the second year (they didn't the first) and actually going by the scores instead of letting the Japanese judge have his way.

Most of these groups aren't really expecting to win, they just wana do it for the hell of it, it should be a really interesting show.

>>5394681

Did they turn anyone away this year? I'm pretty sure every team that wanted to compete got in.

>>5394714
I know I'm excited for the show. It's going to be a good time.

>>5394716

There was someone a day or two ago asking if emails had been sent out. I am guessing they turned some away.

>>5394759
I don't know if all the emails have been sent or not but most people who submitted that I know have received them but it took a few days to come since it's a form letter and a review of your resume. If you have questions in your resume those have to be answered.
It's a lot of work and apparently only one person is doing it on the US end so it takes some patience.

>>5394735
of course the one person that made a bigger mockery of WCS than the competition itself is excited for it. get out s0ni, no one cared about you then, no one cares about you now. you were a travesty and made america look like fools. not to mention that araki was so disgusted by your display that he banned anything he's created from being allowed in the WCS.

hope you are super proud.

>>5394880
well shit just got real.

>>5394880

i can smell the jelly

she made it further that you ever will

Don't you know? she's one of the ~prestigious~ judges this year.

>>5394932
I ain't even mad. People can have their opinions if they want. It's all good.

>>5394880 not to mention that araki was so disgusted by your display that he banned anything he's created from being allowed in the WCS.

citation needed.

>>5394714

Really? The Japanese judge has final say? What is he looking for? Hot girls, entertaining skit?

>>5394880

Considering their JoJo cosplay was better than most of the stuff in Japan, I am highly doubting that. And the rule is for ALL Jump titles, so no.

>>5395078
seriously, citation needed on this shit. I'm a JoJofag and there are plenty of examples of Araki tossing in nods in interviews or even comics to weird fandom shit, and he actually likes his fans.

On the other hand, the next year's ban on certain properties was a ban on Shueisha properties, and everybody knows that Shueisha (along with publishing JoJo) is a massive corporate monolith with overcontrolling tendencies from the fandom to the actual creators under their publishing umbrella. Just read up on what happened to Gunm Last Order, or ask the JoJofags about the end of Stone Ocean/beginning of SBR hijinks.

>>5394714

Not true at all. Dia and FWD won because they were the best that year.

>>5395153
Learn to read, that's what I said. They stuck to the actual scores when the Japanese Judge wanted Mario that year.

That pissed off the WCS and they removed the contest from NYAF

>>5395161

Did the Fanime judges select whatever the Japanese judge wanted?

>>5395165
Fanime the japanese rep wasn't happy because it was a tiny little closed event instead of a big production. AM2 they weren't happy because of the low turnout. Maybe Katsucon will work out for them how they want.

>>5395083
Whatever looks best on TV.
Literally, this whole thing is basically an audition for a show on a local Japanese TV station. Local, not even national.
To win is to treat it as such. Craftsmanship is nice, but bigger isn't always better. Performance takes precedence, but not in the usual way that wins US masquerades.
Why so many, myself included, dismiss is as any sort of legit "competition". It's not, it's an audition.

>>5381606
Oh great a fat whale and her snotty bitch.
fat whale would be better off without snotty bitch and her whack ass crazy hubby. Fattychan has better craftsmanship.

>>5398076

Maybe the judges will take pity on them since they're both mentally retarded

LOL no. WCS is a cosplay contest, not an audition for a TV program. And you know, part of the whole cosplays is FUCKING LOOKING LIKE THE CHARACTERS. If you don't look like them, pannel judges take points out from the total score.
That's why a lot of people with good craftmanship can't get to the finals. That, and the shitty performances.

>>5398752
You sound buttmad. You really don't have any idea about wcs do you? It's a joke, the best description I've seen yet is by Oshi up there.

>>5398752

Not understanding why these two are mututally exclusive. It's an audition to be on a TV show about cosplay. Look like the characters, do something entertaining that reads well on TV. Craftmanship a plus, but not necessary.

>>5398752
And this is why US mostly fails at WCS. Yes, craftsmanship counts; you still need a well made costume. But going big and elaborate doesn't mean you'll win, that's the point I was trying to make.
You can probably go with a simpler (but well-made) costume and a really cool, visually creative skit and have a better chance than someone in a giant poofy dress going on and not able to do much.

I'll go ahead and debunk that Athena and Neoangelwink are in it; They're focusing on their artist alley table.

>>5398752
It's a skit contest, bro.

Is there any cosplay contest that anyone considers "legit"? I competed at otakon this year and won first in my division but the prizes were a cheap joke. From my observations only the Fanime competition has good enough prizes to attract quality skits and costumes and decent judges.

I don't get why there's so many problems and drama with judges in the US. Just do like lots of the european countries do.. USE INTERNATIONAL JUDGES.. none of the competitors will be BFF or otherwise related to them = less drama

>>5399182
Sure, easy enough when all your countries are the size of our states.

I like what they're doing this year, though, using past winners as judges. Just makes sense. They've been through it, know what would be good for over there.

>>5399250
Like their choice even matters

>>5399272
Well yeah, but still.

Elrowiel is entering with Umineko costumes.

>>5399594
Not anymore! You just got them disqualified!

>>5399594
cosplays must be kept in a "new" state until the day of the event. Means no pictures and no announcing of cosplay plans to publive.


Gg faggot, learn to keep your mouth shut

>>5399742
Hm, isn't that a Yuko dress from xXx Holic?
Did that anon just ruin it for Elbowheel?

>>5399742
The rules state:
"Costumes and performance must be new. You may not use costumes or performances from any other event. This is to include Katsucon’s competitive cosplay events."

So yeah the costume can't be one you've worn before, but it says nothing about saying what you're making or even taking photos of it.

>>5399742
Hahah, wow, that's actually a rule? I mean, I can understand not wearing them, but keeping them totally secret from the interbutts too?

>>5399779
Photos to, because there is no way to prove it was not taken at an event.

>>5399786
Even if it's someone obviously standing in their living room in front of a mirror?
I mean it's probably not a good idea to plan out a whole big photoshoot, but most of us will be working on finishing our costumes up until the night before the con anyways.

I just want a fucking male team to go to WCS. Change shit up.

>>5399827
You could be close to the event were you get to use your house rather then a hotel room. The best policy is, don't discuss any plans with anyone but your partner

>>5399742
But lots of people announced what they were doing other years. For the Prelims and the contest itself.

Fuck when Soni was in it there were like hourly threads.

>>5399840
The presence of a single Y chromosome in a WCS team is grounds for automatic elimination.

>>5399840
But that wouldn't be kawaii.

>>5399885
And notice the loudmouths never actually win?

>>5400611
Soni and the people who went last year made it to the final competition. Both brought up what they were going to do.

Soni and Umister even made a blog for the progress on their finals costumes.

USA will never get good representatives for WCS because of the small venues they're held at and perverse way of judging. Countries in the east choose cosplayers for their beauty and overall impressiveness, Americans put people through because they appreciate a dance in their skit or because they showed "effort".

>>5400897
is it just my imagination or is there this weird attitude nowadays to not give a prize to the obvious winner because that would be "unfair"? Its a very American don't-hurt-anyone's-feelings thing

>>5394735
So you are going to be judging Athena, the person who admitted to making most of your WCS entry? Nice.

>>5400984
least she knows her craftsmanship first hand

>>5400992
Yeah, but more likely, there will be butthurt and vendetta.

>>5401011
I really don't think she can be an impartial judge and not just based on that either. She rarely has anything nice to say. It's pretty shitty that Umister couldn't enter because of her and she's not even someone that should be judging. She probably doesn't even feel bad. She's probably happy she's preventing her from doing it.

>>5400897
There was a major, MAJOR stink with the competition back in like 2005. Now none of the major cons want anything to do with it.

>>5401130
I would not of wanted Ms. Major represnting America either.

>>5400984
Athena's not entering, and I don't think Soni's judging.

>>5401177
she is. it's why Umister couldn't enter.

>>5401130
Well maybe if USA puts together a WINNING TEAM then it'll give big cons the incentive to hold WCS Prelims

>>5401192
No they wouldn't. Not after what happened. Anime Expo especially.

Dia and her partner did manage to win something in 2009.

>>5401192
>winning team
Won't happen.
Nobody cares enough. Nobody takes this shit seriously, nor should they. They enter for the hell of it to try and go to Japan, giving fuck all about representing USA. Nobody's going to try and break the mold or do anything different or creative.
We can't hold a candle to the countries who actually take this shit seriously. We're a craftsmanship-oriented country. We just don't fit.

>>5401222
http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=127680
Some of it.

>>5401230
Speak for yourself. I have friends entering and 90% of all they talk about is doing great costumes, writing a great performance and representing USA proudly. I'm sure they are in the minority but I think a trend of cosplayers getting more and more serious is starting. Groups like Mario and the Cupcakes have been serious about this the whole time.

>>5401230
>>5401192
Also keep in mind a lot of people don't want to enter simply because of the absurd scrutiny they will face here on /cgl/. They won't be pretty/thin/attractive/good enough skit/ good enough craftsmanship- whatever. Uninvolved people will find something to be butthurt over and then post about it for weeks. I shudder to think about the group that gets chosen for this year since all they will have in store for the next 6 months is you lot bitching about them. Want America to send a winning team? Back them regardless of who they end up being. Give them the support other countries seem to give their teams. American teams probably feel like the least supported team at the event because it's very likely that they are.

>>5401270
That's the problem, we're craftsmanship oriented. WCS is a beauty pageant. While great costumes are important, its more important for the sponsors to have television and ad worthy winners. I don't think the USA will ever win big in the WCS, its just not the right kind of competition.

>>5401270
I don't consider this to be a positive trend personally.

A lot of newer cosplayers seemed over concerned about being ~*THE BEST*~ and worrying about stupid, often rigged, competitions like WCS. I went to a con recently where a girl told me that she doesn't think a costume is good unless the Cosplayer wears colored contacts, and her friends agreed. My friends who just started only go on about how they want to outdo so-and-so. Why the fuck does any of that matter? What happened to just wanting to get away from the house and playing dress-up with friends?

People are putting so much effort into wringing their necks over this stupid hobby that's supposed to be fun. I swear to god one day I'm going to go around handing out "I'm not wasting my time!" awards to cosplayers who I see not spending all day entering a contest just to have other people tell them whether or not they did a good job. It will be worth just as much 10 years from now.

>>5401319
I don't think it's entirely a beauty pageant. I think both the Cupcakes and Fox Gloves are attractive but I would think the Cupcakes a little more so. I think it's a beauty contest AND entertainment value like others have said. Be attractive, make good costumes, and be entertaining. It's really just being triple threat cosplay.

>>5401367
I think striving for excellence when wanting to promote your hobby/country is fine. I think your friends/acquaintances who think they need to do something better than someone else are misguided. You should also realize that for some people, spending an entire day in cosplay for a masquerade IS their idea of fun.
But seriously those people you were talking about sound like bitches.

WCS isn't the olympics of cosplay. It's just a casting call for a japanese tv show intended for the purposes of Japanese self-wanking. It's a show that basically says "Hey look, Japan! The world loves our cosplay anime culture!"

And of course, the show exploits cosplayers' love of attention by not paying them and is essentially just a trip to Japan and a chance to win a sewing machine. Oh boy. A guest on Jerry Springer gets more of a prize than that.

>>5401380
Don't kid yourself. The "entertainment" of cosplay is looking at cool and sexy looking people. Nobody gives a shit about how you dance or how you went about sewing a hem.

This is the problem with the western mindset concerning cosplay. We all think it's about EFFORT and WORK or whatever. Look at all the Japanese idol cosplayers. You think ANY of them have great craftsmanship costumes? Hardly.

Be beautiful or go home. It's a truth Americans dont want to accept.

>>5401477
This.

>>5401222

In fact, the US won the Brother prize and the next year prelims were held in a tiny panel room with no stage, no audience, and no sponsorship.

Wise up and look at the past winners guys. It's Italy, Brazil, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Italy, Brazil... The US is not gonna win this thing.

I heard Lady Ava is competing

>>5403594
yea shes with FeliciaCat

>>5403594
Where'd you hear that from? Her against the Cupcakes, doesn't sound true. Who would her partner even be if not Starlighthoney?

I thought Hopie was entering?

>>5403650 see >>5403655

Isn't Katie in?

>>5403650
>>5403680
Again, where did you hear that from?

If true... Lady Ava & FeliciaCat vs Starlighthoney & Breathlessaire? A group divided?
This may be worth watching after all.

>>5401974
Brazil I get because they have the highest population of Japanese peoples outside of Japan... but why Italy?

>>5403895
Francesca Dani. She was responsible for the first Italy win and set the standard for future teams.

>>5403895

Because they're hot. Same with Brazil.

>>5404142
Did you see Brazil's performance last year?? It was like a bad joke... "Hot" is probably the last word I'd use. "Ridiculous" and "stupid" come to mind first.

>>5404264

I didn't say their performance was good or hot. It was ridiculous yes, but both cosplayers are attractive, it's that simple.

Actually, the guy is really weird looking out of costume but he looked cute as Balthier.

>>5404374
There were a lot of hotter cosplayers there. Just saying. I think it's rigged by sponsors, not by "attractiveness."

I still can't get behind this. This is why:

http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=127680

bumpan for more info!

>>5404628
Sheesh, this old drama again? It was 7 years ago when WCS was still first starting out. The rules and administration has changes drastically since then. Let it go.

bampu

>>5405060
THIS. Besides, that group had beautiful costumes, but was fat and hideous and made the US look bad. Sorry to hate, but I didn't want to see them on TV either.

does anyone have a compiled list of entrants? Here's what I've gotten so far from people posting

ana aesthetic/rosabella
katie/exastra
burloire/???
starlighthoney/breathlessaire
envel/???
ladyeva/feliciaCat

who else?

>>5409592
bur and melvin I think

>>5399900

I don't know about that, last year Finland sent a male team.

>>5409592
who are these nobodys?

>>5409592

Wait...Envel is trying out? I love her work.

They've announced the judging staff:

>OK everyone: I have an album up so you can see your judging staff. In honor of the WCS 10th Anniversary I have brought back members of past winning teams to help pick the US 2012 Team ^^ Your judges are: Lynleigh Sato (2005 + Industry Judge), Renee Gloger (2008), Sonnya Marcela Paz (2008), Elizabeth Licata (2009), India Davis (2009), Kathryn Griffin (US Team 2010) and myself (2005). Ashley Rice (2011) will be in attendance as a guest. Yaya Han will be the official Emcee for the event. I have updated details of the event under the notes section if you check back at the rules. The participants will be announced tomorrow, and press and sponsors will be announced in the coming week.

>>5411908
hahahahahahahaha what a train wreck

What happened to the Japanese judge?

>>5412036
He's implied and doesn't need listing, I presume.

>Yaya emceeing
Greeeaaaat.

Listing the participants tonight, huh... Brace for shitstorm

>>5412036
He's probably unlisted because he's more "consultant" than judge.

>>5408042
Seriously, the group who initially won was HCC Cosplay. They are pros at costume making and have good tutorials, but dayyyyyymn they were ugly then and still are today.

>>5412511
So the girl running it, Laura Butler, is from that fateful 2005 squad...
That honestly gives me some comfort that it will be treated in a "we're never going to let that bullshit happen again" manner.

>>5412511
Oh my god, fuck you- these girls are awesome.

>>5412625
Once they get the team to Japan it will be out of her hands, so not really?

>>5412635
No, Laura typically travels with the squad. She was sick during WCS last year but has gone with the other teams as their manager.

>>5412657
That is interesting to know.

>>5411908
Why in the fuck is Yaya involved with this at all?

S0ni decided to judge because her bf is entering with Patches in complex .hack costumes. Patches has a strong background in theater and 4ng31 is going to be making all the props. 4ng31, Patches and S0ni agree that if they win, S0ni will go as their photographer. S0ni's already talked about it with the organizer and she's okay.

It's all fixed.

>>5412811
So... her boyfriend is allowed to enter and THAT isn't a conflict of interest, but Umister couldn't enter because that was?

What the flying fuck is this horse shit?

>>5412811
>Complaining about WCS being fixed.

>>5412821
She's pulling the strings in this whole operation.

>>5412826
Wouldn't be an issue if the team rigging it was actually someone we'd want to see go to Japan.

>>5412830
HOW?

>>5412833
you don't know how much Japan loves 4ng31 in his Jotaro outfit, do you?

Males make it to WCS all of the time in other countries. It looks like in America that that will only work if it is an attractive masculine man in amazing armor that can still perform a good skit, or a beautiful gay man as a gay character or a fucking trap. All other males have no chance in the USA the way it has been going.

>>5412838
hahaha. i needed a good laugh. thanks.

>>5412847
Well by that logic, 4ng31 and Patches will clearly win.

>>5412847
Too bad that ass clown is nothing but chin and a failure to grasp the English language.

>>5412849
I'm not joking. There was a bunch of "foreigners in JoJo cosplay" threads going around some Japanese blogs recently. They were absolutely spamming 4ng and going crazy over that costume.

I don't care who wins because we're going to bitch about it until they lose regardless.

>>5412811
>4ng31
>wanting to compete in WCS
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
That is the most outlandish rumor ever, nice job

>>5412861
Wait who the fuck are you talking about?

>>5412865
whatever you say 4ng31. glad your logic is one thread likes a costume, SUDDENLY ALL OF JAPAN IS OBSESSED WITH ME. this is how your ego got so big.

WCS is the Golden Corral of Dramu and we happily sit down to it every year. <3

>>5412871
You don't even know, S0ni and 4ng31 were toying with the idea of competing a while back, but S0ni decided against it. He got a new partner in Patches since they all live close together. S0ni doesn't have as much time to dedicate to cosplay, so she was okay with him having another partner.

>>5412887
>doesn't have time to cosplay
>too lazy to cosplay

difference

>>5412895
She's too busy saving the world.

>>5412895
Some people have lives you know.

>>5412953
I wish :(

OK FB post the competitors already!!!

>>5412885

lol I recognize where that Golden Corral is located too...

>>5412885
This. I don't pay attention to drama normally, but WCS is such delicious, long-running, "big-name", international, public butthurt all I can do is sit down and OM NOM NOM.

>>5413324
>>5413392

And the chocolate fountain is the bawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwing made when Brazil, Italy, and Japan are the top three again.

>>5413437
Tiered tears.

Teams are up!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.357289240949530.99610.122191194459337&type=1

Oh man this is gonna be a hot fucking mess. Those teams.

>>5413655
HAHAHAHA OH WOW

>>5413655
The drama alone will be worth it to see Lady Ava going against Breathlessaire/Starlighthoney

I thought Oshi said he was "above" competing?

So who does Anon think will win? I am going to put my money on Destiny and Penny as they are the supreme comedy option.

>>5413833

Comedy gold here may not work as well overseas. The Japanese judge has to get it, and has to he convinced an international audience will get it,or it will not be successful.

>>5413833
Shiya Wind because she's the best looking out of all of them

That Zolo is fucking HOT

dat team

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyfjehSwxq1qh5wp2.jpg

>>5413790
Don't believe I said that, just that I think it's a load of bullcrap. And I still do. But... shit happens.
Trust me, I'm not in it to win (I really would rather not), just to help execute her fucking awesome idea...

>>5413957
The "Japanese" judge if he's even going to be a part of the judging process is actually Canadian.

>>5414058
eh?

>>5413997
Too bad American judges don't base judging on "looks" and just focus on shit nobody cares about like how they sewed something or how much "effort" is put in or whatever.

Asian countries send their sexiest, most impressive cosplayers. We send uglies and tryhards.

>>5414103
We should totally send those cosplayers who don't know what a wig cap is and buy shit from thrift stores! Exactly!

>>5414094
He works for WCS, but is Canadian. He lives and is studying for his doctorate in Japan and is the main translator for the English-speaking teams. But I don't think he's going to be a part of the judging process but I know we are doing a panel with him.

>>5414009
Yes. Yes he is. Thank god there is a hot man.

I am moderately pleased.
I'm really happy to see Bur_loire, Blinxx and red cluster. I really like both of their work. I didn't know most of the other teams but this will be interesting. I think this is the year where I know alot of the teams. Weirdness.
Some of the entries looked a tad out of place (no need to name names.) but we'll see how everything pans out.
Someone should make a little bio for all the teams. Like stuff they're known for or any drama etc

>>5414197
Too bad Burloire's craftsmanship is nothing but craft foam, muslin, and globs of hot glue

>>5414221
Skit seems to prevail over craftmanship, if you've even read this thread.

Unfortunately Bur's craftsmanship is not very good. Most of the judges this year seem to be good at sewing. Craftsmanship on the lower end of the mediocre spectrum will not win, especially since some of these teams look like they have really good craftsmanship.

>>5414221
hello 4ng3L

>>5414112
Cosplay is about looks. Nobody cares how you made a costume if you look like shit.

>>5414279
I'm pretty sure 4ng31 has the balls to not post under Anon.

Being pretty helps, but if your costume looks like you fucking good-willed it, you won't win.

>>5414298
>Cosplay is about craftsmanship. Nobody cares if you're ugly if you made a kick ass costume.
Works both ways, brah.

>>5414279
Oh hes just butthurt Burloire's Izanagi cosplay gets more attention than his

>>5414300
HAH. Good one.

>>5413655
I'm gonna need more popcorn.

>>5414279
He's in the middle of driving ATM. He'd rather be fucking around pickin music for this drive than post a tl;dr reply to pointless shit.

Let's see here...
LoraFloraDora + Reverie: Picture provided doesn't give much hope.
Mika-chan + Ami-chan: Hahahahah
Athena + NeoAngelWink: Definitely have craftsmanship abilities, but I question their ability to perform
Binkx + Mike: Look like good craftsmanship on simple costumes; hot guy probably helps.
ashi_chan + GNB Cosplay: ...Is this a joke?
Diana + Katie: Oh yeah. Got craftsmanship, we know they can perform, definitely one of the heavy hitters.
Cupcake Cosplay: They never give up, do they? Great craftsmanship, but usually uninteresting performances without Lady Ava. See if they go a different route this time.
Destiny + Penny: Holy shit are they like 50?
Effembee + Lady Asteria: Looks decent craftsmanship? Don't know who they are though.
Envel + Dust Bunny: Curious. Seem to have craftsmanship. Probably up there overall.
Eve + red-cluster: Clean craftsmanship on simple costumes is good, don't know otherwise.
Evenstar1 + Elendriel: Is that Cloaked Schemer under a new name with Evanstar? If she's not still a ball of hot glue, who knows.
MarikaSan + Foayasha: Points for being so cute, for sure. Unknown otherwise.
Elrowiel + Pannon: Another craftsmanship looks very good, no clue besides that.
[con't]

>>5414535
Keylime Cosplay + XxEveillexX: ...Suuure.
Lady Ava + Oshi: This honestly surprises me (I expected FeliciaCat too), and kind of scares me. Both top tier in their own rights, but I don't think they ever work together. A lot of potential here.
Tohma + Shey: Another with great craftsmanship; Tohma's transformers cosplay from Ota was wicked; but not sure how they perform.
Mei Hoshi + Lunatique Cosplay: Cute, clean craft, but unknown.
Nobodies Inc: All I see is big and poofy, pic quality sucks. But they sound familiar, might be one with known performance skills?
Erisaka Blu + holleywane: Pffffftttt. If Eri's performance track record is anything to go by...
Shiya Wind + Court: This shit right here. God tier craftsmanship from both, Shiya is cute as hell... If they put together a good performance, I think they win, Court will break the no-guys clause.
sievkatronshea + baron: Hahah twins. ...I got nothing.
Sona + Luna Robotnik: ...What.
Ana Aesthetic + Rosabella Scarlet: Probably pretty high up the ranks on this, don't know too well.
Uxi + Bur Loire: Repeat concerns about Bur Loire's craftsmanship here, but Uxi is probably a good counter to that. Performance?
Waka-chan + Alucard: No clue again, look high on craftsmanship.
Minachiko + slightlysalted: Basically same as above.

>>5414537
Tohma transformer looked like fucking garbage and had holes and hot glue strings all over. You just invalidated your entire review.

>>5414578

They invalidated it when they said Shiya's craftsmanship is god-tier. Pic related.

>>5414588
Cosplay is all about beauty. You think anyone REALLY cares about craftsmanship?


Pic related. First place winners of WCS with tinfoil props.

>>5414535
>>5414537
>Keep mentioning Craftsmanship like WCS really cares about that

>>5414627

As someone mentioned before, the US judges for the prelims do care about it. Whatever happens in Japan, happens in Japan. They won't be able to make it with their quality of work unless they step it up.

>captcha ; you're outolet

How appropriate.

>>5414640
That's the problem with US judges. They carry the western mindset that people like you are burdened with over this elitism of "craftsmanship" when the impression of cosplay is HOW YOU LOOK. An ugly person in a "well-made" costume is a bad cosplayer. Period. It doesn't look impressive and nobody wants to look at it.

America has more cosplayers than anywhere else in the world, and the LEAST amount of good cosplayers. Why do you suppose this is? Because western cosplayers don't understand the importance of beauty in a hobby based on appearances and admiration. So they will always be the laughing stock.

>>5414649
Yes, but attractive people in bad costumes won't look good. Do you know nothing about fashion? The same applies for costumes. If you are attractive, you will still look like garbage if you are wearing poorly constructed or ill-fitting garments. Pick up a fucking magazine. Now I do agree that WCS seems to heavily favor performance/looks over costuming. So it makes sense when people say the US should focus on those things so they have a better chance. I personally feel that they should weigh performance and craftsmanship at the WCS equally.

>>5414696
I remember one year South Korea had a fucking amazing performance and they still lost.

>>5414703
http://youtu.be/xWQa_OlmMug
This one.

I think the official statement is that they rate by applause or something.

>>5414696
If YOU knew anything about fashion you'd know that there's a reason that clothing models are always chosen for their beauty. Looking pretty makes anything worn look better.

When it comes to cosplay, the fact of the matter is that 90% of people who see your costume don't know shit about "craftsmanship" and don't even notice, let alone care. Cosplay is a hobby built around emulating the fantasy of beauty represented in anime and manga, so it is essential for a good cosplayer to look attractive. The only exception is costumes that cover your body or the few characters who are supposed to look ugly. Neither of which are as coveted as a beautiful person.

Take two cosplayers of similar look. One spends all of her time working out, becoming fit, perfecting her makeup, and making sure her hair/wig looks great. The other just spends all her time at her sewing machine trying to do the best sewing job possible and makes a "well-crafted" garment. Guess who is going to be seen as the better cosplayer? The girl who is fit and hot.

If you ever want to be a good cosplayer then it's time to face reality and realize how you look means everything. Clinging to some misguided sense of elitism will forever damn you into staying bad.

>>5414537
I have a feeling the top runners will be:
Cupcake Cosplay: since it seems like they won't quit until they win
Envel + Dust Bunny: I've never seen them do anything performance based though
Uxi + Bur Loire: Uxi's craftsmanship is top notch. Never seen either perform which could be a crutch for them.

And to fill in some holes:
Evenstar1 + Elendriel: Yes that is Cloaked Schemer under a new name. Neither one of these has top craft ability really.
Nobodies Inc: Big CLAMP cosplayers from the West cost. Never seen them perform though.
sievkatronshea + baron: Usually pretty awesome craftsmanship AND they know how to perform. Typically only perform at Neko and katsu though (last year did the TTGL suits in the Masq that lit up)
Ana Aesthetic + Rosabella Scarlet: I expected Rosa to be with Bur since they do a lot of groups together so this was kind of surprising. I expect this to be good though.

>>5414537
It was FeliciaCat, I saw them talking about it at AnimeUsa. Sucks for them the looks in that team was riding on her. Lady Ava & Oshi = ugly

monkey slut

>>5414744
>>5414722

Wow. When did the cosplay community become so shallow? owait 90% community of narcissistic female backstabbers.

There is no set person or team that will win. This comes down to who pulls out all the stops and does something awesome. If we are gonna see 27 teams float around doing to stupid ass color guard/fabric fans/ waving hands around dramatically, then this will be boring as shit. The remaining 3 teams will be the ones that do something that a day later, you seagulls will be going "That was awesome. Why didn't they win?"

Either way, we know it will be one of the nobody teams who come out with something mind-blowing. So get your heads out of your asses. Sit back. And just watch the fireworks.

>>5414722
Personally I think there are a lot of teams here who look like they have both so I don't see the argument. I do agree that prettier people tend to look better in costume, but there is no denying that a well made costume looks better. There seem to be a number of teams that have both going for them here.

Coconut Bubble Sex, The Cupcakes, Envel and Dust Bunny, Uxi and Bur. Sure we can all argue their relative beauty and relative craftsmanship, to me all these teams, (and a few others, I've just personally seen their costumes) have both sides of that coin.

I love WCS threads~ Moar team breakdowns, por favor!

>>5414722
You're a fucking idiot and there is no point in attempting to debate with you anymore.

>>5414807
Cosplay is basically a beauty pageant. It's not "shallow", it's just the main virtue of the hobby. Things like craftsmanship or talent in a skit are just icing on the cake, not the main course.

>>5414722
What about someone that works out/perfects their beauty AND is good at sewing? They would clearly dominate someone that only looked good but had a terrible costume. You keep saying that it is JUST looks but strength in both would carry you all the way. Being good at sewing is NOT going to hurt you.

>>5414827
It's a beauty pageant for people who just care about the attention it gets them.

I know plenty of people who just want to run around as their favorite character for an afternoon. They don't care about pictures, contests, or being "Cosfamous". They just want to nerd out with their friends for a day.

People like that ENJOY this hobby.

>>5414837
Obviously that would be ideal, but unfortunately many western cosplayers feel that beauty doesn't matter and is something that can be substituted by sewing or propwork.

The reason why asian cosplayers seem so superior is because they put every ounce of their effort into how they look: makeup, wigs, photography, photo editing, etc. Americans seem to think these important aspects don't matter, citing them as "superficial". When in reality it's craftwork that is superficial.

>>5414856
Cosplay started in America, and has always been about making costumes to honor the characters you love. We started it, we set the standard, fuck your beauty extras.

>>5414852
That's another problem with American cosplayers. Too many people that just "don't care" and are content with making fools of themselves. Since when did not giving a fuck and not taking pride in yourself or a craft become a virtue?

>>5414856
LOLOLOLOLOL.
No. There are plenty of attractive American cosplayers that are great wig wigs and make-up and everything. When did cosplay become all about beauty? We're all a bunch of douche bags that dress up like cartoon characters. Being more attractive yet having no skills doesn't make someone better. Stupid racist stereotypical unfounded statements. Gtfo.

>>5414866
lol cut the bullshit. You don't cosplay to "honor the characters", you cosplay for attention. Same as everyone else.

And if you really did want to "honor" the characters you would still be putting in every effort to be thin and beautiful, since virtually all anime characters are thin and fantastically beautiful. In many cases their beauty is their main feature. Not how they fucking sew their clothes.

Man you're all ruining this thread with debates that are going nowhere FAST. I need you to be talking about how much of a trainwreck some of these teams are.

>>5414871
>When did cosplay become all about beauty?
Since forever?

>We're all a bunch of douche bags that dress up like cartoon characters.
Still falling victim to the western mentality. "lawl who carez we're all retardz how you look doesn't matter XD". If you don't even take your own hobby seriously then you can't comment on its virtues. You have none.

>Being more attractive yet having no skills doesn't make someone better.
That's exactly what it does. Cosplay is the art of showcase. Not a tradeskill.

>Stupid racist stereotypical unfounded statements.
It's completely founded, actually. There are endless amounts of amazing asian cosplayers and extremely few great american cosplayers. Even the ones called "great" aren't that great comparatively. Do you think the entire world sees asian cosplayers as better because they have better "craftsmanship"? Hardly. It's based on looks.

>>5414891
This. Who's going to just embarrass themselves, who might be decent.

>>5414904
Oh hai Proudtobeasian

>>5414904
When a hobby gets too serious, it's no longer fun. Hobbies are supposed to be fun.

Let's get back to the teams please. I'd put my money on Dust Bunny and Envel.

Uxi always makes beautiful things, I'd love to see what she comes out with. Bur Loire can be pretty good to.

>>5414935
>When a hobby gets too serious, it's no longer fun.Hobbies are supposed to be fun
>why Katsu is my last anime convention

I'm looking at USA's presence at the WCS and comparing it to USA Basketball after Athens in 2004. In 2004, the USA Men's Basketball team won bronze, and most of America was upset. So what did they do? They made COMMITMENTS to be the best. They asked for 3 years leading up to Beijing, and in the end it paid off as the team won gold at that year's Olympics.

What am I saying here? You have to find people who will be committed to matching or surpassing the juggernauts of Japan, Brazil, and Italy. The mindset of just going to Japan to represent the USA is not enough for Team USA. You have to go out there and dominate your competition.

This is why WCS threads are so juicy, there is butthurt to be found in every aspect of the competition.

>Oshi

Furry in the WCS....and you wonder why we don't win shit.

>>5415132
At least he's not the worst one, looking at those Sonicfags.

>>5415132
Lick my nuts.

I really hope that the judges have the foresight to pick the team most likely to appeal to judges in Japan, not the team that would win Best in Show or Best Craftsmanship in an American competition. Then at least the US might have a chance in the finals.

I mean if you're going to enter a wanky Japanese competition, don't parade in and play by your home country's rules - learn the rules of their game and beat them at it, right?

>>5414949

THIS. You want to win the big prize in Japan? Work your ass off and make a team that can stand toe-to-toe with the multi-win countries. Understand what wins and build your effort accordingly.

Cosplay is not serious business. Competing in WCS is not serious business. WINNING at WCS is serious business. It's not hard to see that in the countries that are successful at the finals.

>>5414736
>Bur performance

It's horrible she fucks up every skit Ive ever seen her in

Erisaka keeps posting all over the internet how bad she wants to win maybe if she tried out for team mexico she would be ok

>>5415825
what skits has she been in?

so seagulls, I think we're in agreeance that we'd like to see a winning USA team in the finals. So what so you think would be up to par? Legit question. I'm planning to compete year and while I've done more brainstorming than I'd care to admit I would be curious to hear some opinions. Male/Female team btw.

>>5415861
If you want a chance at winning then you have to be genuinely pretty. None of this "Oh I'll just do a good job sewing and I'll win" bullshit.

>>5415867
I agree to an extent, but I don't think this is always the case. Take WCS 2010, for example. Italy won that year as Link and Ganon; Ganon's costume was pretty spectacular, but Link's was pretty meh and the guy wasn't terribly attractive looking, either. In this case I would say it's the series choice that won it for them. There are so many factors to consider other than just looks, even if they do potentially play a part.

>>5415829
Say one thing on Tumblr and all of a sudden you're "all over the internet", Oh anon what is your trauma?

>>5415825
Truth, The Umineko Skit and Persona skits I saw her in she fucked it up.

>>5415170
For some reason this made me laugh

>>5415894
There's really so much random stuff that goes in to who wins in Japan, I'm not sure you can calculate what you need. There's the celebrity judges and the audience response in addition to your own appearance and stage presence. You have to figure out how to have the biggest appeal to a bunch of people from a different culture, which isn't that easy. What's popular or nostalgic there usually is completely obscure to Americans. In that aspect at least Europeans, especially Italians, have a better chance because they have gotten more of the anime and manga that are classic in Japan over the last couple decades. Americans honestly have a bigger cultural boundary to cross to get the same broad appeal for a Japanese audience.

>>5415960
wait wait like the really awesome umineko skit that had all the stakes appearing frmo behind curtains? I loved that skit o: I didn't see any fuckups

>>5414946
stop cosplaying then
go for the con, go to see friends, go to have fun

>>5416061
There wasn't any fuck ups, just jelly bitches

>>5416061

This. And not to whiteknight, I don't know the girl, but I went through and watched videos of a lot of people to see who was competitive, and she's the best part of that Persona skit she's in.

A piece of friendly advice

The WCS finals in Nagoya is mostly about how you appear on stage during the skit. As long as your craftmanship is on a certain level all the tiny details and inside stitching and so on doesn't really matter since the judges CAN'T SEE THEM. The important thing in Japan is actually quite straightforward... an interesting skit with an element of surprise.

Regarding the comments on the "Japanese judge who's actually Canadian". Like mentioned by someone else, he's the main translator for the english speaking teams and a pretty cool guy. If he's coming for your event, you can trust in the fact that he'll go with the team that impresses him the most and with a skit & costumes that will ALSO WORK IN JAPAN, not just the "prettiest cutie girls team".. pretty girls doesn't give you the victory in Japan.. sorry but that's the truth.

If anything, part of the reason why USA is in such a crunch is the use of judges who doesn't have a clue about what will be going on in Japan at the finals. Hearing that the US will be using previous winners as judges this year is a step in the right direction.

>>5399758
Yeah, after reading anon's post, from the thumbnail I thought it was a progress shot of a Virgilia dress, but yeah, that's definitely Yuuko.
>>5399900
>>5399910
Actually countries like Italy and Brazil have had male cosplayers represent them and more than once they won--not to mention that in 2010 Italy won first place with an entirely male team.

>American judges elect ugly retards to go to WCS
>Japan says no and suggests prettier/more impressive-looking cosplayers instead
>Americans get pissy saying its not fair blabbidy blah
>Japan steps out and lets Americans do whatever they want from now on
>Go back to electing ugly retards to go

Stay classy, America.

>>5403895
>Brazil I get because they have the highest population of Japanese peoples outside of Japan... but why Italy?
>Brazil I get because they have the highest population of Japanese peoples outside of Japan
What does that even mean, how's that related to the cosplayers winning WCS?
>but why Italy?
Japan enjoyed their performances? I have preferred other countries' skits at times myself, however I think the winning (Italian) teams have always done a good job and their victory was deserved.

The idea I get from the previous competitions is simply that Japan enjoys performances that are, hm, as anime like as possible? As in, they seem to really enjoy skits that are fun and plesant to watch and are possibly faithful to the original work's spirit. In the end, yes, it's more of a matter of looking pretty and being entertaining than having good craftmanship, and it shouldn't be taken too seriously (as any other competition imho but hey that's just me), but the way you guys in the US complain is hilarious. Every year you cry because WCS is shit and it's unfair -> barely put any effort into it because you're superior and above such a shitty contest, of course -> lose -> get butthurt even though you weren't supposed to care, rinse and repeat. Make up your mind.

Who does everyone think are going to be the hardest hitters?

>>5416572
Actually their airline funds the program.

Hopefully we don't get disappointed with the presentations. I'm really looking forward to see what they will be doing

I just don't understand why they don't combine it with the Masquerade.

1. the Masq is going to suck now and is just going to be people fishing for awards they wouldn't have gotten if those other people were competing in it.

2. the time for WCS competitions sucks ass

>>5417177
Supposedly, WCS proposed that at first, but Katsucon didn't want it. Just be glad it's even on Saturday, for a while it looked like it was going to be Sunday morning/midday.

>>5417224
I miss NYAF having it. During the masq and the winners for 10k to spend on their trip/costumes.

>>5417232
I thought that was Yume cup?
They're apparently tightening the budget big time for WCS in general. To the point of having a weight limit; all costumes, props, etc have to be within 85lbs.
You can thank whichever team it was last year that had WCS pay to ship their FLYING RIG to Japan for that.

>>5417235
NYAF had WCS for two years. Both teams got 10k to use towards their trip and costumes. Yume is different. That's just a trip to Japan with air and hotel paid for.

>>5417235

WCS itself doesn't pay for any shipping costs. The host convention pays for that shit. In the case of the country with the flying rig, their host convention doesn't even pay for that shit. The weight limit is to even the playing field a bit for countries that don't have as much money to throw at the competition. Get your facts straight.

>>5417284
I'll go ahead and relay your facts to where I got my facts, then.

>>5417304

You do that.

>>5417304

You should also sort out what year you're talking about before you start blaming your sources.

>>5417320
>>5417304

Girls, BOTH of you are pretty.

Both of you are kinda right I think. The "flying" brazil team had an outside sponsor pay to ship all their stuff for them. But not all countries have outside sponsors, so if they wanted to ship something that large it would have to come out of the contestants pocket. Needless to say, its expensive and most people couldnt afford to do that. The weight rule was put it place to prevent countries with outside sponsorships from having an unfair advantage over countries that dont have an outside sponsorship.

>>5404020
thats a nice costume and blade bracelets made by happy-cosplay2007 ....slut exploited cosplay to hell

>>5418297
shes still stealing costumes from ebay? XD these little fanboys need to realize she really dont care about them, she's just playing them 4 their $$$$

related pic: WCS Sailor Neptune costume made by yinyincs and tiara by catzia.com, she also steals costumes from cosmode.com, candyfruit.com and rakuten.co.jp

>>5418297
been hit with the ugly stick have we italy?

>>5418308
they both bought the costumes from yinyincs, look at the tag inside her bodysuit. carol now tags her costumes. carol made francesca's vinyl chun li costume and told everyone she made it too. i find of feel bad for elizabeth and love meeko, they make their patterns from scratch while francesca sits on her ass and is pampered like a queen.

>>5418339
i find that fucking ironic especially how frandan is never grilled and skewered for her plagiarizer ways. i dont need to say any names but you know who u sell outs are.

>>5418308
i know she made the gloves and the shoes but everything is store bought. same chit with her super sailor moon costume, costume was bought from ebay seller honestdragonchina but she just altered the sleeves and glued yellow vinyl on the gold pieces. her hair ornaments where very sloppy i can tell she made those too. come to think of it she always alters someone else's costume and accessories to make people believe she made everything but it always comes out looking sloppy or frumpy. but her bribes and manipulation can go so far.

>>5417177

The masq might not be that bad. A couple of the teams are doing both that and the WCS since there is supposedly going to be an hour and a half between the two events. Whether that means one or the other performance will suffer because of it...I guess we will see.

BAMP

>>5419060
A good number of those teams don't stand a chance of winning the preliminary, so why the fuck not try for the Masq prize?

>>burloire/???

She goes by Uxi Cosplay on FB (Or Danielle?). She makes beautiful GE costumes and I was excited to see that she was entering, but WHY WITH BURLOIRE? Is she sewing everything then?

>>5415960
well, the Persona 4 skit was a mess, true, but I don't think that was burloire's fault. It just wasn't a well done skit.

>>5419569
Whine more jealous fatty

>>5419569
Dude her GE cosplay was really well made. The hoopskirt underneath was ghetto, but overall it was a really nice costume. She just fucked herself over by pairing with Bur though. If she doesn't sew both of the costumes, they will tank.

I think her skirt was supposed to look like that? If Uxi isn't making both costumes, I hope Bur doesn't half ass hers.

Atleast Bur won't be alone. Lady Ava is just as bad or worse with her craftsmanship. I can't wait to see the what trainwreck of costumes they roll out in.

Ava is a little better than Bur. Bur and Tohma are pretty much on the same level. But that Shugo Chara team looks like it is going to be dead last.

>>5420799
Tohma is less then bur

>>5421022
Possibly, but not by much.

I see 27 teams but I thought there were supposed to be 30. Clearly they've hidden the Patches x 4ng31 team for drama purposes. Bets on the other two hidden teams?

>>5421073
HeeroJF x A 14-year-old yaoi fangirl
and
Pixiteri x Miyu

DREAM TEAMS.

At this point, I want Bur to win just to spite everyone

>>5421111

I wouldn't mind her winning. Or any of these teams. Whoever brings their A-game deserves it, and since everything is under wraps right now, I'm not going to really have an opinion on these teams until I have seen for myself what they made and how their performance went.

Yeah... I'm really curious why there is only 30 teams. Maybe last minute disqualifications?

>>5421630
*27

>>5421630

Or they didn't get 30 entries. May explain the WTF quality of a few of those teams. I doubt they would be keeping any teams 'a secret'.

>>5401192
>>5421100
My dream team is Miyu x JNig. If Miyu gave JNig one of her miracle makeovers and dressed her they would win it for the USA and everyone would be happy

>>5421722
>>5421652
>>5421630

30 was the maximum that were going to get in. 27 were announced. I'ts possible only 27 entered, but also possible some withdrew before the announcements were made. All you can do is infer unless you are the one reviewing entries.

27 out of 30 slots filled isn't a bad turnout for a competition that has a really bad reputation. It's more than I expected, but I think that it makes the results not as easy to predict, and that always makes for a better competition to watch.

Oh, and the whole commentary about the judges knowing contestants and fairness/rigging issues: Everybody knows everybody in cosplay, especially among cosplayers who compete. So if you have friends in the judging panel, you have to trust that they will judge you as they would want to be judged if the roles were reversed.

Plus, it's not like there is one judge..there are several, and one is from the Japan side of things. Even if a judge -wanted- to angle for a particular team, you have a bunch of people you have to convince that can disagree with you. Not to mention, I don't think a single person on the judging panel wants to be pegged with being "the judge that rigged WCS 2012" knowing that you lot will shred their reputations forever.

captcha: skirt. curshed