"Filled with striking images of costume play from around the world, this definitive look at the global phenomenon known as "cosplay" examines its evolution from the fringes of society to the spotlight of modern culture. For over 100 years, men and women around the world have been dressing up as their favorite characters from movies, games, comics, TV, and books. Beginning as a curiosity and hobby for social outcasts, it's now a global phenomenon, fuelled by the Internet and an explosion in geek fandom. This in-depth look at the world of cosplay includes interviews with stars like Yaya Han, Crystal Graziano, and Spiral Cats, offers insights into cosplay's history and current landscape, and explains its creative processes, like how Megan Marie built the perfect Wonder Woman costume. Cosplay World features over 200 compelling photographs, showcasing everything from campy 1970s costumes to cutting-edge suits engineered in workshops and built using space-age materials. The result is both a celebration of and an informed look at a popular means of self-expression that continues to fascinate." -- Amazon.com.

Introduction -- Pierre Pettinger, historian -- Bruce Mai, historian -- Ron Miller, photographer -- Karen Schnaubelt, cosplayer -- Nobuyuki Takahashi, writer and innovfator -- Yoshiyuki Matsunaga, entrepreneur -- Giorgio, cosplayer -- Kamui, cosplayer -- Omi Gibson, cosplayer -- Kyle Johnsen, website owner and photographer -- Heza Chan, cosplayer -- Yaya Han, cosplayer -- Thea Teufel, cosplayer -- Julian Checkley, cosplayer -- Lindze Merritt, cosplayer -- Goldy, cosplayer and cosplay teacher -- Ed Hoff, cosplayer and academic ; Andrew Michael Phillips, photographer -- Chaka Cumberbatch, cosplayer -- Shawn Thorsson, cosplayer and maker -- Alodia Gosiengfiao, cosplayer -- Rick Boer, cosplayer -- Nebulaluben, cosplayers -- Allegriana, cosplayer -- Crabcat Industries, cosplayers and business owners -- Mei Wai, cosplayer -- Leon Chiro, cosplayer Darrell Ardita, photographer -- Ryo Okita, cosplayer and maker -- Natalia Voroninsky, cosplayer -- M. Doc Geressy, cosplayer and ghostbuster -- Shina, cosplayer -- Peter Kokis, cosplayer -- Darshelle Stevens, photographer -- Meagan Marie, cosplayer -- Judith Stephens, photographer -- Danquish, cosplayer -- Rana McAnear, cosplayer -- Jibrii Ransom, cosplayer -- Crystal Graziano, cosplayer -- Bill Doran, cosplayer and maker -- Tasha, cosplayer -- Jay Tablante, photographer -- Simon Melmeth, cosplayer -- Julie Hagopian, historical re-enactor and cosplayer -- Allen Amis, cosplayer -- Benjamin "Beethy' Koelewijn, photographer -- Aicosu, cosplayers -- Little Wren, cosplayer and burlesque dancer -- Courtney Morelock, cosplayer -- Cynthia Veekens, photographer -- Akira Konomi, cosplayer and voice actor -- Janne 'Elffi' Rusanen, cosplayer -- Harrison Krix, maker -- Knightmage, cosplayer -- Eric Ng, photographer -- Anna Fischer, photographer -- Vishavijit Singh, cosplayer.