Since its introduction from Japan a few years ago, the art of cosplay, costume roleplay, is booming. Having started with obsessive fans of anime hell-bent on outdoing each other with reproductions of their favorite character's look and style, the craze has now spread to Vietnam.

But who are these costumed fantasists? Are they the scrawny kids in Sailor Moon uniforms? Are they the desperate geeks urgent for the attention of anyone who will look? Ho Chi Minh City’s cosplayers, it appears, are very different.

Through their regular projects and meticulously arranged performances, Vietnam’s cosplayers take it further than simply dressing up. Bringing to life lush and outrageous characters, Vietnam’s cosplayers take fantasy names derived from their own sources of inspiration.

They don’t just copy either. They are just as likely to create their own original concept, as they are to mimic an established favorite. In fact every costume they wear reveals an astonishing level of attention to detail, outlining an unwavering commitment to the craft.

Three members of the winning ‘Cosplay Group’ in ‘Winter Fantasia 2009’, the HCM city-based FFBS, talk to AnyArena. Hopefully we can pick up a few tips along the way.

T-rai - Ho Dinh Trai, Rellik - Nguyen Vuong Tung, Hiroshi - Nguyen Khac Dat, Mellysa Nguyen Vuong Hong Phuong

FFBS, thanks for talking to us. Can you tell us, who is your all-time favorite cosplay character? 

Mellysa: It’s hard to pick a favorite one because I love all the characters I choose. At the moment I’d pick Sasuke from the Naruto manga series.

With a handful of Cosplay awards under your belt, and having recently performed in front of hundreds of fans, how do you feel about your booming popularity? 

Mellysa: We were already growing popular before RMNB was named as the winner of ‘Cosplay Group’ at the Teen and Otaku Festival in February this year. Our popularity is largely down to our cheerful style, diverse performances and the fact that we always keep it fresh. It is also about tenaciousness. Most of the groups founded at the same time as us have folded.

Won: In addition to the festivals, we also work on independent projects such as Naruto Shippuuden Casual, Sweet Sweet Konoha and One Day. Our photo shoots are also widely available online. That helps us to create a buzz and promote ourselves.

Rellik- Nguyen Vuong Tung - dressed as Gaara

Anime conventions are famous for being a little crazy, what is your most memorable on- stage experience? 

Mellysa &Won: It would be the first cosplay festival we organized together with many friends back in July 2006. In spite of heavy rain everyone was so enthusiastic.

Hiroshi: SandO Festival back in July 2007! It was our first performance since founding our group. I still remember being so happy seeing people bursting out laughing while watching our video clip. That really silenced the stillness of the Festival!

LEFT IMAGE: (Bottom row- left to right) Bi - Nguyen Tuong Vy - dressed as Sakura, Rellik -Nguyen Vuong Tung dressed as Gaara, Hiroshi - Nguyen Khac Dat dressed as Kakashi. (Top row- left to right) Won - Tang My Lien - dressed as Karin, T-rai Ho Dinh Trai dressed as Kiba, Kaoru To Thi Xuan Phuong - dressed as Konan, Mellysa - Nguyen Vuong Hong Phuong - dressed as Itachi

RIGHT IMAGE: Hiroshi - Nguyen Khac Dat dressed as Kakashi

Cosplay outfits are renowned for their elaborate nature. They are often aesthetic rather than practical. What are the most challenging aspects of creating and wearing your costumes?

Mellysa: It depends on each costume. Generally speaking, the toughest part of wearing costumes is that cosplayers must suffer from the discomfort of wigs and complex costumes for the whole day. It really helps if there are air-conditioners at conventions, dealing with the heat while performing at outdoor venues is tough!

Hiroshi: Professional dressmakers tailor most of the costumes; we just deal with the accessories. As for wearing the costumes, all of them are hot and pretty uncomfortable, not to mention the makeup in the hot weather.

Bi - Nguyen Tuong Vy - dressed as Sakura

Is it difficult staying in character while in costume, or does your real personality shine through?

Hiroshi: I once cosplayed Shino from the Naruto manga series. This character is quite pensive, but I made him a little bit lively and cheerful. Surprisingly, I received a lot of positive feedback from that. Maybe it’s not necessary to hold yourself back in costume, cosplay itself is a leisure activity, you should not be restricted by any rule.

Mellysa: It is better that you understand your characters before you dress up like them. We all know that manga is different from reality and you can’t just behave exactly how characters behave in manga. That’s why we always apply our personalities to the characters at conventions and festivals. 

Won - Tang My Lien - dressed as Karin

Which other cosplayers do you admire? Who would you most like to collaborate with or compete against?

Won: Aloda. She’s a cosplayer from the Philippines. Her fierce glint is so expressive. 

Mellysa: I admire Jin and the Tuxedo Team from the Philippines. I also like the BBG group from Hanoi and I really want to compete with them in the future. There are also great groups in HCM City like LINK, Fire Styles, and Koofuku, they can all make competition more exciting.

T-rai Ho Dinh Trai dressed as Kiba

Finally, do you have any words of wisdom for those just starting out in the world of cosplay?

Mellysa: Remember, actions speak louder than words. The more you do the more experience you will get.

Won: Take cosplay seriously, don’t just follow the trend.

What can we expect from this new generation influenced by anime, fantasy and comics? Perhaps it is only a short time before runway fashion and mass marketing embraces this phenomena. One thing is for sure, AnyArena’s dusting off their aging Power Girl costume and joining the fray!

WORDS Scarlett Pham

PHOTOS Apple Huynh