The ‘Black Panther’ Enthusiasts Who Are Changing Cosplay: ‘We’re Helping People See Us as Heroes’

I hope the attention to the Black Panther helps restore the memory of Stokely Carmichael. While he was known for embracing the term "Black Power" he was so much more than that. He turned the world upside down, and he repeatedly thought outside the box. He attacked those who thought they were above attack, including the liberal media. Carmichael saw the world the way he saw it, and he saw it different than most. But he wasn't a contrarian for the sake of being a contrarian. He always kept his eye on the goal of improving life for poor black people. I think he's a great model for today -- he hasn't gone out of style at all. I wouldn't dress up like him -- I'm too old and stodgy for that. But if you did, that would be great.

Why the petty, snarky, ignorant negativity? I took my kids to half a dozen Cons until they turned 16. Everyone, from 8-80 was having a blast. Most players made all or a lot of their costumes - so much ingenuity and passion. Giant wings made of feathers, homemade cloaks, realistic looking harmless weapons, 6' folding fan, headdresses, replicas of complicated tiaras.... So much high spirits at these gatherings. And cosplayers are generally very enthusiastic and appreciative of other players, encouraging and supportive. So - any of you negative writers play video games? Watch pro sports? Have an alter ego you pretend to be in the privacy of your mind? Fantasize about what-ifs? Play fantasy football? Dream? Cosplay is a step way further, and it's FUN. It's LOTS more fun than any of those passive times. Everyone needs heroes. We all need heroes who look like us. It's about time we have black superheroes to go with the human black heroes. It's distressing to read that some black cosplayers have been met with prejudice and stupidity. Please, don't stop cosplaying! And I hope the negativity from commenters comes from ignorance, or crankiness, or an unwillingness to play and relax, or maybe some sour grapes, or fear, or a deficit of imagination, or- oh yeah - closed minds. And not something that can't be fixed with an open mind. Unless these writers (all dudes?) are too scared or uptight? This weekend? Black Panther with my white 25 year old daughter.

I joke about Cosplay, but most Cosplay kids are thin in an obese world. At the very least, superhero worship is fitness worship.

Or you could just grow and become an adult.

Arrested development on full display, pathetic.

As a Jew, I want more Jewish superheroes. Why do Jewish superheroes (Iron man, Ant-Man) always need suits for strength? As a short guy, I want more superheroes under 5' 8". Wolverine is 5' 3" in the original comics. Why did Captain America have to grow taller? Why couldn't he just gain super strength and stay the size he was born? Why is the short cop always the bad one?

It's about time black Americans were equally treated to the hero-worshipping vigilantism of the Pentagon-fueled Hollywood campaign to solidify our violent culture. Armed Forces recruiting is down. Young people no longer look as favorably on the military. Perhaps Black Panther can do his part to bolster the fight against cartoon character enemies and humanitarian interventions across the world. Vivat in pax americana!

""When I'm in cosplay, it's the enhanced version of when I'm dressed in my regular clothes,” she said. “When I wear these costumes, I get to be more than who I am.”" This is a sad way to face life and the real world.