A cosplayer for 14 years, Zhang Wei was among the first Chinese to try costume play when it came to China in 2000. She designs and makes most of her clothes and props. [Photo by Zhang Wei/China Daily]

Let down by cosplayers

Zhang Wei, 29, known as Guaner, a jar in Chinese, by her admirers, has been a cosplayer for 14 years. She was among the first Chinese to become involved in it when it came to China in about 2000.

"Some people don't like cosplayers," Zhang says. "I understand that. After all, we're all human. Few of us have attractive faces. Characters in comics are always beautifully depicted, and films based on these comics often star the top actresses. But cosplayers do not come up to most people's expectations, and they feel let down."

Zhang says that one constant in her growing up was her parents arguing and shouting at one another. She made it her role to be the peacemaker in the home, and in doing so felt she needed to hide her real thoughts and opinions. Cosplay would eventually offer her a way to express her innermost feelings.

"When I speak, I guess that to some I may come across as a very assertive, tough type. When I'm home, there is nothing l love more than squatting on my chair. People treat me like a little girl. When I'm cosplaying I can be mature and sexy. I can enjoy the feeling of being a queen."

Zhang is in the fortunate position of having a passion that now helps her to earn a living. When she was young she studied art, including painting and playing the Chinese zither. Her parents bought her a 2,000-yuan Yamaha electronic organ in 1990 to practice piano. Her father even watched animation with her, she says.

"My dad likes animation. He really dragged me to watch cartoons with him. He never thought it was for kids only."

While at Peking University High School in 2002, the comics club invited Zhang to cosplay activities, and her interest was kindled not only in the role playing, but in making costumes as well.

"I have faith in my abilities as a craftswoman and I get a kick out of making my own costumes and wearing them."

Just ensuring that she gets things right in applying color to a set of armor can take as long as three months, she says.

"I have a dream, and that is－to use the nijigen terminology－rise in the ranks from a junior craftsman to be a grand master."

Making costumes and props for cosplayers and films accounts for half of her income. The other half comes from drawing comics with her boyfriend, an illustrator for the online game World of Warcraft by Blizzard.

Zhang says she wants to keep cosplaying and making costumes until late in life.

"I want to improve my craftsmanship and keep my body shape. Both are very important to me."