Layers Review

Review of “Layers: Costume Communication Culture Magazine”:

Layers is a relatively new cosplay magazine, packed with helpful information and good photography. Female cosplayers take the spotlight, and there are many pretty costumes to view. A single, full-length shot of every Cosplayer allows one to enjoy the entire costume. Many characters from popular anime, manga, video game and even TV commercials are shown, including Final Fantasy X-2, Guilty Gear XX, One Piece, Sakura Wars, Card Captor Sakura and Inuyasha, to name a few. We were particularly happy to see cosplayers inspired by "Old School" anime and manga, such as Pretty Mami, Aura Battler Dumbine, Cat's Eye, Dr. Slump, Nausicca and Five Star Stories. There are a small number of male cosplayers included, but the real focus is women in costume. A simple 1-piece dress pattern and sewing instructions are provided, that can be modified for a variety of character costumes. Interviews and pictures of cute covergirls Suzuka Mizuhara and Masumi Toyooka. A COSPA fashion section, featuring Gundam Seed, Naruto, D*N*Angel and other costumes. An undergarment section that discusses what bra styles work best with different tops. Makeup tips, with easy to follow instructions. An excellent tutorial on how to make hair gems and elf ears. There is also a section on how to take good cosplay pictures with a digital camera. Giving useful suggestions on proper lighting and interesting poses. Many fabric, costume and prop shop links provided, as well as cosplay model URLs. Manga, cosplay gathering information and even exercise recommendations to prepare for an event. We highly recommend "Layers: Costume Communication Culture Magazine" for its useful tutorials, resources and attractive photography.