Cosplay Complex - Underland Online

• Media Source:Underland Online
• Reviewed By:Mike
• Review Date:06/01/04
• Read the original review click here

Cosplay Complex

It's pretty obvious that I'm a man who loves his anime, but I'll admit that no matter how much I enjoy it, there's been one thing that I have steered clear of, and that's been conventions. I'm not totally opposed to them, but there's something there that really frightens me. Now, it isn't the overpriced collectibles, nor is it the bootleggers trying to turn a quick profit off ill-gotten merchandise. I'm talking about the cosplayers here. In their defense, there are some that do a very good job of it, but from most of the pictures that I've seen, I really don't want to be subjected to some overweight woman who insists on dressing as Sailor Moon (or Sailor Moo in this case) or any others from a huge list that I've mentally created. What's worse, the whole cosplay thing seriously has gotten out of hand these days. I had to deal with girls dresses as pirates when I went to Pirates of the Caribbean as well as people that tried to dress as their favorite characters from Lord of the Rings when the last film opened.

I may not like it, but the fact of the matter is that cosplay is here to stay, but the good thing is that Japanese animators know this, and therefore it becomes a prime target for lampooning. In the past, we've seen them take shots at the video phenomenon itself in Otaku no Video, they've spoofed video games in Arcade Gamer Fubuki, and even slapped manga-ka right in the face in Comic Party. Now however, the cosplayers are getting their moment in the spotlight. Welcome to Cosplay Complex.

Originally released in Japan as a three part OVA, Cosplay Complex is now unleashed upon unsuspecting fans stateside. The series centers on a Cosplay Association at East Oizuki Academy, and they have one single goal: to be the champions at the upcoming Cosplay World Series. However, they don't seem to have quite enough members, that is until a foreign Cosplayer comes to join, and that's where one of their star members, Chako Hasegawa draws the line, and her and the newcomer, Jenny, battle it out to see if she's worthy of membership or not. Add in a fairy that has the ability to change into costumes, an owl, and a ton of costumes and you've got perhaps one of the oddest menageries that anime has ever seen.

I'm really not sure what to make of this at all. One on hand, it definitely has its moments of comedy, but on the other, there are times where I simply can only shake my head in disbelief. This isn't something that's to be taken seriously at all, and it wasn't intended to, much like Excel Saga or Puni Puni Poemi where logical and sensibility are all thrown out the window. The creators of Cosplay Complex knew what they were doing, and they also obviously knew that there was no way that they could make a piece of anime that should be taken with serious thought.

Now, when it comes to cosplay, I'm sure many of you are thinking fan service, and yes, it is all here, and in some ways that you wouldn't be expecting either. There is nudity, and it's what you'd expect with some glances are bare breasts and such. There are a few panty shots, and believe it or not, some references to lesbianism. You see, our newcomer, Jenny Matel, is very upfront about the fact that she's into women, shooting down the clubs only male member, Gorou, right from the start. The target of her lust is a young girl though (bringing a bit of pedophilia to the table as well, which is a bit disturbing) and Jenny is more than willing to get whatever action she can out of her. However, she also gets the opportunity to experience the love of an older woman, thanks to the windowed Sachiko, and while we don't see the action taking place (sorry guys) the fact that it happened cant' be denied. Some might say that these things alone cross the level of good taste, but I say, bring on the lesbians. It's the type of thing that would make Howard Stern proud.

Oh, but there's cosplay as well (the lesbians sidetracked me.) The three episodes become a who's who from the worlds of anime, manga, and video games, and most are sure to recognize at least one or two characters, but probably many more than that. You're Under Arrest, Dead or Alive (the game), Cardcaptor Sakura, and even Kiki's Delivery Service are just a few of the more well-known titles that you will see characters from, and there are plenty more aside from those. However, things are kept in the guise of this being cosplay, so there isn't any blatant rip-off's, and thus, the lawsuits are avoided. Things get even more out of hand though when the team takes on a pair of cosplayers from a rival school (included the required cute girl in glasses) and that's where even more outfits comes into play, and then some.

There are some things here though that are going to confuse quite a few, but really, they are also issues that really shouldn't be focused on in my opinion. The girls also have Ikebukurou, an owl (who ends up judging one of the contests) and Delmo, an impish girl that can transform herself into just about any costume that Chako wants. We get the chance to see how they came to Earth, but as far as the secrets behind the powers, that's a mystery. We also see Sachiko at one point in shock at seeing someone (I will presume her 'dead' lover) right at the end of the anime, but then things just end without much resolve. However, in this case I think that it's intentional on the part of the creators, taking an opportunity to not only poke fun at cosplay but also the ways that many anime series end. Cosplay Complex is left wide-open for a follow-up series, but this is one time where I'm going to assume that is never going to happen, and though there may very well be some unanswered questions, this time it's more than acceptable.

The one thing though that I don't care much for is the animation. It's not nearly as well defined or eye catching as what many series or films are. This is one of the things that I have always found to be the bane of any OVA series though. The one thing that was paid attention to however were the costumes, and really, that's the most important thing here. The character designs though I didn't find to be too terribly memorable.

The extras on the disc, while rather spares, aren't too bad really. There is a look at some of the sketches, and that's okay if you're into that sort of thing. What I enjoyed though is Cosplay 101, which is a look at many of the different personalities that show up along the way through the three episodes. There is a clean version on the opening, of course, and while there is a clean version of the closing, this is one of the few times that I'm fine with that. Cosplay Complex as three different endings (one for each episode) and while the song remains the same, each one has a collection of different Japanese fans (mainly female) all decked out in their finest. The usual closing obscures these with credits, but the clean versions obviously give you a full look at everything. I may not be into cosplay, but there's just something sexy about a Japanese girl dressed up as whatever character she's chosen. Lastly, the disc comes with a poster, but on the reverse side you will find a write-up by Kunihiro Fujiwara about his experience with the American offshoot of the cosplay phenomena.

At first, I was a bit torn about if I really liked this or not. I was okay with it, then I thought I wasn't impressed and decided to sit a few days before actually writing the final review. Now that I've had some time to really think about it though, Cosplay Complex isn't all that bad. I'm sure that those that are into this sort of activity will find a bit more humor that I did, but please remember that you shouldn't be offended by this either (well, maybe some areas you should be.) This is just a light-hearted look at cosplay, and no real harm is meant. It might be a bit bizarre, and it may very well leave you scratching you head at the end, but it's also going to give you quite a few laughs, and I can see where this would be an OVA where I great drinking game could be made. It's definitely worth checking out.

Episode 1 - The Cosplay Club is Born!

East Oizuki Academy needs more members for the Cosplay Club if they plan on winning the Cosplay World Series, and salvation comes in teh way of Jenny Martel, but she's going to have to prove herself. Gorou has a plan though that will let Jenny show her best again Chako, and make a little money for the club as well.

Episode 2 - Summer Training Camp of Charm

In order to further prepare for the World Series, the group takes a mandatory trip to the beach, supposedly to get ready to face the public (thought it seems to be another money making scheme.) But, when Tamiya, the guy Chako has a crush on, show up, everyone tries to get the two of them together, in some rather lude ways as well.

Episode 3 - The Final Battle! Showdown in the East Oizuki Academy Gym!

Chako bumps into a girl who might be a perfect new member of the Coplay Club, but there's only one problem: she's from a rival school and her senior team member is determined that they are going to be the winners. It's time to put them to the test, and once again, earn a little money for the club in a cosplay battle royal.

Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 (Archive on Thursday, July 01, 2004)