Cosplay is NOT THAT SERIOUS! In this episode of The Cosplay Crunch, we bring in Victoria Bane for a very reflective look at the cosplay community, con culture, and how cosplay has evolved from the early 2000’s to today. We explore Vickie’s journey from her early days in the community to her expertise, and now business, in professional wig styling, as well as her experiences with inclusivity and representation in cosplay and the challenges faced by cosplayers who did not “fit” a specific physical appearance. We break down the uber commercialization of conventions, and the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between cosplay and personal life. Now… we could NOT have Ms. Vickie Bane on the pod without getting her essential tools for wig styling and her personal wig-stress advice. And wait for the end of the pod when we throw it ALL the way back to the VERY memorable times of roof running at Oni-Con 2!

The collab you NEVER saw coming! Or…maybe it was bound to happen??? In this special BONUS episode, we invite CosPod hosts Amber and Val onto the Cosplay Crunch for a good ol’ fashioned cosplay kiki! We discuss the changes to the cosplay community over the years, cosplay knowledge and tutorials, and the challenges of cultivating a true cosplay community. We dive into the cancellation /future of A-Kon and the viability of large conventions in the current economic climate. Of COURSE we have to discuss A-Fest and its LAST YEAR?! Stay until the end to hear about cosplay goals and bucket list items from two cosplayers who have lived through it all!