70 years of GODZILLA

Godzilla: A Timeless Icon Celebrates 70 Years

The latest entry in the Monsterverse, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, once again brings two of cinema’s most legendary monsters back to the big screen. But beyond this film’s release, 2024 marks a special milestone: 70 years of Godzilla. As a longtime fan, I’m thrilled to reflect on this iconic franchise, its impact, and its ongoing evolution, especially when compared to past Western adaptations.

The Monsterverse and Its Appeal

The Monsterverse, much like Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, is a shared universe of interconnected films featuring giant monsters, or Kaiju, a genre deeply rooted in Japanese cinema. While the Monsterverse primarily revolves around Godzilla and King Kong, it has also introduced legendary creatures such as Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Mechagodzilla. However, at its core, the storylines remain simple: an emerging threat appears, and Godzilla or Kong rises to combat it. In Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Kong searches for his kin in the Hollow Earth but instead encounters a new and formidable enemy. Meanwhile, Godzilla senses the growing danger and powers up using nuclear energy for the inevitable climactic battle.

While these films will never win Oscars for their scripts, they do excel in breathtaking visual effects, as evidenced by Godzilla Minus One, which won an Academy Award for its stunning CGI work. Modern audiences may appreciate the high-end digital spectacle, but traditionalists still cherish the charm of Toho’s original suitmation and miniature city destruction.

Western Adaptations: The Rise and Fall Before Success

Godzilla’s journey in the West has had its highs and lows. The first significant attempt at a Western adaptation, Roland Emmerich’s Godzilla (1998), remains a sore spot for fans. Dubbed G.I.N.O. (Godzilla in Name Only), this film was widely ridiculed for straying too far from the essence of Godzilla. Instead of an unstoppable force of nature, this iteration was a mere oversized lizard that lacked Godzilla’s signature atomic breath and indomitable presence. Fans rejected it so strongly that Toho themselves mocked G.I.N.O. by having the real Godzilla obliterate the imposter in Godzilla: Final Wars (2004).

It wasn’t until Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla (2014) that Hollywood finally did justice to the King of the Monsters. This version paid homage to Toho’s legacy, maintaining the character’s grandeur and power while expanding his mythology. Legendary’s Monsterverse has since provided a respectful and thrilling interpretation of Godzilla, even as Toho continues to produce its own films in parallel, ensuring that the original Japanese spirit of the franchise endures.

Personal Experience and Godzilla’s Legacy

As a dedicated fan, I’ve had the opportunity to explore iconic locations tied to Godzilla’s history. In 2022, I visited Atami Castle, famously featured in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), a landmark that showcases how deeply Godzilla is woven into Japanese culture. With every new film, whether from Toho or Legendary, the franchise continues to evolve while respecting its roots.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to see which classic monsters might make their return. Fans speculated the reappearance of SpaceGodzilla, yet The New Empire introduced entirely new creatures instead. Perhaps a future installment will finally bring back SpaceGodzilla or even the terrifying Destoroyah.

Regardless of direction, Godzilla remains an enduring symbol of cinematic spectacle. Here’s to another 70 years of the King of the Monsters!

Triumph of Stupidity

Oliver Kalkofe’s “Triumph of Stupidity” – A Scathing Critique of Modern Media

In his latest book, Sieg der Blödigkeit – Ist die Vernunft noch zu retten? (Triumph of Stupidity – Can Reason Still Be Saved?), German satirist Oliver Kalkofe delivers a merciless takedown of the ever-growing culture of idiocy in modern media and society. Known for his razor-sharp wit and brutal honesty in Kalkofes Mattscheibe, Kalkofe dissects the absurdities of television, social media, and public discourse with humor that is both entertaining and deeply unsettling.

His book is a passionate, biting critique of the way media have adjusted their content to cater to the lowest common denominator. Kalkofe observes that broadcasters and content creators prefer to dumb things down rather than risk provoking or challenging their audiences. The result? A media landscape dominated by shallow, mindless entertainment that values loud personalities over actual talent or intelligence.

The Decline of Intelligence in Entertainment

Kalkofe does not mince words when it comes to the downfall of intellectual programming. According to him, TV producers have long since realized that intelligence and nuance don’t sell as well as easily digestible, brainless content. Rather than aiming for depth or complexity, modern television and social media platforms cater to what he calls “mentally overwhelmed amoeba brains.” The goal is to keep audiences entertained without making them think too hard – or at all.

He takes particular aim at scripted reality shows, trashy celebrity formats, and the influencer culture that thrives on superficiality and self-obsession. Kalkofe mocks the way social media personalities with little to no real skill are celebrated as icons, praising themselves for essentially doing nothing. He argues that platforms like TikTok and Instagram reward vanity and mediocrity, pushing young audiences into a world where attention-seeking and exaggerated self-promotion are more valuable than education or personal growth.

Blunt Humor with a Serious Message

At the heart of Sieg der Blödigkeit is Kalkofe’s signature humor—bold, exaggerated, and unforgiving. His writing style thrives on sharp observations, playful sarcasm, and a sense of frustration with the state of modern media. He describes stupidity as more accessible and comfortable than education, which requires effort and critical thinking. Sentences like “Bräsige Blödigkeit ist nun mal wesentlich bequemer und leichter zugänglich als spröde Bildung oder das mühsame Erfassen von komplizierten Sinnzusammenhängen” (roughly translated: “Lazy stupidity is simply much more comfortable and accessible than dry education or the tedious grasp of complex contexts”) highlight his frustration with a society that increasingly embraces ignorance over intelligence.

Kalkofe also touches on the dangers of digital outrage culture. He points out how easily people today are offended and how quickly they resort to social media attacks and “cancel culture” instead of engaging in meaningful discussions. In his view, the internet has turned into a breeding ground for knee-jerk outrage, where thoughtful debate is replaced by aggressive online mobs.

A Call to Action: Think Before You Watch

Despite its humor, the book carries a serious message: Kalkofe wants to wake people up. He urges his readers to take a step back, examine their media consumption habits, and start thinking critically about the content they engage with. He argues that having a brain and using it should not be a rare phenomenon, writing: “Denn ein Hirn zu haben und dies auch zu benutzen, ist keine Schande und schadet nicht einmal dem Klima. Also nicht schüchtern sein und ruhig mal ausprobieren! Es freut sich!” (Translation: “Having a brain and using it is not a disgrace and doesn’t even harm the climate. So don’t be shy—give it a try! Your brain will thank you!”).

This statement encapsulates Kalkofe’s approach: he doesn’t just complain about the state of the media—he encourages people to do better. Instead of blindly consuming whatever is thrown at them, audiences should start questioning the content they watch and demand higher-quality programming.

A Book That Entertains and Provokes Thought

Sieg der Blödigkeit is more than just a collection of sarcastic observations—it’s a reflection of the absurdity of modern media culture. Kalkofe masterfully blends humor with harsh truths, making readers laugh while forcing them to confront uncomfortable realities. His descriptions of talentless reality TV stars and social media influencers may seem exaggerated, but upon closer examination, they are painfully accurate.

The book leaves readers questioning their own viewing habits: “Why did I waste my time watching that nonsense?” It highlights how easily people fall into the trap of consuming brainless content simply because it’s there, readily available, and marketed as entertainment.

For Fans of Sharp Satire

For anyone who enjoys biting social criticism, Sieg der Blödigkeit is a must-read. Kalkofe’s humor is sharp, his analysis brutally honest, and his frustration with modern media palpable. It is a book that will make you laugh out loud, shake your head in disbelief, and perhaps even reconsider your own media consumption.

Released on November 4th, Sieg der Blödigkeit invites readers to both chuckle at and critically reflect on the state of today’s entertainment industry.

A new take on Zelda - no Damsel in distress and a Reminder to the past

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom 

A Fresh Nod to Retro Gaming with a Wall of Inaccessibility

Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom offers a delightful and modern twist on the Zelda franchise, capturing the charm and fun of earlier Zelda titles while incorporating a fresh new style. The game brings to mind the golden age of gaming in the '90s, recalling the beloved experiences of playing on the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, SNES, and N64. The top-down perspective and engine used in Echoes of Wisdom hark back to the pixelated nostalgia of those classic games, blending modern visuals with retro charm.

There’s no doubt that Echoes of Wisdom benefits from its unique blend of old-school mechanics and fresh design. It’s an experience that evokes a warm sense of nostalgia, transporting players back to the simpler days of handheld gaming, where titles like A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, and Ocarina of Time held a special place in our hearts. The fresh art direction and modern mechanics offer a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, making it a joy to play.

However, while the game successfully taps into this rich history, it simultaneously draws attention to a pressing issue in the world of retro gaming: the growing wall of inaccessibility. Despite the positive homage to earlier Zelda titles, the ability to access these retro games remains frustratingly difficult. Many of the classic Zelda games that shaped the series—such as Wind Waker, Ocarina of Time, or even the earlier Game Boy and SNES titles—are either unavailable or overpriced on the second-hand market, preventing many players from experiencing these masterpieces.

This contrast is impossible to ignore as you play Echoes of Wisdom. The game is a vivid reminder of how much joy these classic titles continue to bring, yet it also underscores how difficult it is for new players to experience the roots of the series. Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom embodies the nostalgia of the '90s, but at the same time, highlights how those classic games remain locked away in physical cartridges, scarce and increasingly costly, or buried behind complicated emulation options.

As retro games continue to rise in price and scarcity, it is clear that the gaming industry must do more to make these classics accessible to all players. A more robust and accessible digital library for retro titles could solve this issue and allow players to enjoy the history and evolution of the Zelda series without the financial or logistical barriers that currently exist.

Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a great game that celebrates the past while offering something new. Yet, it’s also a reminder that while modern technology allows us to revisit the glory days of the '90s, the means to actually do so remain limited, preventing a full celebration of gaming's rich history.

Cosplay vs. Costuming

Cosplay vs. Costuming: The Evolution and Cultural Context

Cosplay: Performance-Based and Otaku-Subculture Origin

• Cosplay (a combination of "costume" and "play") originated in Japan, deeply intertwined with the Otaku subculture, which is a fandom-driven, performance-oriented culture. The core of cosplay lies in embodying a character and performing their persona, often in a social, community-centered environment like conventions or fan gatherings. It’s not just about the costume, but about immersing oneself in the character through interaction, role-playing, and engaging with others.

• In the early days of cosplay in Japan, it was heavily rooted in anime, manga, and related fandoms, where accuracy and craftsmanship were paramount. Cosplayers often create their costumes by hand, engaging in crafting, sewing, and prop making to replicate the characters as closely as possible. Performance and fandom engagement were key parts of this culture.

Costuming: Community-Centered and "Nerd" Culture Origin

• Costuming, in contrast, stems from broader Western "nerd" culture, notably in areas like Star Trek, sci-fi, and historical reenactments. Costuming often has a community-centered focus, where the emphasis is on fandom participation rather than acting out a character’s persona. For example, wearing a Star Trek red shirt uniform might not involve portraying a specific character but simply being a part of the Star Trek universe as a fan.

• The goal of costuming is often less about performance and more about identity expression within a group. People may wear costumes to join a community, share their love for a show or movie, and participate in fandoms, even if they're not performing as a particular character. Many people who are into costuming buy their costumes rather than creating them, though there are still DIY elements in certain fandoms.

Cosplay's Evolution from Japan to the West: Combined Definitions

• As cosplay spread from Japan to Europe and the West, these two ideas—performative immersion (from Otaku culture) and community participation (from "nerd" culture)—merged under the same umbrella of "cosplay." In Western cultures, the term has expanded to include both DIY crafting and buying costumes, as the culture evolved to incorporate these varied aspects. Cosplay is no longer just about performance art or character embodiment; it also reflects the desire for community connection and shared fandom.

The Current Misuse of "Cosplay" in Commercial Contexts

• Unfortunately, the term "cosplay" has also been misappropriated in recent years, especially in the context of kink and OnlyFans marketing. In these commercial spaces, "cosplay" is increasingly used as a marketing tool to attract followers or subscribers, often distorted from its original context as a creative, performance-based fandom activity.

• This trend involves sexualized portrayals of characters, where the focus shifts away from fandom and community to manipulation for profit. This commercialized version of cosplay exploits the term for attention and marketing, straying far from its artistic, craft-oriented roots and original community-driven intentions.

Key Differences Between Cosplay and Costuming:

1. Cosplay:

   • Originated from the Otaku subculture in Japan, where it was about performance, role-playing, and character immersion.

   • Strong focus on craftsmanship (DIY costumes, sewing, prop-making) and community engagement.

   • In the West, it blends crafting, sewing, and performing a character, with a growing emphasis on fandom involvement and character portrayal.

2. Costuming:

   • Rooted in nerd cultures like Star Trek and sci-fi, focusing more on community participation than character portrayal.

   • Involves wearing costumes to be part of a fandom group rather than embodying a specific character.

   • Costumes are often bought rather than made, and the focus is more on fandom identification rather than creative performance.

The Misuse of "Cosplay":

• Cosplay has been distorted in recent years by kink culture and OnlyFans, where the term is now sometimes used as a tool to generate subscribers or create commercialized, sexualized content. This represents a shift away from the creative, fan-centric roots of cosplay into more exploitative, profit-driven uses of the term.

Final Thoughts:

In the modern context, cosplay and costuming are often used interchangeably, but their origins, cultural meanings, and community roles remain distinct. Cosplay started as a performance-oriented activity deeply connected to fan culture, particularly in Japan's Otaku subculture, while costuming is more about community participation and often doesn't require the same level of character immersion or craftsmanship. As the term "cosplay" has gained global popularity, especially in the West, it has broadened to encompass both DIY crafting and purchased costumes, leading to its current multifaceted definition. Unfortunately, this has also led to the term's misuse for commercial purposes, straying from its original community-driven, creative focus.

Cosplay Festa Osaka 2024

Nipponbashi Street Festa: Origins, Cultural Relevance, and Comparison with Major Japanese Events

The Nipponbashi Street Festa in Osaka is one of the most significant cosplay events in Japan, attracting thousands of fans, photographers, and participants every year. Held in the bustling Den Den Town, an area known for its vibrant electronic and otaku culture, the event has become a key gathering for cosplay enthusiasts, anime fans, and pop culture aficionados.

Origins and Evolution

The festival, which started in 2005, was originally conceived as a way to celebrate Osaka's otaku culture, which has been thriving for decades. The Nipponbashi district, also known as Den Den Town, is the Osaka equivalent of Tokyo's Akihabara, housing numerous shops selling anime, manga, video games, and electronics. The event was designed as a public celebration of this subculture, providing a space for people to express themselves through cosplay, as well as a place for vendors to engage directly with fans.

Over the years, Nipponbashi Street Festa has expanded, becoming one of the largest outdoor cosplay events in Japan, drawing around 250,000 visitors annually. The festival includes cosplay parades, live performances, vendor booths selling anime merchandise, and special photo zones where cosplayers and photographers alike can create memorable moments. It has now become a cornerstone of Osaka’s identity within the otaku community, celebrating a mix of traditional Japanese fandom and modern pop culture.

Cultural Relevance for Cosplay and Otaku Culture

Nipponbashi Street Festa holds a special place in Osaka’s otaku culture and in the wider context of Japanese pop culture. In Osaka, Den Den Town serves as the heart of the otaku community, similar to how Akihabara is viewed in Tokyo. The festival attracts people not only from Japan but also from overseas, highlighting the global appeal of Japanese pop culture, particularly anime and manga. Cosplay is the highlight of the event, with participants dressing as characters from popular anime, manga, video games, and movies, showcasing Japan’s deep connection to visual storytelling and character-driven entertainment.

For cosplayers, the festival offers a rare opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, share their creations, and participate in one of Japan's largest cosplay celebrations. It’s a moment of creative expression where fans transform into their favorite characters, often spending months on costumes and makeup. The festival encourages inclusivity and appreciation for the art of cosplay, helping it to evolve from a niche hobby to a mainstream cultural phenomenon.

While the event's crowds and challenges with photography (especially during rainy weather or overly crowded conditions) may limit certain aspects of the experience, they also reflect the immense popularity and cultural relevance of the event. The queues of photographers waiting for a chance to capture a perfect shot underscore the importance of Nipponbashi Street Festa in both local and international cosplay communities.

Comparison with Other Major Events: Comiket and Tokyo Game Show

When comparing the Nipponbashi Street Festa to other major events such as Comiket (Comic Market) and the Tokyo Game Show, it is important to understand their unique roles within Japan’s pop culture scene.

• Comiket: As the world's largest doujinshi (self-published works) convention, Comiket is primarily focused on the exchange and sale of indie manga, art, and fan-made materials. Held twice a year in Tokyo, it attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees, many of whom are there to buy and sell self-produced works, while cosplay plays a secondary role. Unlike Nipponbashi Street Festa, which focuses on outdoor cosplay and fan engagement, Comiket is more of an indoor, vendor-oriented event, offering a distinct atmosphere centered around fan creativity and self-publishing. Comiket’s emphasis is on fan-made content rather than professional cosplay, making it a more niche event compared to the wider public appeal of Nipponbashi Street Festa.

• Tokyo Game Show (TGS): The Tokyo Game Show, held annually in Chiba, is Japan’s most significant video game expo, drawing large crowds of gamers, industry professionals, and media. It is not focused on cosplay or manga, but rather on the latest developments in the video game industry. While the TGS occasionally features cosplay as part of its promotional efforts, it is primarily a trade and media event aimed at showcasing new games and technologies. The Nipponbashi Street Festa, by contrast, is much more about the fan experience, allowing for direct interaction with other otaku and cosplayers in a celebratory public space.

Both Comiket and Tokyo Game Show have a much larger scale and international recognition in their respective domains, but the Nipponbashi Street Festa offers something unique with its street festival atmosphere, the integration of cosplay into the urban landscape of Osaka, and its ability to bring together cosplay fans, anime lovers, and pop culture enthusiasts in an open and festive environment.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Nipponbashi Street Festa

As for the future of Nipponbashi Street Festa, there are high hopes that the event will continue to thrive in the coming years. Despite challenges such as the unpredictability of crowds and weather, the festival's ability to adapt and grow remains a testament to its importance in Japanese pop culture. The festival’s relaxed outdoor vibe and its focus on cosplay and fan-driven creativity ensure that it will remain a beloved event in the Japanese otaku calendar, alongside other major events such as Comiket and the Tokyo Game Show.

In conclusion, Nipponbashi Street Festa stands as a significant event for Osaka’s otaku culture, offering a unique blend of cosplay celebration, community interaction, and cultural expression. While it shares some similarities with larger events like Comiket and the Tokyo Game Show, it remains a distinct and cherished part of Japan's broader fandom culture. The event’s dedication to cosplay and fan engagement ensures that it will continue to draw passionate participants and fans in the years to come.

Books - Books - Books and a few Cosplayers

It's this time of year again and I am not talking about Christmas, but in some cases it can also bring joy to the people. I am talking about the Book Fair Leipzig (Leipziger Buchmesse) which is finally back on track, meaning it's back in March instead of April (2023) or its little popup "brother" 2 years ago.

heckinginsane

And for me Book Fair always means meeting an insanely huge ammount of Cosplayers. For many years it has been the season opener for the cosplay community, but it lost some of its relevance. It still might be the first big national event for cosplayers, but there are a few smaller yet earlier conventions, e.g. Dedeco in Dresden which can be considered as season openener together with MAG-C in Erfurt.

dianawonder84

lightning_cosplay

yayahan

namina_08

kujakuhime

vani_sun06

dianawonder84

I am definitely looking forward to tomorrow when thousands of anime, manga and game lovers will dress up as their favorite heros. Especially the glass hall will be my main turf as usual, because the light is just so amazing, if the weather plays along, as it normally does. 

Nephelux

alge_sama_cosplay

Namina_08

franoue_smile

xx_evander_xx

I am already very excited and absolutely curious. I have already prepared all of my camera gear and am ready to go for a wild ride of 4 days full of cosplay and otaku related show acts or shopping booths, although those are less relevant for me - too expensive and always the same items that I would not get at any Hard Off yet I could get those for one third of the price.

Nephelux

Let's enjoy the Book Fair Leipzig from March 21st-24th.

EDIT: ...If you can, because the local streetcars and busses are on a strike on Thursday and Friday. 

Written by Iman Shuaibat

DRESSED

It's been a little quiet lately, but that doesn't mean stagnation or stasis.

It has just been a focus shift to other platforms like INSTAGRAM.

Yet still I haven't been standing still, so I want to use this post to share my latest project.

Over the course of the last 15 months I have been doing hundrets of photo shootings with a large ammount of Cosplayers. This collection of over 20.000 pictures was used to pushing forward my idea of an artbook for Cosplay portraits. Beside the many opportunities on conventions I also did a lot of private shootings around Germany, e.g. in a park close to the main station in Erfurt or in several places in Leipzig and Berlin always trying to perfectly match the location and season with the Cosplayers and their costumes. Before I go on, here are a few examples.

Those handpicked pictures and the selected people are pieces of fine art. In late 2021, but actually efficiently in 2022 I really had my first chance of taking pictures in the exact style that I wished to take them. The reason for that is my CANON R5 in combination with my SAMYANG 85mm F1.4, as well as the 24-70 F2.8, 70-200 F4 and a few more from CANON.

This portrait artbook is a piece of passion.

This Book is MORE than just a few portraits of Cosplayers. 

I hope you enjoy the idea of that book.

Here is the Link to that new project - DRESSED - Cosplay Portrait Artbook - preorder your copy on Kickstarter now.