Maker Comics: Create a Costume!

July 15, 2019
Comic book fans Bea and Parker decide to attend their first comic con in cosplay, dressing as their favorite comic book characters. The Costume Critter, a hamster that lives in Bea's bedroom, introduces this graphic novel as an instructional manual for creating self-made costumes. Within the story, each chapter offers illustrations, starting with all of the tools needed to sew, along with sewing safety tips. Following this introduction, there's a primer on patternmaking, then on how to use a sewing machine. In each chapter, Bea and Parker come up with various theme ideas for costumes, including witches and wizards, superheroes, and space travelers and astronauts. This guide extends from gathering materials for a costume to step-by-step sewing instructions, seeing the cosplay outfit from conception to fully made garment. A nice touch is the addition of body empowerment that recognizes that cosplayers don't need to look exactly like comic-book characters in order to enjoy the experience. Myer also offers comic con attendance tips as well as smart rules of cosplay to help young people stay safe while enjoying the event. The level of detail empowers a young cosplayer to create a costume, though there is the suggestion that an adult may be needed to assist at times. Bea is fat and has beige skin, and Parker presents black. This user-friendly DIY cosplay guide is just the ticket for creating a fantastic cosplay persona. (Informational graphic novel. 9-13)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 30, 2019

Gr 5 Up-This latest volume in the "Maker Comic" graphic novel series (which includes Bake Like a Pro and Fix a Car) looks at cosplay, or the practice of dressing like a favorite character from a TV show, film, or comic book. A comic convention is just a few weeks away, and pals Bea and Parker want to attend and look the part without spending a lot of money. With the help of a cute, knowledgeable hamster named Costume Critter, Bea and Parker learn how to design, sew, and make robes, capes, emblems, utility belts, and other costumes and accessories. This blend of fictional story and instructional manual features clear instructions and illustrations and a positive message about body positivity and the importance of confidence in cosplaying. A glossary and a measurement conversion table round out this slim volume that's packed with information. VERDICT A must for school and public libraries looking to encourage maker culture through cosplay. Middle to high school students interested in costume design and cosplay will appreciate this selection.-Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Library, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.