First Thoughts on Cosplay Melee

​Cosplay comes to our TVs once again, this time as a competition, rather than the documentary style show Heroes of Cosplay which aired in 2013. Syfy takes a unique approach to the typical competition tv series, and it's great to see cosplay getting more exposure. Here's what I thought about last week's episode.

I heard about this awesome show through a few talented cosplayers I follow on Instagram. They will be in upcoming episodes of the show. Each episode follows four talented cosplayers who go head to head in an all-out crafting competition and battle it out for $10,000. The show is hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown and judged by LeeAnna Vamp and Christian Beckman. The first episode introduces cosplayers Grace Herbert, Xavier Conley, Alicia Bellamy, and Fred Reed.

In the episode, the participants have eight hours to build a head piece following the theme of 'Space Opera' - think: Star Wars, Gaurdians of the Galaxy, etc. The participants need to create a unique character inspired by the theme as well. This is to avoid copyright infringement, because characters and costumes are copyright of their respected films!

​After one cosplayer is eliminated, the remaining three participants are hit with a challenge; the character has to fly, using products provided. The winner of the challenge got first pick. They then had two days to build and finish their entire costumes.

It's produced in typical competition fashion - huge anticipation and suspense. There's a little worry that they might not finish, but over all there's no drama between the participants and it really captures the cosplay community. They're already in a time constraint and they take the time to chat and help each other out.

Of course the judges come to check in on them, and it's what you would expect from a competitive show. The story flows really well, shows the thought process of each cosplayer, and you get a glimpse into the different techniques each artist uses - like heating up foam in an oven for example!

​It doesn't stop there; every episode can be watched online, along with awesome bonus content. Tips and tricks, episode recaps, quizzes, and cosplayer portfolios. The only downside is the photographers are linked, but the cosplayers profiles are not! Which is a super bummer. I'd love to  follow every single one of these amazing artists.

EDIT: The official Twitter for Cosplay Melee tweeted me their lists of cosplayers and judges on twitter. You can find all the contestants here.

The next episode is tonight at 10/9c and is Game of Thrones themed! Tune in and tell me what you think! Did you watch the first episode? What did you like or dislike?