For fans of cosplay, Reika needs no introduction. For the rest of us, her popularity might seem a little like a snake eating its own tail: She's a superfan who handcrafts costumes to bring fictional characters to life, with superfans who make tribute art depicting her depicting, say, Levi from Attack on Titan. Reika has been a self-described otaku, an über-geek, for 20 years. Nonetheless, she is charming, gracious, and deserving of praise for her meticulous portrayals, mostly of strong male heroes. Sadly, VIP positioning in Reika's autograph line has already sold out, but there will be plenty of opportunities to see her at the San Francisco Anime & Cosplay Festival. For dilettantes, there is a dedicated coaching area, where veteran senpai — sort of like cosplay drag mothers — offer crucial advice. Also expect a gallery exhibition, a posing contest, and several live musical performances — might we suggest Maids on Stage, which will provide a surreal glimpse into the popular Japanese maid scene. Irasshaimase, Goshujin-sama!
The San Francisco Anime & Cosplay Festival starts at 11 a.m. at Japantown Peace Plaza, 1610 Geary Blvd., S.F. Free, VIP tickets up to $140; 415-440-1171 or sfanimefestival.org.
415-831-2700
Comments are closed.
