(cos)WED: Rethink Cosplay

Written by Riri (@lillyums)

The first Cosplay Wednesday of 2019 goes to New York cosplayer, Rethink Cosplay. Rethink is here to show The Scarecrow, one of Batman's longest running villains, the criminally insane psychologist to... well, the criminally insane has played a major role in Batman's mythos from page to screen, even playing as a major antagonist in the the end of the Arkham series trilogy. As a major part of Batman's Rogues Gallery, Scarecrow stands as one of the most lethal and wicked members of it.

Cosplayer: Rethink Cosplay (IG)
Cosplay: The Scarecrow
Series: Batman
Photographer:
photo 1: IG @_whalewindoor
photo 2: IG @julezphoto357
photo 3: IG @xchocomanx

1. How long have you been cosplaying?
7-8 years. I'm just now tracking down everything in those years.

2. Why did you choose to cosplay this character?
I've always admired this idea of the "definitive take" on a character. What is the ultimate this/or that. I perused the Rogues Gallery, being my favorite place to choose from, and had already seen some good Jokers and Banes. I wanted mine to stand out. This idea that a Scarecrow already exists in real life, I wanted mine to be derivative of its actual use. So I imagined going as the Scarecrow BEING a scarecrow.

3. How long did it take you to complete?
It came together quicker than I thought, only because I had spent so long figuring out how I would tackle this for months now. Took me about a month, including scouring the city for the rights parts. I would say about a month to make, with each week devoted to either building, painting, etc.

4. Any difficulties when constructing the costume?
I wouldn't say so much building as it is being worn in public. Sometimes making something for so long in one spot, you forget things like length and could easily forget how it'll fit through door frames, if not through the adoring stoping to take your picture, New York City public. Breaking it down would entail it being gone altogether, and it wouldn't fit in any transportation, so like most times, I had to walk it to the convention center. Should anyone I hit on the way there see this, I'm very sorry.

5. What do you love most about cosplaying this character?
The cosplay in and of itself is a gag. I always veer towards the funny and the punny if I could. I sat on so may interpretive ideas that came to me little by little, the branches for fingers, the torso being a burlap sack, where else the noose could go? (I snuck another one in on the end cause I thought the cross section looked like a game of hangman). It helps to start thinking a while ahead with cosplay to allow the natural flow of ideas once you're already sold on doing the character. The Scarecrow now has so many versions I wanted to add my distinct touch(s). You'll even see a nod to Batman in there, with the crow on part of the left.

6. Where did you debut this costume? If you haven't... where do you plan to debut?
This cosplay debuted at New York Comic Con on a Sunday. I had forgotten all about Sunday being "kids day", and realized children might have been scared, but they all seemed to love it, which was a relief. Being this took place in October, it also felt seasonal and more on purpose than anything.

7. What's next? Cosplay related of course...
I'm working towards more "illusionary" stuff you might say. Think magic show, theater props, etc. More distortion of characters. I have crazier things in mind, and even more I would like to see if I can get away with. Now that I know people respond well to my genre of cosplay, I can try and give them more of what I think they'd appreciate. It won't be more of the same, rather that "out of left field" thinking quality will be there. That's how they'll be able to recognize it. If you have to rethink what the cosplay is; and ask yourself what you're seeing - it's probably me.

My concentration right now is just New York Comic Cons though. I already spend so much on cosplaying for all 4 days its in town, that a plane ticket elsewhere would be costly. I am more than open and happy to cosplay at other conventions, but dealing with hotels and safe transport of costumes/building in unfamiliar territory, is iffy. I could make collapsable pieces but I wouldnt sacrifice function for the final product just yet.

I am loyal to New York, so I like being a part of what makes it for some people. The love you get from NYCC makes up for the love you never got from XYZ. I will always find a way to be there, fair and square - and scare :)

I see what you did there in your ending statement, Rethink!! We look forward to seeing more of your work!! Great job.

Interested in feature your cosplay that you worked so hard on? Submit below.