Cosplayers dress up as their favorite hero(es) or characters from video games, comic books, or movies, and then act like their character as they interact with other cosplayers. We caught up with some of Kenya's cosplayers and sought their thoughts on the local scene and the Nairobi Comic Convention (NAICCON):Xavier KyalleKB: What does cosplay mean to you? As my creative outlet, cosplay allows me to act on my need to make things with my hands. It's also a very fulfilling way of spending time. Especially when it pays off.KB: What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself? Very selective; I don't do just any character. And, unlike a few friends of mine who love putting together reasonably simple costumes, I find myself drawn towards making more complex ones. Some of my costumes effectively show off my ability to craft foam props.KB: What is your least favorite thing about cosplaying? The cost. No lies here; cosplay isn't a cheap hobby; especially when done with a reasonable level of accuracy to source material.KB: Do you see yourself cosplaying in 10 years? Definitely. I'm having too much fun with it now to stop.KB: If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? The San Diego Comic Con (SDCC).KB: Memorable NAICCON moment? I won my first cosplay competition at NAICCON 2017. It is still my most memorable moment from any convention, NAICCON or otherwise.JULIUS MOKAYAKB: What does cosplay mean to you? It's an art of expression where I get to suit up in sparkly outfits whenever my laundry basket gets full.KB: What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself?I consider myself a noob cosplayer; learning the trade by making spectacularly bad decisions two nights before an actual convention KB: What is your least favorite thing about cosplaying?   Lacking the time, means and mental power to pursue it daily.KB: Do you see yourself cosplaying in 10 years?Yes. I look forward to dressing up my grandkids as Batman and Superman, and then refereeing their playgames dressed as Thanos lol.KB: If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be?   At the San Diego Comic Convention in California, US. Just because, wow!KB: Memorable NAICCON moment?  My favorite NAICCON moment was the very moment I walked in with face paint, and seeing everyone's reaction. It's fun whenever there's positive feedback to an outfit by any of us.SYLVIA KINYANJUIKB: What does cosplay mean to you?It's a form of expression for me as an artist to create and bring fantasy into life.KB: What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself?I'm more of an artistic cosplayer, because I incorporate body paint and make up in my looks.KB: What is your least favorite thing about Cosplaying?   Falling into a creative block from which I can't seem to move forward.KB: Do you see yourself cosplaying in 10 years?Yes, I do.  I see myself doing it for as long as I can, because it's fun and it's also part of my work as an artist.KB: If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be?   I would definitely love to attend San Diego Comic Convention because the best of the best cosplayers attend it. They usually host panels for comic related movies and shows. We all know how dope that is!KB: Memorable NAICCON moment?  My favorite NAICCON moment was in 2018. The individuals who cosplayed really brought their A-game and it was just amazing. Also, it was fun for me because I painted a Rick n Morty T shirt the previous night and still wore it that Saturday. I can say I worked some magic.JULIET MBERIAKB: What does cosplay mean to you? It's a means through which I express things I'm passionate about while getting to be someone else for a couple of hours. It is a way for me to de-stress from a hectic work life.KB: What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself? A conservative one. I haven't done it for some time, but my style is pretty conservative and tomboy-ish. I have a penchant for OP (Black Ops) male characters.KB: What is your least favorite thing about cosplaying?Not having the time for crafting. I've had my friends help me out with some costumes and to date I remain grateful.KB: Do you see yourself cosplaying in 10 years? Definitely! It would be a wonderful opportunity to share the hobby with my future spawn and to encourage creativity and social skills. Also, I'll get my chance to cosplay popular dual characters. Think Kiba and Akamaru or Baby Beel and Hilda. The list is endless.KB: If you could Cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be? The San Diego Comic Con.KB: Memorable NAICCON moment? NAICCON 2014, my first ComiCon. I remember being so hyped for it, because I'd always admired comic cons from around the world; and being able to have one at home was a dream come true. It was so nerve-racking being among the few who actually came in costume. I almost died from embarrassment when we had a Deadpool dance-off.SUGAR EMCEEKB: What does cosplay mean to you?It's an art that reminds me to be limitless; I can be whoever I want to be.KB: What kind of Cosplayer do you consider yourself?I identify myself with 'Maleficent' best. Her outward appearance can be intimidating, but if you get to know her, she can be a sweetheart.KB: What is your least favorite thing about cosplaying?I must say, some outfits can be very uncomfortable and/or heavy and sometimes challenging to wear.KB: Do you see yourself cosplaying in 10 years? Yes! It's a business I plan to do forever.KB: If you could cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be?New York Comic Con.KB: Memorable NAICCON moment?My most memorable has to be when the MC called out my name as the cosplay champion in 2018. It's like time froze just for that moment; and I'm so grateful.WAMBUI EFFIEKB: What does cosplay mean to you? It's fun expression of fandom; dressing up as your favorite character from any genre from gaming, anime or manga, comics or even movies.KB: What kind of cosplayer do you consider yourself?I would say I am more of a crafter.KB: What is your least favorite thing about cosplaying? Probably the fact that it isn't widely known in Kenya; and everyone keeps wondering what cosplay is.KB: Do you see yourself cosplaying in 10 years?Of course! And hopefully, it'll become my primary source of income; one way or another.KB: If you could Cosplay anywhere in the world, where would it be?The Anime ExpoKB: Memorable NAICCON moment?I'd have to be a bit selfish and say the times I won at cosplay competitions.  It feels really good to work hard on something and to have people appreciate your effort.