Ah, Halloween. That time of year when people who cosplay are actually not unique snowflakes in a public crowd. It’s also the time of year when the inevitable temptation of foodstuffs starts, starting with candy and sweets and finishing with an “I ate wayyy too much” Christmas dinner. I can feel my teeth rotting already.
While you could lump some geeks into the general pool of people who are apathetic or worse, cynical about Halloween, for others in the geek persuasion it’s a time to be a bit more comfortable with their own geek tendencies. There’s the obvious costuming practice, for example. Sure, there are still ways in which geeks tend to confuse people with their costume choices (if you have to explain why your “computer byte” costume is funny, you’re doing it wrong), but for the most part, it’s a way to come out of your shell. If you’ve ever had an inkling to dress as a favorite video game character or sci-fi idol that looks sufficiently bad-ass enough to be generally appealing, Halloween is the time to express that desire in spades.
Deeper than that, there’s the whole idea of playing another role that is not yourself. Whether it’s in online games, role-playing endeavors, or the Internet proper, geek-folk are used to slipping into another skin and depicting themselves in a different way. When everyone’s doing it at Halloween, it’s not so bad, especially in a social scene where those of us that are inclined to do so head out on the town or to someone’s place for a night of visual hilarity. You really only get this kind of environment at conventions, where costumes are as common as comics, so to have a dedicated holiday for it is always a good time.
Me? I’m an observer, or in some cases, the trickster hiding in the bushes with the hose to scare potential candy-seekers. Being in this vantage point, I’m able to catch unique moments, such as the surreal imagery of a traditional witch and catgirl getting their boogie on with a Sephiroth and Cloud combo. I enjoy seeing what people come up with for costumes but have only been in one a small handful of times. But if you’re curious about what a positive, sunny guy like me looks like, especially on Halloween, here’s a rare peek into my real life:
I think I picked a devilishly handsome costume, wouldn’t you say?
Have a Happy Halloween, geekery!