On September 27, the New York Anime Fest played host once more to the World Cosplay Summit Preliminaries. It was during this unique masquerade experience that some of the best cosplayers in the country came to compete for the chance to represent the US in Japan next summer. It was at last years competition that the two cosplayers from NYC, Umister and Soni were chosen and represented our country proudly in Japan.

This year, the competition was stepped up at least a ten-fold. From dramatic to dance to even the occasional Rick Roll, the skits offered the audience and the judges a wonderful evening of entertainment. As an extra bonus, the third place WCS team from Osaka, Japan even performed their award winning skit as an exhibition for the audience that earned them a standing ovation and at least five minutes of applause.

In my own opinion, it was almost difficult to choose some of my favorite skits. But, there are still a small handful that stand out above the rest. There a beautiful dancing skit with two of the main characters of Ah! My Goddess that made the audience watch in awe of their fantastic flag work. Then, there was a Code Geass skit to end all skits. The comedy was witty and the slapstick had people laughing and cheering. Beatmania, a very popular rhythm game, gave the audience a mix of amazing dancing and usage of props.

But the one that stole and show and became the new US team this year was Ms. India Davis and Ms. Elizabeth Licata, two fashion students from right in New York City. Their costumes from the CLAMP manga xxxHolic showed some of the most stunning craftsmanship and their skit was simple yet very elegant. India’s dress even lit up at the flip of a switch!

Once again, the preliminaries brought out of the best of the best and everyone worked their hardest for the chance to compete for our country. So, to India and Elizabeth: we are all very proud of you and wish you the best in this coming year of preparation. Good Luck Ladies!