Cosplayers have been growing in popularity for years and on August 13, 2013, they are going to be fully in the limelight on Syfy’s newest show, ‘Heroes of Cosplay’. Don’t worry if you don’t like reality competitions, while this docu-series isn’t one directly, it IS following a group of nine cosplayers as they prepare for the world of cosplay contests. You will see them create their costumes and personas from start to completion and everything that goes into it along the way. Not only that, but you’ll see the results of the contests they are entering with them!

If Holly Conrad’s story in last year’s Morgan Spurlock’s documentary ‘Comic Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope’ was something that caught your interest, then this docu-series is for you! You can get your first look at this six part series in the trailer below.

Are you a fan of Cosplay? Want to learn more and see what others are doing to prepare themselves for competitions? This might just be the show you’ll want to check out. If this isn’t up your alley just be glad they aren’t using their money to make a Sharknado Sequel… Oh wait… What I meant to say is that if this isn’t your thing, you at least have Helix to look forward to!

The ‘Heroes of Cosplay’ Press Release (via Syfy)

Cosplayers and cosplay contests are a fixture and highlight at the many comic book and genre fan conventions around the world. These conventions provide an international stage for fans to showcase often spectacular handcrafted costumes and portray their favorite characters from sci-fi movies, video games, anime and more. In Syfy’s new Heroes of Cosplay (formerly Cosworld), nine passionate fans put their imagination and skills to the test to make a name for themselves in the competitive world of cosplay.

Heroes of Cosplay is a tantalizing docu-series that lifts the veil on the imaginative world of cosplay competition, because fans at the comic book conventions don’t merely dress up as their favorite character; they also compete to see who’s the best!

The series follows cosplayers of all levels, from legend Yaya Han, to rising stars and newbies, as they make a splash at comic book conventions around the country. The series will dive deep into their lives, following their process as they create extravagant and visually arresting costumes each week. These nine constantly defy odds and race against the clock to transform themselves into amazing fictional characters that push the boundaries between fantasy and reality, all in hopes of impressing the convention judges to win a cash prizes and take their cosplay stardom to new heights.

The Heroes of Cosplay cast bring to life a variety of fictional characters but the pressure each one faces and the drama that ensues is very real. The cast includes:

Yaya Han – Yaya is one of the acknowledged legends of cosplay whose entrance at each convention – always in full costume – never fails to create a stir. A source of inspiration and intimidation to the contestants, Atlanta-based Yaya Han is often a judge at contests.

Riki LeCotey – Riki moved from rural Canada to the United States to follow her passion for cosplay. A special effects technician on sci-fi films, she is also the founder of Cosplay for a Cause, which has raised money for victims of the Japanese Tsunami.

Monika Lee – Monika is from Atlanta and a student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she’s majoring in industrial design. A cosplayer since the age of 13, she’s competed in numerous craftsmanship contests winning several “Best in Shows” and various other awards.

Victoria Schmidt – Victoria is co-founder of the geek fashion and style blog settostunning.com. A passionate fan of cosplay since high school, she’s especially proud of being Princess Leia on LucasFilm’s Star Wars float in the 2007 Rose Parade.

Chloe Dykstra was almost fated to be in the cosplay community; her father is an F/X legend, having worked on the original Star Wars and Star Trek films. An actress and model, she hosts the Just Cos show on YouTube’s Nerdist channel.

Jessica Merizan and Holly Conrad – Jessica has performed in regional theater in Southern California since she was five years old. Together, she and fellow cast member Holly Conrad co-founded a costume fabrication shop, cosplay community and new media entertainment company.
Holly was mentored by her very qualified grandfather, Dorse Lanpher, an F/X animator for Disney and others. She now works in the special effects business for several major studios, in addition to her business with Jessica.

Becky Young – Becky has created costumes since attending San Diego Comic-Con in 2006. A trained actress, she has voiced Video Game Nussie on Maxim Radio and was a judge on CBS Sports’ Guitar Hero Competiton show. She lives in Burbank.

Jesse Lagers – Jesse lives in Portland, Oregon, where he works as a software systems administrator. He hopes that success in cosplay competitions will lead to his own business creating costumes and props. Jesse is a stickler for realism and authenticity in all of the costumes he creates.

Heroes of Cosplay premieres on Tuesday, August 13 at 10:30 PM/9:30c following the special 90-minute Season 5 premiere of Face Off. It then moves to its regular time – 10/9c on Tuesdays – starting on August 20th.