via Flickr
Thanks to a decade’s worth of interwoven storylines, fans of the previous 19 Marvel Universe films will find closure with the 20th release, “Avengers: Endgame.”
Some enthusiastic fans are going all out for the premiere down to this fantasy-driven wardrobe choice.
Cosplay (short for “costume play”) is a fun culture dating back to the 1930s in which fans fashion costumes, makeup, and weaponry after their favorite fictional characters.
Black nerds (or “blerds”) especially enjoy the sense of community, freedom, and creativity that comes from cosplay events like film premieres. But this culture’s impact goes even deeper than that.
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Their story arcs empower the underdog or those who society might consider different and therefore threatening or lesser than.
Blerds especially can relate to feeling cast out and underappreciated by those in power - until it’s time to save the day, of course!
Many cosplayers (like Instagram users @kieraplease, @PanteronaCosplay, @kayyybear, and @mynamesash_) have HUGE collections of past looks you can enjoy browsing right now.
The carefree way this hobby is inspiring Black youth and adults alike to celebrate their quirky identities free from judgment is the kind of lighthearted joy we need in these dark times.