Heroes of hope Costume players put on their capes and armours for a greater good
Super Sentai Series, costumes, which are all tailor-made and fit for mobility, so we want to wear them not only at cosplay events, but try to double them for charity," said Alexander Sia, founder of TTM.
Like the Perth Allied Costumers, TTM does not ask for appearance fees "as long as the kids are happy" to see their favourite Power Ranger, Masked Rider or Ultraman. The three-year-old group has helped raise funds for a school, and comforted physically challenged children at the 2014 Picnic In The Park outing.
"It's satisfying to portray our favourite characters, but when we're doing it to cheer up the children, it's a different kind of satisfaction. We feel like their super heroes and we want to bring hope to them," continued Sia, a bank clerk who's been cosplaying for over five years.
Star Wars Charlie Teng, 33, first joined the Malaysian Outpost of 501st Legion in 2008 because of her husband, a Star Wars aficionado. Soon, she was tagging along for a "troop" (charity event), realising that it was also her first time putting effort to raise funds instead of merely donating.
"It was a great experience. I was really happy even though I felt tired, hot and humid in the costume," recalled Teng, who has covered 32 troops since 2012.
Sure enough, no one can testify to the effects of a hot and humid climate like a cosplayer.
Newcomer to the scene John Ong, who handcrafted his Ironman Mark 7 suit out of foam, said there is barely ventilation once the garb is on.
"Usually I sweat from the start until the end of the event, even though I may be in an air-conditioned space. My articulations are greatly limited too. I can't
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