Cosplay has clearly become global phenomenon. No longer confined to the country of Japan, the art of costumed play has now taken root in places like California and Rome. High schools all over the world now have anime and cosplay clubs. Authors are publishing books about cosplay. Major media outlets from CNN to Kyodo News in Japan actually send reporters to cover cosplay events.

Given how far reaching cosplay has become, alltern8.com will now be bringing you regular news reports and links about cosplay from all corners of the globe. From individual blog reports to major news coverage, if people are talking about cosplay, you'll be reading about it here!

This inaugural entry will discuss a brand new cosplay book, cosplayers in Rome, costume veterans giving advice, and more!

1. New Cosplay Book, Cosplay Fever, to Hit Shelves in October in the UK

Cosplay Fever is a brand new book filled with photographs of cosplayers, and it is set to be released on October 20, 2009 at Hi sushi Salsa in London. The book features over 300 photos of cosplayers from the United Kingdom, as well as a history on the rise of cosplay in the UK. The official website is still a bit sparse on any other details, such as the cost of the book and which retailers will be carrying it, but feel free to check it out for links to the book's official Facebook and Flickr accounts: www.cosplayfever.com.
 

2. Cosplayers Take Over Spanish Square in Rome

A group of cosplayers recently staged an event in Rome earlier in the month. Approximately 50 costumed individuals turned out for the event, which was officially supported by the Japanese Embassy in Italy. Misako Aoki, a government-designated pop culture “ambassador” was also in attendance. The event was a precursor to the selection of competitors representing the country of Italy in the World Cosplay Championship, which is being held Nagoya, Japan, next year.