Nerd Essentials: cosplay conversations with Nina Engledoe
By Bianca Mercedes Lee
Originally published in 2019, this blog has been reuploaded in 2025 as part of the site redesign.
It takes me one second to double-tap a picture of someone in a Kaneki costume. I may spend a few more seconds checking to make sure the correct eye is covered and that it’s accurate from head to black toenails. I will then share the picture and carry on scrolling. To admire this picture took a few seconds but to create that picture took weeks. One of the most exciting aspects of nerd culture is bringing our favourite characters into our reality through the craft of cosplay.
What is Cosplay?
If you are unaware of what cosplay is, then allow me to assist you. Firstly, remove every negative stereotype from your mind of geeky, socially-awkward people running around in a costume thinking they really are Batman. Secondly, ignore the urge to objectify the people dressed as “sexy” characters because their hard work deserves more than an eggplant and peach emoji. Cosplay is derived from the term “costume play” and is about recreating a character and portraying the identity of this character.
Over the years, cosplay has developed into an extraordinary craft and for some, it is their life’s work. I spoke with local cosplayer and professional special effects make-up artist, Nina Engledoe, about her love for cosplay.
Nina Engledoe in a Raven cosplay from DC Comics’ Teen Titans. Image from Nina Engledoe.
Who is Nina Engledoe
This adorable human being looked up to superheroes as a child and realised that she could use make-up to become just like them. She obtained a qualification as a special effects make-up artist and branched into cosplaying in 2016. Nina rapidly levelled up her cosplay skills during the last three years. Her first cosplay was at the 2016 FanCon, the first and only comic convention held annually in Cape Town, and she will be making an appearance as Black Cat at Comic-Con Africa in September 2019. Her favourite character, however, is Harley Quinn and she is currently working on recreating Bombshell Harley – something I am incredibly excited to see. Being so talented, I asked her if she ever found cosplaying to be a challenge. Initially, she struggled with creating patterns but realised that using patterns from existing clothing items and being as resourceful as possible will make it easier over time.To be a good cosplayer or even just a decent cosplayer, you just have to start anywhere. Grab a t-shirt, grab some dye or grab paint and just do your thing…. Use what you’ve got, do what you can and just have fun with it. If you are going to stress about it then it’s not going to be fun anymore and it’s going to feel like a task – Nina Engledoe.
When she is not creating her costumes, she is admiring the work of South African cosplayer, Tayla “Kinpatsu” Barter. Not only do local rising stars like Nina look up to her, but globally she is an award-winning cosplayer which is a bold message to the world that South African creators are setting standards that the rest of the world follows.
Nina cosplaying as another DC Comics character, Harley Quinn, in her iconic red and black jester suit. Image from Nina Engledoe.
Cosplay in South Africa
As South Africans, we often consume our nerd culture from Eastern and Western influences, leaving our local talent to struggle for the media spotlight. However, our nerds and geeks have the creativity and talent worthy of global exhibition – cosplayers in particular. It takes years of practice and patience. We only get to see the completed masterpieces at conventions and on Instagram but what we do not see are all of the hours spent creating patterns, carving foam, and poking our eyes trying to insert contact lenses.
Cosplay and self confidence
During my conversation with Nina, one particular thing stood out to me. Cosplay made her more confident in being herself when she took on the role of a different character. This is not to say that we should all pretend to be someone else to love ourselves. Cosplaying, by dressing as a character that you admire, allows you to consume this admiration. You work hard to create something that you love and at the end, you get to be adorned in it. Once you post your picture or enter the convention, no one cares about your body type or how expensive your costume is – except for the occasional trolls who are not even worth our energy. The community will support you and make you feel as if you truly have superpowers.
I was surprisingly becoming more body positive and comfortable in my own skin. It’s a cool side effect of cosplay. – Nina expressed.
You can follow Nina Engledoe on her cosplay account @nina_gee_cosplay and her make-up account @ninaengledoe.
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