Cosplay Crime

In Cosplay Crime, author Marty Chan has created an adventure crime story focusing on two devoted fans and friends, Bree Wong and Alix. During the excitement of the Anime Expo, Bree and Alix get so caught up in the events and picture taking that they miss the panel with Midori, the Japanese voice actor for the character Red Squirrel. The only opportunity left for Bree, who has attended the Expo dressed as Red Squirrel, to meet her idol is at the signing following the panel. This event is, however, canceled when an original Hiroto print of the character Red Squirrel is stolen during the Expo. Bree then feels it is her duty to find the print and the thief so that she can finally meet her idol.

Chan has created a story that speaks to its audience. Anime is very popular with many age groups, and hence the hook for the reader. The addition of the mysterious crime adds to the story. Through his characters, Chan touches upon many societal issues, such as anxiety and gender identity, as well as friendship and acceptance. The book also asks the characters to reach deep within themselves and find a strength they did not know they had. Finally, it asks the question, what is a hero? Through the character of Bree, the story attempts to answer it.