With convention season in full swing it seemed like a good time to explain what Rule 63 was in reference to Cosplay. In the list of internet rules published anonymously back in roughly 2007, rule 63 states: "For every given male character, there is a female version of that character; conversely for every given female character, there is a male version of that character."
In other words, there is a female version of all the male characters such as Superman, Batman, Thor, Captain America, Sherlock Holmes, etc etc etc. Just as there are male versions of Wonder Woman, Ms. Marvel and Sookie Stackhouse. The photo below is of Brieanna Renee and a perfect example of Rule 63 as she portrays the King of the Seas.
This concept has been adopted by cosplayers at a staggering rate to the point I've seen an entire gender-bent Justice League at a convention. I'm not sure why it is, perhaps it's a response to the ever increasing number of cosplayers and the desire to have a unique costume yet still be connected to the popular characters we grew up on. I have been to a convention once where there were three Power Girls running around so there is a chance of being just one of a crowd. That was a very good con for cleavage windows.
Curious about the answer, or at least one person's answer, I tracked down Brieanna Renee and asked her: "With all the female characters to choose from, why do a female version of a male character? And Why Aquaman?"
The Inspirational piece found on Joshua William Weinberg's Facebook Page.
Brieanna – It's all about fun and creativity. I don't like every female character… I'm sure a guy could say the same about a male character. I chose to portray a male character because he's one of my favorites from DC. He's a founding member of the justice league and ruler of the seas..I love him.
A Vegas local artist by the name of Joshua Weinberg drew a female Aquaman along with at least a dozen other gender benders that caught my eye. Personally I love Aquaman and not Mera. I didn't want to Cosplay her at all but after seeing an amazing Medieval Aquaman I thought…someone did their own take on his character…finally. so why not Cosplay Joshuas design? I did it because I love the character and the art inspired me to bring him to life. It wasn't a ploy to undress Aquaman but rather a chance to bring the character to life in my own way.
So when you head down to SDCC or any other show this summer, don't freak out when you find yourself starring at Aquaman's feminine curves… just remember everything is possible in an alternate reality.
Here are two other samples of the Rule 63 from my most recent trip to the Phoenix Convention. A lovely Nightwing and a very dangerous looking group of female Spawns and of course one of the Power Girls.
Has quietly been working at Bleeding Cool for over three years. He has written comics for Image, Top Cow, Shadowline, Avatar, IDW, Dynamite, Moonstone, Humanoids and Zenescope. He is the author of the Lucius Fogg series of novels and a published photographer.
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This concept has been adopted by cosplayers at a staggering rate to the point I've seen an entire gender-bent Justice League at a convention. I'm not sure why it is, perhaps it's a response to the ever increasing number of cosplayers and the desire to have a unique costume yet still be connected to the popular characters we grew up on. I have been to a convention once where there were three Power Girls running around so there is a chance of being just one of a crowd. That was a very good con for cleavage windows.
