The detailed craft of creating a unique costume, props, and makeup to bring both beloved and reviled characters to life has become a serious art form in the past decade. Today, cosplay is one of the hottest hobbies around, with huge international conventions and competitions making headlines around the world. In this volume, filled with insider info, helpful tips, spectacular color photographs, and dynamic graphics, readers learn not only how to enter...

Pro-gaming, or e-sports, has an enormous and dedicated following; almost a billion people worldwide. It's even covered on ESPN. It boasts international tournaments, big-name stars, massive prize money, and tons of action and excitement. This book unpacks the world of eSports for readers, encouraging them to enter, compete, and conquer by giving them insider knowledge directly from a real-life eSports journalist. Filled with essential terminology,...

Robot battling is one of the hottest hobbies out there, with dedicated television shows, international stars, and crazy, freaky, metal creations. Now, the inside scoop on the wild world of robot battling is available to budding enthusiasts everywhere. Filled with insider know-how, action-packed graphics, and dynamic color photographs, this volume guides readers through this imaginative world of automated competition. The exciting yet accessible language...

Otto Waddle Junior High School is worse than ever. Tip and his geeky friends Mindy, Owen, and Xen have finally come into their superpowers--well, their mediocre powers--and now have a whole new cast of impersonators to take on. Their foursome is being challenged by a rival group of students who are pawns in Darth Susan's evil plot against them. If middle school has any chance of survival, Tip and his friends must take their unusual powers to a whole...

Where can fans meet up, get autographs from their favorite stars, and buy cool merchandise? They can do all these things at conventions. There are many things fans need to know before attending their first 'con,' and they'll find it all in this age-appropriate guide. The engaging text and eye-catching sidebars, graphic organizers, and colorful photographs highlight many kinds of fan conventions. Whether a young fan dreams of traveling to San Diego...

The world of miniatures is huge! People of all ages enjoy assembling and painting scale models of characters for their favorite tabletop games. From warriors and workers to monsters and other mythological creatures, there are unlimited possibilities. This book explores several different types of miniatures, with a focus on where to find them, how to design them, and where to play with them. Other miniatures, such as dollhouses, fairy gardens, and...

Steampunk isn't easy to define. Is it a literary genre, a fashion style, or a way of life? For many people, it's all three. The world of steampunk combines the look of the steam-powered 19th century with the technology of the present or ideas about the future. This fun way to bring history and STEM topics together is popular with people of all ages, and this helpful guide gives young readers essential information about steampunk, from its roots to...