10/05/2026
HOWLERS CONTINUES TO DISAPPOINTโฆ
Howlers Festival was my very first event as a cosplayer, which is why I genuinely looked forward to seeing improvements this year despite the issues and controversies from last year. When the organizers announced changes and promised to do better, I hoped the cosplay community would finally receive the attention and consideration it deserved. However, based on the information released so far, it already feels like cosplay has once again become more of a side attraction rather than a major part of the event.
One of the biggest concerns is the cosplay contest itself. Compared to what was initially showcased before the event was postponed and moved a few months ago, the current version of the contest feels heavily restricted and underwhelming. The updated rules and regulations limit participantsโ ability to tell compelling stories through their performances. The removal of props and weapons also affects character accuracy and creative expression, both of which are important aspects of cosplay.
What makes the situation even more frustrating is the lack of communication from the organizers. I have repeatedly asked questions regarding the cosplay contest details through Messenger and comment sections on their posts in hopes of getting clarification about the rules and expectations. Unfortunately, those concerns have consistently been ignored, leaving many participants confused and uncertain leading up to the event.
At this point, it feels like the organizers focused more on improving the performers, concerts, and entertainment side of the festival while the cosplay segment was left behind. While there is nothing wrong with expanding the music and performance aspects of the event, it becomes disappointing when previous promises to the cosplay community are not clearly reflected in the actual contest setup.
Because of this, the statement about making up for last yearโs issues no longer feels convincing. Many cosplayers, including myself, were willing to give Howlers another chance because we believed improvements would be made. Instead, the current direction of the event gives the impression that cosplay is being treated as secondary rather than as one of the core communities supporting the festival.
For an event that promotes creativity and fandom culture, communication and genuine support for cosplayers should not feel like an afterthought.