April 23rd is World book day. So if you’re a fellow cosplayer looking for great ways to participate, look no further. With some inspiration from this list, you’ll be getting in on the holiday fun with ease. These book cosplay ideas for world book day are sure to wow anyone you show them off to.
The ideas range from simple closet cosplays to full builds you can craft the entirety of. This list is for beginners and veteran cosplayers alike. For those who struggle with visualizing though, there are quite a few books on the list that have been adapted to film, movies or stage to help get you an idea.
Book Cosplay Ideas
From Fantasy, to Sci Fi, this list has something for everyone. I recognize not every genre is everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why we broke them down into different genres so you can better find what works for you.
Fantasy Book Cosplay Ideas
- The Hobbit/LOTR – J. R. R. Tolkien created a fantasy master piece with his many books for the Hobbit/LOTR franchise. There is a variety of main characters to choose from with options such as small Hobbits, powerful wizards and even dazzling elves.
- Percy Jackson – If you we’re one of those Greek mythology fans growing up, you probably read Percy Jackson. Pick any Greek god you favor or purchase a camp half-blood shirt to create your cosplay.
- A Song of Fire & Ice – Whether George R. R. Martin let your favorite live or die, you have a lot of characters from the Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon book universe to choose from. Lots are available for purchase and they can be crafted as well.
- Good Omens – Whether you’re a Neil Gaiman fan or a Michael Sheen and David Tennant fan, cosplaying from Good Omens based on the book or show is sure to be a good time.
- The Wizard of Oz – This classic book and movie has characters galore. From a full armor build option like the tin man, to a sewing project like Dorothy. The world is truly your oyster when cosplaying from the Wizard of Oz.
Sci Fi Book Cosplay Ideas
- The Hunger Games – This book series has a massive fan base for both the novels and movies. If you love all things sci-fi, this is a great book cosplay idea to try.
- Dune – With the newest film based off the books released, a Dune cosplay is sure to be popular and trendy with your audience.
- Jurassic Park – Yes, the Jurassic Park films were also originally a book. It actually has two books in existence that you can cosplay from. I myself have even cosplayed both Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler.
- Frankenstein – Another classic, Frankenstein has been done a million times over on film, but originated from a book. You can be the monster yourself and experiment with SFX makeup.
Thriller & Horror Book Cosplay Ideas
- Jaws – You may know the movie all too well, but did you know Jaws also originated from a book. Be any of the brave men who went out to hunt the legendary shark.
- IT – It wouldn’t be a horror book cosplay idea list without something from Stephen King. You can be the iconic clown or try something different and cosplay Georgie like I did.
- The Exorcist – This is another horror movie icon that you may not have realized is based off a book. Be Regan or the priests that saved her.
- Carrie – Stephen King has too many horror books to not include a second one. This is one of his first books that can make for a great cosplay of Carrie soaked in blood.
- Goosebumps – There’s many monsters in the Goosebumps book series to choose from. You can pick your favorite or the one that scared you the most.
- Interview with a Vampire – Lestat started as an Anne Rice novel. Cosplaying from this book can lead to the creation of amazing period pieces.
- The Shining – I swear this is the last time we mention Stephen King. With characters like Jack and Wendy, you can pull off some amazing closet cosplays from The Shining.
Crime & Mystery Book Cosplay Ideas
- The Godfather – Before this crime classic hit the big screen, it existed in the world of print. Dress up as an old school Italian mafia man to bring a cosplay to life from the pages of the book.
- Nancy Drew – Cosplay the teenager super sleuth from the mystery book series. Whether you sew it yourself or go the route of a closet cosplay, it is sure to wow fans.
- Sherlock Holmes – The classic mystery series, Sherlock Holmes, is full of villains and detectives you can cosplay as.
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