Otacool 2. Copyrights issue.

Picture has nothing to do with post. I just needed some color.

Before you dwell into my take on Otacool 2, keep in mind that I am one biased fark. Although I try to make sure I sound as just as possible. I’m not. There’s a saying, “A Human’s heart were never in the center for a reason.” Cause humans will always be biased. One thing you can be sure of is that I’m honest. Hahaha… If you believe it. -.-”

*Feel free to skip this section if Tl:dr. But do spend some time on the next section which highlights a rather important issue.

I’m sure you guys have heard about Otacool 2 and all the sour sauce it’s dipped in. You can’t deny that having 22 females to 2 males on the cover is plain cheesy. Hmm… 2 males or 1 male. Actually, am I even suppose to include D.Choo as a cosplayer or not? Cause honestly, even his compadre the Gordonator has pointed out certain discrepancies. Now IF I were to agree with him, wouldn’t that just add to the question of why is D.Choo on the cover? Heck, the costume isn’t even that good when compared to other cosplayers.

“Actually being a Sandtrooper isn’t really considered cosplaying, we call it costuming”
– Gordon Ho

So question 1, should D.Choo be on the cover of Otacool 2? Is he there as a cosplayer OR as a member of the staff/production team/etc.? From Kotobukiya, D.Choo is clearly there as a cosplayer. If so, then D.Choo is clearly a bad choice.

Even Shin-chan was a better choice if costuming was a green light. No?

Googling again and I came across Playboy Otacool 2, a post which touches briefly on a bit of the huh-hah doing on around Otacool 2.

Regarding the sexism going on in Otacool 2. I’m actually alright with it. I won’t deny that me being a guy find female cosplayers more alluring. This IS coming from a guy who loves his moe. So remember, I’m probably brainwashed; by the likes of KyoAni (Oh wait! Let’s not turn this into a KyoAni drama).

What I do NOT approve of is that why in the god damn world would you bother to include 2 male guys in the cover. And to have one be D.Choo himself. That’s absolute and undeniable self pimp-ation right there! I mean… Heck, I won’t buy the book, But I’d print out a cover of Otacool 2, stick it on a wall and play darts on it. D.Choo = 50 points!

Kaname is totally cool however. My take on him is that he is a good cosplayer, starting to get swallowed by pressure of worldwide exposure. Like how Danny was when he started aligning himself with big companies. Having to “clean up his act” and so forth. Just my impression. Not like I know the guy.

Question 2… Are you “o.k” with Otacool 2 cover featuring a 22 female to 2 male ratio? Is it some sick harem fantasy D.Choo is trying to create for himself. And let’s not kid ourselves, the inner pages of the book will probably have an even more staggering ratio.
You know what? Drop Danny Choo, put me on the cover instead. He has a wife. I’m the one who needs a harem, Damn it!

If you noticed, yeah… this is a post written with half-assed research. So don’t take my word for it, google it yourself. Get your own info. Then post your own take on this. And let me know when you do. Cause I’d love to get more feedback.

As Ninjovee mentioned, there just isn’t enough light shed on Otacool 2.

“I got curious as to who actually blogged about OTACOOL 2 on their own sites, and well, surprisingly, there are very few who did, myself included.” – Ninjovee

And if you disagree with me, feel free to troll me. Lol. Like I said, this post is half-assed. Go through it again and you will probably find a lot of loopholes to bring the hammer down on me. Not like I give a damn. 🙂

Again, I don’t actually hate D.Choo. In fact, I still admire him for opening countless possibilities for other bloggers whether it be on Japan, anime, figure or cosplay wise. But you can’t deny the dark waters surrounding this whole Otacool 2 and what dannychoo.com has become.

If any of you Kotobukiya or DC trolls are reading this… Yeap! I just helped you gain more coverage, so be grateful!

There were alot of juicy stuff from other blogs like O.E.G, xJAYMANx and AustrianOtaku but I will not refer to it. I’m trying to not get influenced and get swept along with the hate wave. AND there is too much reading involved. -.-”

Off Topic: I was googling for Otacool 2 Sexism and I came across this. I lol’ed. And as always, am sharing the laughs. Seriously though, I looove Black Cat.
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Where trolls live. Shitstorm city.
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OK! My rants are done. My heart has settled. Time for the REAL issue here.

A fellow photographer recently brought this to my attention. Which later got me feeling stirred up. Enough to want to post my take on Otacool 2. Which resulted in the rant above. Lol. -.-”
But what he really wanted me to check out was the following…

First, do take a minute or so and read Garion’s take on the copyrights issue concerning Otacool 2. Now I don’t know much about laws or copyrights. But in “plain” English, if what Garion mentioned is true, Kotobukiya can help themselves to any submitted cosplay photographs for any advertising or promotional intentions. Without regards or even crediting the photographers.

Now my take on this is, if photographers do indeed maintain a certain right over their photos, which I believe they do, and Kotoblah’s terms stick as well, wouldn’t this leave the cosplayer in the middle totally farked up from both parties? Cause the cosplayer would be the one who “gave” the rights to Kotoblah.

Cosplayers would probably ask for the photographers consent before submitting any photos. And photographers will probably agree. Thinking “no harm done” and even hoping for a chance to get their work showcased. Heck, I’d let any cosplayers use my photo out of friendship or plain courtesy.

I, speaking as a photographer by hobby, am not looking to earn big money by taking royalty for my work or what not, instead, it would be more then enough if my work is recognized and properly credited. And I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.

In the end, I hate one fact and one fact alone, and that is Kotoblah hiding the terms and conditions about it. Just make it clear!
Are you going to use it for advertising?
If you are, will there be any form of compensation for the involved parties?
If not monetary then at least credits or mentions where due?

Theeeeen cosplayer AND photographers can decide on their own whether if they want to submit their work. Even if the terms are disadvantageous to them. No complains then, seeing how everything will be in clear black and white. Not shady gray.

It’s a common practice among cut throat corporations, that I know. But I also know it is a common practice for people to rage on it when it is discovered. 😉

Cosplayer: Ranma2020
Photographer: co-xX

See? I just put a random cosplay photo, included the cosplayer and photographer. It’s due credited.
How hard was it?