Welcome to another profile in our Star Wars Costuming Groups series. Thanks to Ben from Agents of the Force for chatting to us.
About Agents of the Force
Tell us about who you are and what you do.
We are Agents of the Force, AOTF. AOTF is a group for predominantly UK Comic Con based Star Wars costumers, cosplayers and enthusiasts that is open to all ages, species and Force affiliations.
We take pride in setting up Star Wars meet ups and photoshoots during comic con events that create a safe place where all are welcome, whether in cosplay or not, allowing a shared interest for all to flourish.
AOTF fills a gap in the Star Wars cosplay world whereby anyone can join. There are no strict standards that you need to adhere to, unlike more official costume groups such as the 501st, UKG and Rebel Legion.
We understand that people have other commitments, income and skills, which can in some cases limit what standard of costume they can reach. Through connecting to each other, people find new and creative ways to get around cosplay hurdles.
As long as you have fun, share ideas and meet new, fun and interesting people, we have achieved our goal.
Location and Group History
Where are you located?
AOTF was founded initially within London and has since expanded far beyond what the admins could have expected. We can be found at most London-based comic cons such as MCM, London Film Comic Con and London Super Comic Con, but we also branch out a little to MCM in Birmingham as well and aim to continue expanding by setting meet ups at various cons around the UK.
How long has the group been going?
Agents of the Force started back in 2013 between a few friends with a common interest and as a means of keeping in contact outside of the comic con environment.
How did you start?
Starting off originally as a way of keeping in contact with friends of around 20 people or so back in 2013, AOTF boomed in numbers, attracting people from all aspects of comic con.
Members, Events and Community
How many members do you have and are you looking for more?
Since 2013, AOTF has grown to over 1200 members from all walks of life, and we are always looking for new members. There is no requirement you need to adhere to in order to join. As long as you have a love for Star Wars and are looking for like-minded people, you are welcome.
How many events do you roughly attend a year?
Agents of the Force aims to do as many as possible, but on average around 6 meet ups a year at various comic con events. We also aim to make social events outside comic con as well, where we are not all sweating our socks off.
Is there a particular charity that your group supports?
Agents of the Force is a group more focused on connections with one another and keeping in contact between cons. Therefore, our group does not organise troops where we raise money for particular charities. However, through people we encounter within AOTF, we can guide members to groups that do, helping to connect everyone in the cosplay community together.
Characters and Costumes
What characters are in your group?
Given our name, we tend to attract either Jedi or Sith, both custom made or characters portrayed from the films, comics, novels or TV series. We also have other members that explore non-Force user characters, for example Rebel Pilots, Mandos, Jawas and classic Stormtroopers. All are welcome and we aim to include as many as possible.
Do you have Star Wars Legends characters?
We have many members that cosplay very realistic Legends characters such as Revan, Kyle Katarn and many more.
What entry requirements do you have?
Agents of the Force do not have any requirements members need to meet in order to participate in our events, as most of the time it is within Comic Con environments and therefore young children are accompanied by adults on entry.
Star Wars, Cosplay and Community
What do you love about Star Wars and cosplay?
Star Wars brought sci-fi out into the open for many and has helped to advance movies in relation to special effects that audiences can all appreciate today. Star Wars has such a rich history, not just with fans, but with the stories that they tell and what many can learn from them.
The benefit of cosplay is that adults can connect more with the franchise they love and be kids again, while at the same time sharing their love for Star Wars with their children, who are being introduced to the new heroes and villains in the Star Wars universe. Star Wars and cosplay have helped bring many together, and that is why AOTF loves Star Wars for the magic it brings along with it.
What’s the best thing about cosplaying for charity?
Cosplaying for charity is a bonus for many and a win-win all round, as you are not just having fun living the characters you have created through long hours and thorough research, but enhancing the general public’s experience by bringing the characters they have grown up with to life, which they will cherish forever.
What advice can you give for people looking to join a costuming group?
For anyone looking to join any sort of costuming group, I would advise going to a comic con first, not in costume. The reason for this is so that you can see everyone in costume yourself and become inspired. Ask cosplayers questions about their costumes, giving you possible ideas about how to make your own. There is also a chance you may make connections of your own who can put you in touch with a costuming group at the event or help you source material for your costume.
Contact Agents of the Force
Where can people contact you?
For direct contact to one of the admins of AOTF, feel free to contact us at adminteam@agentsoftheforce.co.uk.
Website: www.agentsoftheforce.co.uk
YouTube: Agents of the Force YouTube
Facebook: Agents of the Force Facebook Group
Twitter: @agentsotforce
If you would like us to feature your costume group, please contact us for more information here.
Jedi-Robe.com and Stormtrooper-Costumes.com are not affiliated with or endorsed by any costume group.
