Cosplay - short for costume play - sees fans dress up as their favourite characters from film, television, comic books and video games.

Already hugely popular in Japan and the US, here we meet five Scots who inhabit this curious and kooky world.

Name: Laura Cranston

Age: 27

Occupation: PhD student in biochemistry

Alter ego: Flareon from Pokemon

Based: Glasgow

What does cosplay entail?

Cosplay is short for "costume play" and it is basically the art of bringing mostly fictional characters to life using costumes. These can be from films, video games, comics, Japanese anime and manga. Cosplay is a tribute to characters that I love and respect. It is almost like a version of fan art.

How did you get into cosplay?

I have always loved geeky things. I joined the Glasgow University Anime and Manga Society in 2008.

What was your first costume?

Meg from an anime called Bakuretsu Tenshi. I liked that she is a bad ass character and wanted to bring that to life.

Describe the biggest misconception about what you do?

A lot of people think cosplay is a fetish which isn't true. There is also an assumption that women take part for attention and that is also completely wrong.

How many costumes do you own?

It was 90 at the last count. Pretty much all are handmade. Depending on the complexity I can spend anything between seven hours and a couple of months making each one.

Describe the costume you've worn today?

Pokemon is a game where you catch small creatures and fight battles. A lot of people like taking inspiration from the animal designs and turning them into humanised versions.

The thing I like about Flareon is that it's a fire creature and I wanted to try and bring that to life with a flame priestess vibe.

Why do you think cosplay is becoming more popular?

Being a geek has become more mainstream. The success of comic book-inspired movies has helped drive that into the spotlight.

Is cosplay a form of escapism?

For me, I would say it is but everyone will have their own take on that.

Visit facebook.com/aranel0cosplay

Name: Angel Newlands

Age: 14

Occupation: School pupil

Alter ego: Yuki Cross from Vampire Knight

Based: Lanark

How did you get into cosplay?

I started watching YouTube videos online and then a friend and I went to MCM Scotland Comic Con in Glasgow last year.

Who are your favourite characters?

Anything I can relate to. I'm drawn to characters with a similar past or personality to me. It's a way of expressing myself.

What kind of reaction do you get from family, friends and strangers?

My family are really supportive and find cosplay quite cool. Strangers can give you weird looks, but it honestly doesn't bother me.

What is the biggest misconception?

People often think it is childish. They don't understand the confidence you can build through cosplay. Before I would rarely leave my house and didn't have that many friends. Through cosplay I have found a whole community of friends. I never feel self-conscious. The rule among the cosplay community is: never judge your family.

How many costumes do you own?

Seven. I tend to buy them because I lack the sewing skills to make them from scratch. I'm hoping my next one will be Yui from Sword Art Online. Yui is a bubbly personality, caring and supportive. She is a positive and optimistic person.

Is there anything you wouldn't do?

A costume that is too revealing or a character I can't relate to.

What would be your ultimate costume?

Rose from American Dragon. She was my childhood hero and I looked up to that character. I like that she is bad ass and a dragon slayer.

Sum up cosplay in five words.

Uplifting, supportive, inspiring, motivational and accepting.

Name: Kris Szczepan

Age: 24

Occupation: Call centre worker

Alter ego: Kick Ass

Based: Livingston

How did you get into cosplay?

Four years ago I was dragged along to a convention by my friend and didn't think it would be my kind of thing. I ended up putting together a terrible costume last minute so I didn't feel left out. Being submerged in that culture made me realise it was something I wanted to do every day.

Who are your favourite characters?

I like a lot of Batman stuff because it's quite dark. Red Hood and Nightwing from Batman are two of my favourites. I recently dressed up as Star Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy. Spider-Man is one I've done a few times.

Why do you think cosplay is becoming more popular?

The popularity of superhero movies and television shows like the Big Bang Theory has helped. As cosplay is becoming more pop-culture orientated it is attracting more people.

Is it a form of escapism?

I used to be introverted when I was younger. Rather than being a form of escapism, cosplay has become part of my everyday life. In a recent job interview, they asked about my hobbies and I said: "I'm dressing up as Spider-Man at the weekend". It's always a conversation starter.

What do family and friends think?

My parents were confused at first but supportive. My mum has been great at helping with things like sewing or suggesting paints and glues because she has done a lot of craftwork.

What kind of reaction do you get from people when you dress up?

With strangers it can be a hit or a miss. You have to take the good with the bad and brush off any negative comments. The worst thing was when I was dressed as Spider-Man and someone said: "Wow, Spider-Man is not in the best shape."

Another time I met this little boy, who was only two or three, who was so excited to get his photograph taken with Spider-Man. Moments like that make your day.

Visit facebook.com/asakuracos

Name: Lisa Connolly

Age: 21

Occupation: Fashion technology student

Alter ego: Giffany from the Disney cartoon Gravity Falls

Based: Glasgow

How did you get into cosplay?

I have always been interested in Japanese culture and fashion. It was through this that I discovered cosplay. I have been doing it for around two years.

Who are your favourite characters?

Harley Quinn from the Batman series, although I don't do that as often now as it involves wearing a full body costume that every time I need to go to the loo, I have to unzip and take off completely. I also have to wear white grease paint on my face which stains anything it comes in contact with and so is a bit too high maintenance. Lin from the anime Spirited Away is another I enjoy dressing up as.

How many costumes do you own?

Six and a few more in production.

How much effort goes into making each costume?

Spirited Away is set in a Japanese bathhouse and I drew my ideas from Lin's work wear. I bought cottons, drafted out patterns and then it was all hand-sewn. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Because you only see her outerwear garments I researched what they would have worn underneath. The small details and historical basis interests me.

What would be your ultimate costume?

Either She-Ra: Princess of Power, who I loved as a kid, or Xena: Warrior Princess because growing up, Lucy Lawless shaped my life.

What kind of reaction do you get?

When someone recognises your character, comes up to you and freaks out, that makes your day. A few years ago I saw a She-Ra cosplayer and almost cried I was so happy. Knowing someone appreciates a character the same way you do is great.

Is it a form of escapism?

Not really. I'm happy with my life. It's simply that I love the characters and want to show my appreciation.

Visit lovinglolisa.tumblr.com

Name: Henry Woo

Age: 25

Occupation: Cafe worker

Alter ego: Noctis from the video game Final Fantasy XV

Based: East Kilbride

How did you get into cosplay?

I started in 2013 after being introduced to it by some old school friends. It brought a new beginning and way of life for me.

What was your first costume?

It was Monkey D. Luffy from the anime series One Piece. I liked the story behind it which is basically brave heroes travelling the world as pirates.

Who are your favourite characters?

Noctis from Final Fantasy XV. It's an adventure video game where you are saving the world. The character is calm, cool and collected. He gets things done. I like that.

What kind of reaction do you get from family, friends and strangers?

Most of my family don't like me doing cosplay. They think it's childish and that dressing up in costumes should just be for Halloween.

I've met and made so many new friends through cosplay. You all have something in common. There is a connection and bond. To date, I have more than 800 fans. That definitely came as a surprise but it's nice to be appreciated.

Is it a form of escapism?

I would say yes, it is for me. Sometimes in life you want to get away from the stresses of work and home. Cosplay is a great way to take time out and have some fun.

Can cosplay be competitive?

Some people are but personally I don't like that side of it. I do this because I love it. I don't judge anyone. I like to enjoy life and share that passion with other people.

With thanks to the Whisky Bond, 2 Dawson Road, Glasgow, G4 9SL (0141 345 2140, thewhiskybond.co.uk)