Morojo

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Fan
Name: Myrtle Rebecca Douglas Smith Gray Nolan
Alias(es): Morojo, Myrtle R. Douglas
Type: fanzine publisher and cosplay pioneer
Fandoms: science fiction
Communities:
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URL:
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Morojo wearing the futuricostume she designed and made herself for the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in 1939

Morojo (June 20, 1904 - November 30, 1964) was a science fiction fan, fanzine publisher, and cosplay pioneer from Los Angeles.

Like many early science fiction fans, Morojo was an Esperanto enthusiast and her fannish name is an Esperantoism,[1] as well as those of her son and cousin, Vodoso and Pogo thee Esperanto name for Virgil Smith and Patti Gray.

Morojo served as treasurer and in other roles for the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society for many years and was also a member of the Fantasy Amateur Press Association.

Cosplay

Morojo is considered a groundbreaking cosplay pioneer who, in 1939, appeared at the first Worldcon in the first known hall costume. The costume, which was designed by Morojo, is often referred to as futuricostume. She was accompanied by her partner at the time, Forrest J Ackerman, who was wearing a matching costume also made by Morojo.

In 2016, the International Costumers Guild (ICG) recognized her as the “Mother of Convention Costuming” with a video award presentation at MidAmeriCon II, the 74th Worldcon.[2]

Forrest J Ackerman and Morojo in WorldCon, 1939 with the first hall costume reported
Forrest J Ackerman and Morojo in WorldCon, 1939 with the first hall costume reported

Zines

Awards

  • 1939 Best Fanzine Retro Hugo (awarded in 2014) [5]
  • 1945 Best Fanzine Retro Hugo (awarded in 2020) [6]

Articles

Links & Resources

Further Reading

References