This study examines the identity construction of five manga fans by exploring their creation of comics and their cosplay. Certain identity themes emerged through a Lacanian interpretation using a qualitative/interpretivist paradigm, and semi-structured, in-depth interviews with participants, including their cosplay photos as well as their manga drawings and stories. Specifically, Lacans concepts of the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real were used to interpret these participants identities. The study showed not only that identity is not always determined by the Symbolic (conscious act), but...