Friday, September 13, 2013

Dragon Con '13: The Best Cosplay, Part 3!

Egads, you guys, I had no idea I took this many photos at Dragon Con! Ack! Ok, I'm pumping myself up here. We WILL get through these... we WILL.

Or I'll get tired and just upload the rest to Flickr later.

Deal? Deal.

Annnnd, we're walking....

First up on our tour you'll see my best missed video opportunity of the whole con: a Weekend At Bernie's Bernie dead-dancing (best way I can describe it!) to a Storm Trooper's boom box:

It was hysterical, trust me. 
(When he wasn't dancing, "Bernie" was propping himself up in unlikely corners for more hilarity.)


And straight ahead, more punny brilliance:

 HAN SOLO CUP.


Next up on your right, the undead Village People:


And hey, my most popular group from last year is back again!



Oh! And while we're talking crossplay:

Slave Leo.

Before you laugh, you really should read Ryan's post on why he decided to create & wear this costume. It's both thought-provoking and inspiring - while still managing to be pretty darn fun. (I think the look in his eyes says it all, don't you?)


A battle-scuffed Chell:

Avengers, assembled:


"Moisturize me! Moisturize me!!"
 

And probably my favorite cosplay group of the con, this group from The Fifth Element:
See the guy on the left, with the board strapped to his head? That's the character who blocked the door peep hole with a photo of an empty hallway - remember him? And keeping in character, this guy was vibrating and jittery, bouncing around on the balls of his feet (ergo the blur). It was fantastic. Also love the bald girl in the plastic skirt - although really they're ALL bang-on perfect.

 Now some fun couple costumes:

And you thought John's Cheshire Cat was creepy. ;)

Great pair from Borderlands:
Her makeup was fantastic.

These two had a dreamy, Cirque de Soleil vibe:
(Or a Night Circus vibe, per the comments. I still have to read that one!)

A lot of the readers I met were rocking sweet steampunk costumes this year, including this steampunk Rainbow Brite that I wish I had a better shot of:

(Please forgive me again for not listing names, guys! Feel free to remind me in the comments, tho, and I'll add them in.)

Plus here's a steampunk Dorothy and Strawberry Shortcake! Eee!



Geeklings:
You can't handle the deadly cute.

Effie and Lady Loki:



And my encounter with my friend Steampunk Boba Fett, during which I got my chin pinched:

He's RUINING my sense of dignity. RUINING IT, I SAY.

 And these three are gonna wreck it!

My friends Christie and Robyn knocked my socks CLEAN OFF Sunday night with their steampunk Evil Queen and Maleficent. I didn't have my camera, being in costume myself, but here's one of their own photos:


Robyn's staff has a mechanical crow on it - THAT MOVES. And Christie's accessories included potion tubes, a mirror with her husband's face superimposed on it, and apples with glowing green skulls carved into them. I fell so hard for these two, I was THIS CLOSE to proposing marriage. :D

My parents took some nice close-ups of them, too:

I LOVE THIS SHOT.

I wish you could see those glowing apples here, but she hung them behind her back! You can see her mirror better, though - see the picture of her hubby, Chris, in a proper steampunk bowler hat & goggles? And would you believe these two just started cosplaying a few years ago? Talk about inspiration!


Oh, I nearly forgot: when my mom heard about our costumes this year, she decided to get in on the action, too:

Yep. THAT'S MY MOM. :)
(My Dad was also steampunked out a bit, but we never managed a good family portrait that night.)


And lastly, I was delighted to discover that Yaya Han had assembled a group to cosplay that awesome Moulin Rouge Princess art I featured here a while back - you know, this one:


I found Yaya as Snow White with Cinderella and Aurora:

SO COOL.

Later I found some fantastic professional shots of all seven together, though (they added one in red - Esmerelda, maybe?), so head to Fashionably Geek to see those.

And that officially wraps up my Dragon Con 2013 coverage. PHEW! Whattayear.

I'll leave you with the best video compilation I've seen come out of this year's con (so far!), and it is WELL worth seven minutes of your time. It's beautifully shot and edited, and I'm not ashamed to say I actually got teary-eyed a couple times. This is cosplay at its best, and it really captures the joy and passion we fans have. Enjoy!





PS - If you still want more, then head over to my Flickr gallery for ALL of my DC photos!

57 comments:

  1. Oh, man. I really want to go to Dragon Con next year! It looks so awesome. Thanks for sharing all the pics.
    And your mom is so cute!

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  2. Jen, have you ever considered the possibility that John might be Teddy Roosevelt in disguise? Does he have any mysterious machines hidden in your garage?

    Actually, that would be an awesome cosplay -- Time Travelling Roosevelt.

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  3. I love that Avengers group just for the agent on the right - he's hilarious!
    I also LOVE the disney princess men! I can work out who they all are (I think), except the one at the back third from the left? And am I right in thinking that the one next to him is Wendy?

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    1. The princess is the gal from hunchback of notre dame (scope the plushy at her waist)

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    2. Oh of course - I haven't seen the hunchback of notre dame so I almost never get that one lol :)

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  4. I'm not sure if the pair in Black and White are from something that I'm unaware of (but would like to be aware of), but they remind me of "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern (a great read if you haven't already).

    Fantastic photos - I wish they had conventions like this here, I would LOVE to attend one.

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  5. I'm thinking that the ones you mentioned as Cirque du Soleil might be from "The Night Circus", which is an excellent book if you don't mind not so much action, but a wonderful dreamlike atmosphere and beautiful visual imagery.

    Thanks so much for putting up all these pictures! I know it must have taken forever, but it's really nice for those of us who don't get to go to the cons. It's an inspiration to see people working so hard and doing what they love.

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  6. I agree, I bet it's Night Circus with the only black and white costumes. Fun book, that can be a little slow at points, but an enjoying read.

    And I figured out who the 7th Disney princess is. She's a villain :) Mother Gothel from Tangled. http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Mother_Gothel


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  7. Great photos! Although the video at the end is a Bengal Tiger. :)

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  8. The red stormtrooper is Hip Hop Trooper! He was Atlanta-based for years and is part of the 501st. His name is Stryder. There's a Facebook page for Hip Hop Trooper and everything. :-)

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  9. Your mom is adorable, Jen! It's awesome your folks get into the spirit of Dragoncon, too! :)

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  10. Hey, someone I know! (Seriously, I know the Moulin Rouge Cinderella-- met her through a mutual friend before she moved to California. I thought I liked sewing costumes, but she puts me to shame.)

    I really need to get out to DC sometime, though I doubt I'd be able to live up to these costumes!

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  11. Yeahhh....I totally teared up at the video. And I squealed at seeing the Journey traveler in the video!

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  12. Awesome costumes! Though I was a little disappointed that Yaya Han seemed to come out on the 'fat people shouldn't cosplay' side on her Syfy show.

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  13. I'm fourthing that they B&W couple might be cosplaying The Night Circus. Man, I loved that book!

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  14. Love the video! I got teary-eyed, too! What passion!!!!!

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  15. Loving all the pictures! I was wondering though- were you going to post any more pictures of your own group? I'll have to check out your flickr page and see if there's anything else there. I was curious to see all of your costumes together!

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    1. Yes, check my Flickr gallery in a few days; I have more shots that will be going up there!

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  16. Jen, thank you SO much for posting these amazing photos. I probably won't get to go to D*C for many years, if ever (being a broke-ass academic is not CONducive to crossing the pond (see what I did there?)) but seeing the awesome cosplay lengths some people go to is genuinely inspiring. Most con posts I read seem to be discussing the downsides of conventions (or the cons of cons); exile from the larger population, accusations of not being a 'real' geek, criticisms of the bodies and characters of the cosplayers, but when I see photos like yours and videos like that I tear up because all I see is love. Love of the characters, love of our fellow geeks, and love bringing all these people from all over the world to one place to celebrate all the things they love.
    'Scuse me, I need a tissue.

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  17. Hip-Hop Trooper!! Jen, one of these days I WILL manage to meet you and John at D*C!

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  18. Lots of great pictures, Jen. Odd about the video, though. I see Lorien said it was a video of a tiger (from the anniversary gift) but then later comments seem to indicate that it is actually the video you intended, from the conference. But for me, now, it's a tiger... I enjoyed the tiger, but would love to see the con video too!

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    1. Uh oh, Blogger must be glitching on us! Here's the video link- and I'll add it to the post now, too!

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  19. As usual, love the pictures!

    And one was me!! I was Rainbow Brite! My friend Cecilia was Plum Puddin'. We had such a great time at the Mechanical Masquerade, we are already looking forward to next year. These were our first steampunk costumes, and they were really fun to put together. It was great to meet you and John! :)

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  20. Is that some sort of gryphon on your Mom's shoulder??!! If so where did she get it? I LOVE LOVE LOVE gryphons!!

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    1. It is, yes! I bought it for her at Dragon Con last year - the vendor makes them herself, and is usually in the art auction area every year. (Sorry I don't have her name, though!)

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  21. LOVE, love, love all the pics! Thanks for sharing. I would have died to see Bernie! How original and awesome.

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  22. Three things:
    #1 READ NIGHT CIRCUS!!!! (yes that did need to be in all caps)
    #2 You looked fantastic! So did your Mom
    #3 I couldn't figure out the red burlesque princess either!
    That is all. Keep being awesome!

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  23. Awesome pics! Love the one of you and your mom - so adorable! And I think that red-dressed girl in the Moulin Rouge Disney Princess cosplay is supposed to be Minnie Mouse instead of Micky, since their colors are similar. Maybe she should've wore a cute little red bow, or Minnie ears to make it more noticeable. They're all Spot-on perfect though!

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  24. Love the pictures, so much talent went into all of those costumes! Those black and white costume definitely remind me of the Night Circus which is definitely a most excellent book! I loved the imagery. Also, could the red Moulin Rouge 'princess' actually be a female version of Mickey Mouse from the original drawing?

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  25. I'm curious how you tolerate the costume heat! I was struggling in my Tintin costume which was hardly anything, sweating like crazy and miserable despite drinking an epic ton of water. Do you have any suggestions on how to learn to deal with it?

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    1. It helps to only dress up at night, like we did this time, and definitely stay indoors in the AC at all times! Even so it's still pretty hot, though, and John had to mop his face every few minutes. I'm lucky I'm usually cold, so my sweat levels (ew) were pretty tolerable. I honestly don't know how some cosplayers manage it, with the giant suits and marching in the parade and such! o.0

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  26. I really really really love the fact that Ryan dressed as Slave Leo. It looks GREAT! All his hard work DEFINITELY payed off.

    And, um, not to sound all Creepy Stalker McDroolypants, but he's HOT. He's built just like my gorgeous Taller Half. Right down to the perfect amount of chest hair. Because dude, really? Guys have body hair. I hate how models and wrestlers and the like shave it all off and it gets passed off as manly. Heck, look how many people on the now defunct Regretsy fell for Dancing Dror - who had LOTS of chest hair! :D

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  27. That awesome Chell is Sirene. She's done some other really wicked awesome cosplays. Her tumblr is MangoSirene.tumblr.com

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  28. I LOVE your pictures! I enjoy our little 58,000 people Phoenix Comicon, but a "huge" con is definitely on my bucket list.

    I do sorta wish you hadn't chosen to feature Yaya, her "fat people have no place in Cosplay" stance is divisive and hurtful, and doesn't deserve space in a place you've worked so hard to make safe for everyone. Seeing her in an article featuring awesome cosplay, knowing she hates me and my every generous curve, leaves me wavering somewhere between ragey and weepy.

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    1. Wow, 58K is just about DC levels! I think we topped about 62,000 this year, but I haven't heard an official tally. See? You're totally ready for it!

      As for Yaya, I haven't delved into that controversy much, since I don't watch the show and have little desire to, based on all I've heard. Defenders claim her remarks were edited and twisted on the show, which wouldn't surprise me a bit, given it's "reality" TV and made to incite drama - and I think Yaya has released statements saying the same thing. I can tell you she was perfectly lovely to me in my brief interaction with her - for what little that's worth - and she is still a vastly talented cosplayer, which I respect. So... yeah. I'll wait until she clarifies her words for herself - without a TV editor's help - before I judge too harshly.

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  29. Were there any weddings at Dragon Con?

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    1. There was a Star Wars themed one in the parade - although the only reason I know that is because my friend Steampunk Boba officiated. I think they were all on a parade float? Did anyone see that? (I sleep in during the parade. Ha!)

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  30. Oh, you must make time for Night Circus - it's AMAZING!

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  31. That video... I WANNA GO TO DRAGON-CON!!! Sadly, I have just moved to Texas--far, far away. :-(

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  32. That looks like so much fun!! Also, I think it's awesome how into it your parents are.

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  33. I watched the video and was making comments to my studying boyfriend all along, most of which he ignored (cause he's taking a test - yea me being around is NOT conducive to studying.). And then I said "ohhh the 300 guyssss" and he was like "yea, I'm listening, I heard that" hahaha. Oops!

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    1. He was listening... cause after his test was done "so wheres this video at?" hehe. Now he wants to go too. I'm thinkin a Mal and Inara cosplay? Oh. Yeah.

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  34. Isn`t the gal in red in the burlesque princess group Tatiana from the frog princess?

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  35. Since this post makes my question somewhat topical, I wanted to ask both Epbot and its readers: How do you decide what cosplay to do?

    I am having a heck of a time trying to decide which character/costume I want to dress up as for next years local comic expo. I have a few ideas, but I simply can't make up my mind about which costume would be most fun to make/wear.

    I want to make a decision now so I can start hunting for materials, so I wanted to ask if anyone has any tips for making that first decision, and how to make sure you're going to be happy with your costume months down the line when it comes time to actually wear it to your local con!

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    1. It's a process of elimination for me, since I have a lot of requirements for my costumes. I like to have my face covered, for one, which narrows the field RIGHT down, plus I like to do something original, which is why I lean toward steampunk interpretations. From there I think about what characters I love the most, and also what kind of skills I want to learn or practice - like leather working for the White Rabbit. Is there one kind of prop or accessory you're particularly smitten with, like a pair of wings, a big gun, etc? Do you want to wear a giant wig or fluffy skirts? Find one thing like that, and then build from there!

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  36. I was the Strawberry Shortcake in the photo above.

    It was SO wonderful to meet you at D*Con! You were incredibly lovely to chat with and your costume was even more amazing in person. You are most certainly the honorary patron saint of our group, The Geek Girls of North Atlanta. We were thrilled to see you there and we definitely got a little star struck. :-D

    Anytime you come to town, please know that you have a built-in network of women who would be happy to show you around, help with costumes or just point you in the direction of fun, geeky things to do in our area!

    Re: The Mechanical Masquerade - I can attest that the Maleficent and Evil Queen costumes were some of the best I've seen at D*Con. Absolute perfection. And I loved the Rainbow Brite and Plum Pudding. I was sad because they took a picture with me but my husband was off with the camera so I didn't get a picture too. Plus, how awesome were those Rococo Punk costumes at the ball? I kept walking around them just trying to get a better look at all the details.
    I can't wait 'til next year. :-)

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  37. Ubergirlie!! Your costume was awesome!! I have the pic with the three of us! :) If you tell me how, I can get it to you! :)

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    1. Yay! You're the best! I loved your costumes like crazy!
      You can email it to me at ubergirlie@gmail.com. THANK YOU SO MUCH! :)

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  38. I think the Moulin Rouge gal you couldn't figure out was supposed to be Mickey. I don't remember any princesses wearing a red outfit. Too bad she didn't have a top hat!

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  39. Jen -- You really NEED to read "The Night Circus". I actually thought of you when I read it ; really! Thought of the great costumes you and your husband would come up with. ;-)

    Tonia

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  40. Thank you so much for posting these! Even though we were there all weekend, I don't think I saw ANY of these costumes in person! That just goes to show how big the event has gotten! Plus, I didn't get nearly as many pictures this year as in previous years, so I really enjoyed checking these out! Thanks!!!

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  41. I had to watch the video again, and boy am I glad I did. I missed it the first time, but the Wonder Woman at 5:46 nearly did me in this time. I'm a total Wondy-girl, and there is just something about her costume and expression which grabs me. Whew!

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  42. Hi Jen! A few links to some of the costumers in your photos:

    - Effie is my friend Ashlee. She was also "Winter" in the Four Seasons group. I don't think she has a public costume page, but my friend Sam does-- she was "Summer" and also Wedding Dress Katniss. Here's the Four Seasons entry: http://thesamdom.blogspot.com/2013/09/vivaldis-masquerade-of-versaille-summer.html
    And the Katniss entry: http://thesamdom.blogspot.com/2013/09/catching-fire-capitol-portraits-katniss.html

    - The Black Widow in the Avengers group is Tally: ladys3.tumblr.com

    - And the Thor is Sean, and he was our Thor for our Lightning Bolts group (like the USO Girls or Ironettes, but for Thor): http://brightcopperpenny.tumblr.com/post/60415369705/rogueofstorms-ruffleshuffle-sirrogue

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  43. Just found your blog.....technically yesterday and I have scoured several posts! I will be visiting often. I have been into cow play for several years but not the way I dream of...... Too many nay sayers. Oh the inspiration and pure joy! Love your posts and all your giddy happiness!

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  44. Love your photo coverage of the Dragon Cons! After looking through your FAQ's I had to post here hopping you would see this and be able to reply faster than 1 month, hahaha. Do you have any tips for finding the best activities surrounding the con that are not officially scheduled meet ups, parties? Going to Wizard Con 2014 in NOLA traveling from Jax Florida. Also I'm a wedding photographer hopping to be able to take my "good" camera, have you had any trouble getting your camera in or do you have a press pass? If you do have a press pass wold you consider allowing me to take pics for your blog? Please feel free to email me weddingsbymindy at yahoo dot com Thank you!!!

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  45. Hey Mindy! You can also ask quick questions on Twitter or FB; I check Twitter every few hours, FB every few days.

    As for unofficial meetup stuff, your best bet is the convention's Facebook page, since they usually will post fan-meets there for free. Once you're at the con, though, ask the more professional looking cosplayers; they'll know.

    Every convention allows any amount of photography gear, so you should be fine trucking in everything you care to carry, from tripods to big shoulder-mounted flashes. (Not that I necessarily recommend those, but I've seen 'em!) You don't need a press pass to have a big camera, in other words.

    Wizard Con looks like it's going to be awesome, so good luck, and have fun!!

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