Saturday morning 8:45am, just enough time to grab a few muffins, coffee, and apple juice before the free continental breakfast closed at the hotel. Coffee was empty, but the excitement for the convention insured we were awake and ready for the day. My fiance was working hard to get her Sub-Zero(Mortal Kombat)&Elsa(Frozen) cosplay ready for the day ahead. A few small parts of the costume needed some repair. I rushed over to 7Eleven to grab super glue sticks and energy drinks. The glue did the job for the time being and we were off to the con. I grabbed my camera, our badges and our energy drinks. The Lyft driver pulled up with a smile from ear to ear, the driver knew exactly where we were headed. As we were arriving to the convention I started filming, sure not to miss a moment because you never know what you might see. As the day passed we saw some very amazing cosplays and met some very nice people. Before going to the con I was feeling a bit negative about it, I bought a camera to photograph what I saw there, but wanted to do something more. I have always had a passion for film, aspirations to become a director someday still stick in my mind. Fear that I would not be able to support myself financially kept me in the world of information Technology, with a decent job as a system engineer. With the advent of YouTube and other video upload sites my hobby can be realized. In the future I plan on filming much more conventions and possibly starting a vlog series. I am also starting this blog, I will get into why I am starting it at another time. For now though, I would like you to see what I saw at the convention: very hard working people who are extremely passionate about their hobbies/careers and they show their passion and creativity by making amazing costumes out of foam, paint, and plastidip. It is quite inspiring to meet people who take their passion this seriously, some even have made careers from it. When you see these costumes, you can see why cosplay isn’t your average fashion show and that the work these people put into it truly shows something unique and special.
Epic Convergence: Comic Con 2023 Unveils the Interplay of Cosplay, Marvel, and DC Comics”
Introduction:
Comic Con 2023, the annual mecca for pop culture enthusiasts, has once again descended upon the eager masses, bringing with it a tidal wave of excitement, creativity, and a celebration of all things geek. This year’s event promises to be an epic convergence of fandoms, with a special focus on the intricate art of cosplay and the enduring rivalry between two comic book giants, Marvel and DC Comics.
I. The Evolution of Cosplay:
Cosplay, short for costume play, has become an integral aspect of the Comic Con experience. What began as a niche hobby has blossomed into a global phenomenon, attracting legions of fans who meticulously craft and embody their favorite characters from various realms of pop culture. Comic Con 2023 shines a spotlight on the evolution of cosplay, showcasing the dedication and skill of enthusiasts who transform themselves into living works of art.
The convention floor is a vibrant tapestry of characters, from iconic superheroes and villains to beloved fantasy creatures and sci-fi protagonists. Cosplayers invest countless hours perfecting their costumes, merging craftsmanship with passion to bring fictional worlds to life. The diversity and creativity on display at Comic Con underscore the universality of storytelling and the powerful impact these characters have on fans across the globe.
II. Marvel vs. DC: A Timeless Rivalry:
No discussion about Comic Con would be complete without delving into the timeless rivalry between Marvel and DC Comics. The two comic book giants have been engaged in a friendly competition for decades, captivating audiences with their rich universes, compelling characters, and epic narratives. Comic Con 2023 embraces this rivalry, offering fans a front-row seat to witness the latest developments from both sides.
Marvel, known for its cinematic universe’s blockbuster success, continues to dominate the pop culture landscape. The convention serves as a platform for Marvel to unveil exclusive sneak peeks, trailers, and announcements, fueling the anticipation of fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their favorite superhero sagas.
DC Comics, on the other hand, seeks to reclaim the spotlight with its own arsenal of superheroes and villains. Comic Con provides DC with a stage to showcase upcoming projects, share insights into character developments, and connect with a passionate fanbase eager to see their beloved icons shine.
III. Cosplaying Marvel and DC: A Fusion of Fandoms:
One of the most fascinating aspects of Comic Con is witnessing the intersection of cosplay and the Marvel-DC rivalry. Fans don’t just embody characters; they become ambassadors for their chosen universes, blurring the lines between Marvel and DC fandoms. The convention floor becomes a battlefield of sorts, with cosplayers proudly representing their favorite heroes or villains.
Cosplayers clad in intricate Iron Man suits mingle with those donning the classic red cape of Superman. The collision of Marvel and DC characters in the cosplay realm fosters a sense of camaraderie among fans, transcending the fictional rivalry between the comic book giants. It’s a testament to the inclusive nature of the geek community, where creativity and passion triumph over brand loyalty.
IV. Exclusive Comic Con Panels: Bridging the Gap:
Comic Con 2023 goes beyond the convention floor, offering fans a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the worlds of Marvel and DC through exclusive panels and discussions. These panels feature creators, writers, artists, and actors who provide insights into the creative process, share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and answer burning questions from the audience.
The panels act as a bridge between the Marvel and DC universes, emphasizing the collaborative and interconnected nature of the comic book industry. Fans get a glimpse into the minds of the visionaries shaping their favorite characters, fostering a deeper appreciation for the storytelling craft that unites both Marvel and DC enthusiasts.
Comic Con 2023 emerges as a celebration of the shared love for storytelling, creativity, and the characters that have become cultural icons. The convention unites fans from all walks of life, transcending the boundaries of brand loyalty and fostering a sense of community. As cosplay takes center stage, and Marvel and DC continue their friendly rivalry, Comic Con remains a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the collective passion that binds fans together in a tapestry of fandom.
Extra Extra Let’s explore the excitement of Comic Con 2023 beyond the convention floor.
The Extravaganza of Exclusive Merchandise:
Comic Con isn’t just about immersing oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of the convention floor—it’s also a treasure trove for collectors and fans eager to snag exclusive merchandise. From limited edition comic book variants to rare action figures and collectibles, Comic Con 2023 showcases a dazzling array of items that send fans into a frenzy.
Both Marvel and DC vie for attention with exclusive releases that cater to the discerning tastes of their dedicated followers. The convention becomes a marketplace where fans can score unique items that serve as tangible mementos of their love for these iconic franchises. The battle for the coolest swag becomes an extension of the Marvel-DC rivalry, as fans proudly display their hauls as badges of honor.
Interactive Experiences: Stepping into the Story:
Comic Con 2023 transcends the traditional boundaries of a fan convention by offering immersive and interactive experiences. Fans don’t just observe; they actively participate in the narratives that have captured their hearts. Marvel and DC create elaborate installations and virtual reality experiences that allow attendees to step into the shoes of their favorite characters, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Imagine donning a virtual Iron Man suit and soaring through the skies of the Marvel Universe or stepping into the gritty streets of Gotham City as Batman. These experiences elevate Comic Con beyond a mere gathering; they transform it into a pilgrimage for fans who yearn to be part of the stories that have shaped their lives.
Community Building: Beyond the Panels and Costumes:
While the panels, merchandise, and interactive experiences provide ample entertainment, Comic Con is, at its core, a celebration of community. The shared passion for comics, movies, and all things geek creates an atmosphere of camaraderie that transcends individual preferences. Marvel and DC fans may engage in playful banter, but beneath the surface, there’s a mutual respect for the diverse ways in which people express their fandom.
Cosplayers, collectors, and enthusiasts find common ground in their love for storytelling and creativity. Friendships are forged in lines for exclusive merchandise, during panel discussions, and at the heart of the lively parties that extend into the evening. Comic Con becomes a haven where fans can be unabashedly themselves, surrounded by like-minded individuals who understand the profound impact of fictional worlds.
Conclusion:
As Comic Con 2023 draws to a close, the echoes of laughter, the vibrant hues of costumes, and the shared memories linger in the hearts of attendees. Beyond the rivalry, beyond the exclusive merchandise, and beyond the immersive experiences, Comic Con is a testament to the enduring power of fandom. It’s a celebration of the stories that shape us, the characters who inspire us, and the community that embraces us. Until next year’s gathering, the spirit of Comic Con lives on in the hearts of fans who carry the magic of the convention into their everyday lives.
WonderCon 2023 was wonderful. I woke up early Friday morning, hopped on my motorcycle and made my way down to Anaheim, California. After an hour and a half motorcycle ride (stopping for espresso along the way) I was ready and excited to film at the convention. I hadn’t been to a convention in a few years due to covid as well as life happening, but now I decided it was time to return to the YouTube grind and start making YouTube videos again. I just made a new video on my channel which you can check out here, leave a comment, like, subscribe, tell me how awesome I am hahaha https://youtu.be/IFxikNSs8IM ahhh shameless self promotion, I just love living in the modern age.
Yoshi (Yoshette) by insta@dianaistrash
WonderCon 2023 Convention was a truly wonderful experience. The vibe was real, beautiful people everywhere, beautiful weather, people dressed in their best and looking to impress! The vibes at WonderCon were some of the best I have experienced! I am convinced that the retired ravers of the early to mid 2000s must have picked up cosplay as their new obsession. If you have never been to WonderCon in sunny southern California, USA; here is a little picture of what the people from around the world bring to the show. They bring the good vibes, the neat costumes and their beautiful hearts. Come next year! If you can’t afford a ticket, come and hang out outside the convention and see all the cosplayers!!!!
Cosplay is artistic expression and is a LOT of work
Costumes, makeup, hair, props, playing a character; Cosplay is all of these things. If you go to a movie set they have entire departments dedicated to each of these disciplines. There is a costume department, an art department, there is hair and makeup, a prop department, a special effects department, there are the actors themselves. When you find a cosplayer they are representing all of that and some of them do all of it themselves. Whether or not they do it all themselves doesn’t make their costume any less cool, however when you find a cosplayer that literally spent every waking hour devoted to their craft and then arriving with a look for every day of the convention it means they truly have love for the show or movie character they are portraying, they have respect for it and how it may have impacted their lives and they love the world of cosplay.
Queen Maleficent by insta@allenwaiserman
Cosplay is life giving.
For some, cosplay is just dress up, it’s just fantasy, it doesn’t matter to them. For others it is not only dress up and fantasy, but it is their lifeline. It is their connection to other people, their group, their identity and it is the only thing that matters. The characters they portray are from the stories we tell, this is truly an extension of or fables and legends. Many tales based on our history, our moral values and what we think are important lessons to teach people or make them remember in a meaningful way. Cosplay is an extension of that and for some people the all encompassing world of cosplay is a fascination that keeps them in this world. It keeps them going and their next convention is something to look forward to. People put a lot of hard work and energy into these conventions and a good portion of them do it for free. They dress up because they love the character, want to make a unique look and maybe take some pictures with their fans.
Psylocke by @Rachallday
Movies Have Impact!
Everything Everywhere All At Once was a movie that reinvigorated my love of film. It touched me so deeply in its unique story and humor and I was amazed at the modest budget and small crew that worked on the film This gave me hope to become a film maker of my own someday and about a year after watching the film I have successfully worked as a camera assistant in a short horror film so I have now seen the process up close. This movie may have slightly changed my life in that it helped me realize my goals and that they are not unachievable. it was great seeing these characters at WonderCon and an honor to put them in my video.
Now were Cookin,’ when no one’s lookin’ -Raccacoonie Cosplay by @JeffersawrusRex
What is the next convention?
The next convention will most likely be Anime Expo and possibly San Diego Comic Con, by then I should be using some better camera equipment and hope to have some mics as well so I can splice in some interviews. I really enjoy making these videos and am happy to be back doing it again.
Long Beach Comic Expo 2019 was so much fun! While considered to be the younger brother or sister or whatever pronoun you prefer, Long beach comic expo is a very inclusive event. It is hosted in Long Beach Convention Center located near the sunny shoreline of Long Beach, California. You are sure to run into some amazing Cosplayers, photographers, and aspiring videographers while on the scene so make sure to drop in for the next one! Thank you to all the cosplayers who let me film them. According to Rachel Grate: ‘Gaming, anime, and pop-culture cons don’t just draw lots of people. They attract heavily invested fans who are highly knowledgeable about the subject matter, passionate about the experience and totally devoted to the success of your event.
Knowing those fans — and what’s important to them — is key for fandom convention organizers to improve their event experience. Based on data Eventbrite has unearthed over the past five years, as well as third-party research, here’s what we know about the cons’ biggest fans.
1. Fans can’t get enough of live events
The massive growth in fandom events makes sense when you consider that 85% of people identify as fans of something. That number climbs to 97% for those in the 18-24 range, according to data by “fanthropologist” and fandom expert Susan Kresnicka.
Most fandom attendees have more than one passion. On average these fans identified as “super fans” of 3.2 different pop culture categories, like Sci-Fi, fantasy, genre movies, and gaming.
With so many passions, it’s no surprise that fan conventions draw devoted repeat customers. 80% of respondents routinely attend two or more fandom events a year, and 17% attend at least five. Over half have been attending cons for three years or more. Once you attract fans to one of your events, it will be easy to get them to show up for other fandom activities.
2. Fans aren’t split along gender lines
Historically men have dominated fandom events, but attendance is now squarely split between men and women. In 2015, Forbes reported data showing that the new ratio was squarely even. And under age 40, females actually dominated at 51%.
This shift is likely partly due to efforts to make comic cons welcoming to women, and partly an expansion of pop culture categories represented at cons. According to Eventbrite’s survey, men prefer comic, podcast, and gaming conventions, while women tend to gravitate toward fantasy, sci-fi, and anime events.
3. Fans come to cons to shop
One of the main reasons fans attend cons is to buy swag related to their passion. In fact, nearly 70% of surveyed fans named shopping as their top motivation for attending, and that priority was shared across genres, genders and fan demographics.
Most fans spend between $100 to $500 at conventions — not including tickets, lodging, food, and parking. Super fans who attend at least three fandom events per year spend even more: 63% of them spend over $500. They don’t always stick to their budgets; 35% admitted to routinely blowing it. But they typically walk away with memories and memorabilia.
And we’re not talking about cheap trinkets. New or collectible comic items, toys, and figurines are some of the most popular items to buy at cons. They also spend money on clothing, t-shirts, toys and collectible items like books and comics. One less popular purchase? Cosplay gear. Even for attendees of anime and manga events, less than a quarter buy cosplay gear at the event, since it’s more common to arrive already done up in a DIY costume.
4. Fans go to cons for the community
Aside from the opportunity to buy cool stuff, fans flock to cons for another reason: the social component. In our 2013 survey, 65% of the respondents cited “meet new friends” as a major motivator. More than half said they like to bring their families, and 43% were curious to meet online friends IRL.
Then there are the 15% who say they look for love at cons. Manga, anime, and specialty (for example, brony or steampunk) fans were most interested in this aspect of cons, with 24% looking for romance. Some cons have even incorporated this desire into their planning, and are now hosting speed-dating sessions at cons.
5. For fans, bigger cons aren’t always better
Just a few years ago, San Diego Comic Con was the only con that attracted more than 100,00 attendees. Now, New York Comic Con rivals it with a record 180,000 tickets sold last year. The 11 largest anime conventions in North America hosted a combined 374,936 people in 2016.
Cons are getting bigger, but are they getting better? Fans have a love/hate relationship with big shows. Half of surveyed attendees say big cons can be fun — but are also stressful. And 11% of respondents say they’re done with big shows and stick to smaller festivals and meet-ups.
One of the reasons fans shy away from bigger events? Disorganization. Of fans who spend the most at cons (over $1000), 55% complained about disorganized events. Organizers: if you want these folks coming back and spending more, make sure you make organization a top priority.’
Went to Anime Expo in Los Angeles this year and had a blast, the event was very well thought out and executed other than some overcrowding in the event. Walking up to the event there was a long line to get in, however that line was moving at rapid pace. This year they decided to send the badges in the mail so there was no need to wait in a line to pick up your badge. The only line you had to wait in was bag check and it was pretty quick. Anime Expo is a convention featuring anime characters, manga, video games, music, voice actors, and other creators of media. Equally impressive is the fans attending the event who dress in cosplays and get photographs or videos taken. Cosplay has become a big reason to attend one of these conventions. Cosplay is were people create costumes and dress up as their favorite characters from anime, cartoons, or pop culture in general. Seeing what costumes people come up with and create is one of my favorite parts of the convention and I decided to make another video of the event this year to share the experience. The event has gone above and beyond to support this part of the convention as they provided a costume repair center for costumes that may be having technical difficulties, providing hot glue guns, super glue, safety pins, and even needle and thread to get your costume up and running in case it is melting from the heat outside. They also had an entire section of the event devoted to taking photo’s in elaborate little stages. It was awesome to see an event that knows what it’s attendees needs and wants are and deliver on them. The event also had an entire section of gaming pc’s and video game VR demos. Sections devoted to new games, new Dragon Ball Z video game content, and even Blizzard had a whole booth mostly featuring Overwatch and selling Blizzard merchandise. While the heat outside reached around 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of the convention was cool and provided a good break from the heat. Anime Expo is quickly becoming one of my favorite Anime Conventions due to the con’s organizers paying attention to how to make Anime Expo a better convention and giving the people what they want. Thank you for an amazing con, met a lot of wonderful and talented people and thank you for being in my Anime Expo 2018 Cosplay Highlights video!
Take an engine, a frame, handlebars, tires, breaks, gasoline, air, combustion, pistons, carberators, oil, rocketfuel and put them all together. You have mans greatest achievment, fucking motorcycles, Fucking love them, its like an addiction, better than anything, better than sex… Every day, I want to have this few hundred pounds of metal and roaring fire rocketing out my arse and propelling me forward into the air while I ride a wheelie over anything that gets in my way with adrenaline pumping through my veins. I have ridden motorcycles since I was 12 years old. My first bike was a Honda CRF100 I believe and I just wanted to go fast as hell.
(Insert picture or mental image of 12 year old Jakey with dirtbike here)
Washing and waxing cars, mowing lawns, giving handeys in the alleyway, whatever the fuck it took, I hustled for my first dirt bike. I earned it, it was not gifted to me, it was all mine. My CRF100 was perfect for a beginner, forgiving on the clutch. A great bike to learn the basics of what the concept of riding actually is… Turning, clutching, braking, gripping, working your whole body mercilessley and getting your bloody balls up on the gas tank in a tight turn. Getting that ass off the seat when you hit a jump.
A few many years later at 17 I got a YZ125 (Yamaha 2 stroke) A damn rocket, requiring clutch mastery, superior skill, and careful precision which i did not have in the slightest. I am talking about riding a fucking 2 STROKE, not a HORSE. This is like 60 HORSES injected with Cocaine and rocket fuel packed with testosterone and pure adrenaline. I had no idea how to handle this power, I crashed 20 times a lap on the track.
Every turn, I crashed. Every jump, I biffed it, every hill i had to climb, I fell. The fucking bike was just too fast, unstable and I hadn’t mastered its true hidden power. The powerband…all i knew is I just wanted to go as fast as I fucking could around every turn and on every jump and just going fast doesnt work in motocross…maybe it does in nascar but not on a dirt bike track folks. Inexpierience and a shit ton of power are a recipe for sweet disaster. Let’s just say I learned how to crash with style. It wasn’t until I slowed down and settled down on the track and kept the bike at a steady pace that I made it through the track with only about 12 crashes a lap. Which was a damn improvment! Then one day I got down to only a few crashes per lap and my speed was becoming ridiculous. I learned something from a wise motocross Sage, motocross god if you will, Sheldon: Sheldon used to race, sheldon taught airplane how to fly with one simple lesson: “When you take it slow, you decrease the time it takes to take a lap on the track, because you are not crashing like a dumb idiot. Also you keep breaking your bike and I am not fixing it, you are.” When i learned that simple lesson after years of riding, I started to actually win on the track, fuckin finally….
Breaking the habit…
For fucks sake… I broke my wrist. how do you ride with a broken wrist, how do you work with a broken wrist when your job requires you to lift things and hit things with hammers and all that. It was time to stop, I had to stop riding for a while because well… adulting….see my job required my wrist to actually work…Don’t worry, it was just my left wrist in the arm cast, I could still flog the dolphin…ha. Adulthood, was happening fast and I was poor as shite, I needed to do something about this… I needed to join an outfit that will take me places. An outfit that doesn’t take people with broken bones or medical issues, an outfit with lots of uniforms and badges and paperwork and a whole force full of chairs. To join this outfit I had to stop riding, because riding would risk me being injured and ruin my chances of getting in with these fine bloakes. Once I was in, I could start riding again, I could get back on the horse, the wagon, get my good ol’ fix of pure adrenaline. To one day get back to the track to ride again. So I joined up with them, made it through the most basic of job training. And after I returned home from my training, I bought a new bike. A street bike…
A ninja, but its not the same. It is not ‘The Track,” Try to understand, the street has rules… the track only has respect for other riders and one fucking direction to go. There won’t be a damn semi truck running you over with a guy sexting his mate while eating a fuckin weinersnitzel chili dog. When you are on the track, you are free of the rules of the road. You are ONE with the BIKE; You dont even think anymore, after many years of track riding, it literally becomes like running a mile or jogging. You are cool, calm, collected, and super fucking high on adrenaline coursing through your veins as you FLY over table tops at break neck speeds and SWEEP through turns and burms, all while a rooster tail of dirt is shooting out the ass end of your bike into the face of the rider behind you.
You don’t know what logic or safe is, you only know: SPEED. Speed is your only friend on the track, speed is your holy savior, your lover, your bread, butter, your heroine your wine, your god and the holy trinity. Speed is all that and more, and the Well the track is your church mate, your fuckin’ church on Sunday. I really need to go back to church.
JakeymuthafreakinAirplane – cash me on the track, how bout dat.
Dear Present Me, Girl – you need to chill. You’re trying to take on a bunch of projects at once. Just take a step back, and take a breath. It isn’t a race. Just take everything one step at a time. You don’t have to do everything. You’re trying to grow up too fast. Who […]
Near the last leg of our trip to Anime Expo 2017 we were invited to go to a free 21+ party. This party was being hosted by cosplay deviants, a risque group of cosplayers who are not afraid to show a little more skin. My fiance and I left the hotel and rode in our Lyft down to the entrance of the convention. “Are they really throwing the party here at the convention center?”, I asked. A con goer approached asking for pictures with my fiance. Of course she had to dress up as a japanese school girl for our night out. I can’t blame her though, being that it is a cosplay convention. After snapping the picture we found the area where we figured the party would be and made our way inside past security. Happy-hardcore played on the speakers and we started to wonder if we were at the right party, noticing that everyone around us appeared to be under age. We walked out and asked the guard, he pointed down the hall to a giant line. That was our party, an enormous line awaiting us to get into this free night of delicious debauchery. After sitting down in line with some very cool people for what seemed like 2 hours, the line started to move. After about 25 minutes we were at the front of the line and we could see the guard checking ids. We got our ids out and we were ready, just then we hear the fire marshal tell our side of the line that we aren’t a real line anymore and that we need to get to the back of the line on the other side. Just so you understand, there were two lines and both of them were just as long as each other and ours was legitimate with tape and guards checking ids and everything. And then it wasn’t… We got into the other line, and waited. Apparently the party was at max capacity, it only had another 3 hours before it would be over. Many people left fearing that they couldn’t get in. The line started to move at a steady pace and we were inside.
Is that Kristen Stewart? The theme of the night was Final Fantasy, a guest walked up to us and since he was leaving he gave us his drink ticket. The drink I was sipping on was cactar juice and it was delicious. The girls of cosplay deviants were scantily clad and some had some great skills on the pole. Many of them kept asking my fiance if she wanted to get up and dance thinking that she was part of the event. She was sitting on my lap on a couch and a con goer walked up to my fiance and told her he wanted a lap dance after she was done with me. She explained that she was not part of the cosplay deviants party, that’s what you get for dressing up as a Japanese school girl…
This is my first blog post on this site. I’m a huge fan of video games and movies. I make reviews, reactions, and video game related content on Youtube. Expect all my videos to be posted here. I upload something new every week! Stay tuned!
I recently watched Baby Driver and I thought it was phenomenal. It’s Edgar Wright’s best film to date and I completely recommend everyone to go see it. Here is the link to my video. If you enjoy what you see, please give it a like and subscribe for more videos!
According to Rachel Grate: ‘Gaming, anime, and pop-culture cons don’t just draw lots of people. They attract heavily invested fans who are highly knowledgeable about the subject matter, passionate about the experience and totally devoted to the success of your event.
JakeyAirplane Vlog Blog - News, Photography, Corgis, Film, Cosplay, Motorcycles, Travel, Exercise and Gaming. Follow 