Fundraiser for Katsucons late Director of Japanese Cultural

On February 28th, it was reported that Christine Larson, Katsucons Director of Japanese Culture was hospitalized with a a chronic case of the H1N1 virus (aka Swine Flu) and pneumonia. Christines condition was so bad that she was put in a medically induced coma. Mrs. Larson, whom is a mother, is married to Katsucon co-chairman Grig Larson. A Go Fund Me page was created by Cat Hillberry to help pay for Christines medical bills. Sadly, on March 2nd, just 16 days after the 2014 Katsucon show, Christine passed away at 3:45pm.

The family is still in need of donations to cover medical bills. The Go Fund Me Pages goal is $25,000 and has currently raised $10,818. Every little bit helps for this family who is mourning the sudden loss of a wife and mother. I have never attended a Katsucon convention nor do I know the Larson family however in times like these, that is irreverent. You dont have to know someone to lend a helping hand when they are in need.

Please send all donations to the Go Fund Me Page at: http://www.gofundme.com/779x2s

Read More..

5 Cosplay Artists You Should Be Watching!

The grand hobby of costuming has exploded over the last few years. Hundreds of thousands of cosplay accounts exist on tumblr, Deviant Art, Facebook and other places across the web. There are many talented individuals on the scene but Id like to take this moment to highlight some of my personal favorites. I bring you (in no particular order) 5 Cosplay Artists You Should Be Watching.

 Traci Hines

Words cant express my love and adoration for Traci Hines. She is hands down, the best Ariel I have ever seen and can bring any Disney Princess to life with flawless accuracy. This gorgeous red head also  crossplays and is a talented singer. She has done a series of covers and has recorded her own original music. Last year she launched her own successful t-shirt line titled "Adorkable". The original hipster mermaid has legions of adoring fans, myself included. I promise you wont be disappointed when you check out her music and costume work. 

http://www.tracihines.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TraciHinesMusic

http://www.youtube.com/TraciJHines

http://www.twitter.com/TraciHines

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cosplay Kitten

Heidi aka Cosplay Kitten is one of my favorites for many reasons. When I first began costuming back in 2006, I quickly became a fan of her work. Her craftsmanship and attention to detail are first class. She has made costumes from all different genres including anime, video games and comic books. She is absolutely beautiful and is very kind and gracious to everyone. The best part of Heidi is that shes fun and a big geek like the rest of us! I always look forward to what this beauty will create next!

http://www.cosplaykitten.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CosplayKitten/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Faces of Freya

Theres no doubt about it; Freya kicks ass! She has quickly become one of my favorite artists on the scene. She works hard to maintain that knock-out figure. In addition to cosplay, she is also a historical actress and charity worker. Freya is fun, sexy and exciting. Her photographs are stunning to look at. She truly emulates the spirit of the characters she is portraying.  I find this woman inspiring on so many levels and look forward to seeing her on the convention floor!

https://www.facebook.com/FacesOfFreya

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael Cox

Batman never looked this epic! Michael Cox has an impressive collection of handmade costumes that just keep on getting better and better. His recent armored Batman literally blew me away when I saw it at this years Megacon Convention. In addition to crafting and creating, Michael is also a Council Member of the Heroes Alliance Charity Organization and has been doing super hero charity work for the last several years. This true life super hero is one of the nicest guys around and very humble but watch out for his wicked sense of humor!

Facebook Page  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Knightmage

With his insanely awesome costumes and infectious positive attitude, Knightmage has become a favorite among fellow costumers and fans alike. The wings he created for his recent Spawn costume literally made my jaw hit the floor. This man is pure, raw talent. Knightmage has been a guest at several conventions around the country and donates all of the money he makes selling prints to childrens charities. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the 2013 Allentown Comic-Con and he is a true gentleman. I cant wait to see what he will create next!

https://www.facebook.com/Knightmage1

Read More..

Why I Decided to Get Involved in Shows

"Egotism is the drive to maintain and enhance favorable views of oneself, and generally features an inflated opinion of ones personal features and importance."

I think its safe to say that we have all known someone who was an egotist. Sadly, in the world of costuming more and more egotists are popping up. Some people believe that they are better than others, certain costumers are competing with each other and many are caught up in racking up the most "likes" on Facebook as if their very lives depended on it. Ive personally known people who got involved with conventions for one reason and one reason only; to see their names on the Guest List and brag about it to high hell. It has nothing to do with helping the show as a member of the staff or meeting with people interested in our craft. Its to be a "Cosplay Celebrity" or a "Professional Cosplayer." Because of the behavior Ive personally seen live and in person, I had sworn off getting involved with shows in an effort not to be like the Cosplay Egotists but all of that changed at the 2013 Pittsburgh Comic Con.

Im going to be blunt; there is no such thing as a "cosplay celebrity" or a "professional cosplayer". Every time I see or hear that term, I laugh myself silly. I truly believe that that is the most idiotic term I have ever heard. Cosplay is a hobby, not a profession. If you make and sell your own costumes and props, then you are a costume maker/seamstress/designer or a prop maker. Would you put "Professional Cosplayer" on a job application? If you did, Im sure you would be laughed out of the office or they would look at you like you had three heads. And what makes a person a "professional or expert cosplayer"? If you have experience then you can just as easily say "veteran cosplayer". Throwing in "professional" or "expert" is just a BS way of making someone appear glamorous and important. Now comes the title of "cosplay celebrity". True, there are certain costumers who are more well known than others but that doesnt necessarily mean that they are the best or celebrities.



A cosplayer is a cosplayer. Plain and simple. The fancy titles are smoke and mirrors.

I never wanted to become a costumer who sought the spotlight. I got into costuming to express my fandom, not to seek fame. Ive seen people change in their search for cosplay stardom and I was afraid I would be following down the path of egotism if I got involved with shows. But then I was asked last minute to be one of the judges at the Costume Contest at the 2013 Pittsburgh Comic-Con along side Freddie Nova. Although I was bewildered, I accepted. It was truly a learning lesson for me and completely changed my perspective. A lot of that has to do with the gracious Freddie Nova. Freddie is beautiful and very talented. Her liquid latex Venom photos went viral and she has an enormous fan base. Everyone from comic creators to comic fans and cosplayers knows who she is and yet she is very humble. She treats everyone with respect and was incredibly encouraging to every person who took the stage. I saw for the first time someone use their position to spread positivity and it was beautiful. I learned from her shining example and was sure to smile at all of the contestants, encourage them and even spoke to a few of them afterwards and online. Many were first timers in costuming who had many questions. It felt wonderful to help others and I want to continue that.



Im currently scheduled for 2 more local shows. Im not doing it to see my name in lights and I actually make it clear that I do not want to be credited as a professional cosplay celebrity". Im simply a cosplayer who wants to reach out and support the community. So think of me as a Goodwill Ambassador of Cosplay, if you will. But never a professional cosplayer. *laughs*

Read More..

Man of Steel and Trinity Set

Photo by Future Photography by M3 with edit by
SII Posters

Planning a photo shoot with a large team of artists takes time and patience. It took several months to plan a Man of Steel themed photo shoot which included costumers Jason of JET Cosplay, Kevin D Cosplay and photographers Miguel of Future Photography by M3, Marvin of Hero Hotties, Brian of Green House Photography and Piera of Photos and Designs by Piera. The shoot took place in my home thus proving that having a creepy large basement can in fact be good for something. Many people drove a long distance to make the shoot a possibility and when they all arrived, I was dressed up as Queen Elsa from Disneys Frozen (having just returned from entertaining children at a birthday party).  It was exciting that this was finally coming together. I loved the Man of Steel movie and we had an amazing cast of costumers and photographers. We also decided to take things a step further; since Kevin cosplays Batman and I cosplay Wonder Woman, this was a great opportunity to get some Trinity shots.

Two costume changes were required for me for the Man of Steel set; Lois Lane and Faora. After washing off my Elsa makeup and slipping off the blue sparkly gown, I changed into Lois Lane (which requires less makeup than Faora). Superman and Lois shots were taken as well as Superman, Lois and General Zod. 

Have I ever mentioned how much it irritates me that they kept Amy Adams red hair for the role of Lois? I wouldnt have to wear a wig for this if Zack Snyder remained accurate to Lois appearance. Amy Adams doesnt look like Lois Lane in Man of Steel; she just looks like Amy Adams. It took me forever to find a wig this shade of red. Lucky for me I found it at a wig shop local to a relatives house. It was the only orange based red wig in the store priced at $25. It was literally collecting dust on display. It is quite beautiful however and it will be used for Anna from Frozen for parties. 

Next up is Faora which is a costume I have only worn once for a brief shoot earlier this year. Unfortunately with all of the chaos of the day, I forgot to put my belt on and didnt realize it until I saw the photos. Costume fail. The short wig is made of human hair. I tend to feel quite self conscious in it but it photographs well.

After a pizza break, it was time for Zod and Faora to change into Batman and Wonder Woman for some epic Trinity shots and one romantic shot with Superman.

Great times were had behind the camera and a lot of laughs. For some, it was the first time meeting and working with one another and it was an absolute blast. New friendships were made, fond memories and some stunning art. My thanks to all of the artists involved with the shoot whom I am honored to call friends. 

Visit me on my Official Facebook Page

Read More..

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con 2012 coverage

The Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con rolled back into the city of brotherly love with a new twist. The three day event was extended with its first ever Preview Night with hours operating from 5pm until 9pm. Preview Night is no stranger to shows such as the San Diego Comic Con and New York Comic Con but the additional half day was a welcomed treat to Philadelphians. The show took place May 30th, 31st, June 1st and 2nd and featured an impressive roster with celebrities from both the comic book world and Hollywood.

Comic Book legends Stan Lee and George Perez were in attendance as well as Avengers superstar Chris Hemsworth, Superman Dean Cain and cast members from Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Spartacus. Private photo sessions were offered with numerous celebrities, the most popular being the "5 Captains" session where you could be photographed with Star Treks William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks, Kate Mulgrew and Scott Bakula. A full list of guests can be seen on Wizards website. Vendors from all over the country were present selling everything from comics to vintage toys.

I attended the show all three and a half days. The show room floor appeared much larger this year which was a welcomed change. There was more space  for fans to walk around and more options in shops and allies featuring artists and celebrities. The show was very well organized in terms of space and the employees were knowledgeable and helpful. The larger guest list meant that there was more people to meet and see than previous Wizard World Philly shows. Although the crowds were small on Preview Night, I was still impressed with the amount of people who showed up. Die hard cosplayers including myself, embraced the opportunity to strut the convention floor an extra half day. Ive always said that the best part of these shows is being with your friends and Preview Night was no exception. I saw some impressive costumes and also got a bit of shopping done. For Preview Night I attended the show as Wonder Girl (Cassie) with my friends in tow as American McGees Alice, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy (Arkham inmates variant).

?

On Friday I had the pleasure of working with Superhero Photography and Superhero Stuff at their booth as Elektra with famed photographer Adam Jay. The Elektra costume was on loan and made by Ally Cat. Fans were invited to take a picture in front of a green screen with cosplayers. Carlos Blanchard, the infamous "Midevil Batman" was also working at the booth along with stunning model Alexia who wowed the crowd as Poison Ivy. For a small fee, your photo was edited with a background and printed on the spot as a keep sake (a digital copy was also emailed to costumers). A screening for the fan film "Legion of  Injustice" by Together Brother Productions (in which I star in as Supergirl) was held later that evening. After the movie screening we headed back to the convention floor for a Marvel photo shoot with Stan Lee.

Saturday was the day to debut an original cosplay months in the making. I was honored when Han Pan and Lucid asked me to be part of their 1950s Gotham Girls group as Catwoman. The dresses were designed and made by both Han and Lucid. Months of sewing  as well as research into the style of the times, hair and makeup were needed to pull this off. Our cosplay was met with praise from con goers, friends and celebrities alike and we took home second place aka Honorary Mention in the costume contest later that evening. DC Comics George Perez (whom I had the pleasure of meeting at Megacon during my Lois Lane/Superman shoot) stopped us as we passed his table for a photo. I attended a DC shoot where Mr. Perez was our guest of honor. I also met actors Dean Cain and Amber Benson that day and was pleasantantly surprised to see Bryan Nguyen at the show, one of my favorite cosplayers.

The final day of the show was a bit more relaxing for me. I had no obligations and was able to stroll the convention floor at my own pace with my companion. I decided on Zatanna since I have not worn that outfit for over a year and purchased new pieces such as a hat and bottoms. I completely forgot that I never replaced the bow tie and decided to search for one at the show. I purchased a red one which wasnt my first choice of color but is one of the variants Zatanna wears. I was quite pleased after adding it to my ensemble. The final day was filled with friends, meeting Walking Dead star Norman Reedus, artist Eric Basaldua, Ken Haeser of The Living Corpse and ended with friends over Philly cheese steaks. Id like to thank everyone at the Wizard World organization for a superb and well organized show this year. As always, I am very much looking forward to next years event. A complete photo gallery can be seen on my official Facebook Fan Page.

       

Read More..