Baltimore Comic Con 2013 Coverage

The Baltimore Comic-Con took place Saturday and Sunday, September 7th-8th at the Baltimore Convention Center in  Maryland. The show had an impressive guest list featuring dozens of writers, artists and other talented professionals in the comic industry. This was my first time attending the show in roughly 6 years and I was very much looking forward to it. Im happy to report that the show was easily one of the best events I have attended this year. Professionals in attendance included George Perez, Billy Tucci, Mark Waid, and David Finch. A complete list can still be viewed on the Baltimore Comic-Con website: http://baltimorecomiccon.com/guests/   A large variety of vendors were also present and special events took place such as the Harvey Awards ceremony and Sundays Costume Contest. There were also many exclusives and panels headlined by top names.

My photographer and I arrived in the city on Saturday. After checking into our hotel, I changed into my dark haired variant of Supergirl and we headed to the show. There were massive crowds there enjoying the festivities. We caught up with many of our cosplay friends. We also visited our friend, artist Billy Tucci and I purchased a stunning Catwoman print from him modeled after Jennifer Van Damsel. After making our first tour of the entire convention floor, we made our way back to the hotel so I could change into Huntress. We went back to the show to resume touring the convention center. Upon speaking with some people in the lobby, former DC Comics President, writer and artist Paul Levitz introduced himself to me.

"As the creator of Huntress, I highly approve."

There is no greater honor than when a creator gives you their blessing on your portrayal of their character.


Many cosplayers and I spent some time in the lobby posing for what seemed like an unlimited request of photos. When the show was over, we spent the evening dining out with friends. On Sunday I was doing my very first group photo shoot that I organized. The theme was the television series Once Upon A Time. The cast included Kevin Diplacido as Captain Hook, Jacky Brodhead as Regina the Evil Queen, Shemika Demouchet Berry as Maleficent, Iggy Cosplay as The Mad Hatter, Lindsay Lou as Red Riding Hood and myself as Belle. All photos were shot by my photographer at Green House Photography. I was a bit nervous organizing my first convention shoot but it turned out even better than I imagined. My friends were completely gorgeous in their roles. Our first location for the shoot was on a ship by the harbor. The second was the patio at the convention center. We were all very popular as we walked the con as a group and were often mobbed for photos.


The remainder of Sunday included stopping by to see my friend, comic legend George Perez and catching up with anyone we missed Saturday. We left about an hour before the show closed to prepare for our drive back home.

The Baltimore-Comic Con has become one of my favorite shows and we will most definitely be attending next year and future years to come. The thing I love most about the event is that it has remained true to its roots. Its about the comics. Whereas others shows are more focused on pop culture, Baltimore keeps it real. The employees were friendly, helpful and the show was organized beautifully. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from those that attended. There was also a bit of excitement in the air, as rumor spread next years show will be expanded for 3 days. We are all keeping our fingers crossed hoping 2014 will mean 3 days of comic geek heaven in Maryland.

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For a full gallery of the show, visit my official Facebook Page

For a complete gallery of the Once Upon A Time shoot, visit Green House Photography

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Comic Legends gather for the 2013 Baltimore Comic Con!

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George Perez, Adam Hughes and Cliff Chiang.

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I have been attending comic conventions for 10 years, starting with local cons in the Philadelphia area. In the last 4 years, I have been lucky enough to expand my travels and attend shows all around the country. What makes a great show? The guest list and the hard working people who are organizing the event. The Baltimore Comic-Con falls into the category of one of the best. It is a favorite among con goers and I am thrilled for this years show which features an impressive guest list of legends and favorites from the comic book industry.

The Baltimore Comic-Con stays true to their roots and origin. Its about the comics. With a large selection of writers and artists, their 5th Annual Costume Contest and the Harvey Awards Ceremony, theres plenty to do for geeks of all ages. A large selection of retailors and exhibitors will also be on hand selling everything from toys to statues and comics. The guest list includes talent such as David Finch, Amanda Conner, Mark Waid, Frank Cho and Joe Staton just to name a few. A complete list, which is still being updated, can be seen on their website: http://baltimorecomiccon.com/guests/

The event will be taking place Saturday and Sunday, September 7th -8th. A weekend pass is only $40.00 ($42.39 with a service fee). Compare that to the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic-Con, which is charging the outrageous price of $50.00 for a one day pass online, $60.00 at the door (a show that is focused on booking actors both relevent and irrelevent  rather than comic talent). Tickets for the Baltimore Comic-Con can be purchased here: http://baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/

This will be my second time attending the show and I am very much looking forward to it. Ill see you in Baltimore! ?http://baltimorecomiccon.com/

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Cosplay Spotlight Abby Dark Star

The lovely and talented Abby Dark-Star is well known by comic fans and cosplayers alike. The multi talented beauty took some time out to chat with the Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog about making body armor, putting together her epic Arkham Asylum Poison Ivy, married life with fellow geek Zendragon and much more!





Victoria: How long have you been in the hobby of costuming?


Abby: I have been costuming since about 2006/07? I dont quite remember but it seems like forever!


Victoria: You have a very impressive portfolio of stunning costumes. How many characters have you brought to life?


Abby: I have brought probably over 20 characters to life? I honestly havent kept track, I see a character and go "shiny" and then Im off.


Victoria: One of my favorite costumes you have done is the Arkham Asylum version of Poison Ivy. Can you tell me about the process of creating it?


Abby: Arkham Asylum Poison Ivy was a tricky costume because it was very detailed. It involved body paint and prosthetics. I knew that it wasnt feasible to spend hours applying prosthetics so I came up with the idea of using a body stocking. I had Mike S. of DragonFyre Designs sculpt the vines which where then cast. I modified the body stocking and then applied the vines. The shirt was modified and I put the blue edging on it. The logo was applied to the back of the shirt. The wig was entirely done by me, as it was a base wig and then wefts sewn in to create the dramatic widows peak that Ivy has. I then had a body artist paint my face, chest, hands and arms, and also apply the prosthetics. It was a long process, but well worth it!


Victoria: How did you learn to make more complex items such as body armor?


Abby: Im still learning to make body armor! Thankfully I have great resources in the RPF and talented friends. Worbla is the most often used medium right now, and there are epic tutorials from Kamui cosplay online that can really help people get started!


Victoria: Youre a newly wed! Congrats on your marriage! What was your wedding like?


Abby: Thanks! Our wedding was a convention. No, seriously! It started off as a way to celebrate my bday and then Zen and I decided, what the hey, why not get married? So we did! We had a long weekend with tons of friend in Vegas, we did limos, parties, had a VIP section at Steel Panther, it was amazing. Our wedding itself was in a gorgeous almond orchard! Of course there was geeky stuff everywhere as we asked our guests to bring a prop and even dress up. It was amazingly special.


Victoria: Is it fun sharing a life with someone who is as passionate about the hobby as you are?


Abby: I love being Zens partner in this crazy costuming life we have. We really balance each other well! Were both crazy about accuracy and detail, so we encourage, inspire and create together. He is my partner in everything!


Victoria: What costumes do you have planned for the future?


Abby: Right now Im planning on revamping some old costumes, as well debut a new costume for a video game Im in, "Crystal Fury" from Comic ConQuest!


Victoria: An artist recently made a beautiful statue of you as fem Indiana Jones. Whats it like being a statue?

Abby: Its hard to be a statue...you cant breathe or eat! Haha! No it is a wonderful compliment to be chosen to be immortalized like that, and I really love the fact that what would usually be my take is all going to charity!


Victoria: How has costuming impacted your life in a positive way?


Abby: Costuming has enabled me to make amazing friends, have fantastic experiences and even recently allowed me to change career paths. Without costuming I wouldnt have been able to meet my husband, my best friend, or anyone else that is now part of my world!


Victoria: Where can people contact you and view a portfolio of your work?


Abby: Facebook is the easiest way to see my daily geekery, so facebook.com/abbydarkstar

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