These were the words that were spoken to me as I toured the convention floor in my Couture Maleficent costume. This costume was important to me for many reasons. I had put a lot of work into making the horns, gloves and staff. It took me an hour to do my makeup and put my contact lenses in. Maleficent is my favorite Disney villain and Angelina Jolie is my favorite woman in the world. My Couture Maleficent was a labor of love and I created it to express my fandom for the character and the woman who was bringing her to life on the big screen. So imagine my utter disgust that someone told me directly to my face that they hated her.
Yes, I consider it insulting when I spend hours upon hours creating a costume and accessories in the image of a particular Hollywood actress and you tell me that you hate her. Sadly, I know many other costumers who have faced the same infuriating situation. People have insulted their character and expressed their hatred for them. They have gone as far as getting into debates with costumers. Why is it these individuals feel that this is appropriate? What are they thinking? Or perhaps it is the simple fact that they are NOT thinking. To quote the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz:
"Well, some people without brains do an awful lot of talking dont they?"
Dont be a douche bag. Cosplayers are not interested in your disapproval of the characters we are portraying. We could easily tell you we hate your hair and that outfit you put on. If you have nothing nice to say, dont say anything at all. If you dont like how we are dressed, then keep on walking. Insulting photo requests are not the best way to ask for a picture. And to my fellow costumers, if you have a run in with the village idiot, walk away or better yet, tell that person to step off. You are not interested in their petty anger towards a fictional character. Go away.
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The Baltimore Comic-Con celebrated its 14th year in the state of Maryland with its first ever three day show. Guests in attendance included Cliff Chiang, Mark Waid, Gail Simone, Adam Hughes, George Perez and many more. Exclusive variants were available for purchase such as George Perezs Sirens #1, Big Trouble In Little China #1 and Robocop #1. Many panels took place during the course of the three day event including the topics of Cosplay and Comics. The Kids Love Comics Program included several sketch sessions and even a how to make your own cape and superhero mask. Media Guest of Honor was Star Wars actor, Peter Mayhew. The Harvey Awards which honors artists, writers, creators and publishers in the industry was held on September 6th.
My photographer of Green House Photography and I arrived in Baltimore Saturday. I was originally going to attend the show as Elsa from Frozen. I was decked out in an Elsa wig, gown and makeup for the car ride to Maryland. However by the time we arrived, I decided to take everything off. Many factors contributed to my decision. First and foremost I was still exhausted from my trip to Dragoncon just one week ago. The travel to the state of Georgia, photo shoots, multiple costume changes and socializing had taken a toll and I had not yet recovered. I had also not slept well the previous evening. I wanted to attend Saturdays Baltimore show as a civilian and not have to pose for photo requests or be bothered. Apparently my plan did not work out too well. Almost immediately after hitting the convention floor in a black lace halter dress, someone called out: "Are you Victoria Cosplay?" It wasnt the first time I was stopped out of costume.
On Sunday I had scheduled a photo shoot based on the television series Once Upon A Time and Once Upon A Time In Wonderland. I was dressed as Regina The Evil Queen. This was my second year organizing a shoot based the show. Before the shoot, my friends Cosplay Jesus (who was dressed as Jafar) and Kevin D Cosplay (Robin Hood) walked the convention floor and posed for photos for con goers and the photographer at the Comic Wow! booth. There was a total of six of my costuming friends and the addition of a new friend who was also dressed as Regina. Our Wonderland characters featured The Jabborwocky, Jafar and The Red Queen (Lucid Cosplay). Once characters were Robin Hood, Little John and Regina. The shoot lasted 2 hours.
