Cosplay excellence at the 2019 Emerald City Comic Con

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No modern-day pop-culture convention feels complete without the efficient cosplay dedication from many of its attendees. The 2019 Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle carried on that, with excellence!

However, those familiar with these events can expect no surprises in trends here. There were the usual Marvel and DC fanfare, with more influence from the movies and TV shows. Star Wars is usual, but didn’t catch my eye as much. Gamer cosplay attire continues to impress, as games like Overwatch and Fortnite have elaborate, challenging costume designs, putting their expert crafters to heavy work to achieve authenticity. I think the game designers in creating these characters, look forward to making its cosplay crafter fans really work for that authentic look.

Meanwhile, the main event for ECCC 2019, showcased as the Western Championships of Cosplay, featured many talent cosplayers on stage. Throughout the show, there was a focus on three categories – Needlework, Armor, and FX. Here is a complete video of that grand display…

So overall, an awesome impression everywhere at ECCC. I took some pictures of many costumes done from casual to expert level from fans walking around on and around the convention floor…

MissBoof as Thor, using luminescent UV-coated eye contacts and LED lights.

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Zamesta as Mercy from the Doctor Who “The Next Doctor” Christmas episode with a fairy friend.

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Ollei Cosplay as Sugarplum Sylvana from Heroes of the Storm and World of Warcraft

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Alternate dark multiverse “The Man Who Laughs” Batman from the DC Comics..

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Samurai Mario!

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Feel the power of Hulkamania!, BROTHER!!

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Hellboy!

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Not sure, but fits well with the St. Patricks Day spirit, which crossed over this weekend.

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Disney ladies!

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Brilliant design work here!

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Skeletor!

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Monterrey Jack and Gadget of the Rescue Rangers!

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Mera!

Photo Mar 17, 12 58 48 PM

Milly Craft as Princess Celesta from My Little Pony.

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Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, I think. Costume had a cool glitter effect, which I could not quite capture here.

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That’s all for this ECCC show, with added applause to all cosplayers who attended, and added that extra touch that in the overall enjoyable Con experience!

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Cosplay of the 2017 Emerald City Comic Con

No modern comic convention is complete without the participations of its attendees, especially with the cosplay.

This sub-culture of costuming at the 2017 Emerald City Comic Con brought more life to the present fandom. Comics, games, movies, television, all well represented through a mix of the familiar and unfamiliar. Though, nothing this time felt too popular in frequency. Less were the Harley Quinns, Deadpools, Links, Batmans, Marvel movie fanfare (though a slight increase in Doctor Stranges. I noticed more mashups, crossplays, obscurities, and shoutouts to the indie scene of current pop-culture media.

Below are some pictures, displayed below (click on each pic for costume identification)…

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That’s all for this year at the ECCC. I look forward to next year!

– Orion T

(photo credits – taken March 2017 by Orion T for strangerworlds.com..please ask permission and credit the site if sharing elsewhere)

SW 2017 Emerald City Comic Con Show Report

The 2017 Emerald City Comic Convention in Seattle happened last weekend, delighting many for its 15th successful year.

I attended for my 5th consecutive year.

I spent one full day through what some say is the largest comics convention in the Pacific Northwest. That which is sad, being the comic books presence was not front and center for this year. Attending for my fifth year, I felt disappointed. Its artist alley, located on an upper floor while back issues, trades, and graphic novels sellers were held further back. The larger comic publishers (Image, Dark Horse, Valiant, Boom!, Oni) stood tall and proud, yet somewhat hidden in the mass jungle of gaming, anime, pop-culture merch and pop sci-fi art dealers and small publishers. Still, much fun for the attendees who now come to these comic conventions in search for such. I, being a comic enthusiast wished better for the struggling sequential arts industry.

Yet, there was a good presence of creative talent present, both old and new. The great Stan Lee was present, in panels and for autographs. Most of the Image Comics founders were also present for their 25th anniversary for a panel and signings; including Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefeld, Erik Larsen, Jim Lee, Whilce Portacio, and Jim Valentino. Sadly, no core founder Jim Lee present. Meanwhile, in Artist Alley, many familiar faces to the comics industry were also present; Tim Sale, Mike Mignola, Jeff Lemire, Mark Waid, Babs Tarr, Scott Snyder, andm more.

I was also pleased to see the growing presence of webcomics among the traditional monthly comics. Cyanide and Happiness, The Oatmeal, Agents of the Realm, Namesake, The Meek, and more were present. Such brings hope, that perhaps the comics industry will change and accept the digital frontiers. Then perhaps, learn from the new pioneers in web-coming publishing.

Drawing the bigger numbers were the pop-culture celebs, which included stars from well-known entertainment shows like Daredevil, Stranger Things, Star Trek, Walking Dead. They came, and talked, and signed many things. Such are vital to the success of the show. But, I had little time and patience for the long lines.

So, I walked around a lot and purchased much from the sellers and publishers present. Below, are some pictures and notes of my ECCC 2017 experience.

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The crowds were a plenty, and so were the cosplayers. Here, many lined up for a mandatory weapon check. I feel safer already!

No convention or geek-culture pop fest is complete without some attendee dress-up. Here, are two Hobbits.

The best booths here at the ECCC involve the mix of creatives and their products. Here, the cartoonists behind the hit webcomic Cyanide and Happiness, and new hit game Joking Hazard..greeted fans and signed for a bit.

Shane White, present at the Steve Jackson booth for his work as Guest Artist for the new Munchkin Pathfinder game.

Here is Barry Kitson, a professional artist from a range of well-known Marvel and DC comics titles. He was sketching the Hero Initiative booth, a non-profit charity helping comic creators in a time of desperate need. For more info, visit www.heroinitiative.org.

I did not quite get what this costume referred to or about, but I love it!

A Green Lantern group pose, with a little extra green from a possible leprechaun photobomber.

The God of Thunder vs. the Grouch of Sesame.

Pokemon never die, they just multiply. Pickacheers!!

I met Marguerite Bennett at the Aftershock Comics booth. She is the author of one of a new favorite comic series, Animosity, of which she signed the volume 1 trade paperback in her hand.

Comic cons lately have been host to many booths of glorious fan art prints and interpretations. Mike Vasquez had his display. See more at mikegoesgeek.com

I like how this booth utilized its floor space. Check out Terry Huddleston’s work at thuddleston.deviantart.com

Part of the fun of the Comic Cons are the discoveries of new reads. Sometimes, they discover you. Here, self-publisher Travis Vengroff sold me a hardcopy of his new book, Liberty Deception. It’s a sci-fi dystopian thriller, of which I will be reading soon.

Back at the Explosm booth, where the Cyanide and Happiness crew are busy in their cartooning.

A print purchased from the great Duck and McDuck Disney family comics artist, Don Rosa.

I purchased many comics from the back issue bins. This was a favorite among them.

Later into the night, the ECCC Western Championships of Cosplay show…

There was a good mix of masterful hand-made costumes. Many cheers from the audience in return.

Overall, I had a good time at the ECCC for 2017. I spent more than I expected, but with no regrets. I also took more picture of some attendees in colorful cosplay attire. Those will be shown soon, in another posting featuring my favorites in costume as see on the show floors. Look forward!

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– Orion T

(photo credits – taken March 2016 by Orion Tippens for strangerworlds.com..please ask permission and credit the site if sharing elsewhere)

Cosplay Memories of the 2016 Emerald City Comic Con..

Much of the 2016 Emerald City Comic Convention in Seattle was about the fans.

Such was a great time for people taking their fandom to a higher level. The best colors one could take in for a comics convention, is to appreciate the best icons our modern pop-culture brings out by the fans in costume. But also, there is joy in seeing the obscure, the almost forgotten, the alternate interpretations surprise suddenly appear as cosplay. The ECCC had some great variety all around from all entertainment mediums, with the latest rising popularity in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

I took some pictures, displayed below (click on each pic for costume identification)…

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That’s all for this year at the ECCC. I look forward to next year!

– Orion T

(photo credits – taken March 2016 by Orion T for strangerworlds.com..please ask permission and credit the site if sharing elsewhere)

Fun Times at the 2016 Emerald City Comic Con..

Last weekend, the Emerald City Comic Con happened in much awesome splendor and good times.

Still in the Seattle city, the ECCC took it’s 14th annual turn under the new management of ReedPOP (best known for their New York Comic Con). This was my 4th year in attendance, being happy for much of it. I enjoyed the Exhibit Floor for the most part, with a great choice of local and indie creative talent. But, I wish there was more of a presence by the big comics publishers for show exclusives and signings. Venders were in good supply for those who like comics and toys. Games were very much distant and in a different area, easily missed unless engaged in such activity.

Overall, good fun for those who enjoy the art of browsing and shop. I took some pictures and notes, with favorite highlights featured below..

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Invader Zim fans, or Grr and company showing off clever human disguises? ..hmm

Always a cheer to see a row of artists engaged with fans.

Star Wars cosplay was big as usual, but now with more Reys and Kylos.

Comics artist legend Neal Adams, signs an original work of his, Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali

A favorite thing for this con was the abundance of dirt cheap comics, with much at 10, 25, 50 cents, and 3 for a dollar. Many cheapskates rejoiced in this epic treasure hunt!

One of the best panels of the show, a live sketch by the artists of popular web-comic Cyanide and Happiness. Most of it was very adult, with heavy bathroom humor, as directed by the audience giving them ideas on what to draw.

We also got some local Seattle vibes here, with local team spirit on display. NFL cornerback Richard Sherman was among the con guests for this year.

Podcasters are showing more presence at these convention gatherings. Here, I met and discussed Marvel’s Mutants with the hosts of the Jay and Miles X-Plain the X-Men podcast.

Though a bit in decline, there are still some booths with some awesome Japanese import figurines.

The Chibi Essense booth, full of fandom and cute craft.

Author David J. West represented the Illuminati in the much fun “Choose your own Apocalypse” live role-play at the Space Balrogs panel. I have his book now, of which I will enjoy reading soon.

Old school Spider-Man artist Randy Emebrlin, doing what he does best

A sampling of the awesome prints, one could buy at this and similar comic cons.

Fluffy colorful furriness on the Exhibit floor

Sci-fi author Eric Laster, hiding behind his awesomeness.

Echoing within the Emerald City, from the Spooky Forest..

At these comic cons, zombies will never die..

Famed author Patrick Rothfuss entertains the large crowd for a while..

Walking Dead (Shane) and Daredevil (Punisher) star Jon Bernthal, mellows out with fans

I think League of Legends, though not quite sure.

That’s enough commentary for now. Stay tuned here on SW for another entry on this year’s ECCC show, the cosplay!

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– Orion T

(photo credits – taken March 2016 by Orion T for strangerworlds.com..please ask permission and credit the site if sharing elsewhere)

Wanderings at the Emerald City Comic Con 2015..

From the recent Emerald City Comic Con, in Seattle.

Here are some wonderful memories and favorite cosplay..

(Note: some pics and notes were taken from a recent entry from my own blog, travelingorion.com. This entry is an expanded version with much more content)

The gathering of Spider-Mansand related Marvel Comics cosplayers. Among them were many Deadpools, and some Spider-Gwens (a new character to the Marvel Universe, long story), and a classic Electro (a personal fav to my childhood cartoon viewing).

I noticed an abundance of loose action figure toys. Much of which I feel somewhat amused, that an appreciation of plastic detailing and articulated mobility could still be a fun novelty, in my grown-up years.

Paul Tobin (writer) and Colleen Cloover (artist), of the Bandette comics; a personal favorite (and highly recommended) series of a whimsical super-hero thief. Both a married couple hosting their own booth, and a joy to meet.

Long Vo and Joe Ng, at the Udon Booth. Both, drawing two video game favorites; Mega Man and Akuma (Street Fighter). I cam back at short times a bit later to see what they were up to. Both very friendly, and put much love into their work

Christopher Pike, and Harry Mudd cosplay; from the Classic Star Trek series.

I love seeing comic book covers of different areas on display and in boxes. There is an awesome nostalgic beauty to all this.

DC Comics “Bombshell” versions of Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Harley Quinn, and Batwoman. All brought to life, from a series of variant comic covers showing the heroines with vintage pulp cover twists. Well done.

Alana and Marko cosplayers, from the Saga comics series. Saga (by Fiona Staple and Brian K. Vaughan) is the best sci-fantasy comic series currently released on the shelves now.

A vintage Batman playset still in the box. Will Batman save Robin in time, or will the Joker have the last laugh?

Jim Mahfood, an admired artist over my last two decades of comic reading. He is the perfect match for the new Tank Girl series coming out. He also drew me a cool Batman sketch.

And here, are the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Seattle is safe for now!

Doctor Doom vs. Judge Dredd. Place your bets!

They let me go, after showing them the droids they were looking for.

Sailor Scouts, crossplayin

The Gundam Wing 1/100 Endless Waltz model kits. Not shown is my favorite, Duo Maxwell and his Deathscythe Hell Custom.

A new Mega Man figure coming from Bluefin toys. Multi-articulated with LED lights, and pop-out compartments. This was originally promoted as a Kickstarter campaign for fans, now with all goals met.

The Image Comics booth, once again standing tall as my favorite current comics publisher.

Some of the later stage cosplayers showcased that Saturday weekend night. There were many groups, with incredible detail and craftsmanship. The Troll from World of Warcraft (fifth from the left) I think won “best in show.”

Prohibition era Mystery Incorporated

On the last day and outside the convention, lucky fans got an up close performance from the D20 Brass Band. Many cheered to the Legend of Zelda theme, and other classic tunes.

Gotta love the some of the really geeky merch. I was seriously considering buying that Chewbacca robe in the top right corner.

Not sure what these two are from, but I like the craftmanship!

I think this is League of Legends, not sure.

Warhammer 40K, right?

There were some free pinball games to place on one of the upper floors, to promote an upcoming Pinball arcade show. I loved this particular one.

Albert Nguyen, a cool artist man who drew me a sweet picture of Leonardo (see later on down in these pics).

M.O.D.O.K (Mental/Mobile/Mechanized Organism Designed Only for Killing) with A.I.M. Soldiers (Advanced Idea Mechanics)

Radioactive Man!

From Mass Effect. I have yet to play the game, yet been told I should..

The TARS Robot from Interstellar

One of the Spocks who gathered, in memory of Leonard Nimoy, who recently passed.

Jubilee from the X-Men, in the classic 90s style outfit

A Weeping Angel (from Doctor Who)

Viewtiful Joe cosplay action!

Avatar the Last Airbender

A live group playing of the game Artemis, a Spaceship Bridge Simulator. Here, a group of strangers band together for a bold mission in space. It was a lot of fun to watch, as some were not very experienced with the mechanics of space travel.

Rob McDaniel at work, sculpting with clay one of this amazing creatures. For the show, his work is inside the fantasy anthology series, Monsterpedia.

My obtained sketches on small trading card sized boards, from the show. From the top and left…Leonardo by Albert Nguyen, Batman by Jim Mahfood, Miniature Man by Steven Butler, random lady sketch by Enfu (local Seattle Artist), from the upcoming Faster Than Light augmented reality comics by Brian Haberlin (Anomaly) Inspector Belgique by Colleen Cloover (from Bandette), and Gyro Gearloose by Don Rosa!

Well, that’s all for now, with Gender Bender taking us out.

Until the next Con (probably San Diego in the summer)..

– Orion T

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(photo credits – taken March 2017 by Orion T for strangerworlds.com..please ask permission and credit the site if sharing elsewhere)

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(photo credits – taken March 2016 by Orion T for strangerworlds.com..please ask permission and credit the site if sharing elsewhere)

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