With June upon us (and almost over), it means that convention season is in full swing. Since Memorial Day weekend, there has been a con almost every weekend across the globe. Although I'd love to, I couldn't attend every one, but I've compiled photos from a bunch of them, including: Fanime, HeroesCon, AnimeNEXT, Akon, Toycon and PressCon.
Fanime - San Jose, CA - May 27- 30, 2011
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HeroesCon - Charlotte, NC - June 3-5, 2011
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AnimeNEXT - New Jersey - June 10-12, 2011
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Akon - Dallas, TX - June10-12, 2011
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ToyCon & PressCon - Philippines - June 18-19, 2011
Featuring cosplayers & costumers: Riki of Himearts, Miracole, Chris, Ana Aesthetic, Phillippines X-Men Team, Mike Powell, the SHIELD agens from Anext and more!
Photography by Judith Stephens, Ljinto, Christa Newman, CosplayInAmerica.com, Pat Cave, Kia Keary, Winston Baltasar, Lawrence Fesalbon, James Reyes, Dash Lee, Chad Senga
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San Diego Comic-Con Attendees!
-The Marvel Cosplay Photo-Op will be held at the Marvel stage Friday, July 22!
-The Marvel Costume Contest presented by Oxygen will be on Saturday, July 23!
As it's rather quiet around here while we prep for SDCC, I believe its time for another photographer profile!
A few months ago I was searching the Internet for photos from the Marvel gathering at MegaCon, and preceeded to stumble upon Stacy's photo manipulations. You've seen his work on my blog for my Thor Costuming post and I'm happy to display more work of his work again.
Take it away Stacy!
Judy: Introduce yourself, please!
Stacy: My name is Stacy (but I am a guy). I live in Cocoa Beach Florida and love photography, meeting new people and always trying new things.
Judy: How did you become interested in photography? And how did you start shooting costumers and cosplay?
Stacy: I started photography because I love Pin-Up art and could not paint, so photography seemed the next best thing. Over the years, I have learned certain methods that have helped me create what I do now. My favorite Pin-Up model is an Avid Costumer (Rosalind Friday), She invited me to a group shoot of her and fellow costumers and after seeing how passionate they are about Cosplay and their characters, it inspired me to create the scenes I do for them. As much as they immerse themselves in the character, it only made sense for me to give them a little action, and I love doing it for them.
Judy: I take it you're a Marvel fan? How did you fall into the universe?
Stacy: I am a Marvel fan. Growing up, I read Spider-Man, but what really grabbed me was probably Wolverine. I love the storylines, plus he has a rough, possibly unpolished nature that sets him apart. I am also originally from Alaska, so we kids always fancied ourselves as Thor as well. I love the new movie and how he was depicted. I don't know all the backstory, but I do love the direction.
Judy: For your photo manipulation, how do you come up with your ideas? Walk us through the process.
Stacy: Some I know going in. If I plan a shoot and know what characters will be represented, then I plan ideas based upon other stuff I have seen or I use my own ideas. The model will usually have ideas of their own as well. An example would be the latest I did of Thor. I did a few I really liked with him and other characters, but once I saw the movie I went back and created a few more based upon scenes I saw.
I am a visual person, so I try to project it into my mind and then build around the photo. All are different and no two scenes will ever be the same. I try to make each manipulation as original as possible. I always want these Cosplayers to have something they can be proud of.
Judy: What would be your dream costume to photograph?
Stacy: Truthfully, I love them all. I love seeing someone in costume and having no idea who they are, and after spending a few minutes with them they explain everything and it gets me going to create a scene. Cosplayers are some of the most intelligent, creative and gracious people I have ever met, so it mostly just [focus on] getting it right for them. I do have some ideas to do a Blade photoshoot and a costumer friend doing the new Captain America that will be awesome to shoot. I really love them all!
Thanks much Stacy! I can't wait to see what he comes up next!
With X-Men: First Class in theaters today, Friday, June 3, I've wrangled together a large-ish selection of the amazing Marvel fans who've donned X-Men-inspired costumes. Below are over 100 of cosplayers & costumers from throughout the eras and costume-changes.
Thanks again to the guys and gals over at the Super Hero Costuming Forum for answering the costuming-call! Plus all the photographers and costumers who sent in photos!
Thanks to all the cosplayers, costumers and photographers!
This past weekend, I jetted off to Chicago for AnimeCentral 2011, an annual anime, manga and video game convention held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. Acen, for short, boasts numbers over 15K and is the largest anime convention in the Midwest. This is the 3rd year I've been in attendance and I still love the location, overall mood and, of course, the cosplayers.
This year I helped out the Cosprints photo booth, and we had a few Marvel cosplayers and costumers wander in front of our lenses!
My next two weekends are packed full of conventions as I'm attending AnimeCentral this weekend in Chicago, and then during Memorial Day weekend I'll be at Fanime in San Jose, Calif.
Both conventions are anime, manga and video game-centric, but I'll be covering any and all Marvel cosplay and costuming I see.
Though I'm not the organizer, here are the planned gatherings for both cons:
AnimeCentral: Marvel Vs. Capcom Meet-up: Friday, May 20 @ 3:30 p.m. Location: Left loading blocks.
Fanime: Marvel/DC Universe Gathering: Saturday, May 28 @ 5:30 p.m. Location: 1FCC LA
If you are planning to be at either convention, please swing by and say hi! As usual, look for my purple/pink hair.
This time its a fellow Mystique costumer, who I had the chance to meet at C2E2 earlier this year. I first stumbled upon her costumes last year when I was looking for references for my own Mysique costume. I was blown away by her classic blue mutant, and while in Chicago, was in awe of her constant costume changes. She wore 4 costumes throughout the three days of the convention. Take it away Kearstin!
Kearstin Nicholson
Me: Introduce Yourself!
Kearstin: My name is Kearstin Nicholson, I'm 25 years old. I live in the Chicagoland area. Avid hobbyist and one of the guys!
Me: How long have you been cosplaying? And how did you get into it?
Kearstin: I just started in 2009, but it wasn't until 2010 I taught myself how to sew. I've been going to conventions forever, and modeling since 2004. Whenever I saw con-goers dressed up, or booth babes, or the masquerades, I always got extremely jealous. How in the con-world, you can be somebody else. You can portray somebody else. The fact that it's a fictional character? EVEN BETTER. I sought out to have my first couple costumes made, and once I started doing them myself, it's been an excellent adventure since... and I'm still learning!
Me: What was your first costume, Marvel and otherwise?
Kearstin: My VERY first costume was Sailor Jupiter from "Sailor Moon". I've only worn her once, and I want to redo her now that I know what I'm doing. My first Marvel suit was Dark Phoenix. I got White Phoenix of the Crown and Phoenix (green) at the same time, but I wore DP first and loved it!
Me: You make most of your costumes, right? How did you learn how to sew?
Kearstin: At the beginning I did have things made. Eventually it turned into I made some, others made the rest. These days, if it's fabric, I'm making it. If it something complex and out of my skill set (such as casting), I'll commission that. I'm learning crafts outside of spandex (foam, jewelry, painting, carving, etc) to expand the complexity of my suits, and I'm loving the journey. There's so much to learn! How I have been teaching myself to sew is believe it or not, tossing myself in the fire and figuring it out, or YOUTUBE VIDEOS! :)
Me:How did the Marvel universe suck you in? Who are your favorite Marvel characters?
Kearstin: I've been into Marvel for as long as I can remember. My dad got me the X-Men playing cards, Sega games and when I got a little bit older, the best cartoon ever--the '90s animated series. I started reading comics in about 2001/2002. Heavily when 2004 came around. My absolute favorite Marvel character is Jean Grey! After her, pretty much the X-Men team comes next as I love each and every one, villain or hero, for their own quirks, bells and whistles.
Me: What would be your dream Marvel costume?
Kearstin: My dream costume is Age of Apocalypse Jean Grey. I feel the detail to that suit is challenging enough for me that it would be something great to work for. Other than that, I'm pretty simple when it comes to my costume desires as it's ALWAYS SPANDEX FOREVER! <3
Me: The 2011 convention season has just begun; what conventions and costumes do you have planned next?
Kearstin: So far I have premiered this year Fantastic Four's She-Hulk, Age of Apocalypse Rogue, and a new version of my '90s Jim Lee Jean Grey (my favorite suit!). Later this year, I'm thinking of making some more Marvel suits, but which ones I can't decide quite yet! I'm so indecisive because I just want to make everything at once! I'm always excited for new suits!
Me: What would you say if your favorite part about cosplaying?
Kearstin: The learning experience I get while making ANY of my suits. It makes me feel accomplished. Something to work for is always rewarding once it's completed, even though the stress and preparation can be a nightmare. I love being able to portray a character, and if I do it justice to others as well as myself, that's my favorite part.
Me: Cosplayer or Costumer? What would you say is the difference?
Kearstin: I'd like to say I'm both, but more so a costumer. It seems the term "cosplay" has been a little diluted in today's costuming world. When I suit up, I'm not always, if ever, the character anymore. Nor do I want to say "a model wearing the costume", but, it makes the most sense to say at least that. Until I learn how to fly and move things with my mind, I don't think I could ever truly get into CHARACTER. :)
Me: Besides cosplaying, what do you do for fun?
Kearstin: So many things it makes my head explode. I'm the type of person that loves doing everything and wants to learn new things whether it's a hobby, profession or "just cause." I'm a pianist, drummer, artist, singer, video gamer and computer junkie. I'm starting to dip into crafts, molding, casting and building, so get ready! They don't call me a "one woman show" for nothing! (Shameless plug: www.1womanshow.com)
Thanks Kearstin! I can't wait to see what costume she tackles next! Want more from Kearsin? Check out her site 1womanshow.com and on twitter.
For more Marvel Cosplay & Costuming check out the gallery on Marvel.com.
Since the Thor Cosplay & Costuming post was a hit, I'm looking to do one for X-Men: First Class. So send your X-men costumes my way!
Featuring costumers: Jay Tallsqual, Spider, Riki Lecotey, Sabre McGehee, Elizabeth Rowland, Rosalind Friday, and Chris Fields, Asgardian, Kevin Spooner, Rex Adams, drindustries, loveingthor Batman723, Nightkarler and more!
We've had some amazing weather lately, and just in time as this weekend is the Brooklyn Botanical Garden'sSakura Matsuri Festival honoring the cherry blossoms. I'll be there enjoying the gorgeous flowers, plus grabbing shots of cosplayers and costumers throughout the weekend. Sunday is their big day for Cosplay events, including the Cosplay Fashion show at 5pm.
Hope to see you all there!
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A few weeks ago, between the insanity of C2E2 and Wondercon, costumers gathered in Orlando, Florida for the MegaCon. As I couldn't make it, I asked a few photographers to grab shots of the stellar Marvel costumes throughout the weekend. Here are a few shots from the convention, plus you might even recognize some from previous posts!
And, of course, the cosplayers: Miracole & Chris, Tally, Sabre McGehee, Elizabeth Rowland, Megan Taylor, Jay Tallsquall, Rosalind Friday, Chris Fields, Jonathon, David, Andrew, David, and more!
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Also, if you've got any Thor inspired cosplay or costuming, send photos my way for a special Thor post!
And for future reference, the next Marvel convention won't be till SDCC, but I'll be attending these conventions documenting Marvel costuming:
I'll be in Boston this weekend for AnimeBoston, an annual anime, manga and video games convention held at the Hynnes Convention Center. I'll be shooting any and all Marvel cosplay and costuming I see.
If you're in the area or planning to be at the convention, please swing by and say hi! As usual, look for my purple/pink hair.
I'll be back next week with photos from the convention, plus photos from Megacon.
Also, if you've got any Thor inspired cosplay or costuming, send photos my way for a special Thor post!
And for future reference, the next Marvel convention won't be till SDCC, but I'll be attending these conventions documenting Marvel costuming:
Hope you all enjoyed the massive photo posts for both C2E2 and WonderCon!
Now it's time for another cosplayer profile. Say hi to the X-Men Philippine Cosplay Team, a cosplay group based out of Manilla that consists of over 20 cosplayers. Thanks to Jay Tablante and their "leader" Miguel Frías whom I've been in contact for the last few months. Founded in 2009 by Miguel, Herwin Boydon and Kia Keary, the team is a group of cosplayers and artists dedicated to the mutant super hero team: the X-Men.
Several members of the group took some time to answer some questions plus sent along a ton of photos!
ANGEL / Warren Worthington III Name: Miguel Frías Something cool about you: Leader-Founder of the Philippine X-Men Team, Euro-Polyglot, Certified X-Men Geek Favorite Marvel characters: Angel/Archangel, Captain Britain , the Fantastic4, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Emma Frost & many other X-Men characters!
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? How did the team form? A: The very first cosplay idea that popped into my mind after a friend of mine had persuaded me to try cosplaying was to do an X-Men group cosplay, which I thought would only be a one-time event. We started out as a small team and debuted at a convention in September 2009. The X-Men fandom then went on as we carried on signing up new members and joining cosplay competitions. We met through mutual friends and social networking and have become very good friends. We have a meet-up at least once every month, hang out, read Marvel comics together, and most of all, learn a lot from each other since we come from different backgrounds and have a variety of ideals and interests. We used to be just a simple group of X-Men cosplayers; now we’re a big family of artists united by a common enthusiasm in the X-Men and dedicated to our craft.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: I usually take charge of non-tedious tasks like making small accessories, re-painting, etc. I commission someone to do the rest since I'm normally busy with personal stuff.
Q: What is the convention scene like there in the Philippines? A: The cosplay scene in the Philippines gets stronger and more solid as the hobby gets more prominent and well-received primarily because of the media. We're one of the most mature in the Southeast Asian region. Even Singapore , Thailand and Malaysia somehow modeled their hobby conventions after the Philippines’.
As to what the local convention scene is like, despite having mini cosplay events that take place almost every month, there are a few major events that most cosplayers like us look forward to annually. Two of the X-Men team’s favorites are Toycon and Cosplay Mania, which are normally the only huge cosplay conventions that we attend while carrying the name “Philippine X-Men Cosplay Team” since we’re a big group and preparation takes around three to four months. At times, though, we get to participate as the X-Men in some other events when invited, conduct photo shoots and join charity events.
Although I believe in Asia we have many cosplayers of Western fiction, it is noticeable that the Philippine cosplay community is packed with lots and lots of animé, manga and game cosplayers. If you come to a convention in Manila , you’ll see only a few who cosplay characters from Western movies, TV series and comics, most of which are Marvel cosplayers. Personally, I don’t feel bad about being outnumbered as the Philippine X-Men Team’s tag line says, we’re proud to be different, proud to be mutants! lol. We can strongly relate to the mutants of the X-Men universe and that is why we promote equality and anti-racism/discrimination.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: I've been a fan of Marvel, specifically the X-Men, ever since I was a kid. I started out as an avid viewer of the 90's X-Men animated series. I then got hooked on Marvel comic books, movies and video games, and soon brought the fandom to the cosplay world by establishing the Philippine X-Men Team and leading it as the winged mutant Warren Worthington III.
I have two Marvel-related dreams: one is to see the first Filipino mutant in the X-Men comics, the other is to meet my idol, Stan Lee, which I guess will happen soon as I'm thinking of going to Dallas Comic-Con and getting his autograph.
WOLVERINE / Logan Name: Herwin Boydon Something cool about you: A lot of people say I closely resemble the local comedy actor Michael V. Favorite Marvel character: Wolverine
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: It started at our office’s Christmas party way back. Then the first cosplay event I attended was in April 2005 and I luckily won 2nd place for cosplaying Jack Nicholson’s version of the Joker. Since then, I have never missed attending that event every year.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: The costumes are tailor-made, except for my Wolverine claws which I made myself.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: I’ve been an avid Marvel fan since I started collecting comics. Also, I’ve loved the X-Men because the 90’s TV show and the X-Men trilogy.
CYCLOPS / Scott Summers Name: Kevin Mark J. Bautista Something cool about you: I help stop and remove computer viruses for a living! Favorite Marvel characters: X-Men especially Cyclops and Wolverine, Iron Man/Tony Stark, Spider-Man, Multiple Man
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: I started in school contests in the IT department in 2006, then eventually in the entire college. Being the geek that I am, I always attend cosplay conventions. At first, I would go in minor attire that was barely noticeable just to display my favorite characters. I got serious about cosplay around 2008 & 2009 and the rest as they say is history.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: Some parts of the costumes, I do them myself especially weapons and accessories. I use rubber sheets and other materials available around the house. Improvising, creativity and resourcefulness help a lot. The sewing - I leave it to the professionals.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: I’m a self-proclaimed geek and a comic book addict. I love comics regardless if the main character is known or not. I really don’t follow a specific character or story throughout, though. I usually jump from one story or character to another that gets my attention. I also have a working knowledge of characters I like.
STORM / Ororo Munroe Name: Anna Andrea Alviola Something cool about you: Singing & Dancing Fashion Designer Favorite Marvel characters: Storm, Phoenix, Angel
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: My best friend urged me to try it. I started cosplaying in Cebu, a province in the Philippines . I first cosplayed as an anime character and didn't expect to win since it was my first time. I experienced culture shock because of photographers and fans. Since then, I was inspired to attend conventions and befriend my fellow cosplayers so I’d build more self-confidence. After a year of cosplaying in Cebu, I moved to Manila to continue my studies and joined Philippine X-Men Cosplay Team as the Weather Witch, Storm. Cosplaying relieves my stressful life and through it, I get to expose my talents during skits and exercise my creativity.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: I let someone make the pattern and do a little sewing for me then I do the rest. I personally do the bead work, paint job and repair. I am also proud to say that I make my own boot covers. Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved doing crafts. Nobody taught me how - I just love to discover new things everyday. I learned how to sew in a fashion school where I’m studying.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: I am amazed by Marvel movies and comics and appreciate the art in them. The first ever Marvel character that entranced me was Storm – that happened many years ago at Universal Studios in Los Angeles where I saw someone dressed up as Storm. From then until now, I like her outfits, hairstyles and mutant powers. And when I became a part of the Philippine X-Men Cosplay Team, since we discuss a lot about the Marvel Universe, I became more inspired to read more about Storm.
DEADPOOL / Wade Wilson Name: Karl Chua Something cool about you: I’m an EVP at my place of work – Every Vacant Position! Lol Favorite Marvel characters: Spider-Man, Deadpool, Juggernaut, Black Knight
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: I started with an office Halloween party. I found that I liked walking around in costume and have been doing it ever since then.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: Yes and no, I can’t sew but aside from that I do my own stuff although superglue and sew-no-more work wonders.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: I’ve been reading comics since I was 10 years old, but Spider-Man is the real reason I love Marvel.
DOMINO / Neena Thurman Name: Melanie Paz Something cool about you: I love playing MMO's and MMORPG's, taking pictures, blogging, foruming and more. Favorite Marvel characters: Domino, X-Men, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Storm, Cyclops
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: I am a huge fan of the cosplay community; I used to stare at pictures of people wearing costumes of my favorite MMORPG’s like Lineage 2, WoW and animes. When I first attended a cosplay convention, I was so shocked and like “wow” - I didn't even know who to look at first and I found the way they dressed, crafted and sewed their costumes so sick so I dreamt of doing cosplay one day. I started to join cosplay events around 2009 and in 2010, I joined the Philippine X-Men Group. Everyone in the team is nice and kind, especially the founder of this group, Miguel.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: Yes, I make my own costumes; I’ve learned sewing by my self and a little bit of crafting. And for costumes that don't need to be sewn or crafted, I just bought RTW outfits.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: I am a big fan of Marvel. I’ve known of several Marvel characters since I was around five years old and they were in one of my favorite games when I was still addicted to Famicom.
BEAST / Hank McCoy Name: Mylson James Alipit Something cool about you: I've got magic ears (ouido) which allows me to play songs with my bass guitar. On average, I can roughly play a song after listening to it for at least 15 - 20 minutes depending on its difficulty. Favorite Marvel characters: X-Men, Thor, Hulk, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, Doctor Strange, The Avengers, Every hero and villain of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Age
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: Video games motivated me to cosplay.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: Before spending any money for a costume, I always make sure I can make use of recyclable things like household items or other better and cheaper ones that resemble the prop or accessory I want to make. I always ask my mom and friends about places to buy these things at a reasonable price.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: #1: I’ve always loved everything about superheroes. #2: The first super heroes I laid eyes on were Cyclops and Iceman. Because when I was at the age of understanding, I was given a Cyclops-Iceman mug. I then became an instant fan. I’ve loved Marvel ever since then. #3: My first day in kindergarten my mom gave me my dad "Tales of Suspense", the one that I think had Iron Man and Captain America , to read.
EMMA FROST Name: Annabelle F. Ceñir Something cool about you: I’m cool! I'm an artist in my own way. I cosplay, I do hosting and modeling, I dance and sing, and I'm a future civil engineer. Favorite Marvel characters: Spider-Man, Iron Man, Fantastic Four, The Avengers, and the X-Men
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: Way back in high school, I had a best friend who was into cosplaying and in way, she persuaded me to try it. The first time I saw cosplayers, I promised myself to become one of them soon. And when I broke up with my ex-boyfriend, I had time to pursue what I like to do most. And now, I consider cosplaying as my boyfriend! lol. Moreover, I always go to conventions with my brothers.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: Yes and no. Yes, some of my costumes especially the simple ones, I sew them myself and I made almost all of my accessories and props. No, I leave more detailed costumes to my seamstress. And for props and stuff to be done out of rubber sheet, my friends help me make them. Still, I'm the one who always chooses and buys the appropriate fabric and materials for my costumes.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: Since I was a kid, playing Marvel video games has been one of my hobbies. I also love watching Marvel movies – in fact, I have a huge crush on Tobey Maguire and love his Spider-Man movies.
NIGHTCRAWLER / Kurt Wagner Name: Majid Nobles Something cool about you: I am an ICU nurse and just like the heroes I cosplay, saving lives is my everyday practice. Favorite Marvel characters: Nightcrawler, Dr. Strange, Psylocke, Gambit, Vision
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: I have always attended cosplay conventions since I became addicted to anime and was inspired by how cosplayers carried themselves while wearing their costumes. It took me a great time of thinking and planning until I finally decided to give it a shot. I started last year (2010), and I can't believe how enjoyable it is.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: Due to time constraints, I don't make my own costumes. I have them done by a specialist in costume-making. However, I make sure that I play a part in making my costumes by overseeing the whole process and adding my ideas to it.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: I have an uncle who is an avid collector of Marvel comics. When I was about nine or 10 years old, I used to stay in his house during weekends and spend hours reading his comic books. Before I knew it, I became engrossed with the characters of Marvel, especially X-Men and X-Factor. I also got hooked on the 90's X-Men Animated Series and never missed an episode.
CANNONBALL / Sam Guthrie Name: Kevin del Rosario Something cool about you: I have the “mutant power” to make people smile and laugh very hard! lol Favorite Marvel characters: Cannonball, Iceman, Pyro, Karma, Wolverine
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: When my cousin invited me to join the very first batch of the X-Men team and cosplay Iceman, at first I found cosplaying kind of weird but later on I realized it’s very cool and unique.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: I have most parts of my costumes made except accessories like aviator goggles and belt, which my cousin and I made by ourselves. We usually do some research on the best materials to use before embarking on costume-making.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: My cousin and I have been X-Men buddies ever since when we were little. Together, we would watch the 90’s TV series and X-Men Evolution, play X-Men video games, see X-Men movies, and even challenge each other through dozens of X-Men quizzes!
PSYLOCKE / Elizabeth Braddock Name: Mika Fabella Something cool about you: I'm a ballerina Geek! Favorite Marvel characters: Storm, Kitty Pryde, Deadpool, Gambit, Bishop, Psylocke, Iron Man, the Avengers, Iron Fist, Nick Fury, S.H.I.E.L.D., the Skrulls and the Marvel Zombies
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: I started cosplaying when I was invited to a private screening of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." They said that if we'd go in costume, we'd get in for free, so I ...dressed up as the White Witch in her battle garb. I made the chain mail skirt with my mom and my sister and we had a lot of fun! At the event, I met a bunch of great geeky people who I could relate to. They were interested in the same things I was, and they didn't find it weird that I was in costume - they found it cool and they were in costume too! I've been in the community ever since.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: It depends on the costumes. My sewing skills are very elementary so I usually have a professional make the base costume, then I add the details afterwards. My family is very much into arts and crafts. My mom was very good at this, so she used to help me in making the details on my costumes. My uncle had a costume shop for ballet performances, and he used to do some of my costumes.
When I got deeper into cosplaying, I met costuming veterans from the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers, Hogwarts Philippines, etc. I learned more tricks from them, like working with craft foam, latex, and fiberglass.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: Growing up, I used to watch the X-Men cartoon series on TV, so Marvel was already part of my life from a really young age. I had geeky friends in school who were also into Marvel. I didn't have the resources to buy comics of my own until later on, so I borrowed and learned their stories from the movies. The Marvel Universe is just one of my many fandoms.
ICEMAN / Bobby Drake Name: Sen Brillo Something cool about you: I'm in a band and can play the drums, bass and guitar. I can also shuffle (dance). Favorite Marvel characters: Spider-Man, Deadpool, Cyclops, Wolverine, Human Torch
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: Two long-time friends of mine who were applying to become members of the X-Men Team then dragged me into cosplay. My first cosplay was the Necrosha version of Pyro.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: No, I don't make my own costumes. They’re made either by a tailor or a friend who makes costumes - I have him make stuff like masks and shoes.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: It all started with the team-up of Spider-Man and Wolverine. I guess I became a fan of Marvel because my first action figures were Spider-Man and Wolverine, my first games were Spider-Man and the X-Men, and the first two Marvel cartoon series I saw on TV back when I was a kid were X-Men and Spider-Man in the 90's.
SCARLET WITCH / Wanda Maximoff Name: Kristina Fabian Something cool about you: I cosplay and collect anime figurines and Marvel comics. Favorite Marvel characters: Storm, Scarlet Witch, Polaris, Armor (Hisako Ichiki)
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: I got curious in cosplay so I started to join and eventually fell in love with the hobby.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: I only make the small things for my costumes like the accessories, etc
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: I fell in love with the X-Men the first time I watched the TV series and since then, I’ve been collecting Marvel stuff.
JUGGERNAUT / Cain Marko Name: Jep Metica Something cool about you: Being a cosplayer itself! lol Favorite Marvel characters: Wolverine, Hulk, Spider-Man, Juggernaut, Ghost Rider, Thor
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: I have my costumes made except for the little things that i can do myself
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: It all started when I became so into the X-Men series in the 90’s. I eventually liked the Marvel arcade game. That's probably how I’ve become a Marvel fan.
PIXIE / Megan Gwynn Name: Camille del Rosario Something cool about you: I’m good at drawing/sketching Favorite Marvel characters: Pixie, Storm, Magik
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: I belong to the first batch of the X-Men Team. I started cosplaying in 2009 and my best friend/cousin persuaded me to go try out in cosplay.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: I have them made by a seamstress. For my Pixie costume, I made the gauntlets and the X-belt.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: My brother, Kevin, influenced me. He’s a huge X-Men fan.
Q: How did you get started in Cosplay? A: My very first cosplay was with the X-Men. I cosplayed Jubilee and performed on stage. It was nerve-racking and fun at the same time.
Q: Do you make your own costumes? A: I always try making a particular costume first and if it does not work out, I ask help from my teammates and look for costume makers and tailors.
Q: How did the Marvel universe suck you in? A: When I watched "X-Men: The Last Stand" and saw Kitty Pryde do that Alcatraz scene with the Juggernaut, I instantly became a fan. I found it so cool so I thought of cosplaying her. I also liked the series "Wolverine & the X-Men."
WOAH. And that's not all the members either! Groups like this just amaze us over here at Marvel.com. Thanks to Miguel and all his teammates!
Photography by Celine Ignacio, Dony Rosete, Francis Leocadio, Irish Yao, James Michael Reyes, Joel Encinas, Joseph Bartolome, Monching de la Cruz, Vladimir Guevarra and Winston Baltasar
