Cosplay Is Hard
Let me tell you something that only a few people already know. Cosplay is hard. This weekend was my first Con and I loved it. Walking around in a full body morph suit, covered in foam armor, hot glue, contact cement, and an assortment of other materials for 8 hours was a blast. Everybody coming up to take pictures with me (Spawn) made me feel a little like a celebrity. Seeing the people reaction to my costume made me feel good. Not just because I had worked hard to put the thing together for months, but that they were able to see something come to life that they had enjoyed in the past.
On the downside, I was on my feet (no shoes) for 8 hours. Morph suits have no pockets, holes, ANYTHING! Just a zipper on the back that I could barely reach. Because this was my first cosplay I did not factor in things like eating or drinking, walking on hard concrete all day, or using the bathroom. I needed a “handler” and at least 30 minutes just to take a piss. All those awesome costumes that I have seen online and I never thought about actually wearing it. A moment of awesomeness captured with a photo is the result of hours of blood, sweat, tears, and swollen bladders, dry lips, and whatever neck pains you get from supporting that 30 pound headpiece with only your neck.
What did I learn from this past weekend at The Wizard World Reno event? Tons! Most important is that the community here in Reno is super friendly and completely willing to help total strangers. I learned that one should really build “hatches” into whatever costume can't be taken off with out a spotter. You need to eat and drink. Walking around and posing for 8 hours takes a toll on the body. Food and drink will keep you from being the guy at the emergency room having his costume cut off just to get an I.V. put in. Awkward. (This did not happen to me, but can you imagine?) If you wear gloves, be aware that your touch-screen phone will become useless. I didn’t get a single picture with my own phone. I didn't bring my camera because I didn't want to lug around all the crap while in costume. (See full body morph suit issues above) I could have split the day up so I could be in plain clothes to get pictures and spend the rest of the day as Spawn, but it was just to damned fun sparring with Darth Maul, Walking Dead Pool, and a Gambit of other characters. (I think Cyclops and I went a round or two)
I recommend to everyone who ever had any interest at all in cartoons, comic books, or action figures to head out to a Con at some point. You will see some of the coolest stuff from your childhood brought to life by many clever and creative people. I am already planning my next build, and yes, it will be public restroom capable. See you at the next Con!
