THE DAILY HEY NOW!

Scroll to Info & Navigation

Tag Results

11 posts tagged cosplay

C2E2 Doctor Who Cosplayers

Jesus—was a friend of mine, you Whovians are not a bunch to be reckoned with. So many Doctor Who fans have really surged in the U.S. as well as their cosplayers, so you get your own special post, especially special for you guys. Jerks.


But the Doctor Who cosplayers far surpassed those from last year and stepped it up, so take it away, maestro.

He even committed to David Tennant in the FACE. That’s true fandom.

Just off the night shift at the H&R Block, getting ready for some cocktails and John Coltrane records in his rec room.

I just liked his swagger.

Loved this sophisticate (adjective purely functioning in my mind) gentleman on the left who just had a certain air to him. As the next day, he was fully prepared…

…With another costume!

You can get it, girl.

Chill early-20s Aladdin professional seeks to share a 2 bedroom apartment above a dim sum restaurant or noise d.i.y. performance space. Must love cats.

Now I know people think jumping into photos like Gordo trying to get into every club picture in the school yearbook is cute (I made a Lizzie McGuire reference, handle it) but as a reporter, we want to murder you and every milkshake you ever intend to enjoy in your life. Yeah, that.

GORGEOUS, also had a missed connection before it was removed. Totally deserved.

This adorable young doctor had a sister with non-descript fuzzy cat ears who was mad that nobody wanted pictures of her, only her sibling.


Better to learn it now: We don’t want to see your cat costumes, ladies. Also learn, I have no guilt that warrants me to be nice to kids.

I guess they get My Little Pony in Heaven.

For more photos or close ups of some of these costumes, check out our facebook page and “like” us: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.362266443874963.1073741825.205982746170001&type=1&l=9823ac33f0

The Vendors at Senshi Matsuri 2013

What would be a con without vendors? I thought this needed its own post since the vendors at Senshi Matsuri were unique - they were independent artists, designers, or online stores catering to the fandom.

Everyone had really nice, high quality stuff!

image

Hitomi is a vendor specializing in colored contact lenses, eyelashes, bows, and fukus.

image

Lil Hevn was selling trinkets ranging from earrings to plush onigiri!

image

image

There was something for everyone!

image

image

This booth, Hikari wo Sagasu, had lots of japanese themed trinkets ranging from silver earrings to origami hair pins and clips. These girls were really sweet and I bought a pretty pair of earrings that remind me a bit of Sailor Pluto’s staff. Looking back, I wish I bought an origami hair pin as well.

image

image

image

All of their stuff is available online I’m told, so maybe I will eventually get an origami rose hair pin.

Did you buy anything interesting from any of the booths at Senshi Matsuri?

First Ever Senshi Matsuri in New York City!

After New York Anime Fest was gobbled up alive by New York Comic Con, it is nice to see a small event focused on a specific fandom that was pulled together by real fans instead of some corporate machine. Senshi Matsuri, hosted on Usagi’s birthday (June 30th) brought together over 200 Moonies under the roof of the tiny event hall in the Amsterdamn Houses next to Lincoln Center. It wasn’t overcrowded and it was far from empty - the perfect combination because I really can’t stand the sweaty and rude crowds that plague most big conventions.

Senshi Matsuri 2013 opened up with Twinkle Twinkle Sailor Stars presented by Lilith Oya:

image

image

image

After which was followed by a Senshi Fashion Show by Lil Hevn. Unfortunately the participants walked by so quickly I couldn’t get any individual shots.

imageimageimage

The fashion show was followed by Uncle Yo’s standup geek comedy routine. For any readers who are unfamilar with him - he is basically a normal person making normal jokes. No, actually his humor is quite topical - if you don’t play video games, watch anime, or engage in other ‘nerdy’ or ‘geeky’ activities I don’t think you’ll understand anything he’s talking about. Today he poked fun at Big Bang Theory (a show I happen to like) and how it’s a very poor representation of geek culture but allows ‘outsiders’ to claim they understand us because they laugh at us from a safe distance. Of course he was funnier and I’m just going all English degree on a comedy routine.

image

His comedy act was followed by an event titled, “So You Wanna Be a Starlight” where some brave moonies took to the stage to show off their skills. Various acts involved singing and dancing.

The event wrapped up with one last performance and a cosplay contest.

The panels were engaging and well thought (descriptions taken from Senshi Matsuri 2013 agenda):

Sailor Moon & Feminism: It’s no secret that Sailor Moon is all about “girl power”— but just how much does this beloved anime measure up to feminist ideals? This panel looks how Sailor Moon deals with female empowerment, LGBTQ issues, body image, and more!”


Sailor Moon Cosplay 101: Lilith Oya brings you info and DIY tips on making the perfect Senshi Cosplays.

Basic Guide to a Magical Girl’s Wardrobe: There is no question that the gifted have a specific style, this is also true for the heroines of manga * anime.


Overall, I am happy with how the event turned out. I really do hope the turnout this year will allow the event to continue on next year and perhaps outgrow the small event center so it can find a home at the Hilton on 57th street or another very nice place suitable for a small convention. There are a few things that I would change for next year - but hopefully the crew who made this event happen will send out a survey asking for suggestions and comments. As I stated previously, it is really nice to go to an event that is truly about the fandom and not about lining the pockets of huge corporations.

C2E2 Cosplay Brigade

Ever the tepid and steadfastly-almost dedicated reporter that I am, I hoisted up my disgruntled disposition towards strangers and held them down until I got a photo. Just for you guys. You’re welcome. Buy me a snow cone.

image

I got excited for this and jogged a little. I like manga, okay?

image

image

image

If a certain fancy photographer weren’t going around with his special polaroid camera, I would’ve gotten a side shot of her majestic mohawk.

image

Kirsa didn’t get her photo with Jason David Frank, so she needed this.

image

image

Ramona Quimby, your hair has changed over the years…

image

Maybe I only care about girls who look like they’d be in a Clamp manga.

image

Unquestionably terrible lighting but this Sherlock was pretty sweet.

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

imageThis Tina had an Erotic Friend Fiction book in her backpack, superkuhyute.

The Doctor Who cosplayers are getting their own post, so stay tuned for that!

For more photos or close ups of some of these costumes, check out our facebook page and “like” us: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.362266443874963.1073741825.205982746170001&type=1&l=9823ac33f0

Cosplay crackdown in NYC?

image

So there has been something that has been grinding my gears and that is the new proposal by NYC City Councilman Peter Vallone to crack down on costumed humans. The legislation introduced is intended to crack down on costume characters or ban them outright. According to CBS, “One bill would require registration, as well as a permission slip proving that the character involved has been licensed, for anyone appearing as a costumed character. The other bill would go farther to ban costumed characters outright.” More from CBS, “Clearly, the situation can’t continue to exist the way it does, and the laws we already have don’t deal with the situation,” said Vallone, a Democrat from the 22nd District.

This is in response to a December episode in which a Cookie Monster by 42nd Street Times Square shoved a little boy, allegedly for not getting tipped by the mother. Vallone has really thrown this out of proportion – mentioning an anti-semetic Elmo, a peverted Mario, and a violent Spider Man. “Something needs to be done” he thinks and so he has proposed banning costumes that have not been licensed by their respective copyright holders.

What does this mean for cosplayers strutting their stuff to New York Comic Con? What does this mean for Halloween parties? Hell.. what does this mean for New Yorkers and tourism? This legislation infringes upon free speech and can only open the flood gates for controlling how people choose to clothe themselves. If Disney wants to sue someone for wearing a Cinderella costume without license then fine but keep the government and MY tax dollars out of it. Who is to stop a police officer from arresting me for wearing a Sailor Moon costume if a ridiculous law like this is passed?

New Yorkers, I encourage you to write to your representatives and let Peter Vallone know that this legislation is unconstitutional. http://council.nyc.gov/d22/html/members/contact.shtml

Vallone, this one is for you:

image

If you live in Astoria in District 22, vote him out!

Cosplayers get the shaft at New York Comic Con

(Crowd of people attempting to enter the Blue Exorcist panel)

New York Comic Con has been growing with each year and after the complete cannibalism of New York Anime Fest, Comic Con seems to be more and more commercialized while forgetting about the fans who buy the tickets and support the brand. This year Anime was put on the back burner - with only a handful of panels (Viz, Kodansha, Vertical, Funimation, NIS) directed toward the audience that once had their own convention to attend. To add insult to injury, Reed Exhibitions decided that New York Comic Con didn’t need a Masquerade. It is common knowledge that large scale conventions host a grand contest where skilled costumers from all over the country show off their work and compete for various prizes that result in great monetary gain, vacations to foreign countries, paid trips to other conventions, or a simple “Best Craftsmanship” award. Apparently us East-Coasters didn’t need any of that because Comic Con had a better idea in mind. Two hall contests hosted on a temporary stage built for basic purposes. 

For those who are uncertain of the difference - a hall contest is a contest held in a large hall that is open to the public. Anyone can pass through for various reasons - bathroom break, snack break, etc. This contest is usually held on a small stage before an audience and the winner is determined by popularity - whoever has the most shouts(regardless of how poorly made the costume might be) wins a prize which is usually a plushy, a bag of books, etc. The person walks on stage and walks off. There is no music, there is no skit.

A masquerade is often held in an auditorium, stadium, or theater complex. The immense audience has little to no influence on the winners of the contest. The prizes are usually given out in levels - grand prize, first place, best craftsmanship, best skit, and so on. Contestants must apply formally beforehand, usually a month or two before the convention. They need to submit a portfolio of previous costumes and the costume entering the contest must be debuted AT the masquerade. Anyone who wears their masquerade costume out in the hall before the event is automatically disqualified. Usually these masquerades will also require that the costume be made at home - nothing can be purchased or made by someone who is not participating in your group.

Big difference, right? So why did New York Comic Con cancel their masquerade? While we’re all still wondering that… let us take a look at what some fans are thinking:

When I approached the Variant Stage in Hall 1B at NYCC, disappointment welled up inside of me when I saw the impossibility of entering a real contest. I encountered people who were also sharing my feelings.

———————-

The Daily Hey Now: Did you just try to enter the costume contest?

Jessica S: Yes I did.

The Daily Hey Now:Still an hour left and it’s booked… because it’s the first come first serve for the first 30 people. Is this your first Comic Con?

Jessica S:Yes it is.

The Daily Hey Now:So you wouldn’t know about the masquerade that was held every year?

Jessica S: No I don’t.

The Daily Hey Now: Well, originally, New York Comic Con had a masquerade and it was in the Special Events Room on the main stage with large projector screens. Unlike this little stage right here. How do you feel about that kind of event being cancelled?

Jessica S: That’s pretty stupid. You’re going to make me mad now.

The Daily Hey Now:I know. I was pretty upset to hear that it was cancelled… and you can’t even get into this contest because look at all of these people that showed up.

Jessica S:And the best is that they told us to come at Six O’clock and we decided to come half an hour before and it was booked.

The Daily Hey Now: Precisely. So are you enjoying Comic Con so far aside from this contest?

Jessica S:Aside from this… but this was what I was here for so…

—————————

The Daily Hey Now:Is this your first year at New York Comic Con?

Laura (Cosplaying as Enchantress from Thor): No this is my second year. 

The Daily Hey Now: Did you know about the masquerade that NYCC used to host every year?

Laura:Yes.

The Daily Hey Now:Are you disappointed that it is being replaced with this?

Laura:Yes. I am very disappointed that it is being replaced with this because this is like first come first serve first 20-30 people which is kind of ridiculous because people used to have to apply before hand and everyone was really serious and was able to do it. Now, it’s whoever is here at the right time - that is who lines up and that seems really unfair to me.

The Daily Hey Now:I am very disappointed in it my self, especially because there used to be judges, and the grand prize was a trip to Japan.

Laura:Yeah! Which is way better than what do they get now? A book of Manga? That’s about it. It seems as if they are not supporting the cosplayers as much anymore. It’s become so commercial here that its like we wanna sell this product, promote this thing. Those who cosplay and are really into this, you’re in the background.

The Daily Hey Now:Like what happened to New York Anime Fest after it was folded into NYCC.

Laura:Exactly. We used to go to Otakon every year and they have things for the fans, a rave, a manga room, a karaoke room. All sorts of stuff. Here, there is almost nothing for the actual cosplayer anymore – the person who is truly a fan.

The Daily Hey Now:What do you think NYCC could do to change that?

Laura:I think they can focus more on supplying things for the fans. Right now there is so much autographing and you have to sign up so early, that most people get here and there is really nothing left to do. There are some panels but they’re so full that no one can get in. I really think they need to focus on taking a room and saying “this is for the fans, no promotion.” Comic book room: free discussion about comic books. Something not promoting anything but there to let fans talk about their hobbies. 

——————————


So what do you think about this? Is it possible Reed Pop will feel the mumblings and grumblings of the masses who thought New York Comic Con was a complete bust this year? Or will they invite more dated wrestlers and Playboy Playmates to take up table space instead of thinking about events that allow fans to show off their talent, knowledge, and most importantly - their love of everything pop culture.

Here is to hoping New York Comic Con remembers the fans in 2013.

Cosplayers! Gallery 1 - New York Comic Con 2012

And here it is… the first batch of cosplay photos that will make you say “hey now!”

Now in case you missed it: There was a HUGE Sailor Moon meetup. Perhaps the largest gathering of scouts I have seen at NYCC yet.

Read more

Being all ‘Conned’ Out – Is it possible to get tired of the same convention?

I was having a discussion over some BBQ ribs at a restaurant this week when someone at the table mentioned this year may be his last New York Comic Con and Otakon. Incredulous, I demanded an explanation and he said that conventions only change so much from one year to the next – they’re basically the same from year to year. My understanding is that he is talking about that rush one gets when they hit up a con for the first time and can’t decide what they want to look at because everything is new and exciting. He said that he wasn’t retiring from visiting conventions – only taking a break from going to the same con he has been to every year since the beginning of time. He has never been to any of the PAX conventions so those have made it to the priority of his list along with San Diego Comic Con. I can understand where he is coming from; he wants to get out there and explore new horizons without becoming bored of the concept of convention attendance. I’ve also noticed this same sentiment among some of the girls at The Daily Hey Now. They’re a bit bored and want to hit up conventions somewhere else in the U.S. Now, I’m someone who tends to frequent the same each year and every time I get that same rush of excitement. Why only me? I think it is because I am a cosplayer. Each year the convention experience changes for me simply because of what I am wearing. I noticed this when I wore a Sailor Mars costume two years in a row. The first year was very exciting and people immediately recognized my character. I was Sailor Mars. The second year, people actually recognized me from the year prior and to an extent, I’d say less people were interested. They were the ones who were bored of me. Now this year I’ve got two new costumes so I’ll have different experiences at the same convention just because of a change of clothes. For each cosplay, there is a whole fan base of people who are interested in that particular show and character. Depending on how popular the source of the cosplay is – my experience at a convention or public event is totally different and this keeps each New York Comic Con filled with excitement regardless of it being ‘the same old con.’ What do you think about this? 

Cosplayers Of ConnectiCon

While people were partying in San Diego this past weekend, fans from all over New England and the NYC metro area hung out at ConnectiCon in Hartford, Connecticut. Here’s some of the best outfits I took photos of. Check back tomorrow for Doctor Who and BBC Sherlock cosplay pics:

Baby Princess Merida:

Top Gear’s The Stig:

Battle Of The Princess Meridas:

Luigi and Friends:

Supernatural:

American McGee’s Alice:

Kid Loki:

Carmen Sandiego:

Kingdom Hearts:

Harley Quinn, The Joker, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy:

Sailor Neptune & Sailor Uranus: