The Domain of Steven

  Conventioneers recommend bringing a mailing tube, to roll up and store any posters you pick up. What they don’t mention is that it serves double duty for pose mimicry. This badass life-size Tryndamere statue had a stellar sword and set of armor, down the the illuminated blue frost trim on his weapon, gear and […]

  Sona, you are not an AD Carry! Go grab a Support lanyard RIGHT NOW!

  This life-size Tomb Raider statue was a mixed bag. On one hand, the scale is really impressive, and there are a number of great details like her mud-stained boots and the ripples in her clothing. On the other hand, her facial expression and hands betray her as nothing more than a Fun-In-The-Jungle Barbie.

    You might go the whole convention without realizing that the booths on the show floor are actually inset from the perimeter of the convention hall. Outside, there is a wide channel where exhibitors can push carts of equipment, where attendees use the restroom, and where the expeditious or agoraphobic retreat to when they […]

  This steampunk take on Sailor Moon worked really well. Padded clockwork goggles, leather bracers that extend through the palm, matching bag (convenient place to keep your badge on display), right down to the caramel lace trim on the skirt and bow. Fabulous execution all-around, it was a really high quality custom outfit. The boots […]

  Usually cosplayers get excited when I ask for a picture other than “stand by me while I smile.” What makes the picture hilarious is her utterly bored and repulsed expression at the idea of having to shoot a worm like me. Also, the Asian guy photobombing me. His expression is pretty good too.

  Help me, Michael Ironside, you’re my only — wait, you’re not Michael Ironside 🙁 .

  A well-made backpack bumps you so far up the cosplay ladder. The backpack is a prop that doesn’t get a lot of attention (since it’s not visible head-on) but can be loaded to the brim with details. This panda Teemo has a wonderful bamboo backpack, made of common ingredients, yet full of small touches: […]

  Wearing a costume is always taxing. You need to worry about your presentation at all times, and take care of any fiddly bits that people bumping into you might bump off of you. But wearing Fiddlesticks stilts? That takes “pain in the ass” to a whole new level. This guy couldn’t even stand still […]

  There’s always at least one cosplayer at a convention whose costume makes you ponder exactly how they were able to transport it. Did Ahri stuff that tail in the trunk of her car?