If you were in downtown Corpus Christi Friday through Sunday, chances are you saw Batman, Thor, a stormtrooper, and Marge Simpson taking a selfie at the American Bank Center.
After a two-year hiatus, Corpus Christi Comic Con returned with a three-day event featuring celebrity guests, panelists, vendors, video games, and tons of cosplayers.
Cosplay is an activity where participants wear costumes to embody and represent a specific character. Think of it like Halloween but with a more detailed finish.
Most cosplayers draw their interpretations from anime, cartoons, comics, TV series, and video games, but others also come up with their own character.
The Caller-Times wanted to showcase the hard work and creativity cosplayers put into their outfits, so here are 12 people we spoke to and their advice on performance art.
Bender – ‘Futurama’
Last name: Ramiro Gomez
Occupation: Welder in Beeville
Why did you choose the character: “I didn’t know what else to do, so I thought I’d do someone no one would think of doing.”
Tips for cosplayers: “Keep trying. It takes patience. Don’t give up on your costume.”
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “I love seeing the figurines inside.”
Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch – Marvel Comics
Last name: Casey Musgrove and Samantha Brown
occupations: Waitress in Fort Worth and works at the reception of a hotel in Oklahoma
Why did you choose the character: “I’ve always loved Scarlet Witch,” Brown said.
“I really wanted to do this outfit,” Musgrove said.
Tips for cosplayers: “Do something you love,” Brown said.
“Do it because you want to, not because you want recognition,” Musgrove said.
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “People are so nice,” Musgrove said.
Hawks – “My Hero Academia”
Last name: clark janney
Occupation: Professional player
Why did you choose the character: “He’s one of my favorite characters on the show. He’s mysterious and I find that interesting.”
Tips for cosplayers: “Don’t push yourself too hard and feel upset if your outfit doesn’t turn out the way you imagined.”
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “The atmosphere and the vibes. I don’t mind big conventions, but smaller conventions like these are much more inviting.”
Leia Organa – ‘Star Wars’
Last name: Rachel Welch
Occupation: Hairdresser in San Antonio
Why did you choose the character: “I love how she’s not afraid to speak her mind. If you see the buns, you immediately know who it is and can’t help but think of Carrie Fisher. She meant a lot to me growing up. I’ve wanted to be her since I was little.”
Tips for cosplayers: “I’ve been doing this for seven years and I’m still learning things. You’re going to feel nervous and that’s fine. Once you put the costume on and put it together, you’ll feel stronger. C It’s a piece of art that you put your love into.”
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “How intimate. It’s not intimidating.”
Marge Simpson – ‘The Simpsons’
Last name: Delia Neal
Occupation: Employee at Chuck E. Cheese
Why did you choose the character: “I found the wig and I knew I had to be her.”
Tips for cosplayers: “It’s my first time cosplaying, but trust me.”
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “All costumes. Everyone becomes who they want to be.”
Nezuko, Shinobu, Giyu and Zenitsu – ‘Demon Slayer’
Last name: Sophia Allred, Ludi Allred, Brad Allred and Nicco Allred
occupations: Student, therapist, insurance agent and baby
Why did you choose the character: “Sophia loves the show, and today is her birthday, so we decided to dress up as characters for her,” said Ludi Allred.
Tips for cosplayers: “Enjoy it, have fun and be who you are,” Sophia Allred said.
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “Seeing everyone dressed up is pretty cool,” Brad Allred said.
Red Riding Hood and Nightwing – DC Comics
Last name: Dylan Owens and Peyton Miller
occupations: Lifeguards at the Portland Aquatic Center
Why did you choose the character: “I’ve been reading a lot of comics lately and I thought I would,” Owens said.
“I wanted to go with the ‘Bat’ family concept and match with it,” Miller said.
Tips for cosplayers: “Make sure you enjoy it,” Owens said. “If you don’t enjoy it, it’s no longer a hobby, it’s a job.”
“It’s not all about the costume, it’s about the character,” Miller said.
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “Seeing everyone’s costume,” Owens said.
Rooster Elvis
Last name: Edward Kretch
Occupation: Owner of Rowdy Maui in Rockport
Why did you choose the character: “I’m a DJ who goes through Rooster and I perform Elvis songs, so I thought why not put the two together?”
Tips for cosplayers: “Just do you. Be yourself.”
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “It’s my first time, but I grew up watching superhero shows and thought it was a good opportunity to get to know other people like me.”
Spider-Man – Marvel Comics
Last name: Dorian Frausto
Occupation: 4 years at Odem
Why did you choose the character: “I like watching Spider-Man. I want to be Spider-Man.”
Tips for cosplayers: “Enjoy.”
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “Take photos.”
Thanos – Marvel Comics
Last name: Robert Solis
Occupation: US Customs and Border Protection at McAllen
Why did you choose the character: “He wants to take over the world and I think that’s great.”
Tips for cosplayers: “Plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need.”
My favorite thing about Corpus Christi Comic Con: “All the cosplayers.”
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at [email protected] or Twitter @johnpoliva.
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