O
rlando, Florida is known for many things, most notably sun-
shine, Universal Studios Theme Park and, of course, Disney
World. However, when May rolled around this year Orlando became
synonymous with MegaCon 2017…and it was, well, mega!
This year’s show included a star-studded lineup of special guests
ranging from blockbuster films, hit TV shows, voice actors and comic
book icons. Walk the convention hall and you could stop in to say
hello to everyone from rock legend Alice Cooper to classic Rocky
Horror stars — Tim Curry, Meat Loaf, Barry Bostwick — to up-and-
coming actors Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo from the
Netflix hit series Stranger Things.
However, for many (including myself) the guest of honor was comic
book legend Stan Lee who was making his final ever appearance
at Megacon. In fact, on my first day at the convention, I was able to
spend a bit of time with Stan so I could deliver a few copies of the
latest issue of Cosplay Culture — featuring the legend himself on the
cover along with my image of Spiderman cosplayer Trevor Ray.
Professionally it was a defining moment when Stan’s face
registered amazement as I explained how I photographed the
hanging Spiderman and incorporated it onto the cover shot.
When Stan Lee compliments your work with words like, “WOW,
that is amazing!” it is something you will never forget, and I never will.
Although Stan was the highlight of the event, I would be remiss
not to mention that top notch cosplay guests were also on hand
with the likes of Yaya Han, Nicole Marie Jean and Soni Aralynn and
the cosplay event was nothing short of amazing! The contest was
capped off with 65 registered entrants but also included an
additional 75 contestants as “walk ons”, with all being eligible
for a host of cash prizes and bragging rights!
MegaCon returns to Florida in the fall of 2017 at the Tampa Bay
Convention Center. So, be sure to keep a look out for details and
celebrity guests slated to attend. See you in Tampa!
TEXT AND IMAGES BY JASON LABOY
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