Cosplay US 01612

TEXT AND IMAGES BY JASON LABOY MEGA CON

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!

98 COSPLAYCULTURE