REAL girls you will find at this years Comic Con?  What do you think of THAT LA Times? .  With Comic Con this week, we’ve decided to highlight one of the top reasons to go to this years event - COSPLAY!  Not just any ‘ol cosplay either.  I had the opportunity to interview a few of the top cosplay ladies about cosplay, sex and comic con 2009.   Hit the jump for all the juicy details and some amazing cosplay shots!

In my own humble opinion, these are some of the TOP cosplayers in North America below (as well as my own thrown in).

Well, let the games begin folks! <Click photos for full size>

Name: Becky “Aktrez”  Young

How many years have you attended Comic Con: This will be my fifth year at the convention and the fourth year in cosplay

Other Cons you attend: Anime Expo, Wizard World, NY Comic Con

First costume debuted at a con: Emma Frost (White Queen) in 2006

Will there be a new debut this year?: Amy from Soul Calibur IV (who is the character that I play) and Tinkerbell in Christy Marie’s Sexy Disney Princess group.

Some people say that dressing scandalously objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?:
The artists draw women in comics/video games as their ideal.  This means very little clothing and very disproportionate body types!   It is up to us - the few, the proud the brave - to don these minimal pieces of cloth and recreate mans vision of perfection.  Or, in my case,  just pretend I’m my favorite sexy superhero for a day!

Who is your favorite artist?: Living or dead?
eBas, Greg Horn, Billy Tucci and J. Scott Campbell!

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: In 2006, as I was just wrapping up filming in my Emma Frost costume, a gentleman wearing a very tall mad hatter’esque hat approached me.   He stared at me and nodded without saying a word.   Finally he says “How did they convince you to dress up like that?”  I told him I convinced myself and that it was a favorite character of mine.  He proceeded to talk about my costume and how the chain around his neck might interest me as - based on the PVC I was wearing - he figured I would be into that sort of thing.

Oh wait ….  There is video! http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g311/Aktrez/Video/?action=view&current=ComicConHatter.flv  Not planned folks…. not planned at ALL.

How much do you typically spend per costume?: Between $200 - $1000 per costume.   It can get pricey but VERY worth it at the end of the day.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Smile. Don’t try to roam the floor in costume - you won’t get far.   Stake out a perfect spot and let the cameras come to you.  Bring business cards so that people can send you links to pics they take of you.  Bring anti-bacterial lotion. Drink lots of water. Don’t be too self conscious!   Have a BLAST!!!

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Name: Heather “Cat” Harris

How many years have you attended Comic Con: About 4 years now

Other Cons you attend: Well, let’s see: My first was Shoreleave in Baltimore,MD, then there is Wizard World Chicago & Philly (Loved WWP), DragonCon, ICon in Stonybrook,NY, E3, SuperCon, and Celebration. I think that is it. I might be missing one or two.

First costume debuted at a con: The Black Cat

Will there be a new debut this year?: Yes… but you will never know until debut day.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: Hmm… well there is sexy tasteful and sexy f*in tramp. The one that objectifies women is the tramp/slut. Plus with that, it depends on how the woman presents her attiitude in such outfit.

Who is your favorite artist?: Oh man. Tough question. I have too many to state. LOL

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: I was The Black Cat at Wizard World Philly four years or so ago and a lady came up to me with her baby named “Jack”. Jack was the cutest thing with these big blue eyes. So she hands me jack to hold to take a picture and the first thing 1 year old Jack does was look down a grab boob. LOL

How much do you typically spend per costume?: It really depends on the costume. I can’t remember how much the materials cost me for The Black Cat. For JC from Danger Girl, it was pretty cheap since it was mostly thrift store finds. But typically a good costume I would spend maybe about $500.00. That’s why I don’t do a crazy amount of characters each year.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: KEEP HYDRATED AND TAKE A GOOD AMOUNT OF BREAKS!

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Name: Meagan “VirtualGirl” VanBurkleo

How many years have you attended Comic Con: This will be my third year. SDCC has become a yearly pilgrimage for me.

Other Cons you attend: Mainly small comic conventions native to Minnesota. FallCon and MicroCon being the two primary ones. The majority of the other conventions I attend throughout the year are video game related.

First costume debuted at a con: My first costume was a not-so-fantastic attempt at Top Cow’s Aphrodite IX. I was really proud of it at the time, but looking back, there was much I could improve. Still, it was a fantastic time and the other attendees seemed to enjoy it!

Will there be a new debut this year?: There will be three new debuts. Each year I make a couple of ostumes and wear them for the first time at SDCC. This year I am on another Top Cow binge and will be wearing Madame Mirage, The Magdalena and Una–The First Witchblade bearer as part of a larger Witchblade cosplay group.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: I create and wear my costumes as almost entirly selfish act. Finishing a costume and putting it on for the first time gives me a huge sense of acomplishment, not to mention that stepping into the shoes of an amazing comic-book heroine is extreamly empowering. While I do love that the fans appreciate the hard work put into my costumes and I love taking photos with them, I don’t cosplay for anyone but myself. And if that’s the motivation, I don’t see how it is objectifying. It makes me happy. There is nothing wrong with dressing up, having a fantastic time with freinds and feeling good about yourself!

Who is your favorite artist?: The late Michael Turner has been and always will be my favorite artist. Asie from him, I am a big fan of Adam Hughes, Mark Silvestri, Eric and Rick Basulda, Kenneth Rocafort, Stjepan Sejic and more.

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: Last year I was running around in my Sydney Savage costume and a guy stopped randomly in a crowded hallway as we were working our way to a pannel. He just sat there yelling at the top of his lungs “OH NO YOU DIDN’T!” and pointing at me for a good thirty seconds. He wasn’t upset, just extreaml excityed. He was jumping up and down and biting his fist. I just started laughing and waved, but eventually I had to walk away because he was causing a bit of a scene. It was a bit bizzare!

How much do you typically spend per costume?: Way more than I should. Most my costumes cost $200-300 when they are all said and done. Sometimes I comission things and sometimes I make them from scratch. But in the end it is worth it.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Try to wear comfortable shoes with your costumes. If you can’t avoid it (like me) make sure to break in your heels before you walk the show floor–and get some good ($20+) insoles. Trust me, your feet will thank you.

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Name: Andrea F. Davis

How many years have you attended Comic Con: I’ve been going since 1980.

Other Cons you attend: Sometimes NFFC or Costume College for the marketplace.

First costume debuted at a con: “Nightfall” from the original Elfquest series back in 1981.

Will there be a new debut this year?: Not for me. Making new walk around outfits for Heather & Valerie.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: You don’t need to be naked, half dressed or have your breasts high & tight to be a imposing or impressive figure. If your going to do half naked characters, please have the common sense to have the muscle tone to pull it off & get a tan. And if your underage, make sure you have someone who will keep the stalkers away. There is a line between what is appropriate at a family friendly convention & what you’d expect to see at an “Adult Entertainment” convention. And that goes for any costume contest/Masquerade. People who cosplay need to take into account what impression they are giving to others when in costume. Naked is still no costume & tape covering your nether regions is not going to cut it. Have some class about yourself. Burlesque is not cosplay & was never meant to be. Cosplay because you like the character & want to have fun w/the costume, not because you need to have the attention.

Who is your favorite artist?: Too many to list, but here’s a few off the top- Mike Grell, Jill Thompson, Tone Rodriguez, Larry Elmore, Maxfield Parrish, Erte, Mucha. Lots.

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happend to you at a con?: The look on some of the creators faces when they see their characters brought to live in front of them.

How much do you typically spend per costume?: I’ve run the gambit from $20 to $2000. It just depends on what’s involved.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Take breaks to eat & drink, bring a change of clothes/shoes, stay in groups outside of the convention (it’s still downtown & there are unpleasant people), be nice to each other, be respectful of non cosplayers who may be seeing this for the first time.

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Name: Jenny Newman

How many years have you attended Comic Con: 4

Other Cons you attend: Anime Expo, Dragon*Con

First costume debuted at a con: Cleo from Sorcerous Stabber Orphen (Anime Expo 2000)

Will there be a new debut this year?: Maybe? I would love to, but I’m short on time and cash, so I might re-wear some old favorites.

Some people say that dressing scandalously objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?:
Really, it’s all in how you handle yourself. Some girls wear revealing costumes simply because they crave the attention, some just love the design, and some are true fans and won’t compromise accuracy for “decency”. The girls who are in it for the fandom are easy to spot because of the confident way in which they carry themselves. You’re the one putting yourself out there, so take control of your image and be confident!

Who is your favorite artist?: Living or dead?
Living: Kohime Ohse
Dead: Claude Monet

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: Does just going to a convention count as an answer? Well, at Comic-Con last year I wanted to have a comfortable, easy to wear costume, so I dressed as Karolina Dean from Runaways. I can’t tell you how many women hit on me that day! The character is a lesbian, but I honestly wasn’t expecting that sort of response from her female fans. Not that I minded, but I thought it was funny.

How much do you typically spend per costume?: $250. Even simple designs can get expensive when you factor in accessories such as wigs, boots, and custom contact lenses.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Don’t go into the dealer’s room unless you have an escape plan. If you’re wearing anything delicate you risk being crushed by the crowd. I learned that the hard way… Other than that, stay hydrated, keep a few emergency sewing supplies on hand, and HAVE FUN!

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Name: Yaya Han - http://www.angelicstar.net

How many years have you attended Comic Con: This will be my third year. I love it!

Other Cons you attend: I have been to almost 200 conventions in 10 years. I used to go to about 5 of them per year but these days, due to my cosplay store business, I attend over 20 conventions per year. My favorites in the last couple of years are Dragoncon, Anime Expo, A-kon, Metrocon, Otakon, Anime Central, AWA and Sakuracoon.

First costume debuted at a con: Mill-chan from “Megaburst Maze” and Mana from “Au Revoir Music Video” - Malice Mizer

Will there be a new debut this year?: Not this time around, I am too busy with my cosplay store. But I will be bringing my newest comic book costume - Black Cat.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: I completely disagree! It depends on how you carry yourself - I can wear scandalous skimpy costumes and carry myself with dignity and class. I don’t feel objectified or slutty. Then again, some people can wear a full coverage costume and still come off as slutty, it’s all about how they act. I do ask a male friend to walk around with me when I’m in a really revealing costume as it makes me feel safer. But I think cosplaying a scandalous character can be more empowering than controversial if you have the right attitude and carried yourself with class.

Who is your favorite artist?: Nene Thomas - www.nenethomas.com. Favorite comic book artist would have to be Adam Hughes.

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: At a convention last year, a guy asked me to stand on his back while he lay on the floor flat, for a photo. Even if I hadn’t been wearing stiletto heels at the time, I would have declined. lol

How much do you typically spend per costume?: $100 - $200, though I have spent upwards of $600 for my elaborate costumes before.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: For Comic Con, don’t cosplay too much, because you’ll miss the best part about this con if you only dress up and take photos. Allow one or two days for cosplay but then spend the rest of the time walking around in comfortable shoes and check out all the goodies. And save a lot of money for food because it will be expensive to eat there.

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Name: Ruby Rocket

How many years have you attended Comic Con: This year will be my 10th.

Other Cons you attend: Dragon*Con, MegaCon, various anime conventions over a 10 year period.

First costume debuted at a con: Eudial from Sailor Moon S

Will there be a new debut this year?: I’m finishing up the new female version of Loki from Thor.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: If dressing up objectifies women don’t then comic books themselves do the same thing? I don’t know about other girls, but I feel completely empowered whenever I suit up. People just need to get over the fact that GASP! girls actually like the outfits too. They’re not simply designed for men to enjoy.

Who is your favorite artist?: That’s hard because there are so many I greatly enjoy. Off the top of my head the ones at the top currently are Joseph Michael Linsner, Adam Hughes, Stuart Immonen, Frank Cho and Franchesco.

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happend to you at a con?: I think the 8 year old groping my metal-clad chest as his mother grinned at me is still at the top of the list. A very WTF moment.

How much do you typically spend per costume?: It varies greatly. Anywhere from $50-$300 depending on the materials needed.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Have fun! Don’t get overwhelmed. The convention is huge and just keeps growing so it’s very easy to go into sensory overload. Oh, and wear comfy shoes. The center is rather large.

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Name: Riddle

How many years have you attended Comic Con:
I only attended 1 year in 2004. Luckily I made it out alive with only a few blisters.

Other Cons you attend:
-Heroes con, the biggest little con in North America. Its like attending a geeky family reunion.
-Dragon Con, Nerd Mardi Gras, Furry carnival, Sci-fi Burning man and a geeky St Patrick’s day parade all in one action packed weekend.

First costume debuted at a con: Lina Inverse from Slayers.

Will there be a new debut this year?: Modern Wasp, Mary Marvel and as required by the North American female costumers union, a Black Cat costume.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: Who are these people and what do they do for Halloween? Those legs avenues outfits sell out for a reason. Plus have you seen what the men are wearing? I can see Captain Americas 8 pack through his chainmail mesh shirt.

Who is your favorite artist?: That’s quite a list!
From the far east; Range murata, Clamp, Oh Great, Hyung-Tae Kim
Westerners: Adam Warren, Adam Hughes, Stuart Immonen, Amando Conner/Jimmy Palmiotti, Gaijin Studios, Mark Brooks, Art Adams, Frank Cho, Stephanie Roux, Eric Canete, Phil Noto, Darywn Cook

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con? Costume malfunction 2008… I’ll leave it at that. It wasn’t funny at the time but looking back on it I can get a good laugh. I always say that each cosplayer is going to have 1 major malfunction in there costume ‘career’.

How much do you typically spend per costume? As much as it takes to get it how I want it to look. Which why I only attend one out of town convention. Also costumes won’t leave the house until completely regardless if there is a convention.
Not mention I and my crack team specialist do a lot of R&D on costumes with different fabrics and hardware.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?
- Always bring your costume as a carry on, you don’t want to be in San Diego and your costume be in Winnipeg.
- Find a guy (or if your into the ladies) willing to wear pants with cargo pockets so you won’t have to worry about carrying anything.
- Don’t be afraid to say no to someone who is trying to take a picture when you need be somewhere on time, just because you are in costume doesn’t mean you get to inconvenience your friends.
- Be very aware of children and people with disabilities who want a photo with you.

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Name: Valerie Perez

How many years have you attended Comic Con: I believe this will be my fifth year.

Other Cons you attend: I never miss a Wonder Con or Wizard World LA.  I also enjoy Dragon Con, NYCC, and the LA Sci-Fi & Comic Book show.  This year I attended my first Super Con and Heroes Con.  Have been invited to the Bristol comics Expo in England – hope to make it there 2010.

First costume debuted at a con: Video Game LARA CROFT

Will there be a new debut this year? Indeed.  Look for classic Baroness from G.I. Joe and CrossGen’s Mystic.  Also a little something for my first entry into the Masquerade.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women.  What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay? It is all about intention and context with regards to the individual.  When you get right down to it, what classifies can actually be a rather slippery slope depending on the eye of the beholder…  If what one is wearing expresses something with personal significance to them then having their figure plain to be seen should not be an issue.  My only personal caveat is if I know the crowd where I will be that day will have a large number of smaller children, I take it into account with what I plan to wear or make sure to put tights on underneath.

Who is your favorite artist? Growing up it was George Perez. Now my god is Adam Hughes but don’t tell him

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: I would not say it was funny but what will haunt me to the day I die was at an advertised booth appearance I had for Lara Croft with a little boy who had been waiting and asking for Tomb Raider.  Running behind schedule I arrived at first dressed as Wonder Woman and little guy was crushed.

How much do you typically spend per costume? My budget varies a great deal.  My best gear ranges from a few hundred to a total of about a couple of grand.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year? As with any other year, be prepared!  Remember to make provisions for environmental factors including keeping cool, hydrated and how your materials may react with each other in the heat, especially metals.  A travel sewing kit, safety pins, duct tape, assorted sharpies and twist ties can come in handier than you think.

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Name: Miracole

How many years have you attended Comic Con:
This year will be my third SDCC. 2007 was my first, and my honeymoon to boot.

Other Cons you attend: MegaCon, DragonCon and a few various smaller cons.

First costume debuted at a con:
Don’t laugh, it was the Halle Berry’s version of Catwoman at TampaCon in 2004. But any excuse to tote around a 10 foot Australian bullwhip, is all right with me!

Will there be a new debut this year?:
I have two new costumes that I will be debuting exclusively at SDCC; Classic Polaris and a comic version of Baroness. I can’t wait to get crowd reaction to them both.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women.  What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?:
I personally disagree; I don’t think that cosplay objectifies women at all. (For the most part) Women depicted in comics are strong, morally just, educated, cleaver and able to take care of themselves. So when I portray a character, I am trying to do far more than just wear a costume. I wont point out that there are far more easy (and affordable) ways to be ‘objectified’.

Who is your favorite artist?:
Um.. I plead the 5th. That question can get me in a lot of trouble!

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?:
MegaCon 2008 I wore Black Widow for the first time. I didn’t know it, but the PVC material that the unitard was made of was faulty. After an hour of walking/posing, the PVC started separating from the spandex (think peeling after a bad sunburn). Most noticeably, on my rear-end. It looked as if I had farted the fart to end all humanity. Awesome..

How much do you typically spend per costume?:
Depends on the material, and how intricate all the little details are.. $200-$2000 is the norm..

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?:
Go for quality in a costume over quantity. Try very hard to pick a character that is close to your body type. Please (and this is paramount) wear deodorant! But that is a tip for all con-goers.. Speed-stick is your friend!
Last but not least; Have fun!!

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Name: BelleChere

How many years have you attended Comic Con: This will be my second.

Other Cons you attend: DragonCon, New York Comic Con, Wizard Worlds

First costume debuted at a con: X-men’s Rogue

Will there be a new debut this year?: All told, there will be five new ones. Ghost, a female version of Deadpool, Red Sonja, Powergirl, and Dawn.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: Dressing scandalously objectifies a person no matter their gender. For me, the definitive line between objectification and not Is all in the personality. If you make the show of cosplaying all about your body and the blatant display of it rather than personality or characterization, then it becomes a matter of objectifying. This is an aspect of cosplay which does irk me a little and does seem to be relegated to female cosplayers. Some women, or girls, hungry for the attention that the male dominated world of comics and gaming will gladly give them, dress as characters they know nothing about or have no interest in aside from the fact that they’ll be oogled. Frankly, I feel sorry for girls like this, since it seems like they’re striving to justify the attractiveness of their own bodies through the opinion of others, which is a red flag for low self-esteem. I feel like booth babes who were hired via a modeling agency with no regard to the model’s knowledge or passion for the character falls in the same field, and likely enunciates those cries of women being objectified. It may be my own personal bias, but I feel like the matter is different for women who cosplay as characters whom they are passionate about. The passion tends to show itself in pictures, and especially in person, allowing a sense of confidence about the woman. Confidence is attractive, and to the true fans, so is the ability to geek out with a woman who /knows/ the character she’s portraying. It’s unfortunate, but in the end most people only have photos to make judgment calls, and it becomes easy to instantly decry a woman if she’s wearing tight leather or showing some skin. In comics or gaming this objectifying can be avoided as the characters personality is evident in text or voice acting, though a single picture of a cosplaying female may speak a thousand words, but not all of them may be pretty. Too many times myself and other cosplaying friends have been called an ‘attention whore’ or worse. Ladies like us who know better, we just need to let such comments roll like water off a duck and keep on doing what we love: bringing to life our favorite kick-ass characters.

Who is your favorite artist?: Oooh, I have three. Adam Hughes, Frank Cho, and Joseph Michael Linsner. I love artists that draw curvy women!

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happend to you at a con?: There I was at Wizard World Chicago dressed as Anna Mercury: a mixture of red straps, black studded shiny vinyl, guns on my hip, and wild red hair. Someone asked to take a picture and I said ‘of course’, though afterwards he asked “Who are you supposed to be?” I grinned and said “Anna Mercury, a comic by Warren Ellis.” Serious and surprised, the guy said “Oh, I thought you were supposed to be MJ.”

How much do you typically spend per costume?: I try to spend, all told, less than $100 a costume. That includes wigs, shoes, and props. I’ve become excellently adept at finding good deals, though it also helps that I make all my costumes myself.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Have fun with it! People can always tell when a cosplayer is comfortable in their costume and having fun with the character. Also, don’t forget to eat! And drink plenty of water, sit down if you need to, and ladies, don’t give yourselves blisters the first day of the con! Break those shoes in /before/ the convention.

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Name: Meredith Placko aka Ana Aesthetic

How many years have you attended Comic Con: None, sadly!

Other Cons you attend: DragonCon, MegaCon, FX International, Anime Weekend Atlanta, Ikkicon, and countless other anime, sci-fi and multi-genre conventions over the past ten years.

First costume debuted at a con: Dagger from Final Fantasy 9.

Will there be a new debut this year?: Oh! Quite a few. The classic red and black Carol Danvers / Ms. Marvel suit, Star Sapphire, and a handful of original Steampunk designs (and one that happens to be based on a certain fiery red head from the Marvel universe ;D). I have some other things in the works, but they’re under tight wraps ;D.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: I think it depends on the gal doing it. Sure, I’ve met some that put themselves out there in a blatantly sexual way to the garner attention of the crowd around them, but they tend to be younger and found in the anime community. Most of the girls I know are just trying to emulate their favorite characters. It’s not our fault they are drawn so sexy!

Who is your favorite artist?: Dave Cockrum for the win! While he may not be my favorite in terms of purely artistic aesthetics, the style he brought to the characters, their costumes, and just reinventing the way we see them really had an impact on my childhood comic reading.

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happend to you at a con?: So this guy comes up to me at Metrocon (in Tampa, FL) and asks for my picture. I see him again a little later and he wanders over and sheepishly asks if he can have his picture taken with me. I smile and oblige, and afterwards he asks where he knows me from. I tell him I’ve done some modeling and acting work, but nothing that I think people outside of the comic book scene would see. He insisted that he had seen me in a magazine and I thought maybe Wizard; but instead, he asks if I’ve ever been in Hustler.

No, I’ve never been in Hustler, and to the best of my knowledge I’ve never been photographed while peeing.

How much do you typically spend per costume?: It depends, my Ms. Marvel has only run me about $30 in materials, but my Deedlit cost me well over $400 (mainly in buying leather and leather working supplies). I would save they average around $100 - $150 though, when it’s all said and done with wigs and accessories.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Have fun. I know it sounds kinda cheesy, but I know so many people that get too caught up in this hobby and they spend more time worrying about how they look and how better everyone else looks that they just don’t enjoy the experience. We’re all nerds in costumes, at the end of the day. It’s a great time to get out there and have your picture taken, meet the artists who have worked on your character, and fellow fans who enjoy what it is you do. Don’t take it for granted.

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Name: kell

How many years have you attended Comic Con: 3 years

Other Cons you attend: Dragoncon

First costume debuted at a con: At a con, Selphie from Final Fantasy 8.

Will there be a new debut this year?: Several, I hope!

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: There are always going to be people who feel that way about certain costumes, whether you agree with them or not. No matter what costume I wear I try to present myself in a professional manner. How you present yourself to people and the camera is 99% of the portrayal, and generally people can tell when you are trying to be professional versus being scandalous.

Who is your favorite artist?: Adam Hughes, Alex Ross, Bruce Timm

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happend to you at a con?: A couple of little boys wanted a picture with me when I was in my mandalorian costume. After the pic I took my helmet off and they freaked out because “OMG there’s a girl in there!!” Or I guess my entire Wonder Woman chestplate popping off on one side and swinging open like a door in the middle of a photo.

How much do you typically spend per costume?: Anywhere between $50-$300 on average.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: have fun, stay hydrated and remember it’s just a hobby

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Name: Hannah (alias Hanime)

How many years have you attended Comic Con: 2009 will be my third year attending Comic Con!

Other Cons you attend: I have attended several conventions over the years, including AWA, Animazement, NekoCon, DragonCon, MetroCon and Anime Expo.

First costume debuted at a con: Oh wow, the first costume I ever debuted at a convention was Ayanami Rei from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Like all first costumes, it was a lot of fun to dress up in, but still needed a lot of work.

Will there be a new debut this year?: I am hoping to debut my Harley Quinn costume from Batman this year. I still have quite a bit to do, but I’m having a lot of fun with it.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: Cosplay is a choice, whether you want to do it or not is purely up to you. If you are comfortable showing a little skin, or wearing something truly vivacious, more power to you! In todays society there is a lot of pressure on women to look a certain way. I am always happy to see women at conventions strutting their stuff with confidence! Be proud of your body, and show it off in a way that is most comfortable for you; be it conservative and cute, or racy and scandalous! As long as you’re happy, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says.

Who is your favorite artist?: I have always been a huge fan of Jim Lee! One of my favorite works of his was Batman Hush.

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: I think the most bizarre moments for me are the ones where people recognize me when I’m not wearing a costume. I tend to wear a lot of make up, false eyelashes and wigs to help show up better in photos. So without all that on my face it just surprises me when people know who I am.

How much do you typically spend per costume?: Depending on the costume it usually ranges from around $100-200 at least.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Have fun! Dress up as whatever you want and enjoy every minute of it! Most of all enjoy the time you spend with your friends, new and old. More often then not I find it’s the people that make the convention memorable.

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Name: Christy Marie

How many years have you attended Comic Con: About 12

Other Cons you attend: Comic-Con is the big one, but I’ve also been to some Wizard World cons, and I’ll finally be going to Dragon*Con for the first time this year!

First costume debuted at a con:  Classic Leia from Star Wars: A New Hope

Will there be a new debut this year?: I’ve been on a Disney kick for awhile, so there will be new additions and improvements to the sexy Disney princess group.  I’m also working on a Giselle costume from “Enchanted”.

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: On the contrary, I think most female characters in comics are examples of women’s empowerment, because they are so strong.  Yes, skin is showing, but most female characters in comics/films are compelling, powerful, and independent.  And there’s nothing wrong with a woman feeling and dressing sexy.

Who is your favorite artist?: J. Scott Campbell, of course!

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: Last year I had a sexy Disney princess cosplay group.  We just emerged from the hotel, and were in a rush to get to the convention center when we got stopped by a camera crew for an interview.  It took several minutes for us to get the microphone set up, fill out release forms, etc.  When we finally started filming, the interviewer asked us the most bizarre questions I’ve ever heard.  “What is your favorite type of ice cream?  Do you think ice cream trucks have spirits?  What type of spirits do you think they are?”  This went on for several minutes.  I honestly think someone was playing a prank on us, because there’s no way those questions made any sense!

How much do you typically spend per costume?: Around $600 or more

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Be confident and have fun!

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Name: Lauren  (Alias – “Saxy”)

How many years have you attended Comic Con: Unfortunately… none!  I don’t attend many out-of-state conventions.

Other Cons you attend: Sakura Con, Penny Arcade Expo, Anime Expo

First costume debuted at a con: Edea from Final Fantasy VIII at Sakura Con 2000—my boyfriend at the time wrangled together the bits and pieces a few nights before although I was mortified to go to a convention in costume.  Luckily I became enthralled with costuming within the first three photos I posed for!

Will there be a new debut this year?: Yes.  My brother and I are working on a set of costumes inspired by Fallout 3 for Penny Arcade Expo.  What can I say?  I have this fatal attraction to post-apocalyptic badassary!

Some people say that dressing scandalous objectifies women. What are your thoughts on this in regards to cosplay?: For me, feeling a special connection with the character that I am cosplaying as is paramount, and the costume itself is secondary.  Whether that character has a “scandalous” look or not depends on her personality—I like to select costumes where the look and the personality compliment each other, not just necessarily costumes that are risqué.  If that character happens to have a scandalous look, it may be because she’s a rogue in the story she appears in and the costume only accentuates her personality.

The women wearing the costumes they wear do it to reflect a personality and maybe even tell a secret story about themselves in the process.  Many women feel comfortable and even empowered when they wear revealing costumes, and only positivity can come from that frame of mind.  No one is forcing them to do what they do—it’s all in good fun!

Who is your favorite artist?: Yukito Kishiro—he knows how to create dynamic and moving graphic novels.

Tell us about a funny or bizarre moment that happened to you at a con?: I was once dressed as Seraphim from the online comic Megatokyo (http://www.megatokyo.com), who is a character based on the artist’s wife, Sarah.  Both the creator of the comic and his wife were going to attend Sakura Con that year and I wanted to pay homage to my favorite character from the series.  Apparently the character looks very similar to Sarah and I cosplayed Seraphim as accurately as possible, so Sarah and I looked a lot alike!

I was standing in the lobby of the convention hotel in my costume when a guest liaison came running up to me, just elated to meet me.  “Wow Sarah, it’s such an honor to meet you!  You look just like Seraphim—it’s amazing!  Are you comfortable?  Is there anything we could get for you?  Where’s your husband?”  I just stood there confused, but then decided to play along and enjoy my 15 seconds of borrowed fame.  “I’m quite comfortable, thanks!  The trip here was great.  Oh my husband’s grabbing something from our room.  It’s so nice to meet you all!”  The trick went off without a hitch, and guest relations and I had a good laugh about it after they met the real Sarah.

How much do you typically spend per costume?: That varies wildly depending on the complexity.  I try to make costumes as accurate as possible—some are simple costumes, some have a great amount of detail—but I try to keep the costume-making process as easy and as painless as I can for the sake of my own sanity.  Sometimes I can get away with collecting things around the house in addition to a $20 investment in add-ons.  Other costumes I’ve commissioned parts to get just the right look and have spent over $600 for the final product.  Luckily those costumes are few and far between or else I’d go broke on this cosplay habit.    The average costume will most likely cost me around $100-$150, from head to toe and including accessories.

Any advice for cosplayers going to the con this year?: Think about a character that inspires you and moves you.  Which one is your hero (or favorite anti-hero)?  If you cosplay as the character that inspires you most, you are sure to look amazing from the passion you exude!

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One important cosplayer who is lacking from this interview is JoEllen Elam (Lillyxandra) of http://www.firefly-path.net/.   Unfortunately, she is so busy preparing that she wasn’t able to get back to me but,  I wanted to be sure to include her in this wrap up.

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