ORION went to Comikaze, and He Took Pictures

Cosplay fun at the Comikaze Expo 2011

by Orion Tippens

The first Comikaze Expo 2011 in Los Angeles held its own as a crazy, entertaining alternative pop culture show for its fandom. Though much of the excitement, was mostly due to its attendance with its cheap prices, and the abundance of free tickets handed out (or so I was told by some merchants). Numerous indie creators, b-celebs, merchants, and fellow fans welcomed our fanboy cheers and wallets. The main guests were Stan Lee, Mark Hamill and Elvira.

We all had some fun. This, never-minding the many canceled panels, confusing (and lack of) directory, echoed confusions between the panels and exhibit hall all under the roof of its otherwise parking structure. The downsides are excusable for this new, presumably annual event. The familiar sci-fi/TV/movie/book/anime fandom merged oddly well with booths featuring custom jewelry, fashion, art and tattoo parlorly. Comic books had a strong presence as well, with the DC 52 panel, the Top Cow booth, and its mixed artist alley placed in the exhibit hall’s center.

But in the end, the most memorable of Comikaze for many of us will be the epic cosplay. Sure, we have costumed fans at so many of these alternative pop-cons, but the good lighting, wide area, and lighter time schedules of its participants brought more posing, smiles to the constant photo snapping. Best of all, was perhaps Comikaze’s Masquerade Contest, a more humble approach as spectators gathered around in a circle, allowing contestants a closer, down-to-earth look. My favorite included the Cyberman, Jurassic Park Raptor, Squirrel Girl, and Doctor Doom.

Here, are my favorite pictures for your viewing enjoyment: