Con-Man

My favorite part of Comic Con, and any convention at that, is always the cosplay. Having a communal center where you can show your love and dedication to a character or series through cosmetic emulation is, for me, the epitome of what it means to be a fan. Seeing the creative and often complex efforts a cosplayer puts into their costume is something I can truly admire and appreciate. As a cosplayer myself, there is no truer joy than when someone compliments the accuracy or innovative of your costume. Being able to capture a character's identity and be appreciated for it the most satisfying feeling you can get as a fan. Being recognized as the character you are portraying has a cosplayer assume their identity for the duration of the con. You are no longer Anthony DeRosa, journalism student at SUNY New Paltz but rather Miles Edgeworth, ace prosecutor. For me, fulfilling these kind of escapist fantasies are what really represent how much I love a character or series. My Comic Con this year was one of the best con experiences I've ever had. Myself and four friends were swarmed with people wanting to take pictures of our Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney group cosplay. Hanging around the booth where the newest game in the franchise was being demonstrated, many con attendees thought we were being paid by the company to promote the game. While the seemingly constant barrage of similar Ace Attorney fans stopping us to take pictures interfered slightly with our ability to move around the convention center, the smiles and compliments we received more than make up for it. Comic Con: a space where you can go to nerd out with other nerds and get high fives and a sense of camaraderie from doing so.