Monday, March 25, 2013

Favorite cosplay photos


I have taken many photos at the cons I have attended. Hundreds of photos and the sheer quantity means some have to be good. Some have to capture how great the models are.

Below are some of my favorites. Some of  you may be thinking "Wait a minute. Al, you actually like something? I thought you hated everything." Yes, I do like some things. It is just hard to get through my crunchy shell sometimes. The below photos fit into very specific categories as you will see below.

My favorite photo where a blue skinned woman is pointing a gun at me (Baltimore Comicon 2011).


Lucid Cosplay (aka Queen of Derps)

 
The best picture of an alien monarch who fell in love with a human telepath (Otakon 2011).
Lilandra (Alley)
My favorite photo of Bizarro Supergirl that includes a reversed "S" (New York Comicon 2011)

Nicole Marino

 
My favorite group shot of Rogues who are taking their gloves off and you know what that means
(Dragon*Con 2012).
Moe Hunt, Tara Hubler, Rachel Buchman, Jennifer Kateri, Belle Chere, and Jaime Averbeck.
 
My favorite She-Hulk who has the right physique for it (Katsucon 2013).

Echo Endless

This cosplayer wins the award for the greatest smile. even though it is not easy being green
(Dragon*Con 2013).
Margie V. Cox
 
 
I like how the wings came out on her costume and the masks on both (Nekocon 2012).
Ron Wilson and Stacis Hudson
 
This is my favorite celebrity photo from Dragon*Con. Amber Benson has quite a way with people. She also seemed to appreciate my observations about her book. My unique opinion made her laugh
(Dragon*Con 2012).
 
 
The next photo is one that I suggested and worked out very well.
 
Carlin Bright (kneeling) and Jennifer Pawley

I will be adding more of my favorite photos soon. There are many more to show.
 
 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Katsucon 2013 again

Bella Enzo Ferrari
Echo Endless


Echo Endless
Echo Endless and Teeny Foxx


Echo Endless and Teeny Foxx
Melfina Cosplay


Katie George
Strawberrypie9414
Sans


Natasha Spokish
Megan Whelan


Yashafluff


Maid Mikomi


Maid Mikomi


Echo Endless
Strawberrypie9414

Akuriku



 
Akuriku

Tresild Cosplay
Alexandra Amrine
Meaghan Mark
Erin Hamilton
Charlotte Guthery
Charlotte Guthery
Angela Sellers and Sarah Louise
Noelle Peterson and Alec Burnett


Noelle Peterson and Alec Burnett

Sam Crawford
Kobu-Lion

Jazmin Jolly
Angela Sellers


Izzy Grey
Izzy Grey

Setchan and Daniela Marte


Sarah York
 
 

Dating is hard

One Barbie doll said "Math is hard." I disagree and say "Dating is hard." I have never gone beyond a second date (mainly cause I get what I want from the first two and move on after that). Not that it is normally my choice. Woman don't want to go on a 3rd date with me. They learned enough from the two and that did it. Don't worry, there are no restraining orders out there on me.

There are reason why I don't go out with a woman multiple times. Here are some reasons:

She tries to throw a drink in my lap while we are in a movie theater. No, I do not know why she did this. We were quietly watching the film ("L.A. Story" with Steve Martin for those who need to know) and I just happened to look over and see her tipping the drink towards me. I was able to move so it missed.

I go to pick her up and she is not there. Her family is and they are having dinner. They insist I come in and wait. I sit in the living room for 30 minutes while they eat. I plan to leave but they tell me she will be there soon. If a woman is over 30 minutes late when she knows you are going to pick her up, that's your sign.

Going on a double date when the woman drives her family's van to fit us all in comfortably. Having her parents coming and taking the van WITHOUT telling their daughter they are doing this so we all think the van was stolen. This is a family I did not want to get involved with.

Having a fantastic first date with a woman who later says she just wants to be friends. I know this happens and can be valid from her point of view. The only thing that hurts is she was a little tipsy when she said this and she tended to get amorous when she has consumed alcohol. Yes, she was in a state of bliss and still only wanted to be friends. That didn't sting at all.

Those are some examples of why I didn't date those women more than once. Women have plenty of good reasons not to date me more than twice. Early dates are when you put on a good face and show the other person only a little bit of who you are. I don't do that. I let them see the whole picture. I don't pretend to be something I am not. How's that working for me? I have never been married and never been in a serious relationship. What does that tell you? Even Manson does better than I do. It is nice to think that I am less desirable than Manson.

This is why I don't date anymore. Too much effort when all I hear back is that the woman is not interested. This is why I have given up on dating. Why should women lower their standards? They can do better than me (which is what I told Byron when he said I should ask someone out. He responded by calling me one of those cute nicknames he has given me that were derived from the villains of several movies).

So womankind is safe. I have given up dating and have not even asked anyone out in years. It is not as hard as one might think. The ratio of no to yes was astronomical to begin with (since, you know, I am just so pretty). People ask me why I don't date and, just to be funny, I provide some of the following answers.

The President passed a law.

All the women in world got together and voted me down.

My bursitis is acting up.


So, if you ever see my oddly put together face in public, don't worry. I am not going to proposition you. The sound you are hearing is the collective sigh of relief from every woman in the world.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Con behavior.

Ana Aesthetic posted a blog about how men should treat women (mainly ones in cosplay) at various conventions.

http://takopop.com/how-not-to-talk-to-cosplay-girls/

Ana Aesthetic seems to think that women should be able to attend cons without being hit on with gross come-ons. She provides an example with this kind of statement in regards to Zatanna cosplays. Now, as anyone who knows me can testify, I constantly seek out cosplayers who come as Zatanna (If you think I am kidding than you need to see the photos I post on this blog and on Facebook). Even still, I would never make the rude comments Ana mentions.

Is she right? Do woman have the right to attend cons without the fear of harassment? Do women have the same right as men in that women should be free to roam cons and enjoy the experience? Should women be allowed to wear what they want and not have to deal with men who trash talk their costumes? Should women be free from having to participate in convention dating games?

The answer to all those is YES! If I am representative of the men at cons than yes, women should be able to enjoy the con without being hit on or bothered by guys. Women deserve better.

Men do not have to make gross comments about the costumes such as the outfit being wrong How can you say it is wrong? Artists and writers are constantly making changes to character's outfits. There are so many parallel versions of any one costume that you cannot really say anything is wrong. I have seen many costumes that are not traditional but are still fantastic.

Ann McManus is pictured here and this is not a traditional Poison Ivy. It is not hard to identify who Ann is cosplaying. It doesn't matter she went her own way with this. It is still fantastic. This applies to costumers. Changing a costume so it is not what has been seen before is the right of the costumer.

Do I care that someone goes a different way with a character I like? Not at all. Don't we live in a world that is supposed to celebrate difference? Why does this not apply to costuming?

Her posts hits home with several salient points about things I have seen. Men seem to think just because a woman has a costume that she is a plaything. Not at all. They are still the same person who works in an office or a retail store. The cosplayer is cutting loose for the weekend as she shows off what they made or paid for. It is not an excuse for men to become verbally or physically abusive.

Ana Aesthetics's blog is something most guys need to read. I have attended several cons where men treat women as objects. I have not heard some of the comments she writes of but I have seen many men run to cosplayers to get pictures taken. Without asking, they are touching these women and doing some outlandish poses for the cameras.

I am not good looking and leave a lot to be desired in the muscles department. Brandy Gibson also pointed out that she can never tell if I am even aware of her when we meet since I have such an expressionless face. I still go all over the place and take many, many photos which I post here and on Facebook. Does having a camera or being male validate insulting or making unwanted come-ons to women? Absolutely not and they are all unwanted.

I limit myself to a few comments to women so I do not get labeled as a con creeper.

1) "May I get a picture?" I always ask since it is polite and cosplayers almost always say yes. Sure, there are some exceptions from women who look at me and say no based on what I look like. There are those who say no for good reasons such as they are trying to get somewhere. I also do not ask when they are on the phone, eating or clearly heading to the bathroom. Also, I am not one of those guys who stands outside the bathroom waiting to get pictures (you know who you are). That is a horrible thing to do. Also, when the photo is taken, do not to forget to say "Thank you" since they do not have to say yes.

2) "I like your outfit." Be concise and tell what you like about it. Don't be drooling on her when you say this. Don't tell her that you like it cause it shows off various parts of her anatomy. Say you like the boots, the cape, the whole ensemble. Sometimes I will inquire about the length of time the costume required to make. Women like talking about this. It shows interest in the craftsmanship. End the conversation by telling her that the costume was worth the time.

3) "May I get a picture with you?" This is something guys should be asking but many do not. They just rush up and put an arm around the cosplayer. Really? So it would be okay if some random guy comes up and starts touching your girlfriend/wife? You might have a problem if don't mind guys come and pawing your significant other. Sheri Lyn did this with me and she was willing to pose with me since I asked.

Let the model decide the level of comfort when getting a picture with them. I keep my hands to myself when they agree to a picture. If she wants, she can put her arm on me. I will react accordingly to what she shows she is willing to do. Still, her initiating contact does not give me the right to put my hand wherever.

Ana Aesthetic dedicated a part of her post to things men have said to women at cons. Guys need to learn most women are not there to get picked up or to have guys touch every inch of their bodies. Ana states she is not sure where men get the idea that this treatment of women is acceptable. I have a theory. It comes from within. It doesn't matter how many sources suggest this kind of behavior is acceptable. There are just as many sources saying that it is not fine and there are different ways to  treat other people. Men make the choice to do this. They can be acting out of anger or just because they want to.

Men get to experience cons with little fear of sexual harassment or innuendo. Women should get the same courtesy. Wearing a costume does not mean one is trying to get bothered. Some women may be there to draw a paycheck for working at a booth, meet with a photographer or wearing a costume of a character that moved the cosplayer to make. None of these reasons give men the right to bother women for whatever reason might be going through the guy's head.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Still more Katsucon 2013 photos

Ann McManus


Kayla Kremer


Ann McManus
Dani Kay

Lizzy


N-Vieher
Ann McManus and Jeanne Killjoy


Veronica Stith and Omichi Ciinarange
 





Ann McManus


Laura Lovett
Allen Ryde


Page Miller and Shellie Bryant


Page Miller
Abigail Moore
Abigail Moore


Shellie Bryant



Ariel and Danielle Young
Princess Kraehe
 
 
Princess Kraehe and Jazqui Cosplay


Jazqui Cosplay
 
Rebecca Cosplay


Rebecca Cosplay


Ashrii Edwards


Bry Prevatt


Mary Mayer
 
Andre Almodovar and Ann McManus
H. Cat
Dottie
Dottie
Beth Kelley
Ary W.
Natasha Spokish



Shannon Burley
MochaValentino
ValNika Elteri