Grab your latex and your CostCo-size bottle of Ben Nye primer – it’s time to cosplay. Last weekend, Cosplay World made its return to the convention center, allowing all cosplayers in and around the area, whether they be newbies or veterans, a place to meet for the weekend.
The event ran at the Greater Richmond Convention Center downtown from August 5th through August 6th, and saw a bevy of fans of all types of media come to show off their costumes and to admire the hard work of others. Cosplay World provided many photo opportunities on their mainstage in various themes to anyone who wanted to join and not only show off their costume but get their photos taken. Whether you were from the many realms of Star Wars or Marvel, or even as domestic as Ghostbusters or Barbie (sadly, no Barbenheimer to be found this go-around), you had the chance to take photos with other folks in your niche, and enter the costume contest itself.
The event saw other things such as guests, of course, such as voice actors, performers, and professional cosplayers themselves attended as well. Sirah Cos, who is a professional model and cosplayer, was excited to be a guest of the event and excited to see the event grow.
“I’m looking forward to watching [Cosplay World] grow, and who shows up today honestly,” said Sirah. “You never know who is going to show up, what they’re going to be wearing, and what you’re going to see.”
It wouldn’t be a convention without meeting some artists for your favorite comics. Luckily for us, Comic Artist Darryl Murphy was in attendance. Known as the creator of Revegen, artist for Miserable Monsters, and a featured artist for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, he has been working in the industry since 2015 and was asked to participate in the con by Jason Keith at FayettevilleCon. Murphy was just as excited to be there as us.
“I like seeing people in their costumes, and it helps me stay motivated and inspired,” said Murphy. “Even though it’s not really a comic con for comics, I feel like some of us artists in Artists Alley, we look at these folks with their costumes and uniforms and outfits on, it helps us continue to create more compelling stories and characters as well. It’s a great mix.”
Anyone who visits conventions semi-regularly knows that the vendor hall and artist alley are always filled with different and unique things inspired by our favorite fandoms. In a first for this writer at least, I was pleased to meet with the owner of the makeup line, Laced with Cherry Beauty Company. Based in Raleigh since 2019, Laced with Cherry offers many different things for the makeup lover whether it’s eyeshadow to lip gloss and more; there are many cruelty-free options to keep you looking cute as you tour the convention.
“We are an anime inspired and manga-inspired makeup brand,” said Laced with Cherry. “We cater to cosplayers, anyone who is into nerd culture. We have palettes, lipsticks, and lip glosses and accessories.”
Jordan Kincaid of Lovely Illustration is not only a local illustrator but a veteran to the convention scene. She was hoping to see some Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom inspired cosplay walk by her booth, and to see the newer convention grow.
“I really like how low-key it is,” said Kincaid. “I haven’t done conventions in a couple of months, so it’s been nice to ease in. But also, I like smaller conventions because it’s easier to talk to people and get to know them. All in all, I find it fun, and I’m really enjoying all of the cosplays I’ve been seeing. People have been going all out.”
Whether you’re a cosplayer or a fan of nerd culture, it is official that Cosplay World is the next convention to add to your list of appearances. Visit cosplayworldrichmond.com for more information, including the next dates of when they will return.
“I really like how low key it is,” said Kincaid. “I haven’t done conventions in a couple of months, so it’s been nice to ease in. But also I like smaller conventions because it’s easier to talk to people and get to know them. All in all I find it fun, and I’m really enjoying all of the cosplays I’ve been seeing. People have been going all out.”
Whether you’re a cosplayer or a fan of nerd culture, it is official that Cosplay World is the next convention to add to your list of appearances. Visit cosplayworldrichmond.com for more information including the next dates of when they will return.
