I still can’t believe how many (comic? anime? nerd?) conventions happen in Florida, on at least a monthly basis. Maybe I just didn’t pay attention to how many were going on when I lived in California because I hadn’t broken out of my shell yet and made efforts to go to things enough. Maybe Florida is just that much more willing to embrace its quirks and put on these events that attract all the oddballs (I am one, I can say that). I was also not into the whole anime vibe for most of my life and actually remember telling a girl “I hate anime” for no good reason in middle school (to which she replied “what KIND of anime? There are a lot of different kinds” and I was like ???). I have this devastating sob story about how I was considering attending San Diego Comic Con the year that I was moving from California for good, put the tickets in my cart, hesitated for a day or two, and the tickets sold out. I can’t even imagine what and who I would have seen there but there is always next time and I will definitely go back just for that one day!
Tampa Bay Comic Con
For my very first con, I was inspired by a hot picture of my friend in a Lara Croft costume on Facebook I saw a long time ago. Also a fan of Angelina Jolie. Since then I knew I would do it one day and I finally bit the bullet. Total cost was about $100 but everything was from Amazon Prime, and I think it turned out flawless! I could have used a more real-looking gun but these cosplayers in the middle let me borrow theirs for that picture which was enough. Lindsay was Alita Battle Angel mainly because we always tell her she looks like Alita Battle Angel XD. Priya was a video game character of whom I forget the name.
Lara Croft necklace: Amazon.com: OfficialOtaku Tomb Raider Lara Croft Cosplay Necklace Pendant Necklace – Metal Green : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
Drop-leg holster: Amazon.com : VISM by NcStar 3-Piece Drop Leg Gun Holster and Magazine Holder (CV2908) : Leg Holsters For Pistols : Sports & Outdoors
Add these to any black, blue, brown, khaki, or beige tank, shorts/pants, boots, and backpack for the complete look :).
I missed Tampa Comic Con this year (2022), not quite sure why since I was in town and did have the opportunity. Writing this is me trying to hold myself accountable to not miss one if I can help it!!!
St. Pete Comic Con
Welcome – St Pete Comic Con (floridacomiccons.com): I originally went with Bhai as a decoy right before his going away party and it turned out to be cool, and so awesome it’s right here in our backyard. As you can see, I did not choose to wear anything more interesting than some funky striped pants. I met this kid who spent countless hours creating a Demogorgon costume complete with hot glue gun saliva and he won best in show!
Even though we missed the costume contest, round 2 in 2023 was more fun because I got to go with my buddy!
Florida PolyCon
Drove all the way to Florida Polytechnic University and it was worth it! I dressed up as a Megitsune inspired by one of my favorite BABYMETAL songs. Met this cool WoW(?) cosplayer. Also tried some yummy eggless Taiyaki. Obligatory R2D2 pics.
Short kimono (I think a short kimono of any style would be suited as a simple outfit for cons if you don’t want to go all-out with dressing up!): Amazon.com: Women’s 3/4 Sleeve Loose fit Cardigan Jacket Japanese Style Kimono Cover up OneSize US S-L : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
Largo PlayCon
Home – Florida PolyCon (flpolycon.org): Worse my chibi Sailor Moon shirt I found secondhand at Revolve St. Pete and cropped myself. Met some more cosplayers. Pic with crazy pikachu, and obligatory R2D2 pic.
Anime St. Pete
Welcome – Anime St Pete (floridacomiccons.com): I was in the middle of boards studying but still wanted to make it out since it was so close. Never got a pic of my skeleton ribs tank and almost-black lipstick :(. Ninetails and Vaporeon cosplay, very peanutty vegan noodles from a food truck, and snagged my Halloween Bulbasaur keychain made by none other than Ally Cat Studio Portfolio | Ally Cat Studio!
Storytime about Ally Cat Studio…I met Ally for the first time at her stall on a Warehouse Arts District ArtsWalk and became instant fan after buying the cutest Pikachu felt keychain she made! Since then I’ve followed her talent around and I’ve watched her business grow; she’s the main reason I knew of pretty much any of these events!
Check out this website for all things Florida Comic Cons: Home – Florida Comic Cons
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