10 cosplays spotted at Montreal Comiccon 2022
Last weekend was Montreal Comiccon. The first big convention in a heck of a long time. And it showed. There were a lot of people (like, a LOT!). And you could feel a little buzz in the air. Clearly, people were happy to get together again after this long pandemic.
I went to take a little tour, to enjoy the costumes and handmade creations in person. And I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you.
Here are about ten costumes that caught my eye.
Skull Kid, by Sohvi_is_Crafty
First off, I'm a pretty big fan of the Zelda universe, so when I saw this Skull Kid from afar, I was instantly charmed. What drew me to this cosplay is the quality of the textures. The leaves around the neck, the wood of the hat and mask, the shoes… it's all EVA foam. On top of that, Sohvi is Crafty plays the character really well, in presence and in movement. Simply gorgeous.
My costume-maker crush:
The bark on the arms and legs is made of foam clay, using silicone molds (the kind usually used for cakes). A pretty simple technique, but it gives such beautiful results.
Pyramid Head from Silent Hill, by Just_a_Random._Fangirl
The Silent Hill horror game series has been around for a few years now, but this iconic character is still a must. And it's always just as impressive to run into him at a convention, with his giant head and huge sword. I really like Just a Random Fangirl's female version.
My costume-maker crush:
The famous pyramid head is made of cardboard. Never underestimate cardboard. It's easy to work with, it's pretty sturdy. And it's cheap, too.
Garrus from Mass Effect, by FowlFusion
I've never played Mass Effect, but I love the game's sci-fi aesthetic and its alien characters. The armor made by FowlFusion is EVA foam and the weapon is 3D printed. There's even a built-in speaker with voice lines and a whole bunch of lights. I love this kind of costume that combines a ton of techniques. Super impressive!
My costume-maker crush:
The helmet: very close to the face, textured, and articulated (with bearings!) to follow the jaw… Kudos! That's some serious patternmaking.
Serge-18, by BizzCosplay
Dans une Galaxie près de chez vous, ring a bell?
I love it when cosplayers step away from the classics and pick characters you'd expect a little (a lot) less. BizzCosplay really nailed the vibe of this cult Quebec TV series. I love all the salvaged bits (wiring, antenna, etc.) used on the costume.
My costume-maker crush:
The Thibra. I haven't had the chance (or taken the time) to try this material yet, but BizzCosplay really made me want to. Among thermoplastics (like Worbla), Thibra gets especially soft and is really awesome for creating textures or for precise molding.
Bokoblin mask, by Dominica Moya
So cool! I spotted that big Bokoblin head from a mile away.
If you haven't played Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you should know that in the game, you can buy masks of the different monsters to sneak among them without being noticed. And I'm totally obsessed with those masks! There's something about making a costume of a costume that really cracks me up.
Dominica went for simplicity with an all-black outfit, to put the focus on her beautiful big Boko head.
My costume-maker crush:
The technique Dominica used to pattern her big head is super simple, but really effective. She sculpted a small Boko head, covered it with tape, drew the different pieces on it, then scaled them up to make her giant head.
Lucca from Chrono Trigger, by Niko_Cosplay
I have such good memories of the Super Nintendo game Chrono Trigger. And you know, among the playable characters, there was a girl with glasses who loved to tinker. No need to tell you she was my favorite. I was really impressed by Niko Cosplay's attention to detail: every single detail of the character is there.
My costume-maker crush:
The faux leather is really well used here. The layers are doubled, the edges are painted. It's the kind of attention to detail that makes your faux leather look more natural.
Buzz Lightyear, by Pepe_Cosplay
To infinity, and beyond! A classic that never goes out of style. And a really well-made costume by Pepe Cosplay. The suit is fully printed in PLA, except for the abdomen, which is foam. A great build that takes me right back to my childhood.
My costume-maker crush:
I'm mostly impressed by the patience behind a 3D-printed armor. Printing takes a long time, that's for sure… but once your pieces are printed, you have to assemble them (because they're often printed in several parts), then sand them, sand them, and sand them some more… and of course, paint them, seal them, etc.
Even though the shape prints on its own, there's a monster amount of work behind a 3D-printed costume.
Okoye from the MCU, by NoeudNoir
I have a real soft spot for textures. So the Dora Milaje outfits (the royal guard of Wakanda) really get me for that reason. And Noeud Noir did total justice to all that beautiful texture in her Okoye costume. Wooden beads, golden pauldrons (in Worbla), vinyl appliqué patterns on the tunic and pants, foam, leather, cotton, metal… a masterpiece. Seriously!
My costume-maker crush:
Check out that incredible beadwork! The wooden beads on the top and the front tabard, all put together one by one. It took her 85 hours. Totally nuts!
The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, by Z_Illusion_Cosplay
I love hats, and I love Tim Burton movies. No wonder this Mad Hatter caught my eye. The costume was entirely made by Z Illusion Cosplay. She sewed every piece from patterns she modified to create her design. I love the variety of textures.
My costume-maker crush:
The structure of her hat is simply cardboard. I'll say it again: cardboard is cool. 😉
Ursula, by Valinorian_Cosplay
I really like "inspired-by" dresses, like this cosplay where you totally get the Ursula vibe without necessarily having the octopus tentacles and all. Valinorian Cosplay did a great job recreating one of my favorite Disney villains. The skirt is made from an incredible amount of tulle (over 60 meters!), and the volume is spot on.
My costume-maker crush:
The headpiece is made of real seashells… and must be so heavy. But the result is gorgeous.
To wrap up, a few special mentions...
Jossycosplay, who adapted her Belle cosplay to her baby bump
Yumisadamoto, for the barefoot look of her The Artist costume from Dead by Daylight (she added soles to her nylons)
Vivelamascarade, for diving into a big project with this Blood Elf, her very first armor build.
Laurance, for her awesome attitude as a mini Edward Scissorhands (so cute!)
There were plenty of other awesome costumes, but also so many people that I couldn't photograph and talk to every cosplayer.
I can't wait to see your creations at Otakuthon! 😉
Talk soon.
In the meantime… Keep on crafting!
🤓✂🐙