Ya’ll probably already know how much we love cosplay here at Pixelated Geek. Well this year, New York Comic Con’s Cosplay Central will be taking over the entire fourth floor River Pavilion at the Javits Center!
For four days of cosplay and fun, you can attend panels hosted by stars of the cosplay world, or take a cosplay workshop to learn new techniques and discuss building your own cosplay at the Cosplay Central Stage. You can also stop by Imgur’s epic GIF booth (located across from the Cosplay Central Stage) and check out demos and activities with international fan organizations like 501st Legion and the Empire Saber Guild. Click the jump for the full panel schedule.
Thursday October 4
Competing in Cosplay
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
A team of multiple award winning cosplayers will show you the wonderful world of competing in cosplay: how to choose competitions, how best to present your work, and making the most of your time.
Speakers:
Lucky Grim
Canvas Cosplay
Alchemical Cosplay
Mhysa Rose
LeeLee the Bunny
Cosplay & Consent
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center“
Cosplay is not Consent.” But what does that mean? Does it just pertain to touching cosplayers without their permission, or does it mean you can’t ever talk to cosplayers unless you know them? We’re here to help everyone from beginner to long-time con goers navigate what is and what isn’t okay when it comes to the performative art that is cosplay.
Speakers:
Jackson Juniper
Ask Kaylee Frye
Geish VI
Tony Ray
Iri Corpse
Melicious Cosplay
Ivy Doomkitty Body Positive Spotlight
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Have you ever wondered how Ivy began in the world of cosplay, what struggles she faced, or how she makes each costume? Find out how she went from having a lack of self confidence, to becoming the champion of the cospositive movement and body acceptance! Get these questions answered and more! Open Q&A to follow.
Speaker:
Ivy Doomkitty
Body Positivity and Intro to Cosplay Fitness
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
This panel is a collection of six people of all different races, genders, sexual orientations, and ages. We discuss how to cope with your body’s image, how we have dealt with it, and how to start a healthy lifestyle if you’re looking to make a change.
Speakers:
Aileen Cinquemani
Kevin Oria
Jeff Wright
Vanessa Rivera
Jake Dawson
Shermaund St. John
Friday, October 5
Diversity in Cosplay
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Cosplay is a chance for anybody to express themselves and their passions for any character, regardless of skin color, orientation, disability, gender, or body type. It’s about living the character in the moment. Join panelists Papa Bear Cosplay, Ivy Doomkitty, Eric “The Smoke” Moran, Shar Starr, Mogchelle, and moderator John Quade as they give their diverse perspectives on the cultural impact, barriers, triumphs, and empowerment in the cosplay community.
Speakers:
Christopher English
Shar Starr
Ivy Doomkitty
Eric Moran
Michelle Mussoni
John Quade
Cosplay A to Z
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Come and learn ‘Costuming and How to Play’ tips from three of the best Cosplay Undergroundlings you will ever meet. Nationally recognized Steve Perkins; International Award Winning costumers A. Tom Rehn and Anna Sawyer, will personalize your Cosplay and Presentation. Beginners to Professionals welcomed. With knowledge in Car Restoration, Mountain Survival, Improvisational Shakespeare, and Children’s Entertainment, these three will not only think outside of the box, but will show you how to use the box to build a better outfit.
Speakers:
Steve Perkins
Anna Sawyer
A. Tom Rehn
Wigging Out: The Art of Wigs
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Your costume is perfection and the shoes are a spot on match, but your hair is not cooperating. Maybe it’s the wrong color or length. Perhaps you need a specific part in the middle, or a strand to fall in just the right place. Whatever the reason, it’s time for a wig. But how…? This class will help guide you through the thought process of buying, styling, and storing your wig.
Speaker
Foxy Squire
Bella La Blanc
Crimson Kitty
Matt P
Agent Carter and Besame Cosmetics: A Heroic Match
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Founder and cosmetic historian Gabriela Hernandez of Bésame Cosmetics shares the experience of working with Marvel to expand the story of our favorite Agent, Peggy Carter. She will discuss how Bésame played a role in the television series, how they combined Stark-level tech with beauty, and the power of the perfect shade of red lipstick.
Speakers:
Nicholas Hernandez
Gabriela Hernandez
Jessica Tseang
Cynthia Foley
Scarlett Jablonski
So You Want to be a Jedi (Or Stormtrooper, Or Pilot…)
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Just like the galaxy, the Star Wars Costuming Community is vast, but has a universal purpose of charity. On this panel, representatives from the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, the Mandolorian Mercs, and Saber Guild will discuss what makes an approvable costume, how the groups differ, and about their individual and combined goals to make the world a better place through Star Wars, one lightsaber at a time.
Speakers:
Rubin Polizzi
Christine Evans
Sue Kisenwether
Russell Augello
Cate Broomhead
Anne Richmond
MGP Cosplay and Fitness Panel
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Muscle Geek Physique is a nationwide group of cosplayers who also enjoy fitness and a healthy lifestyle. We promote cosplay by encouraging people to put down those game controllers and pick up a those weights. We understand that not everyone can have abs like the man of steel, but we also believe that everyone can attain the body of that super hero, or super villain that they always wanted through a healthy, happy, and nerdy lifestyle.
Speakers:
Anthony Grillo
Taylor Beck
Justin Eaton
James Reese
Douglas Freed
Joshua Wentworth
Saturday, October 6
Getting into Cosplay: The Whos, Whats, Wheres, Whens, Whys, and Hows
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Cosplay has been around for decades, but it’s relatively recently hit mainstream attention. For those interested in dressing as their favorite characters, there’s loads of information about complicated building & sewing, but not too much on where to really get started, and how to find community to support you. We’ll talk budget & beginner cosplay, plus answer all of the above questions that’ll help get YOU started in the fantastic world of cosplay!
Speakers
Megumi Cosplay
Ask Kaylee Frye
GeishaVi .
Melicious Cosplay
Iri Corpse
Diamond Quality
Level Up Your Cosplay Photography
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Photographers Seth Miranda and Daniel Norton will show you how to create dynamic cosplay images anywhere with simple lighting gear and basic knowledge.
Watch the step by step process of creating pro level images in camera, ready for upload, with no photoshop. Your images will be the first in the models’ feeds when you can deliver on the spot.
Don’t be just another photographer in the tunnel making the same image. Forget those Instagram Presets, apply YOUR style with more lighting, less gimmicks.
Speakers:
Seth Miranda
Daniel Norton
Cosplay is Not Consent: Cosplaying in the Age of #MeToo
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
With the rise of the #MeToo movement, cosplayers have begun to speak up about and against harassment. This panel will discuss the challenges diverse cosplayers face with regards to harassment, and how to make the fandom community a safe, welcoming place for all.
Speakers:
Amy Chrzanowski
Valerie Acklin
Lisa Giunta
Jessikah Chautin
Laura Giunta
Birgit Pols
Andrew Popeil
Cosplay Armor & Prop Making
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
For three years the Cosplay Armor and Props panel has shown you how! Coming back bigger and better than previous years, we will show you tips, tricks, and the basics of EVA Foam, Worbla, and other materials to bring your favorite characters to life through cosplay. Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or have no limits, we’ve got you covered! Panel moderators will provide in depth insight, go over details, and answer questions while also showing their own creations and experience as examples
Speakers:
Becka Noel
Spectra Cosplay
Dhareza Cosplayza
Lua Stardust
Joanna Miri Cosplay
Hooked on Phoenix Cosplay
Everyday Cosplay: Fandom Infused Makeup & Hair with Espionage Cosmetics
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
In collaboration with Big Sexy Hair, Espionage Cosmetics is gearing up to show you how to bibidi-bobidi-boo yourself into casual chic versions of some of their favorite characters in fandom! Whether you’re looking to level up your makeup methods or rock some epic hair, this demo panel—complete with magical swag—is up your alley!
Speakers:
Dawn Dominick
Victoria Castillo
Jaimie Cordero
Beginners Guide to Crossplay
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Have you ever wanted to dress as your favorite character, only that character happens to be the opposite gender? This panel will teach you helpful tips to achieve that out of reach goal. With costume and shoe help, to basic makeup and wig styling. This panel has it all.
Speaker:
Matt Cecchini
DC Comics and Universe Throughout the Years Hosted by DC Cosplayers East
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Content to be determined.
Speakers:
Robert Frank
Michael Byrnes
Mike Sullivan
Mike Gilbert
Amanda Arroyo
Sunday, October 7
Cosplay for a Cause
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
An exploration of how individuals or groups use Cosplay to provide support to worthy humanitarian causes. From hospital visits to nation spanning fundraisers, Cosplayers for a Cause don’t just parade around the neighborhood; they join with their colleagues in order help their community; to help those in need.
Join us to discover how this representative collection of cosplayers bring smiles and support!
Speakers:
Cate Broomhead
Christine Evans
Matt Gnojek
Tom Spina
Cosplay Rule 63…and Beyond!
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Is it a gender-bent cosplay or is it a Cross-play? Discuss navigating gender and character related cosplay in fandom and how it affects us vs how others perceive the costume. We have all been there: people within your own community cutting you down verbally because your cosplay is off, or maybe not as refined as others or even store bought. Drag in cosplay, performance, regular cosplay, is there a line? How is the social etiquette when you cosplay in Drag? Learn the ins and outs of proper cosplay social etiquette and respect, how to combat the haters, how to support each other, and how to come to one another’s defense.
Speakers:
Tony Ray
Jay Justice
Matthew Levine
Jessica Crouse
D’Manda Martini
Robby Carmack
Cosplay and Disabilities: Incorporating Diversity and Accessibility into Costumes and the Pop Culture Scene
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Let’s make cosplay and comic cons accessible for all! Hear stories and tales from cosplayers with various disabilities about their experiences and how they believe that cosplay and comic book conventions can help lead the way to creating new innovative supports for the accessible community. Topics discussed will be disability culture, diversity, stories and a live Q&A that will provide feedback to be used at future events as well as answer questions about disability culture
Speakers:
Nathan Gonzalez
Shanise Lawrence
Joseph Munisteri
Dylan Dozenfingers
Stardust Megu
The Lionheart
Easy Cosplay Sewing Ideas with SINGER
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Cosplay Central Stage Presented by Imgur – River Pavilion – 4th Fl Javits Center
Are you a beginner sewist or thinking about learning how to sew? Join SINGER Brand Ambassador Philip Odango of Canvas Cosplay and explore some easy-to-sew cosplay ideas, and learn tips and techniques on working with different materials.
Speakers:
Philip Odango
For the full panel descriptions, go to the Cosplay Central on the NYCC website!