Toronto Comicon rules — and it’s the fans who rule hardest. We talked to 14 of them about fandom, community and being ‘freaks’ together

In the event you might be another person for a day, who wouldn’t it be?

This weekend, 1000’s of followers at Toronto Comicon answered that query by dressing up — also called cosplaying — as characters from their favorite comics, video video games, anime, reveals and flicks.

You are reading: Toronto Comicon rules — and it’s the fans who rule hardest. We talked to 14 of them about fandom, community and being ‘freaks’ together

The Star dropped by a packed Metro Toronto Conference Centre on Saturday afternoon to talk with these sporting probably the most eye-catching costumes.

Meghan Krizus, 29, math and English tutor

Comicons attended: “20, at the least.”

Character: Aayla Secura from “Star Wars”

Why: “She believes in utilizing her power to guard those that want defending, and that basically agreed with me. I additionally like that she’s blue. Blue’s my favorite color.”

Andrew Saxon, 41, app developer and database administrator

Comicons attended: “Across the 40 mark.”

Character: Gandalf from “The Lord of the Rings”

Why: “One of many stars [of Peter Jackson’s adaption] is right here: Andy Serkis,” who performs Gollum within the beloved trilogy. “I kinda got here to satisfy with him.”

Most excited for: The neighborhood. “Popping out of winter, that is the primary huge ‘Con occasion. That is while you’re going to see numerous the chums you’ve made prior to now.”

Chelsea Telesford, 14

Comicons attended: 1

Character: Hu Tao from the online game “Genshin Affect”

Why: “Hu Tao’s my favorite character … She at all times loves enjoying pranks, she’s at all times looking for methods to fire up enterprise for her funeral parlour. And I simply suppose that’s actually cute.”

Justin Bumaleg, 25, robotics engineer

Comicons attended: 1

Character: Kure Raian from Japanese manga sequence “Kengan Ashura”

Why: “I’ve been practising stunts and martial arts since I used to be a child, and the premise of the present is all about martial arts. I simply actually gravitated towards these characters.”

Readmore : A look at some of the key categories at this year’s Juno Awards

Luke Donnelly, 50s, supervisor

Comicons attended: 100 (roughly)

Character: Wolverine

Why: “Many individuals inform me I look acquainted, so I assumed I would as nicely attempt it.”

Most excited for: “Simply right here to see good pals I haven’t seen shortly.”

Kaleb Acab, 13

Comicons attended: 3

Character: Chad and Raccacoonie from “All the pieces In every single place All At As soon as”

Why: “I identical to the film. My dad made [the costume] for me for Halloween, and he made it for himself, too. So we thought, ‘What if we each go to Comicon as this?’”

Anthony Acab, 48, youth counsellor

Comicons attended: 3

Character: Chad and Raccacoonie from “All the pieces In every single place All at As soon as”

Favorite a part of Comicon: “Seeing everybody of their aspect and what individuals are actually captivated with. Right here’s this chance to rejoice, shine and simply be all of the freaks and misfits that we’re.”

Philippe Darveau, 51, retired veteran

Comicons attended: 3

Character: Jack Skellington and his canine, Zero, from “The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas”

Favorite half: “I’ve robust PTSD. Often I’m afraid of massive locations with numerous crowds. However Comiccons are the one exception — I’m not scared right here. So it’s like doing my homework to heal myself — and have enjoyable on the similar time.”

John Peake, 26, coroner and aspiring building diver

Comicons attended: 4

Character: Doomslayer from the online game franchise Doom

Why: “Doom Slayer was thrown right into a sh — t scenario by doing the proper factor, and is merely pushed by his rage and his capability to push ahead by way of any scenario, his capability to hunt demons. He’ll try this to avenge his pet rabbit and his household he misplaced alongside the way in which.”

Favorite a part of Comicon: “I’m actually right here [to let] folks take footage, exhibit what I received, perform a little promoting myself. I do numerous props. You see that big sword over there? That’s certainly one of my creations.”

Readmore : The Bay cast: Who stars in series 4, what time it starts on ITV tonight and how many episodes there are

Susan Jamjekian, 45, military prepare dinner

Character: Harley Quinn from “The Suicide Squad”

Comicons attended: 1

Most excited for: “There’s numerous actually particular folks coming right here, like Robbie Amell,” who performs Firestorm on the tv sequence The Flash. “And tomorrow we’re dressing like Star Trek. So simply all the things — all the things’s thrilling.”

Garo Jamjekian, 45, professor

Character: The Joker from “Batman”

Comicons attended: 1

Why: “He’s received pizzazz. He’s received an amazing wardrobe. And I like this model of him from the online game and from the comics. I wished to go along with the frills. Feels good!”

Frederick Lao, 27, entrepreneur

Comicons attended: 1

Character: Zhongli from the online game “Genshin Affect”

Why: “He seems to be good-looking. He seems to be cool.”

Lindsay Rysdale, 34, mom, receptionist and bartender

Comicons attended: 3

Character: Black Widow from the Marvel Comics

Why: “I really like The Avengers. I really like the MCU (Marvel Comedian Universe) … And I needed to do Marvel as we speak as a result of there’s a Marvel meetup with my pals.”

Serena Liu, 25

Comicons attended: 1

Character: Ningguang from the online game “Genshin Affect”

Favorite half: Assembly up with different followers cosplaying characters from “Genshin Affect.” “It’s so thrilling to [meet] within the precise world” after enjoying with them on-line.

SHARE: