Mark Megahan
Once again, this year’s Fan Fusion brought cosplay fans from coast-to-coast to sunny Phoenix, Arizona. Some of the highlights of the third day on May 29 were well covered by local news AZCentral, proving that kids of all ages love dressing up as their favorite comic book, anime or movie heroes, villains and alien creatures.
Cool Cosplay Fan Fusion
The cosplay was cool in a hot and sunny Phoenix, Arizona this memorial day weekend. Fan Fusion 2022 was hosted at the downtown convention center.
The dazzling array of costumed comic book and television series characters made the entire event fun for all attending.
From curious beginners to seasoned veterans, anyone into the fun fantasy world of cosplay found something worthwhile at the event. Endless opportunities to mingle and share ideas were combined with booths full of clothes, costumes, props and accessories.
In addition to the humans, there were several droids around, generally of the remote controlled variety. One was a classic Dr. Who Dalek, rolling around and uttering the occasional “Exterminate! Exterminate!” A remote controlled R2D2 was spotted as well.
The range of costumes available is impressive and cosplay fans flocked to the convention sporting everything from Velma outfits from Scooby Doo, to Man Ray and Mermaid Man from Sponge Bob, to elaborate Buzz Lightyear gear.
A simple costume and just the right look to start with was enough to turn Eduardo Macias into a Freddy Mercury convincing enough to get the crowd singing along to “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Video games to Star Wars
A surprising number of video game characters are cosplay favorites, representing franchises like Final Fantasy and Demon Slayer. Princess Leia clones were almost as numerous as Black Cat from Spider Man.
Anime classics like Sailor Moon were also well represented at the convention.
Star Wars is one of the most frequently mimicked movies for cosplay fans. Darth Vader and Storm Trooper helmets are a big seller but many true fans went the extra mile for the entire set of armor.
Science Fiction in general is wide open for opportunity so it’s no surprise that Doctor Who characters were well represented. The AZ Weeping Angels deserve special mention for their “weeping angels gargoyle” costumes from Dr. Who.
Everything from Pokemon’s Pikachu to the Power Rangers was there. Steampunk Cosplay of Spider-Man villain Doc Ock was mixed in with some Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom along the way.
Even the folks dressed in street clothes had a great time, because having fun and being silly in air conditioned comfort is the best way to spend a hot and dusty desert day.
