Cosplay is an extraordinary thing. It’s so much fun to pay tribute to a character that you love or has meant something to you by making a costume inspired by them. Taking on their likeness can give you a confidence boost, make people smile, and help in the creation of some very fond memories. Now, we’re only halfway through 2016, but it is convention season. We’re already seeing some great outfits coming out of things like Anime Central, Anime Expo, and the San Diego Comic Con. Here are 10 of our favorites so far.
Looking to get in on all the con fun? A Wizard World event is coming up in Columbus, Ohio at the Greater Columbus Convention Center July 29 th -31 st . For more info, check out Wizard World’s official site for details !
Anna Faith Carlson as Mother Gothel
Anna Faith Carlson became famous for her Frozen cosplay, when she perfectly portrayed Elsa. It only makes sense that she’s behind another fantastic Disney outfit. Her Mother Gothel, the villain from Rapunzel , is spot-on. She captures this baddie in her prime. Her makeup is amazing, the cloak is fantastic, the hairdo is perfect. Evil never looked so good.
Source: Twitter
Alodia Gosiengfiao as Judy Hopps
Ready for a dose of cuteness? Here we go. Alodia Gosiengfiao dressed as Judy Hopps at MegaCon this year. It was incredible. Her wig is amazing, because she absolutely got the ears right. You don’t have to be a kid to love this Zootopia character, and you’d have to be crazy to not fall for this cosplayer’s abilities and outfit.
Source: Twitter
Spiral Cats’ Dungeon Fighter Online Cosplay
Why salute one cosplayer when you can send a shout out to a whole group? The Spiral Cats is a Korean cosplay group. These women dress up in amazingly detailed costumes and head out to conventions around the world. Here’s some Anime Expo action with costumes Spiral Cats’ Tasha and Doremi wore to the event. Quite a duo, right?
Source: Twitter
Tara Strong as Harley Quinn
Some of the best cosplays are ones from stars. Why? It not only hides their identity and gives them a chance to be one of us, but also allows us a more personal connection with them. We get to see them as human beings with the same likes and dislikes as them. We might even unintentionally take a photograph with or talk to them because of the costume and not because of who they are. 2016 San Diego Comic Con fans were able to enjoy that feeling with Tara Strong this year, as she dressed up as an amazing Harley Quinn. A lot of people had no idea who she was. It was great.
Source: Twitter
Linda Le in Monster Hunter’s Black Flame Rathalos armor
Which would take longer, making a suit of Monster Hunter armor in-game or in real life? You might want to ask Linda “Vampy” Lee. She debuted an amazing Monster Hunter Black Flame Rathalos suit of armor at the 2016 Anime Expo. It’s an amazing, full suit of armor that looks pretty darn identical to the one you could actually piece together in-game. Plus, she looks gorgeous in it. That’s an amazing look!
Source: Facebook
Jessica Nigri as Roadhog
Think you know Overwatch ‘s Roadhog? Well, take a look at Jessica Nigri’s take on him. You’ll never be the same again. He’s… quite different than we remember, but you can definitely see the character’s influence on her costume. One glance and you know this is one of your favorite mains from the game.
Source: Twitter
Marie-Claude Bourbonnais as Rachnera
Afraid of spiders? Don’t shy away from thsi one. Marie-Claude Boubonnais makes a killer Rachnera. She’s one of the heroines from the Monster Musume manga. In fact, her take on the character was so good, Okayado, creator of the series, is a fan of it !
Source: Twitter
Miyuki Cosplay as League of Legends’ Sivir
Let’s be clear. Miyuki Cosplay looks amazing in anything she wears. She has access to some of the best outfits you could see out there, mainly because she makes them. She’s especially great when it comes to gaming attire. She has Overwatch and League of Legends nailed. But we’re going to have to go with her recent portrayal of Sivir as one of the best recent cosplays.
Source: Twitter , photo by sonicJKevin
Yaya Han as Kitana
Yaya Han is a legend. This woman is an amazing artisan and craftswoman. She’s also absolutely gorgeous, gracious to her fans, and is a positive presence in the con community. All of her costumes are amazing, but her Kitana costume is extraordinary. It debuted this year and the detail and effort that went into it is beyond belief. You want perfect replicas of your favorite characters? You go to Yaya.
Source: Yaya Han
Honorable Mention: John Barrowman as Squirrel Girl
This may not be one of the “best” cosplays in 2016, but it’s absolutely one of the best . I know people are big on the idea of Anna Kendrick as Squirrel Girl, but maybe we should be considering John Barrowman, of Doctor Who and Arrow , instead? He does look pretty fierce.
Source: Twitter