Moments from recent cons and builds to fuel your off-season craft.

Cosplay Between Conventions

Cosplay Event Highlight

Anime Los Angeles 21 wrapped up just weeks ago at the Long Beach Convention Center, drawing over 21,000 fans for a vibrant celebration of its 20th anniversary. The cosplay masquerade stole the show with elaborate entries, from towering mecha suits that lit up the stage to intricate group performances recreating epic anime battles. Guests like voice actor Chris Tergliafera hosted a lively Danganronpa mock trial, pulling cosplayers into interactive skits that had the audience cheering. Concerts, AMV contests, and a massive exhibit hall rounded out the weekend, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.

One standout moment came during the fashion show, where builders showcased hybrid designs mixing anime icons with modern twists, like a cyberpunk take on a classic samurai. Attendees swapped tips in the artist alleys, forging connections that will inspire projects through the quieter months. As the event faded, it left a reminder of cosplay's power to unite strangers over shared passion, proving that even after the lights dim, the creativity lingers.

Upcoming Events

With winter cons behind us, spring beckons with fresh gatherings for cosplayers to debut new builds or scout inspiration. Mark your calendars for these highlights, from anime-focused weekends to multi-genre spectacles. Early bird tickets are already moving for many, so plan ahead to avoid missing out.

• Anime Los Angeles 22, Long Beach, CA (January 7-10, 2027): Massive anime convention with cosplay masquerade, AMV contests, and guest voice actors.
• Comic Con Revolution, Ontario, CA (May 16, 2026): Comic book and pop culture event featuring cosplay guests, panels, and photo ops.
• SacAnime Spring, Sacramento, CA (April 24-26, 2026): Anime fest at CalExpo with cosplay contests, art shows, and voice actor panels.
• Los Angeles Comic Con, Los Angeles, CA (2026 dates TBA): Premier pop culture con emphasizing cosplay, gaming, and celebrity meetups.
• Anime Expo, Los Angeles, CA (July 2-5, 2026): Largest North American anime event with extensive cosplay programming and international guests.

Etiquette Corner

In crowded cosplay photo areas, a simple ask goes a long way to keep things smooth for everyone. Always seek permission before photographing someone in costume, especially up close or from unique angles. For instance, if you spot an amazing armored build near a popular backdrop, pause and say something like, "Your armor is incredible; may I take a quick photo?" This respects their time and creative control.

This small habit prevents awkward moments and builds goodwill. Photographers often appreciate direction too, like suggesting a pose that highlights their work best. Kind interactions turn brief encounters into lasting memories, fostering the supportive vibe that defines our community.

Social Media Spotlight

A recent viral build video series captured hearts with a maker's journey crafting a full-scale mecha from EVA-inspired foam and LED lights. Shared by a Southern California creator known for detailed progress shots, the thread unfolded over weeks: initial sketches, armor welding mishaps fixed with clever 3D prints, and a final activation test that glowed like a scene from the show. What stood out was the honest narration, admitting late-night doubts alongside triumphs, making the process feel approachable for home builders.

Equally compelling was a photo set from an Anime LA attendee, a duo in matching fantasy elf costumes posing amid convention chaos. The shots played with natural light and props for ethereal effects, drawing comments on their seamless teamwork. These posts highlight cosplay's evolution toward transparent storytelling, where the behind-the-scenes grind shines as brightly as the reveal. They remind us that in a sea of polished finals, vulnerability sparks the deepest connections and motivates others to pick up their tools.

Community Call & Closing

Have a build diary from your latest project, a con moment that moved you, or an etiquette puzzle from the floor? Send it our way for a feature in upcoming issues; photos, short reports, or questions all welcome. Reply here, drop a comment, or tag us in your shares to keep the conversation flowing.

Share this with your sewing circle, Discord group, or con chat buddies, and help spread the crafty warmth. Between major conventions, these stories and sparks keep our maker spirit alive, turning downtime into the best building season yet. See you in the next issue.

Reply with your stories, photos, and questions for next week.