Fresh builds, bold moments, and community vibes between cons.

Cosplay Between Conventions

Cosplay Event Highlight

The Amazing Art Expo in Dallas just wrapped up its free Pop Culture Art and Cosplay Expo over the January 23-25 weekend, drawing crowds into a vibrant whirlwind of anime, Star Wars, Marvel, and horror fandom. Attendees wandered halls buzzing with detailed cosplays of Caitlin Snow and Gorilla Grodd from The Flash, alongside Jason Voorhees stalking the aisles in full Friday the 13th glory. Voices from One Piece anime mingled with nationally recognized artist Sean Carlson, creating impromptu meet-and-greets that felt like stepping into a living comic panel. What stood out most was the sheer accessibility, free entry pulling in families, first-timers, and hardcore makers alike, all sharing sketches, props, and that electric fan energy.

One highlight circulated widely on social feeds: a group of cosplayers recreating a chaotic Lord of the Rings battle scene right in the vendor hall, complete with foam swords clashing and elven cloaks billowing. Organizers noted over a thousand visitors immersing themselves in Disney, DC, and Harry Potter displays, with pop-up photo ops turning strangers into instant collaborators. It's moments like these that remind us how cosplay thrives not just on the runway, but in these raw, unscripted exchanges.

Reflecting on it now, just days later, the expo underscores a key truth for makers in the off-season. These smaller, free events bridge the gap between major cons, offering low-pressure spaces to test new builds, network with local talent, and recharge that creative spark. If you missed it, similar vibes are already building elsewhere.

Upcoming Events

With winter cons heating up across the South, keep an eye on these gatherings that blend cosplay, panels, and community. From student-led pop culture bashes to celebrity-packed weekends, there's plenty to fuel your calendar in the coming weeks.

• Pasadena Celebrity Comic Con, Pasadena TX (Jan 24-25): Cosplay showcases, autographs from voice actors, vendor halls stocked with anime gear, and gaming tournaments at the convention center.
• Gator Con 2026, Houston TX (Feb 7): UHD's first student-run comic con with cosplay contests, fandom panels, and 500+ attendees in downtown's Wellness Center.
• Monthly Anime Meetup, Dallas TX (First Saturday till June, next Feb 7): Casual 1-3pm gatherings for cosplayers to share builds and photos at a central arts venue.
• Gulf Coast Cosplay Workshop, Houston region (Feb 14): Hands-on prop-making session focused on LED lighting for armor and weapons.
• North Texas Fan Expo, Dallas area (Feb 20-21): Mid-sized con with horror cosplay track, artist alleys, and family-friendly photo booths.
• Campus Comic Clash, Austin TX (Feb 28): University-hosted event with gaming, cosplay runway, and creator panels.

Etiquette Corner

When navigating crowded vendor halls or photo lines at events like recent Texas expos, a simple practice can elevate everyone's experience: always ask before touching or closely inspecting someone else's costume. This respects the hours of craftsmanship poured into delicate elements like feathers, wiring, or fabric dyes that might snag easily.

Picture this: you're admiring a stunning Gorilla Grodd mask, fibers meticulously hand-fluffed. Instead of reaching out, pause and say, "This is incredible, may I take a closer photo?" Most cosplayers light up at the interest and will guide you safely. It's a small gesture that builds trust, prevents accidental damage, and opens doors to build tips or group shots. Kindness like this keeps our spaces welcoming for all skill levels.

Social Media Spotlight

A viral build video from the Dallas expo aftermath has been lighting up feeds this week, shared by a Texas-based maker known for her practical armor tutorials. Clocking over 50,000 views in days, it chronicles transforming EVA foam into a screen-accurate Jason Voorhees machete, complete with rusty patina effects using household paints and heat guns. The step-by-step footage intercuts close-ups of carving techniques with time-lapses of distressing, ending in a side-by-side test swing at the event itself. What works brilliantly here is the transparency: she shares her one failed pour and fix, making high-level prop work feel achievable for weekend warriors.

Complementing that, a thoughtful photo thread from a Houston cosplayer captured the expo's group Lord of the Rings skirmish, sequencing 12 images from setup to epic clash, with captions detailing each participant's role and improv moments. It's not just pretty shots; the analysis dives into how collaboration amplified individual efforts, turning solo builds into a shared story. These posts feel fresh because they prioritize process over polish, highlighting cosplay's communal heart. In a sea of perfection, they remind us that our culture shines brightest in the unfiltered joy of creation and connection.

Community Call & Closing

Have a build diary from a recent con, an etiquette dilemma from the expo crowds, or photos from your latest shoot? Send them our way for features in upcoming issues; we love spotlighting your stories and sparking discussions. Reply here, drop a comment, or tag us in your con chats, we're building this as your between-convention hub.

Share Cosplay Commons with your maker group, post it in those Discord threads, and let's keep the momentum rolling. Whether planning for February events or tweaking that winter project, this is cosplay between conventions: sustaining the craft, the camaraderie, and the quiet thrills that carry us to the next big stage. See you in the feeds.

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