Characters from classic videogames, like Luigi and Mario from Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros., were among the most popular costumes at this year's Comic-Con in San Diego.
Denis Poroy / AP Photo
Nerdcore co-founder Jon M. Gibson wears a Gizmo costume, from Gremlins. “The booth next to ours was selling these awesome character pajamas imported from Japan. Since a 7-year-old beat me to the pink Care Bear, I had a fail-safe in Gizmo from Gremlins. Being 6' 3" and a skinny fuck, I was doubtful that it would fit. But lo and behold, it did! What's truly weird, and so cute, is that the minute I put on the costume, children started walking up and hugging me. People started taking photos. It was an impulse. A reflex. When at Comic-Con, you are conditioned to point and shoot. To appreciate.”
Love Ablan
Workers in the D3 booth doll up the basic Comic-Con uniform of T-shirts and jeans or shorts with paper Batman masks. This year, Batman and other DC Comics characters were popular choices for costumes, says Ablan.
Love Ablan
A new kind of superhero: A man dressed as Barack Obama made the rounds at Comic-Con this year, with Secret Service entourage in tow
Michael DeCastro
Springing for spandex: A fan dresses as the Marvel character "Deadpool." Also known as: Ryan Reynolds' character from X-Men: Origins.
Denis Poroy / AP Photo
“I met this guy, Zach, who was wearing nothing but pink briefs,” says fangirl photo documentarian Love Ablan. “He apparently got chased by security guards a number of times. He felt it was unfair considering how many scantily clad women were walking around without being harassed.”
Love Ablan
At Comic-Con, guns are allowed—fake costume guns that go with superhero costumes, that is.
Denis Poroy / AP Photo
A full spectrum of fan costumes and impromptu performances at Comic-Con was on display at the D3 Publisher booth at this year’s conference, where the company promoted their newest video games with a “photoboth playset,” an environment backdrop with custom props where fans can get a photo taken. A set for the new Ben 10 game, based on the television show on Cartoon Network, included a green track jacket and futuristic watch called Omnitrix. “It was fascinating how hundreds of people, young and old, would put on the jacket and then start doing the exact same poses,” says Love Ablan, who photographed costumed attendees. “It's like the jacket triggered some kind of Pavlovian pop-culture reflex. Perhaps it's the equivalent of putting on a leather jacket and doing a Fonz impression, or a red zipper jacket and being compelled to do a Michael Jackson dance.”
Love Ablan
Dressing as a dungeon master may be frowned upon in the working world. At Comic-Con, this man is dressed like a king.
Michael Buckner / Getty Images
While corporate booths might entice conference goers with models in sexy costumes, “I think a majority of true fans prioritize accuracy and authenticity over exhibitionism,” says Ablan. "But it's safe to say there was a plethora of super cleavage and skin tight spandex from both camps. And perhaps more camel toe and moose knuckles than I could ever prepare for."
Michael Buckner / Getty Images
DC Comics’ Wonder Woman gets the tasteful treatment from a fan bent on getting the costume absolutely perfect.
Chelsea Lauren, WireImage / Getty Images
