LSCC was back attracting herds of comic book fans, cosplayers and even comedian Johnny Vegas!
Known for catering to a wide audience without overcrowding, this was probably the best and most interactive so far, featuring activities such as Syfy Channel’s innovative 360 degree fly/fan cam, capturing a video of attendees as they jumped mid-air. Unsurprisingly queues were long to give this a go but Syfy were handing out branded totes which contained a random DVD (I got Sleeping Beauty), a book by Kate Black along with Syfy branded lanyard, Oyster card holder and a sweet. Additionally Starburst magazine were handing out free copies of their magazine, as well as the free LSCC goodie bag containing a lucky dip of comics. So not bad for lovers of free swag!
Although there was lots of talented cosplay photographers set up in the convention hall, umbrella and flash in tow, Cosplay Shoots were exhibiting offering full studio and effects which were print ready within the hour. A different experience and a nice souvenir to take home.
A great thing about the convention is that the majority of guests will do free signings, I brought some of my X-Men comics along for Clay Mann to sign and he was just one of many of the Marvel/DC artists who was there. This included Ian Churchill and TV personality, Jonathan Ross who were launching their new graphic novel Revenge – if you missed them at LSCC they are doing a future signing at Forbidden Planet. Although if you thought comics was just limited to Marvel and DC you would be very mistaken, LSCC is a good eye opener showcasing artists from other publishers such as Titan, Dark Horse, IDW from numerous titles such as The Walking Dead, Angel as well independent/self-published including Sonesh Joshi’s Kuraz – which we will be reviewing soon.
Comics may be the spine of LSCC but cosplay is the heart, with the Cosplay Championship drawing in the crowds as cosplayers competed to win an all-expenses paid trip to Dragoncon. Judged by special cosplay guests: YaYa Han, cosplay ambassador and star of Syfy show Heroes of Cosplay, Kamui from Germany – master of worbla and with a collection of books regarding LEDs, Worbla etc, Bill Doran – Punished Props and the winners from last year’s contest Nikita Cosplay and Annshella.
Competition was tough, with performance being a key part of this contest entries ranged from monologues, costume changes and choreographed fight and dance routines. Contests definitely ‘brought it’ but not their costumes, those were handmade…
RossECobb, took the crown with Dinsey’s Ursula, based on the Broadway musical version, with Cosplex as solo runner up for her Poison Ivy based on No Flutter’s artwork and Kenny Cosplay Stuff and Kerry Cosplay were awarded runner up group for their well-choreographed, yet comedic ‘Edge of Tomorrow” cosplay. A honary mention for my favourite performances goes to Sikay and Ichigo’s Cosplay Closet for their enchanting performance and Valentine Cosplay’s Oberyn from Game of Thrones.
P.S. I loved the addition of the addition of The Daily Planet press office inside the exhibition hall, a hub to write up coverage and tweet photos it made press pass holders feel like a real life Peter Parker!
Watch our best bits video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCIb1fqcMxw&feature=youtu.be
