Cosplayer(s) at the 2017 Phoenix Comicon

There was a security incident the prior evening; a nut case smuggled 4 guns and knives into the Comicon with the intent of killing an actor and then cops. The cops got to him first. We knew there would be changes but hoped they would be sensible and logical. They weren't. As in most situations like this, people overreact and common sense is the first casualty. The Comicon initially banned all props which really hit the Cosplay community hard. They set up completely understaffed security access points to enter the Center. I got there early and stood in line for 1.5 hours. Thousands of people arrived later than me and waited outside in the heat for 2-3 hours. It was complete chaos and poorly handled.

 

Once inside, things got slightly better but it dulled in comparison with prior years. A lot fewer Cosplayers and many of them seemed naked without their props. I understand the need for security but this was a lesson in how not to deal with issues.

 

I took these photos in May 2017.

Done