Comic Con

Cosplay Contests

Back by popular demand there will be four Cosplay contests, Kids, Teens, Adults and Groups will show their stuff for fabulous prizes. Contestants may wear costumes of any kind as long as they conform to the Rules of Cosplay. Start planning your Amazing cosplay now.

Categories

• Kids: this is for contestants age 11 and under.
• Teens: this is for contestants aged 12 to 17.
• Adults: this is for contestants 18 and older.
• Groups: Two or more contestants dressed as characters from the same fandom/story/universe.

Sign-Ups

• The first 100 contestants to arrive for registration in each age group will be entered in their respective contests. The first 20 groups to arrive for registration in the Group Cosplay Contest will be entered. Pre-registration is not available.
• Contestants may only enter one contest. For example, if you competed in an individual category like Kids, you will not be able to enter as part of a Group in the Group Cosplay Contest in the same year.
• All sign-ups will happen on-site and will take place on the south entrance to the breezeway 30 minutes before each contest.

Contest Start Time:

• Kids Cosplay Contest: 10:30 am
• Group Cosplay Contest: 12:30 pm
• Adult Cosplay Contest: 2:30 pm
• Teen Cosplay Contest: 4:30 pm

Contest participants must be in their designated spot in line 10 minutes before the start time of their chosen contest.

• If you are unable to stand for that length of time or require any kind of accommodation, please speak with a staff member when you are registering to compete in the contest and we will do our best to accommodate.

Contest Judging

• Participants will be solely judged based upon their presentation and performance on the stage.
• Our goal is to include all cosplayers in this contest, so any cosplay may enter, including:
  • Handmade cosplays
  • Store bought cosplays
  • Cosplays that incorporate both handmade and bought items
  • Old cosplays
  • New cosplays
  • And just about any other type of cosplay that you can think of
• Judges will base their decision on the cosplay’s visual appeal and stage performance.
  • The judges panel is made up of library staff, volunteers, costume professionals, and community artists.
  • Judges will evaluate contestants on creativity, originality, and stage presence.
    • Stage Performance: Judges will look at poses and demonstration of character, such as attitude, personality, and movements. Please remember that the judges may not know your character, so your energy and general stage presence will be considered.
• Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age category and the Group Contest will be awarded shortly after each contest, generally within 30 minutes after the last contestant has walked the stage. Prizes will include toys, board games and gift cards with a more detailed list coming soon.

Cosplay Etiquette

Whether you’re a first-time convention-goer or a veteran cosplayer, you’re going to have a good time. To make that happen, here are a few etiquette tips for enjoying the multitude of costumed players who will be at the con.

Personal Hygiene

It can get sweaty fast in a packed convention hall, especially in a bulky costume. Don’t forget to put on deodorant before you put on the rest of your cosplay!

Photos

Always ask permission before taking photos or videos of other cosplayers and respect their right to say no.

Ask First

Cosplay is never consent. Always ask first to hug or pose with someone, and never touch them without their permission.

Keep it Smart

If you’re cosplaying, remember that you’re representing a character loved and looked up to by fans. Keep it classy, and don’t do or say anything that might tarnish their image of that character.

Respect the Artists

Don’t monopolize the guest artists’ time, and remember that other people want to speak to them too. Keep it brief, keep it respectful, and look but don’t touch when you’re at a booth.

Props

Every cosplayer puts time and effort into their work. Never pick up or handle their props without their permission.

Weapons

If your cosplay involves a weapon or prop, make sure it’s been cleared with security first (please read and observe the Comic Con Rules for Cosplay. They will be strictly enforced!). Be safe, and be aware of your surroundings before brandishing or posing with your weapon or prop.

Take it Easy

If you’re cosplaying, don’t forget to take breaks to rest and stay hydrated. It’s easy to get worn down quickly, especially in a heavy costume!

Keep it PG13

Mesa County Libraries Comic Con is a family-friendly event. Please use common sense, be considerate of other attendees, and be aware of your surroundings.

Enjoy

Lastly, and most importantly, enjoy Comic Con and have a great time!

Comic Con FAQs

What is Comic Con?

Mesa County Libraries Comic Con is a fun, free, family-friendly event that brings together fans and creators, old and young in celebrating the importance of stories and fandoms that connect us and enrich our lives. Since our first Comic Con in spring 2015, this highly anticipated event has quickly grown to attract more than 5,000 attendees from across the Western Slope. Highlighting graphic literature, sequential art, and comics as a literary medium, Comic Con includes an Expo Hall featuring local and regional artists, authors, cosplayers, crafters, and media creators. Panel presentations give attendees an opportunity to deep dive into topics of interest; fandom meetups provide opportunities to discuss favorite characters and meet others with similar passions; and everyone can take part in cosplay, photo ops, and cosplay contests.

What is cosplay?

Literally "Costume Play"-- dressing up and pretending to be a fictional character (usually a sci-fi, comic book, fantasy, or anime character).

Where is the Grand Junction Convention Center?

2023 Art Show