Workin' it Geek Style

Big Sis: Hands down, the best place to geek out in Arizona is at the Phoenix Comicon, which is why we giddily look forward to going every year. This year, I decided to channel the 80's by cosplaying as Jem (from the Saturday morning cartoon "Jem and the Holograms.") I loved Jem as a kid and have memories of coveting her star earrings and wishing I had my own "Synergy"  that would transform me into an amazing pink haired rock star. My Jem doll bounced around on the bed in her tiny pink heels as I sang "Truly outrageous! Truly, truly, truly outrageous!!" at the top of my lungs. Fast forward 20 plus years and my 8-year-old daughter is doing the same thing (since the show is now available on Netflix.) It's an outrageous, wonderfully cheesy (in a good way) cartoon that has stood the test of time. It's also a great example of empowerment for girls. Jerrica (Jem's alter-ego) was the owner and manager of a successful music company.  Soooo, I of course had to live out my childhood dream and dress as Jem for Comicon. I wasn't sure if I would fit in at the con or if anyone would even recognize me, but all weekend long I heard shouts of "Truly Outrageous!" from fellow children of the 80's as well as cute little girls who watch the show on Netflix. One darling little girl hugged me as tight as she could and asked me to sing. So much fun. For those unfamiliar with Jem, here's the intro on YouTube and an image from the cartoon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRyDxEBiQUY

My husband, who cosplayed as Federation Freddy Mercury, had a great time as well. He originally wanted to dress as Spock Mercury (half Freddie, half Spock) but the Spock wig and pointy Vulcan ears just weren't working out. So, he ended up going full Freddie with a touch of Star Trek (a Star Trek insignia pin on the iconic yellow jacket.) The whole family was inundated with Queen videos and songs while my husband worked hard to channel his inner Freddie. He grew out a thick 'stache, died his hair black, and rocked it big time. Here's a photo of Freddie Mercury of Queen just for reference.

The three kids dressed as Doctor Who, BMO, and Duke. Little Sis cosplayed as a flawless Elizabeth from the video game Bioshock. Between the fun panels, brilliant cospplay, meeting one of my favorite authors (Brandon Sanderson), and getting a photo with the amazing creator of Jem and the Holograms (Christy Marx), it was a fantastic, super  fun weekend!

Family cosplay fun (missing my Doctor Who son that wandered off with the rest of the group.)

So excited to please fellow "Adventure Time" fans.

I found another Jem and a Pizzaz too! (There were three Jems total.)

 Little Sis with fellow Bioshock characters.

 With  the amazing "Jem and the Holograms" creator Christy Marx. 

After getting a book signed by talented author Brandon Sanderson. 

Another Jem and I singing into our sparkly microphones. 

 Youngest son dueling with Greedo from Star Wars.

 Rocking out 80's style with a Gene Simmons look-alike.

 My daughter found Ice King and Princess Bubblegum. A trio made in heaven.

 Oldest son with fellow Doctors. 

 

Detailed look at costume. Bought the belt, earrings, and microphone at Spirit Halloween store, the wig and tights at Party City, the dress at Amazon, and the shoes at Zappos.com. 

 Agent Smith from "The Matrix".

 Kyoshi Warrior from "Avater: The Last Airbender."

 Vintage Doctor Who

 Brother as Steve on a pig from the game "Minecraft".

 Sons with modified Star Troopers.

 Practically the entire cast of "Walking dead" (well, at least the cosplay version!)

More creative Minecraft cosplay.

Wesley from Princess Bride.

 Hubby with Michonne from "The Walking Dead".

No-Face from "Spirited Away". 

 Little Sis found some more Bioshock cosplayers.

 

We found this photo on Lightning Octopus' Facebook page, 

Found this photo on Phoenix Comicon's official Tumblr page. 

All in all, I'm glad we went all out on our cosplay. The entire family had fun wearing it and working it. Thanks to all the fellow geeks who made this weekend memorable. For lots more comicon pics, visit http://pamnken.tumblr.com/.