Face It: You Can’t Resist Comic-Con Looks as 50th Anniversary Masquerade Looms

With the 50th anniversary of the Masquerade at Comic-Con approaching, attendees Thursday showed their enthusiasm and dedication to cosplay.

The Masquerade — an on-stage costume competition — begins at 8:30 Saturday night in Ballroom 20 and is expected to last until 11 p.m.

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Anya Aston of San Diego as a cyborg

Bobby Barrera of San Diego as Robin

Sarah Scheidegger of Huntington Beach as the Bearded Lady of ‘The Greatest Showman’

Cindy Wallace of San Diego as Weird Barbie

Rumana Haque of New York City as Princess Irulan of ‘Dune’

David Perez of Sacramento in a DC comic suit

Lorenzo Ramirez of Oceanside as a Star Trek/Alien Crossover

Beverly Horton of Indianapolis as the Mad Hatter from ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Andrew Whitford of New York as a Tiefling

Mavin Blackwood of Portland, Oregon, as Beetlejuice

Allison Menelli of San Diego as Orin the Red of ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’

Issa Baca as Charlie Morningstar from ‘Hazbin Hotel’

Carolyn Navarro of Fontana as Fiona from ‘Shrek’

Photos by Chris Stone

A small percentage of the thousands of attendees took part in cosplay Thursday, but many more are expected to, especially Saturday on Fifth Avenue and at the San Diego Convention Center.

Small groups on Day 1 gathered to take photos of or have their picture taken with the convention-goers who donned costumes, wore masks, colored their hair and applied face makeup.

Some talked of plans to portray different characters each day.

At the masquerade, Comic-Con International trophy medallions will be awarded to winning costumes in categories of Best in Show, Judges’ Choice, Best Re-creation, Best Original Design, Most Beautiful, Most Humorous, Best Workmanship and Best Young Fan.

Original design costumes will be brought to life in creative and entertaining presentations with drama, humor and a storyline with specially selected music and lighting.

Trophies, cash prizes and other awards are planned.

Doors open at 8 p.m., but the line for choice seating starts forming earlier for Comic-Con attendees. To help audience members avoid waiting in a lengthy line, free tickets will be given out at noon Saturday near Ballroom 20, and again after 3 p.m. at the Masquerade desk nearby.

Tickets are not required, however, and once the line of people with tickets has entered, anyone without a ticket is welcome while seating remains.

During a judging intermission, the San Diego chapter of The Saber Guild, Jedha Temple, will perform. For the first time ever, they will be joined by members of Temples Skywalker, Concordia, Nar Shaddaa and Temple Prime.

Although contestant spots were filled in May, cancellations may have opened up spots. One may inquire at the Masquerade desk by Ballroom 20 between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Friday or before 10:30 a.m. Saturday to check for openings.

Costumes worn at Comic-Con prior to the Masquerade are not accepted in the show. 

The Masquerade began in 1974 at the El Cortez Hotel when convention attendance was only 1,900.