In part two of our look back on 2014’s mindblowing cosplay, we bring you Portal, Borderlands 2, Mass Effect and tons more.
With 2014 rapidly coming to a close, you might have noticed that The Escapist is taking a look back on 2014 and awarding the best of the year in all categories we cover (see our best of the year nominees here.) Well, almost all. If you’re particularly astute, you’ve also noticed that while we here on the Comics and Cosplay channel have nominated comics for end of the year awards, we didn’t actually nominate any cosplayers.
That’s because 2014 has been an absolute goldmine of incredible cosplay, and there was almost too much to pick from. Whether it was great video game cosplay at the various PAX conventions, the insanely competitive outfits on display at San Diego Comic-Con, the nuclear explosion of artistry that is Dragoncon, or any other the other conventions and events we covered, we were, time and time again, completely blown away. As a result, we couldn’t narrow our selections down to just 1 “best of”. But lucky for you, our indecision is your gain, because we’re celebrating the year in cosplay by showcasing our 100 favorite costumes from throughout the year.
Related: see The Year In Cosplay part one.
Whether you made your first costume, have been cosplaying for years, pricked your fingers sticking in pins, or styled that wig just right, we want to applaud you for your awesome work (and maybe ask for some advice for our next costume).
Continuing through the end of the year, stay tuned for galleries curated by members of the Comics and Cosplay team. Today, read on, and see Marshall Lemon’s favorites…
I’ve always been a fan of convention group shots where anything can happen. This one featuring Sombrero Deadpool, Harley Quinn, Joker, and Princess Mononoke was my favorite.
Spotted At: Forest City Comic Con
After playing through all three Mass Effect games, seeing Garrus walk around the the “flesh” was a shock! I felt like I was supposed to take him aside for a drink and reminisce about old times.
Spotted At: Forest City Comic Con
This wasn’t the only Legends of Zelda Skull Kid spotted this year, but somehow Jenny’s version emphasizes the creepy factor even more. That’s a plus in my books.
Spotted At: PAX Prime
Cosplayer: Jenny Harris
I’ve never played League of Legends, and have no idea whether I’d be any good at it. But this Syndra costume was Erica’s first and look how it turned out. Can’t imagine anyone was calling her a noob that day.
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
Cosplayer: Erica Hou
It is near impossible for me to look at this image and not hear a very familiar theme song. That’s how good these costumes are. I’m half-expecting Goldar and some putties to show up for a fight.
Spotted At: Pax Prime
Cosplayers: Nat Nickel (green), Linc Hillman (Black), Stephanie Bury (Yellow), Lakyn Bury (Pink), Josh Beed (Blue) and Glen Helm (red)
It may be a simple costume, but not only does it get Where The Wild Things Are right, look at those toes! Absolutely adorable.
Spotted At: PAX Prime
Cosplayers: Finnegan, Jake, and Kelly Case
Whether you love or hate Destiny, you can’t deny that its armor is absolutely perfect cosplay fodder. This is one of my favorites, and we can likely expect many more in coming years.
Spotted At: PAX Prime
Cosplayers: Colton, Steel and Teresa
Neither Spider-Man costume is particularly canonical, but you know what? They’re both equal parts impressive and endearing in their own.
Spotted At: Free Comic Book Day
This Fallout: New Vegas Ranger is a little overdressed for the pre-apocalypse, but wants to visit comic book shops all the same.
Spotted At: Free Comic Book Day
In the comic books, I suspect Catwoman and Harley Quinn wouldn’t get along long enough to take their picture together. Thankfully, conventions make for a far more friendly environment.
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
Did you say something about Star Wars Sith being boring? Palpatine, Vader, and Maul disagree.
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
I think we’ve struck upon a new samruai genre here, although a movie called Seven Mandalorians wouldn’t have the same ring to it.
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
Disney owns Star Wars and Marvel Comics. That makes this canon, yes?
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
No really, Thor and Loki are getting along great now. No, Black Widow isn’t just keeping them apart. No, they’re not clenching their weapons and preparing for battle.
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
The Wasp and Ant-Man, looking like a perfect match for an upcoming Avengers team-up.
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
Borderlands Mad Moxxi is one of the classiest ladies of Pandora, no matter what some of her ex-husbands say.
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
Cosplayer: Gogo Incognito
In a room filled with armored superheroes, few still appear quite as Halo‘s Master Chief. Hopefully the Covenant still feel the same way.
Spotted At: San Diego Comic Con
Whoever said Tiny Tina and Claptrap should keep to Pandora’s Borderlands?
Spotted At: PAX Prime
Cosplayer: Sarah Stevenson
When you need to draw upon “wholly accurate and very interesting” facts, go straight to the source with this surprising well-dressed fact sphere.
Spotted At: Pax Prime
Cosplayer: Nate Moriarty
