What began as a Comic Book Convention in 1970 by a group of San Diegans, International Comic-Con: San Diego, better known as Comic-Con or simply “SDCC”, has become the largest annual convention of its kind in the world. Encompassing more than just comic books and sci-fi/fantasy, the convention has since included a larger range of pop culture and entertainment elements across virtually all genres from horror to manga. In addition to the celebrity appearances, screenings and countless panels with artists and showrunners, a large part of the event’s draw is the fact that fans dress like their favorite pop culture characters, a practice known as Cosplay.

The Cult of Cosplay At SDCC

With another one behind us, we can see how the Cult of Cosplay at SDCC continues to grow.

According to Wikipedia, The term “cosplay” was coined in Japan in 1984. It was inspired by and grew out of the practice then-known as fan costuming at science fiction conventions, beginning with the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in New York City in 1939.

Characters from comic books, cartoons, television shows and movies. Disney, Marvel, DC, HBO’s Game of Thrones and cult faves going way back in time are well-represented by families and friends alike.

From these fun photos of Cosplay at this year’s SDCC it appears that, like Coachella, Burning Man and Facebook, the crowd at SDCC seems to be growing older. Maybe it’s the nostalgic aspect of the subject (e.g. childhood comic book heroes) or the fact that, as these events grow in popularity, older folks start attending as the early adopters seek newness elsewhere. Whichever the case, you can see from the pics that it’s not just Millennials in these costumed homages, but lots of people in their 30s, 40s and even older. Not that aging affects the impressive costuming and make-up. If anything, those years of experience perfect the look.

San Diego Comic-Con

images courtesy of Getty and Gamespot