Toronto Comicon attendees share how cosplay brings meaning to their lives
CBC
Torontonian Edward Healy says it was 13 years ago that a small mob of Stormtroopers changed his life for the better.
Healy, who was attending Toronto Comicon at the time, says a conversation with someone cosplaying as one of the Star Wars characters left him with a year-round passion, the opportunity to give back to his community and the chance to meet one of his closest friends.
"That was a mind-blowing experience," said Healy. "I didn't realize that you could actually make these things."
Healy is now a member of the 501st Canadian Garrison, a group that attends Comicon every year, as well as other events, cosplaying as "the bad guys doing good" from the Star Wars franchise.
This year's Toronto Comicon takes place March 15 to 17 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with 35,000 lovers of sci-fi, horror, anime, comics and gaming expected to attend. The event is a place to find comic books, collectibles and meet artists and writers. For many, it's a chance to find community by dressing up as your favourite character.
Healy says the 501st have been working on their costumes together, 3D-printing, trading items and sharing tips.
He says the group is very diverse and made him feel welcome.
"I think what would surprise people is underneath that armour, there might be a woman, there might be a man, there might be a fireman, there might be a doctor, there might be a lawyer… it could be anybody," he said.
The group is also raising funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a favourite of these "bad guys doing good."
But there's competition for the Stormtroopers and Tuskens that Healy's side represents.
The Rebel Legion is also attending this year's convention. They'll be dressed as the "good guys," representing characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Rey, says member Stephanie Middleton.
Comicon's a family affair for her Pickering family. Her brother, Philip Middleton, is also a member of the Rebel Legion and attending this weekend.
"We definitely share an intense bond," said Philip. "And I think it's only just enhanced by all of this."
When the pair first started attending they wore store-bought costumes, Middleton said, but with help and encouragement from the group, they now make elaborate costumes.
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