By Katherine Vasper
A good cosplay usually consists of the following items: character themed makeup, costume, wig/and or similar accessories and the character’s signature weapon. Many cosplayers spend months crafting swords, shields and replica weapons from foam, PVC pipe and other splendidly repurposed items. Although these weapons are as much a part of the character as the costume and makeup, when a cosplayer is preparing to attend a comic convention, they can find themselves hearing a now too common declaration: “Your weapon is too realistic. We cannot allow it at our convention.” The now devastated cosplayer has two choices: take the weapon back to their lodging, or leave it with security until they are ready to leave the convention for the day.
In this present era of tighter security due to recent tragedies, comic conventions find themselves in the difficult position—regulate what kinds of weapons are allowed, or run the risk of letting in a possible gunman. Many conventions have set forth tighter restrictions, even banning certain types of prop weapons, for example any kind of NERF gun spray painted to appear like an assault rifle. More fantasy themed weapons, like lightsabers or swords, are usually allowed, provided the cosplayer will peace bond their weapon with a convention approved sticker.
Lycaon Meyer, one of the members of a Kansas City based Facebook group, had this to say regarding prop weapon regulations: “Obviously some regulation is needed . . . (Convention say) “No real weapons” and then explain what makes a weapon real. Most of the current regulations are knee jerk reactions that provide no actual safety. If they are truly worried about safety, then they need to look at weapons effectiveness not just its looks. I can take a extending baton in to a con no questions asked, and kill people. On the other hand I can hide a gun into a prop.” As Lycaon wisely states, it is important to look beyond appearances and to do a more thorough check of each prop to verify whether or not it is safe for a convention, and that is why the rules for such need to be clearly stated before each comic convention, and that better communication between attendees and the convention staff will keep the convention safe and enjoyable.
Another member of the group, Eric Lenhardt, agreed that the rules need to be more explicit regarding what is or is not allowed at each convention. “This was my first Comicon to have guns as a prop for my cosplay costumes, I think it would have gone smoother if I could have found out through the email I sent to the email for the prop checkers if I could actually paint my Star Wars guns before I actually did it. My big problem was that when I got there I saw several cosplayers with Star Wars guns that looked like the real thing, no orange tip on the end whatsoever, so why were some allowed without the orange tip? We had the same exact weapons! I really wish I would have painted my Star Wars guns all black instead of having the huge amount of orange showing at the end of my guns, but nobody ever contacted me about it through the email I sent them. If you allow it for some, why not all? And if people who know about the whole weapons needing to be colorful to get in, what makes you think that people aren’t doing this to real guns? I will leave this as an open question.”
Comic conventions are a fun experience for “nerds” of all backgrounds. We should not lose out on these events because of real world regulations. Proper safety for attendees, convention staff and all involved in the comic conventions—including properly explained rules, well secured convention locations, as well and patience and understanding from all involved—can keep this wonderful tradition alive for many years to come.
Thank you to Eric Lenhardt for his Planet Con picture of Han and Leia!
