Story and Photographs by Justina Newman
Nearly 60,000 attendees from all over the country packed the Orange County Convention Center for the 22nd year during MegaCon 2015, celebrating fantasy, video games, comic books, sci-fi movies and anime.
Instead of flowers, this annual spring convention in Orlando is blooming with everything from Deadpool look-alikes to the iconic Star Wars characters and classic video game heroes such as Sonic the Hedgehog. Costumes ranged from the basic to the elaborately detailed and accessorized with swords, intricate details and extensive makeup. At least a dozen people in wheelchairs transformed their “rides” into awesome movers like a tank, a motorized sitting chair and what looked like a steam punk wagon.
Marking her fifth consecutive year at the event, Daytona State College student Kayla Billingsley has attended MegaCon annually since she was a sophomore in high school.
“I am a big believer that MegaCon is family friendly. There is something for all ages to look forward to do, see or buy,” Billingsley said.
The convention is not just people gathered and dressed up though. Vendors that cater to attendees needs are also set up with services and merchandise to sell. There are opportunities for meet-and-greet photo ops with celebrities such as cast members of “The Walking Dead,” as well autograph signing and guest panels hosted by stars like Marvel comic book creator Stan Lee.
Often dubbed as an adult’s Halloween, the conference runs three days, but next year’s plans call for it to be expanded to four days.
Another MegaCon guest, Ashley Lauters, dressed up as the character May from the anime “Pokémon.”
“The most exciting thing that happened to me was when people would ask for a photo of me. It’s very different being on the other side of the camera,” she said.
Looking for a past Center Spread? Check here!