Featured Cosplay Guests
Re:Star
Cosplay Contest Judges
Re:Star is an award-winning cosplay performance & craftsmanship-focused duo. Members Ash and Chaosity have performed around every corner of the US in cosplay competitions, idol festivals, and now internationally representing the USA in Korea at GICOF 2024.
The duo is recognized for their flashy and stage-ready costume style influenced by Japanese stage performers; however, the pair love to immerse themselves in learning new techniques for every project. The pair at Re:Star focus their craft on showcasing harmony between the art of performance and detailed costuming to make it feel like their characters jumped right out of their media to perform for you!
Pins-Snip Cosplay
Cosplay Contest Judges
Pins and Snip have been cosplaying together for over a decade. They’re known for their award winning larger than life competition cosplays, such as Aku from Samurai Jack (Best in Show, Jekyll Island Comic Con ’14), Samurai Darth Vader and Storm Trooper (Judges Choice, WCC ’21) along with Madness of Mission Six’s Pacman Ghosts (Best Group, Momocon ’15), and most recently Landsknecht Mario and Luigi (Joy of Cosplay, HolMat ‘23).
In addition, they are currently attempting to cosplay all of the Squishable Plague Doctor variants. While lots of their competition pieces showcase their love for fabrication with EVA Foam, their simpler cosplays try to showcase what fun you can have with thrifted finds. And when the local thrift store doesn’t have the perfect 15th century garment, they’re content to sew one up using historical patterning and costuming techniques.
Cosplay Mei Mei
Cosplay & Karaoke Contest Judge
After discovering a love for anime and video games, Mei became a cosplayer in 2012. It became her dream to share both pop culture and traditional culture of Japan with the English-speaking world. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Japanese and Chinese culture and language from Florida State University, Mei went off to live in both China and Japan.
She earned her Master’s degree in Japanese language and culture and became a lecturer of Japanese at the University of Florida. She continues to enjoy cosplaying at conventions and presenting informational panels to those willing to listen.
Citrus Malicious
Cosplay & Karaoke Contest Judge
Citrus Malicious is a Black Gaijin (or foreigner) Gyaru in the J-Fashion community. She is most known for her strong makeup looks and the occasional upbeat dancing video.
Citrus is very passionate about her specific niche in Gyaru. She advocates for a more open, welcoming space for black and darker skinned people to participate in it, and all non-conventional styles out there.
