‘Star Wars’ Villains, Deadpool, Iron Man & Others Share Their Cosplay Tips

#Obsessed went to WonderCon 2017 in Anaheim, Calif., and got the scoop from some truly dedicated cosplayers about tips, tricks, and harsh realities of the increasingly visible pastime.

“Cosplay is difficult because it’s uncomfortable. It’s really warm,” said one man, whose impressive, battle-damaged Iron Man cosplay armor is well-worn both inside and out. “I gotta put a cooling system in — it’s kind of broken down at this point.”

At any cosplay event, some of the most head-turning costumes come courtesy of the Star Wars-themed nonprofit the 501st Legion, whose members make screen-accurate replicas of the masked denizens of the galaxy. As a Jango Fett doppleg?nger points out, “There’s a learning curve getting used to the helmet,” prompting an Imperial Stormtrooper to add, “Especially when it comes to smaller children.”

A Deadpool dead-ringer freely admits, “When I have to pee, it’s not the most glamorous thing.” He helpfully indicates his zipperless pants with two tiny hands cribbed from a baby doll, a reference to an infamous gag in 2016’s Deadpool.

As it turns out — especially for those skipping sci-fi armor in favor of form-fitting superhero spandex — layering is key. White-clad Storm from Uncanny X-Men explains, “You’ve got to wear a lot of ‘under-ness,’ and then your ‘over,’ so that everything looks nice and slim and sleek.” A Wonder Woman cosplayer elaborates, “It looks like there’s nothing on, but there’s a lot of layers underneath to hold everything together,” punctuating this with a laugh. For those completing their ensemble with a pair of baddie-piercing stiletto heels while walking the convention floor, Wonder Woman adds: “Beauty is pain.”

Of course, cosplay fashion is often more about aesthetic than utility, and that means wardrobe malfunctions are almost a guarantee. “I am living on double-sided tape right now,” admits Maleficent, looking rather steampunk-influenced in this iteration. “I have it in probably 10 or 12 places.”

The Ninja Turtle Raphael, covered from head to toe in rubbery flesh, suggests: “Always have a lot of glue, or else it falls off. That’s why I’m crossing [my arms] like this. I still look cool!”

Also from WonderCon 2017: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Cast Members Reveal Their Obsessions

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