Art Beats Editor Reveals His Top 5 Cosplay Con-Attendees From BlerDCon 2025

ARLINGTON - They say it's cliche to say, "you're all winners." Most of the time it's a lazy and sometimes cowardly way to try to make everyone feel good.

In the case of picking the top cosplay costumes from BlerDCon 2025 everyone who wore their favorite costume, made a costume, helped their friends with a costume, bought a costume, or just threw something together....YOU WON!

I also have to say that while I attended BlerDCon March 7 - 9, 2025, and slept about 4 hours in 3 days...I don't believe I personally saw more than 30% of all the cosplayers.

I was, however, very impressed. I am a man that likes to see people enjoying themselves doing what they enjoy and how they enjoy it. So even though I never cosplay...I won too.

I say again...you are all winners in my book.

Here are my TOP 5 (just my humble opinion and I am here for the smoke/disagreements.)

Number 5-Strawberry Short Cake
This lady looked more authentic than an actual vintage doll.

Number 4. Hip Hop Ninja Turtle

The person behind this costume has a strong case for being number one.
They committed to the role down to the orange Adidas suit and orange stripe shells.
(Where do you find an orange vintage Adidas with the matching shells?)

Number 3-Lillian Munster

This young lady had the throwback of The BlerDCon. She was so happy that my old behind was able to identify her costume. There were a few Star Trek and Bride Of Frankenstein outfits but for respect of a true Sci-Fi/Horror Classic....this was number one.
Then I saw number two.

Number 2- "Ola Ray" from Thriller!

The Poodle Skirt and Saddle Shoes!
I told her "I am not like other Arts Editors"

I hated to bump Lilly Munster from number one. But you see this.

This was number one until.....

THE NUMBER ONE COSPLAY OUTFIT AS CHOSEN BY ART BEATS AND ATLANTIC CITY FOCUS.....IS
PRINCE AKEEM IN HIS MC DOWELL'S UNIFORM!

With John Amos passing this year...and the fact that he was carrying the mop. And I have not seen that much ugly plaid since I went to private school.

I had a lot of fun with all of the top 5 cosplayers.

BlerDCon is an annual, 3 day event that celebrates sci-fi, fantasy and imagination in a space where people of color can feel safe and welcome.

The dates for next year are March 6th, 7th and 8th of 2026.
The theme next year is GEEK-NIK. I expect a serious weekend celebration of the late 80's and early 90's. I may be one of a few that was actually around at the time. I am however, sure that even now many of the people who weren't born are already doing their research....(I know cause I am in The BlerDCon, Facebook group.)

There were many more wonderful cosplay outfits.

Here are some honorable mentions...

Here is the best of the rest of what I shot of The Cosplay at BlerDCon

Thanks for reading the whole story!

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