Eager to learn more about it
Shortlist interviewed freelance art director and cosplayer enthusiast May Ali
All set for Comic Con?
Definitely. I think it’s the best time to be alive for a female comic fan right now. With the first big screen appearance of Wonder Woman in Batman V Superman and awesome characters in TV shows like Constantine, Daredevil, Hawkgirl and Jessica Jones, I can’t wait to meet like-minded humans and talk about everything comic.
Who will you be cosplaying at this year’s event?
I’m not sure really! I have a lot of costumes. From Sub-Zero to Spider Girl and She Hulk. Definitely one per day. It’s the only time of the year where I can wear whatever I want and nobody will judge me!
Why have you chosen these characters in particular?
I like underrated female superheroes/villains, characters that people aren’t really aware of. I feel compelled as a comic book fan to show people these characters – especially the female ones. As you said, it is a good time to be a female comic book fan.
Why is that, do you think?
Most of all the original super heroines were drawn up in the 1940s and 1950s and created by male artists for a male audience. The women were a reflection of that era. Thanks to the 1960s and 70s, we have seen improvements in our representation in comics, with all sorts of inspiring super heroines since. Women are no longer the “weaker” link in the team.
Who are your favourites?
Barbara Gordan, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Psylocke, She Hulk, Jessica Jones, Jean Grey and Scarlet Witch.
Get involved
You too can be a part of all the fun and who knows you could maybe even win a prize. Throughout Comic Con 2016 there is a cosplay competition to recognise and reward the best costumes by attendees. If you want to win, you can aim for one of these categories:
- Best movie character
- Best animation character
- Best comic character
- Best video game character
- Best group
Overwhelmed with costume choices? We’ve got you covered. We asked Netflix to inspire your costume and here are their top three choices:
Jessica Jones
Show: Jessica Jones
Who: After a short-lived superhero stint, Jessica Jones is rebuilding her career as a detective in New York City. She’s a classic underdog with real human struggles.
Outfit: All you’ll need is a pair of faded jeans, a grey shirt, black boots and a leather jacket. Add some dust or food colouring (blood effect) and you’re good to go. Don’t forget the black hair, though.
The Punisher
Show: Daredevil
Who: Driven by vengeance following the death of his family, The Punisher is an ordinary man with an extraordinary desire to get even.
Outfit: All you need is a t-shirt with “The Punisher” skull. To make one, you need a black t-shirt, a stencil and some white paint. The rest of the outfit consists of black combat trousers, a toy holster and a leather jacket. For an extra touch, you can also rub some black face paint on your face and arms.
Elektra
Show: Daredevil
Who: A beautiful, dangerous and mysterious superhero with martial arts skills.
Outfit: You can get her “sai” weapons at a toy or costume store to complete her authentic ninja look. Then you need black boots, black jeans, a leather belt, a red polo neck top and a black sleeveless top. The polo neck should be long enough to cover your mouth and nose.
Middle East Film and Comic Con 2016
When: April 7-9
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
Price: AED130 at the door
