My First Cosplay Experience at Dragon*Con!

Dracon*Con. If you don't know what it is, well, its one of those things you really have to experience to truly understand. I thought I would just cop out and resurrect my Jim Henson outfit from two years ago. However, three days before *Con, I did decide to rebuild my Kermit replica puppet from scratch. 

I know, I know..my hair's not long enough.

 This year also marked the Dragon*Con Puppetry Track's second anniversary. Spearheaded and lead by Beau Brown, this year was highlighted by the presence of Karen Prell (Red Fraggle) Kathryn Mullen (Mokey Fraggle) and Muppet designer, Michael K. Frith. The three lead their own separate panels besides a joint Fraggle Rock panel in which they talked about their respective experiences working on the classic Henson series for HBO.

Red Fraggle, Karen Prell, Mokey Fraggle, Kathryn Mullen, Micheal K. Frith

Following their Fraggle Rock discussion panel, the Fraggles had a photo op meet-and-greet. So, we did. As we were waiting in the packed conference room, another attendee asked if I'd stand with Kermit for a photo. As soon as I stood up, there was a collective gasp in the room. After we had our photo made with the Fraggles, it took us about 30 minutes to get out of the room because EVERYBODY wanted photos with Kermit. 

I told Michael this was "The Frith and the Frog"

 Michael created some limited edition prints just for Dragon*Con attendees.

One of the panels that Kathy and Michael lead centered around their work with "No Strings International" whose mission is as follows:  "No Strings works with some of the masters of the original Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock, reaching children in conflicts, disasters and poverty around the world. Weaving urgent messages in puppet films and puppet play, No Strings captures children's imaginations in ways they enjoy and connect with, supporting their emotional wellbeing, and saving lives." Check out more here: www.nostrings.org.uk

Kathryn Mullen with one of the "No Strings" puppets, built by Heather Asch.

Kathy entertains a young panel attendee.

Karen Prell illustrated this Muppets coloring book, which I had kept from my childhood. She was kind enough to sign it for me!

Of course, since there were all types of fantastical character recreations, there were quite a few familiar Muppet/Henson characters to be seen. Here are a few of those:

"Jareth" and "Sarah" from Labyrinth. I saw this couple a few times before actually getting a photo. When I finally approached them, "Sarah" yelled "It's YOU! We've been looking for YOU!" They were just as excited to have their picture made with me as I was with them. "Jareth" had even gone to the trouble of learning how to juggle the clear ball a la Micheal Moschen, as seen in "Labyrinth." Quite impressive.

BORK! BORK! BORK!

COOKIEE!

This had to be one of the most beautiful recreations I saw. This is a replica of the Chamberlain Skesis from "The Dark Crystal."

Here are some of the folks we met during our weekend. I was totally blown away by the quality of some of the costumes. It was obvious that a lot of people took a lot of time and care to recreate their favorite characters.

Who, Doctor?

"Lumpy Space Princess" from "Adventure Time!"

Wimpy, Olive Oil and Popeye!

Daft Punk!

"I Spy!"

Dead ringer for Scottie from "Star Trek!"

Female "Bob and Carl the Sci-Fi Janitors" dopplegangers!

He pitied the foo'.

Chewy!

More Daft Punk!

Kermit inspects the menu.

Lemongrab from "Adventure Time!"

We have found the Dark Side!

Kermit asked her what time breakfast was.

Funkadelic!

Watch out for those cans!!

Chomp!

They have landed..

Look at these guys dressed as hipsters! No, WAIT! That's "Archer's" Amber Nash and her hubby, Kevin Gillese, artistic director for Atlanta's own Dad's Garage Improv Theater!

Miss Frizzle!

Onstage doing preshow audience warm-up for the Late Night Puppet Slam

Until next year, Dragon*Con! We had a BLAST!!

Well, at least I think we had a blast,..yeesh.