Kansas City Comic Con 2016 kicked into high gear today at the Kansas City Convention center at Bartle Hall. Probably the largest assemblages of writers and artists in the region, literally several hundred with tables on display, are coming back once again today to share their work with fans. The big themes this year seemed to be 101 fun variants of Deadpool, Suicide Squad Harley Quinns walked every aisle with the classic version sadly absent, some great Wonder Woman cosplay creations, and Star Wars was alive and well. I can’t wait to see what cosplay comes after Rogue One is released in December. I’ve seen plenty of professionally crafted costumes of Rebel pilots but the above X-Wing fighter pilot from The Empire Strikes Back was the best I’ve seen, built by the cosplayer’s older brother. Below are more photos with Star Wars cosplayers–come back tomorrow as we round out even more great cosplay we saw this year at the show.
On a personal note, I had a one-of-a-kind day today walking the floor as Luke Skywalker with his pal R2-D2, a fully-functional radio-controlled droid perfectly re-created by Chris Rice from the KC R2 builders group. There was no doubt about the joy brought to Star Wars fans young and old as we walked the floor and stopped for photos. It was among the most photos and hugs I’ve been apart of since cosplaying in Kansas City and a great feeling to spread around and share with others, from little kids wanting to hug R2 to adults wanting to share in a photo. What a strange thing to get home and learn of Kenny Baker’s passing away at 81. Elizabeth and I were lucky to meet him and his wife years ago. What we all shared today at KCCC was a real tribute to Mr. Baker and the character he helped to create and the enduring legacy of Star Wars.


We also caught up with friends and met some celebrities…


Famous people! We got to chat with Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek) and Ksenia Solo (Lost Girl, Orphan Black, Black Swan) and get some photos…


And one last Star Wars photo for today with a young padawan…

Come back for more from Kansas City Comic Con here at borg.com tomorrow, and if you haven’t made it to the show get out there today–tickets are available at the door.
C.J. Bunce
Editor
borg.com