Armageddon is the perfect place to show your love for your favourite movies and shows.
Cosplay is the art of dressing up as your favourite pop culture character, and at Armageddon it's a growing trend.
This weekend's pop culture expo is a chance to escape everyday life as your favourite character from TV, films, games or comic books, says cosplayer Courteney Kay.
"Auckland Armageddon is the biggest event on the calendar for New Zealand cosplayers," says Kay, who likes to dress up as blond female warriors like Eowyn from The Lord of the Rings.
"It draws people from all over the country, so you get to catch up with all your geographically dispersed friends, like a giant family gathering."
Cosplay competitions, like the NZ Cosplay Cup and Cosplay Parade, will also be held over the four-day event.
"You can guarantee everyone will have their most show-stopping cosplays on display," says Kay.
TimeOut talked to some of the talented guest cosplayers who will be attending Armageddon this year and asked for their advice for first-timers wanting to get into cosplay:
Tahlia Jones: "Don't let anything hold you back! You don't have to be great at sewing or a makeup artist, or even have a purchased costume. Start with whatever you can and don't be scared of others judging you. Every cosplayer started somewhere, and will welcome you with open arms. Just remember, cosplay is an expression of what you love, so get out there and have fun."
Dan Pickford: "Don't be afraid to try it, and start wherever you feel comfortable enough to get into it. There's no entry requirements, no bar that you must meet. Just get in, have fun, and take it as far as you want to take it. I'm still going."
Dan Pickford. Photo / Supplied
Caroline Ashely: "Be patient with your abilities and remember that it's not a beauty contest. Don't compare your first work to someone who has just made their 30th costume with more than five years' experience. You'll just lose motivation and be disappointed in what you've created. Also, not everyone is born looking like a supermodel. It's very easy to feel your thighs are too fat under that skirt or your nose is too big. Instead try to use cosplay as an opportunity to love your body and push the limits of your comfort zone."
Christopher Tipper: "Get into it, no matter what your skill level or talent or budget. Cosplay your favourite character and at these events try to meet other cosplayers and they will help you out with anything you need."
Rebecca Davey. Photo / Supplied
Rebecca Davey: "Just do it! It's always good to go to a convention with a friend but I didn't know anyone when I started and I made so many amazing friends from all over New Zealand because of cosplay. Everyone in the community is very supportive and willing to help."
Timothy Gregory: "Don't be nervous about cosplaying. It's a really fun hobby and there are a lot of supportive people out there. Even if you may not have the perfect body for the character you want to do, don't let that stop you."
What: Armageddon, annual pop culture expo celebrating music, movies, games, comic books, celebs and more.
Where and when: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, October 23-26.
Featuring: Jake "the Snake" Roberts, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Lou Diamond Phillips, Manu Bennett and more.
