It was a packed house in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena Saturday Night, April 19th, when Wondercon 2014 held its annual Masquerade. Contestants from across the country represented 35 different acts that spanned from small children to full on Jedi Lightsaber Battles. Mistress of Ceremonies, Ashley Eckstein, maintained a great attitude and perky disposition as she reminded the crowd she had “never done this before.” Known for her work on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and for her lady-nerd line of clothes, Her Universe, 
Eckstein patiently waited in between acts as fans created an ever lengthening series of battle cries. From the Sesame Street Count’s laugh, to Lil Wayne’s favorite outcries and finishing with a “Hail Hydra” the crowd was as involved in the Masquerade as the contestants. The most popular acts for costuming this year seemed to fall to Alice in Wonderland and Disney’s Frozen.
After the 35 contestants had strutted their stuff, The Saber Guild, performed a half-time show complete with a full light saber battle.
Among the most inspiring acts was “Superman Covered,” winner of the DC Direct Award. The act featured a well-constructed Superman costume, as the actor portrayed some of the most famous covers in Superman history. This included the first issue of Action Comics where Superman lifts a car, and the heartbreaking Death of Superman cover. “The Nerds who Say Ni” featured a series of folks dressed as “Castle Crashers” and doing a dance to not only selections from the musical Spamalot, but also the earworm song What Does the Fox Say.
Possibly the cutest contestant was Mini-Boba Fett. The child was small, but his personality was mighty enough to strut the stage and truly take on the persona of the famous Star Wars bounty hunter. He took “Best Attitude” from the judges, and deserved it. Equally cute was “Alice in Wonderland” featuring a mother as the Queen of Hearts and her young children as the Mad Hatter and Alice.
“Marvel Girls” featured a dead on version of Scarlet Witch, complete with LED lights and attitude. She was accompanied by a Lady Loki, equally matching the strength of Scarlet Witch. Both were on the floor on Sunday walking around, and the detail on the costumes holds up both on stage and up close. They won the Geek Magazine Award.
Two acts scared the pants off the audience. One was a “Weeping Angel” from Doctor Who, complete with black out effects for their act. The other was a complete replica of an Alien from the Ridley Scott film. Viewers gasped and held onto their loved ones when both appeared.
“Assassins Creed II: Time of Crisis” featured real working arm blades that shot out from the wrists. Gamers in the audience released a collective gasp when those were presented. They won an honorable mention for their attention to detail and working props.
Ashley Eckstein could not hide her confusion when “The Little Mermaid” took the stage. Performed by a gentleman, the act was a crowd favorite and possibly something straight out of West Hollywood. Complete with removable tail, glitter bra precariously taped to the front, and wealth of glitter, “The Little Mermaid” stole the show without a doubt. He went home with “The Frank & Son Collectible Award.”
Winners:
DC Direct Award: “Superman Covered”
Lucas Films:
Best Attitude: “Mini-Boba Fett”
Best Entertainment: “Jawas Just Wanna Have Fun”
Best Costume: “Darth Revan”
Geek Magazine Award: “Marvel Girls”
Frank & Son Collectible Show Award: “The Little Mermaid”
Best Fantasy Award: Alice in Wonderland
Judge’s Choice Honorable Mention: “Blitzkrieg: League of Legends”
Honorable Mention for Recreation: “Assasins Creed II: Time of Crisis”
Honorable Mention for Original Design: “White Owl Warrior”
Best Presentation: “Nerds Who Say ‘Ni’”
Most Humorous Award: “The Little Mermaid”
Best Workmanship: “Alien from Alien”
Best Original Design: “Fan Girl in Marvel Land”
Best Recreation: “Demon Hunter Diablo III”
Judge’s Choice: “Off With Their Heads: Queen of Hearts”
Best in Show: “Let it Go: Frozen Ensemble”
All photos courtesy of our friends at Nuke the Fridge, www.nukethefridge.com
