GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Grand Rapids Comic Con is in full swing at the DeVos Place in Downtown Grand Rapids, drawing in crowds from across the country for a celebration of pop culture.
The event began Friday and runs through Sunday evening at 5 p.m.
At the convention, guests can explore aisles of artists and vendors selling artwork and novelties inspired by shows, comics and films, as well as meet celebrity guests.
"This is a community, like it's kind of one big happy family. Everyone understands one another. The cosplayers are fantastic," said Michael Wilson, AKA Knightmage, who was a judge for the event's cosplay contest.
Cosplaying involves dressing up as one's favorite characters from comic books, movies, television shows and more, and is one of the most popular activities at comic cons. Many cosplayers create their costumes by hand.
"Too much. Way too much work," said Bell who was cosplaying as Princess Yue from the hit Nickelodeon TV show "Avatar: The Last Airbender." "It's a lot of fun though, because it's really rewarding at the end, seeing it all fit together."
The attendees at GR Comic Con are a diverse group, as fans of classic comics, Japanese anime, "Star Wars," "Star Trek," "Ghostbusters" and everything in between come together for the weekend.
"All the comradery, like everyone's just excited. Everyone's in cosplay. It's like the one time in Grand Rapids you just see everyone dressed up, just being themselves," said Jeremy Payne who was dressed as Tengen Uzui from the popular Japanese anime "Demon Slayer."
Caroline Nurkkala, who along with her husband was dressed as a Mandalorian from "Star Wars," said they met because of their shared passion for wearing Mandalorian armor.
"What I love most about being a Mandalorian is this idea that we're all in this together, that even if we look a little different than each other, we are still a chosen family," Nurkkala said.
"It's kind of an interesting stress breaker. You know, and seeing all the costumes and the variety of people that come out, and the variety of ages that just come to have a good time," said Karen Larabel, dressed as the "Star Wars" Jedi Jocasta Nu.
Larabel attended the convention with the 501st Legion, the official "Star Wars" fan costuming organization, and began cosplaying after crafting "Star Wars" costumes for her sons.
Fan groups at the event also rally for special causes, such as the local chapter of the International "Star Trek" Fan Club, which was raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Attendees across fan groups said they're excited for the future of Grand Rapids Comic Con.
"It gets harder and harder every year," said Wilson, who judged the cosplay contest at his fifth GR Comic Con. "Everyone's bringing their A game and just good vibes, and just seeing the craftsmanship and the skill level, it's amazing."
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