Comics, science fiction, anime, and pop culture fans recently took over the Richmond Raceway for Virginia Comicon. Held the weekend before Thanksgiving, the annual convention celebrates geek culture with plenty of comics, toys and collectibles, anime, and signings with artists, writers, and media guests.

Comics guests at the show included Alex Saviuk (The Amazing Spider-Man), Brooke Allen (Lumberjanes), Ron Wilson (Luke Cage), Paris Cullins (Blue Devil), Gary Cohn (Amethyst), Johndell Snead (Back to the Future), John “Waki” Wycough (Back to the Future), Brian Shearer (G.I. Joe), Chris Irving (Leaping Tall Buildings), Sam Ellis (character designer Archer), Matt Slay (Ghostbusters), Steve Bird (Pacific Rim), Coleman Engle (Steven Universe), Dan Fogel (Hippy Comix), and several others.

Media guests were Bob Gale (creator of Back to the Future), Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Walter Jones (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), and Trina Nishimura (voice actress Mikasa: Attack on Titan).

Gemstone Publishing was in attendance to debut their new “How to” book, The Overstreet Guide to Cosplay. Vice-President of Publishing J.C. Vaughn, Creative Director Mark Huesman, Associate Editor Amanda Sheriff, and Assistant Editor Carrie Wood were at the con, as well as Guide to Cosplay co-author Eddie Newsome, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum Collections and Exhibits Manager Michael Solof, and ComicWow’s Brand Development Specialist Richard Ankney.

Gemstone launched The Overstreet Guide to Cosplay last year at the Virginia Comicon, taking photos of cosplayers to be featured in the book. At this year’s event, Gemstone offered a con exclusive edition of the book with a special cover depicting co-authors and cosplayers Wood and Newsome, as well as cosplayer Hex Nottingham. In addition, Gemstone sold two other softcover and one hardcover versions of the book, along with their other line of books, including the recently released Overstreet Guide to Collecting Movie Posters and The Overstreet Marketplace Yearbook.

Cosplayers crowded around the Gemstone table to peruse the book and, in many cases, found photos of themselves or their friends and family within the pages. “Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we got from cosplayers, I’d consider it a success! I’m so glad that we got to meet up with many of the cosplayers who we photographed at last year’s show, and that so many of them seemed tickled that they made it in the book. It was great to catch up with everyone and I can’t wait to see how well the book does once it has its wide release on November 25,” Wood said.

“The reactions were great and well received from all ages from both cosplayers and non-cosplayers,” Newsome said. “The excitement was really there and the mention that this book fills a need with everything from ‘how to’ to ‘on insights’ really helps. I think this book will do great in the marketplace once the word spreads even more about it.”

Cover models Katie Fleming and Hex Nottingham joined the Gemstone crew to meet cosplayers and fans of the book. The pair signed copies along with the co-authors, shared their experiences and even answered cosplay questions.

When asked how she felt as a contributor singing copies of the book, Fleming was enthusiastic. “It was surreal to see that those purchasing copies wanted me to sign it,” Fleming said. “One of the coolest moments was when a My Little Pony cosplayer approached the booth because on the cover he noticed my Princess Celestia Cosplay. He asked in excitement ‘Who is this cosplayer?’ I was able to reveal that it was me and there was a cool connection between us because of our love for the same fandom! Those moments mean the world to me! And my hope is that in the future, others will look at the cosplays, tutorials, and cons featured in the book and instantly feel a connection. That is what makes a book like this so special!”

“It is always a pleasure and a humbling feeling signing an autograph for someone,” Nottingham commented about signing copies of the book. “I am proud that someone else somewhere else is proud to own a signed copy. And I am proud that I’m on a signed poster in Eddie Newsome’s man-cave,” he added.

Regarding appearing on covers for The Overstreet Guide to Cosplay, both Fleming and Nottingham expressed feelings of humility. “This was a humbling experience, because never would I have thought that I would end up on the cover of a book one day, especially for a hobby that I love so much. I am so thankful that I was chosen and asked to contribute,” Fleming said.

“It is a great honor! And a handsome photo even if I am making a silly face,” Nottingham said. “Most folks will never notice that I am somewhat sticking my tongue piercing out. One of the very first things I asked Carrie Wood was if I could promote it. I had to wait a few days for the links to go up. I am very thankful for the love and appreciation I have received from Gemstone Publishing. Just know that you all are loved and greatly appreciated in return!”

In addition to the Gemstone crew, the con floor was covered with exhibitors offering Golden to Modern Age comics, graphic novels and trades, toys, jewelry, and plenty of art prints. The DeLorean Time Machine was available for photographs and a gaming dance system was set up for attendees to get their groove on.

Panels include Pop Culture Uncovered Live: Marvel vs. DC, Discussing the Doctor: A Doctor Who Panel, Cosplay 101, Q&A with Alex Saviuk, Comic Book Live – Hollywood Improv Show, Cosplay Etiquette, and Valiant Comics (An Honest Discussion). Media guests Bob Gale, Walter Jones, and Marina Sirtis participated in Q&As and professional photos ops. Gemstone’s Vaughn participated in Three Comic Book Historians with Chris Irving (Leaping Tall Buildings) and Fogel (The Underground Price Guide).

With cool weather outside and hot sales inside, the Virginia Comicon was a show that comics and pop culture fans and cosplayers could be thankful for.

Note: if you couldn’t attend the Virginia Comicon, you can order a copy of The Overstreet Guide to Cosplay at gemstonepublishing.com.