The Paladins of Cosplay: Costume Repair Heroes at New York Comic Con

The Paladins of Cosplay: Guardians of Costume Recovery at New York Comic Con

The Paladins of Cosplay: Guardians of Costume Recovery at New York Comic Con

As cosplayers flock to New York Comic Con, they come not only to celebrate their favorite franchises and interact with beloved creators but also to showcase their elaborate costumes. However, amidst the excitement, wardrobe malfunctions are an all-too-common occurrence. Enter the Paladins of Cosplay, a dedicated group equipped with an array of tools such as glue guns, zip ties, Popsicle sticks, and safety pins, ready to provide critical costume repairs. Whether it’s a wayward shoulder pad, a faltering jetpack, or any number of challenges faced by enthusiastic fans in costume, this team is there to save the day.

“I truly love helping people,” said Law Asuncion, 46, the founder of the Paladins, established in 2017. The group’s name draws inspiration from the heroic pilots of the iconic robotic champion, Voltron, as well as the historical term for ‘champion.’ Asuncion and his repair team are stationed at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the bustling hub of New York Comic Con, throughout the event.

In the beginning, the Paladins aimed to unite fellow cosplayers who shared a passion for the art of costume creation. They would gather to collaborate and craft stunning outfits together. Over time, the Paladins have transformed themselves into extraordinary characters, embodying the monstrous beings from the film Pacific Rim, the illustrious Voltron and his loyal pilots, as well as a menacing assortment of Batmen from the Dark Metal comic book saga of DC.

However, it wasn’t long before the Paladins recognized that their costume expertise could serve a greater purpose. “The idea for the repair station was likely inspired by witnessing cosplayers struggling with hot glue in the middle of the convention floor,” Asuncion explained. He works as an I.T. specialist for a medical device company when he’s not donning a costume. The Paladins first set up their repair station in 2021, marking the return of in-person attendance at New York Comic Con after a virtual format in 2020 due to the pandemic.

During that inaugural event, they assisted a cosplayer dressed as Boba Fett, the legendary bounty hunter from Star Wars. “He looked absolutely immaculate,” Asuncion recalled, but his jetpack, crafted through 3-D printing, was giving him trouble. The Paladins quickly stepped in to ensure that the iconic character could continue his adventure without a hitch.

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