Comic Con's almost here, folks. So then, who're you going as?

I  am Ironman.
Comic Con? I've never been there, but the mere thought of attending it in your full-glory costume is just so cool.
So, to answer the question - yes - I'd like to go there cosplaying the Armored Avenger. In that iron suit (the Mark XLI Bones armour, preferably). Which actually flies. Which actually has functioning repulsor rays, missiles and the whole arsenal. Which actually has Jarvis and Friday as my AI assistants.
Okay, that's actually shooting the moon. But in many ways, I can relate to the Marvel superhero, not really because of Tony Stark's character - and, no, it's not because I'm a "genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist" - but what the term "iron man" represents in real life: I can walk for miles under the sun if I want to. I can go days without sleeping (my all-time record is 51 straight hours in the midst of preparing for our wedding; conversely, my record non-stop sleep is 23 hours). During my heyday, I could play non-stop five-on-five basketball starting before sun-up, until noon without being substituted.
Heck, whenever I've done something stupid around my wife - including when she was still my girlfriend - I would text her relentlessly until she forgave me.
What makes cosplayers tick?
Cosplay - costume and play - is an interesting thing. It channels not only the inner creativity in a person, but the dedication they have in churning out an appearance that can bring that wow feeling to whole new levels.
In short, you just have to admire them.
The San Diego Comic Con is too far from where we are right now; however, the Middle East Film and Comic Con is coming up next week at the Dubai World Trade Centre, a great chance for you to be face-to-face with this side of the Earth's greatest cosplayers - and also an opportunity for you to go toe-to-toe if you want to be one yourself.
Usually, cosplayers go with the trend; we recently had our fill with Logan and Power Rangers, while coming soon is Spider-Man: Homecoming, so we may have a pretty good idea what we could see at the event. But if you'd ask me personally, anyone from Star Wars will prove to be a hit at any Comic Con event. However, as with any cosplay-related event, anything goes. From superheroes to video game characters to movie characters, there is no shortage of ideas for it.
Cost-play
And forget about the days you will spend working out your costume; it doesn't come cheap - it's a serious investment.
At last year's New York Comic Con, someone dressed as a "heroic Nord" splashed out $2,400 (Dh8,815) for his get-up. I'd rather buy two pairs of Jordans and keep the rest for my annual vacation with that amount.
Costs will not deter the most determined people to get dressed into what they feel would represent them the most. As I've said earlier, it can be your best chance to be your alter-ego.
After all is said and done (and dressed), it's all about fun, being able to mingle in your most outrageous suits. Showing off is one thing; blending in is the thing.
But despite all my dreams - if I will ever have time to go to Comic Con - I will go there being. myself. Just be there and enjoy the sights, marvel at the costumes and snap some selfies - especially with the hottest babes in there (obviously).
As I've said: I am Iron Man - in my own right, that is.
Now, let's see if I can find some sponsor to get my Iron Man suit built.
alvin@khaleejtimes.com
Alvin loves technology, basketball, is obsessed with shoes and cooks rather well