MEGACON Orlando is the largest comic, sci-fi, anime, horror, and gaming convention in Florida. The event took place this past weekend at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on May 19-22. There were 140,000 people in attendance which was a 20,000 person increase from their recorded attendance in 2019, pre-pandemic.
Last month, we gave you ‘10 Mega-Reasons to Attend MEGACON Orlando!‘ In this blog, we give you eight reasons why MEGACON Orlando was an mega-success!
Reason #1: Celebrity Panels
MEGACON Orlando 2022 hosted a variety of panels featuring famous actors throughout the weekend. Some of these notable celebrities included Brendan Fraser, Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor, Matt Lanter, and Steve Downes.
Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser has been acting in film since 1991, with his most well-known role being Rick O’Connell in The Mummy trilogy. YouTube user, Teri Wise, was able to capture his panel at this year’s MEGACON, which you can watch below.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Cast
Hyperdrive A Star Wars Channel recorded Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor, and Matt Lanter who voice Ahsoka Tano, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker respectively, during their panel on Friday.
Steve Downes
A multi-talented DJ and voice actor, Steve Downes is best known for providing the voice for Master Chief in the Halo video game series. YouTube user, Austin Estremera posted footage from the panel, which is available to watch below.
Reason #2: Cosplay Guests
There were so many breathtaking professional cosplayers at MEGACON Orlando 2022. Florida Comic Cons was able to chat with and snap photos of a few of the featured guests.
@Tiarabreecosplay
@Tiarabreecosplay is a local Florida cosplayer based out of Jacksonville, Florida. We met up with her on Friday when she was cosplaying Starfire from Teen Titans. She cosplays anything from anime to super heroes and is known for the creativity and precision in her work. Additionally, if you missed the chance to meet her at MEGACON, she’ll be featured guest at a brand new convention in the Tampa Bay Convention Center this December 10-11, Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay.
@Leeleethebunny
@Leeleethebunny traveled to MEGACON from North Carolina! She is a craftsmanship-focused cosplayer that specializes in everything from 3D printing to sewing. She was cosplaying Keyleth from Critical Role when we snapped her photo and she looked absolutely stunning!
@Spectra_v3
@Spectra_v3 is is an international cosplayer that enjoys cosplaying Star Wars, superheroes, and video games. He struck a pose for Florida Comic Cons while cosplaying Miles Morales, better known as Spider-Man.
Guest Cosplayer Gallery
(In order of appearance: @Theraychul, @Misstaurus.cosplay_and_art, @Philipodango, @Luckygrim, @Avera_cosplay, @Holtsclawcosplay)
Reason #3: Anime Voice Actors
There were so many legendary anime voice actors at MEGACON Orlando 2022 including stars of Naruto, Cowboy Bebop, My Hero Academia, and Dragon Ball.
Maile Flanagan
Maile Flanagan is the voice of Naruto Uzumaki in the Naruto franchise. She’s held this role for 27 years and has become one of the most beloved voice actors in anime. She met with guests during the weekend and even spoke on a panel. You’ll have the opportunity to meet her this October 15-16 in Jacksonville at WasabiCon 2022.
Reason #4: Artist Booths
MEGACON was filled with alluring artists! The artist that made their way into our spotlight was @Ibblescribbles!
Ibble Scribbles
Ibble Scribbles offers a wide-variety of anime merchandise including keychains, buttons, prints, T-shirts, and more! They have been creating art for over 7 years and are known for their cutesy pink, “kawaii” style.
Reason #5: Cosplayers
Everywhere you looked at MEGACON Orlando, there were talented cosplayers. There was even a red carpet to show off creations! Here is a gallery of some of our favorite cosplays.
Cosplay Gallery
Cosplayer credits: @Renegaderabbitstudios, @Maiya.png, @Reimorou, @Twegepi, @Hir3eth, @Yincosplays, @Yangcosplays, @Sour_cherry_alex, @Emma.emu, @Tsoomi_sumi, @Kylieenegron, @Kurapikasheadlice, @Camie_rae, @B_i_g_tim, @Raisinzinc, @Battechcosplay, @Thehannahklein, @Itstyreek, @Jasminepaigemoore, @Feesakae, @Iqsims, @Justinsaiyann, and @Missbricosplay.
Reason #6: Gaming
MEGACON offered several gaming rooms for fans. There were tabletop and board games in one room and video games in another. There was even a whole room dedicated to Legos and Lego-building!
Reason #7: Fan Panels
There were plenty of fan panels held at MEGACON Orlando 2022, so there were options for fans of every interest. Whether you wanted to learn how to weather cosplay armor or to participate in an interactive lightsaber battle, it was difficult to be bored at this year’s MEGACON.
Anime Jeopardy
The Geeky Robots held an Anime Jeopardy panel on Friday and it was packed! The large room was split into teams and the game board featured categories such as “Shonen,” “Antagonists,” and “Opening Theme.” Fans had an unforgettable time working together to solve each question and debating which anime protagonist really is the most insecure about his height.
Reason #8: Cosplay Contest
The Sunshine Qualifier for the Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix was held at this year’s MEGACON and there were some phenomenal entries!
Award Winners
@Fredandelledesigns took home Best In Show with their Warhammer Inquisitor armor. Fred was featured on the show, Cosplay Melee and learned to do his makeup the day before the competition, having went as far as to purchase facial putty at the con!
@Ash__cosplayz9 won Best Masters at only 15 years old with their Princess Peach cosplay!
@Aachase1401 placed Best Journeyman with her Guardian cosplay from Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This is a great follow-up to her Catbus build from My Neighbor Totoro at last year’s MEGACON.
@Del_sylph took home Best Novice with Odogaron from Monster Hunter.
Upcoming cons
Mizucon in Miami on May 28-30
Mizucon 2022 is an anime convention held in Miami, Florida on May 28-30. And, the three-day event is at the Hilton Blue Lagoon Miami Airport Hotel. In addition, an individual weekend pass is $45 plus tax/fee and includes three-day admission. VIP tickets range from $65 to $500 and include three-day admission, a badge, an exclusive tee-shirt, a Mizucon beach towel, and more.
Infinity Con in Tallahassee on June 4-5
Infinity Con Tallahassee is a comic and pop culture convention on June 4-5,2022. The weekend event is at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Convention hours are Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SWFL SpaceCon in Fort Myers on June 11
SWFL SpaceCon is a comic and sci-fi convention in Fort Myers, Florida on June 11, 2022. The 1-day event is at the Luminary Hotel. Convention hours are Saturday 12 p.m – 4 p.m.
