HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Spa-Con, Hot Springs’ annual comics and pop culture convention, is featured in the first episode of Alter Egos, an international documentary series about cosplay, the popular practice of elaborate costumed fun.
The first episode of the series features Spa-Con cosplay and will be shown at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 21, the second night of this year’s Spa-Con, at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Spa-Con Infinity — Version 8 — runs from September 20 – 22. Registration is at www.spa-con.org.
The Alter Egos series explores the vibrant world of cosplay, showcasing the influencers and stars who transform into their icons. The series explores the artistry and fandom of cosplay, revealing the passion and creativity behind every stitch and prop. This heartfelt and fun series unveils the people behind the masks.
“It’s so exciting seeing Spa-Con recognized and featured among these international conventions,” Visit Hot Springs Marketing Director Bill Solleder said in announcing the series’ featuring of the Hot Springs convention. “Spa-Con plays a pretty big role in the first episode, which is great to see. It’s obvious that all our Spa-Con attendees decked out in their cosplay are having an absolute blast, which is really what Spa-Con is all about.
“It’s so nice that this atmosphere of great fun is what is represented in the docu-series. I recognized a lot of Spa-Con faces while watching the first episode and it was so much fun pointing them out.”
The six-part docu-series features special guest Adam Savage (Myth Busters) and past Spa-Con cosplay guests Downen Creative Studios, Knightmage, SKS Props, Andi Serpenti and Mochi Bunny Studios.
Featured events include; Fantasy Forest (Sudeley Castle, England); IberAnime (Porto, Portugal); Dragoncon (Atlanta, Ga.), and Spa-Con (Hot Springs).
Spa-Con organizers Solleder and Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo are featured in the first episode.
Fans may attend the documentary screening with the purchase of a Weekend, VIP, or Saturday Day Pass.
The Alter Egos trailer can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EejXBnfid6g.
Other previously announced events and guests at this year’s Spa-Con include Spa-Con Showdown, the exciting video gaming competition that attracts competitors from across the state, and two of the stars in the iconic movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Tohoru Masamune and Minae Noji.
Also on tap are Erin Macdonald, the astrophysicist who is the science adviser for all the “Star Trek” franchises, a kids’ cosplay showcase, a cosplay contest, an evening of dance fun at Cosplay Club and demonstrations for fans. New and returning cosplayers this year include Akakioga, Steven K. Smith, also known as SKS Props, Casey Renee and Eric Woods.
Earlier announced guests include internationally known nerdcore rapper MC Lars, who will open things with a concert Friday night, September 20. Seth Gilliam, best known for his role as Father Gabriel Stokes in the “Walking Dead” TV series, also will be on hand, along with two iconic vehicles with connections to famed movie franchises — “Back to the Future” and “The Fast and the Furious.”
For more information call Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.