Many cosplay characters are armed. World of Cosplay covers the guidelines for taking weapons and props to cons and offers advice on where to buy them
Rules on cosplay weapons to cons
Every events organiser has numerous rules on admitting weapons (real or fake) to its events. In our experience these rules are applied sensibly by security at cons, and cosplay weapons are often allowed in, within reason.
At events like MCM London Comic Con, the large external terrace spaces are outside the security/ticketed zone, so cosplay weapons are often seen there.
Similar rules are likely to be in place at every cosplay event around the world. Check the rules and regulations on the event organiser’s website for full details.
Here’s what MCM says…
‘MCM reserves the right to deny entry, withdraw access, or cancel tickets without refund at any MCM event to anyone deemed to be breaking these rules. Moreover, MCM and security for the event and venue reserve the right to reject or confiscate any weapon or prop if deemed likely to cause a nuisance. Confiscated items, that can legally be returned to you, can be collected as you leave the event.
‘If you have an unusual item or need further clarification, please email MCMcosplay@reedpop.com with as much detail and images of the item as possible, so we can advise. Note that no absolute assurance can be given without seeing and holding the item in question.’
Note that the following items are banned from MCM Comic Cons:
• Metal blades whether sharp or blunt e.g. swords, axes, kunai, ice skates, and knives
• Guns, rifles, or artillery including airsoft guns, BB guns, paintball guns or props built from parts of these items
• Hard bats, paddles or clubs e.g. wooden or metal baseball bats, golf clubs
• Gun props made of metal or hard wood
• Functional projectile weapons, e.g: strung bows or crossbows
• Slings and catapults
• Sharp items, e.g: arrows, bolts, protruding nails
• Laser pointers, vuvuzelas, silly string, and drones (even if not part of a costume)
• Heavy tools and power tools, e.g: iron pokers, crowbars, drills, chainsaws
• Chemical weapons, explosives and incendiary devices: e.g: mace, pepper spray
• Any items restricted or prohibited from being carried by law, e.g: knuckledusters, nunchucks and bokken (a type of hard wooden or toughened plastic training sword)
• Heavy items that could be used as weapons, e.g: iron pokers, heavy cast-iron pans or crowbars are not permitted. Nor are power tools such as actual chainsaws or hedge trimmers
@manchester_bat: Taking bows to cons
This bow is from eBay and cost around £40. I modified it with a loose-fitting, elastic-style string to make it non-functional and comply with the rules. I can draw the string back for posing and photos, but, there is no tension in the arms to fire arrows. I’d removed the tips from all the arrows in the quiver and made a foam tip for the one I use for photos. I didn’t have a problem getting my bow and arrows in to the con. A security person had to check with someone else, but was told as long as it doesn’t function its fine. My recommendation to anyone, would be to go for a recurve bow rather than a compound bow for cons, as they are easier to restring.
@manchester_bat on taking a bow into MCM Birmingham Comic Con
Guidelines for carrying cosplay weapons in public
Take care when travelling to cons with weapons, and keep any ‘firearms’ or knives/swords covered up or in a bag. Brandishing a weapon, even a toy, on a train/bus or in a public place is unlikely to end well.
British Police spokesman, Chief Superintendent Trevor Watson, says: “It is impossible to distinguish a replica weapon from the real thing at a distance. When we receive a report that someone has been seen carrying a firearm in a public place, our only option is to respond as if the weapon is real and deploy armed officers.
“This is based on an assessment of the risk such a person poses to other members of the public and to our officers. People need to be aware that if they carry an imitation firearm in a public place, a tragedy could be around the corner.”
Our Buying Guides to cosplay weapons
Our cosplay weapons guide is designed to give you all the essential information you need to buy accurate and cost-effective weapon props for your cosplay.
It’s a huge subject, so we’ve broken it down into different types of weapons. Click on the subject you’re looking for below… and don’t forget to check out our important weapons advice at the bottom of the page (JOHN THIS IS MISSING – 23 June 2023).
• Firearms
• Bow & Arrows
• Lasers & Phasers
• Swords & Daggers
• Hammers, Axes & Baseball bats
• Kusarigama, Tridents and Whips
Author:
John Sootheran
John’s a cosplay photographer and videographer who visited his first con in 2017, and has been to numerous London, Birmingham and Manchester events since.
He finds the cosplay vibe addictive and is one of the team to launch worldofcosplay.com
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