Venturing into BronyCon 2013
Fan conventions have changed dramatically; evolving from what to outsiders looked like the solitary realm of Trekkies and geeks to a broad smorgasbord of pop culture gatherings. Events where fans of nearly anything with a common interest, whether anime, furry outfits, the Dude or what-have you, can gather as one to celebrate, reveling in their passion and knowledge for a pop culture phenomena of some matter of form.
BronyCon is a little different. What started as a small New York gathering in 2011 to celebrate “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” has now evolved into a multi-day, full-scale event. In Baltimore, more than 7,000 fans gathered at the Convention Center to celebrate and prance in a rain of artists, games, speakers, panel discussions, music, dancing and contests. Throughout it all some conventioneers decorated themselves in pony and unicorn costumes, playing the parts of characters in the show.
Though the television show is aimed at young girls, the fanbase has broadened dramatically among the ages and sexes. Though “Brony,” ‘bro’ and ‘pony’ mashed into one, originally identified male followers of the show, it has become an identifier of all fans, man or woman, boy or girl.
So, Sun intern Nicole Sakin and I set out early Saturday morning with a Nikon D800, iPhone with Hipstamatic app and a trunkful of gear with the idea to find out more about Bronies and learn something of their nature. Perhaps, we could discover why they had formed what some might say is a cult following of a commercial cartoon. At the same time, learn why they sincerely follow its message of friendship and community to a point of gathering in Charm City.
-
- “It’s a good show,” Kayla Cutillo, 17, said of ‘My Little Pony,’ “but the fans make it such a cool fanbase to be in.” Kayla and Shane Cutillo, 13, of Lancaster, Pa., pose for a photo at BronyCon 2013, held in the Baltimore Convention Center. (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- “This is, I think the largest brony gathering as far as conventions and I didn’t want to miss it.” said Jackson Yuen, of Burlington, N.C. “Everything that the show embodies… there’s no room for negative feeling. As long as you are interested in the show and show a passion for it, everybody just treats you like family. It’s really nice.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- “It’s strangely just really addictive,” Matthew Williamson said of ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.’ “The show is really cute and adorable, but it touches parts that kind of hits my nostalgia from when I was a kid – but at the same time relates to current things I deal with every day.” Williamson, who is from Lexington, Ky., dressed as DJ Pon-3 on the Saturday of BronyCon at the Baltimore Convention Center. (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- “It’s really fun.” James Whitehead, of Sharon, Vt., says of dressing up in costume at BronyCon. “It’s like performing improv. And then people come up to you and say, ‘Hey, you got an awesome costume’ and that’s always good, isn’t it?” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- Stephanie Kaplan, of Staten Island, N.Y., dressed as ‘My Little Pony’ character Pinkie Pie on the second day of BronyCon at the Baltimore Convention Center. “I identify with this character so much, because she is so fun and lovable and wants to give everyone hugs and smiles,” Kaplain said. “Even though it is a kids’ show, some of the background stuff is clearly straight up for adults.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- Robert Sallee, from Lawton, Ok., dressed as ‘My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic’ character Trixie on the second day of BronyCon at the Baltimore Convention Center. “I like the character — it is almost like a cult character. She is hated as much she is loved,” Lawton said. “It is one of those characters everyone loves to hate.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- “The only reason I really do this is to make people smile,” Sykesville resident Brittney Drummey said of participating in cosplay at BronyCon. “They’re all people that are like me — super geeky and maybe not the most socially-able to talk to people real easily. It gives you something to talk about, and it’s just wonderful to be around people who are just like you.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- “I love honestly the bright colors, the happiness within it.” said Violet Solberg, from Levenworth, Kan., about ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.’ “There are sad times, but those sad times are always overcome by friendship.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- Jason Lenowsky, from Washington Township, N.J., dressed as ‘My Little Pony’ character Fancypants on the second day of BronyCon in Baltimore. “I really enjoy dressing up as characters who do not get very much love in the show. We see way too many people dressed up as the main characters,” he said. “Fancypants was featured in only one episode, and although he had a very major role in that episode, he isn’t given much attention in the community.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- Derek Robbin, of High Point, N.C., walked around BronyCon carrying Noi, one of the background fillies. “She stood out to me because I really like warm colors, and she’s pretty much all warm colors,” he said. As far as why he likes ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,’ he said “a couple of friends watched it, I liked it and liked the community, so I figured why not come down and meet up with some people.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- “I have always wanted to go to BronyCon.’ said 12-year-old Elisa Musacchio of Orlando, Fla. “And I dressed up because I always wanted to dress up as something, and this is actually one of my first cosplays.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- Andrew Newsome of Southern Maryland said he saw something different in the ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic’ community compared to others. “This one sparked a different interest,” he said. “I just wanted to offer anything I had to be part of that and better everyone’s experience for that. I am here basking in the presence and sharing what I have. This is how I have fun.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- Zachary Ketaineck, of South Windsor, Conn., dressed as ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic’ character Iron Will on the second day of BronyCon. “He’s very open and very loud, and I am very loud. It also wasn’t a very hard costume to make. That was definitely a plus,” he said. This was Ketaineck’s second BronyCon. “It’s just a lot of fun times, partying, meeting celebrities from the show; it’s just a good time.” (Christopher T. Assaf / Baltimore Sun Photo)
-
- “As a little girl, I always played with My Little Ponies,” Marilyn of Keene, N.H., said. “I am dressed as Princess Luna, she’s my favorite princess. I decided to go full body because it was a challenge for me. I wanted to be that cosplayer that doesn’t quite look the same as everybody else.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
Baltimore neighborhoods
Baltimore street photographers
Year in review
Freddie Gray: protests, aftermath
24 hours with...
A. Aubrey Bodine
Viewing Baltimore from above
SpikeyWikey123
Sep 08, 2013 @ 14:49:11
These are some amazing cos-plays. The show just brings people. we’ve all been down that road that we expected something dumb but when you watch it, It just has those moments that all classic cartoons and Disney movies from our childhood. It’s a show that both the kids and adults of all ages can enjoy. and it brought us all together at this convention. it was very peaceful and such a friendly safe environment.
We made lots of new friend and men and women have actually gotten married because of it. when we had the dance, Forest rain purposed to Rebeca lyn Starborne on stage in front , Everyone to this song http://forestrain.bandcamp.com/track/great-to-be-different started Tearing up. I think maybe if we can bring people together like this maybe they will be more peace and feel better about themselves. It’s good to see everyone getting along and having a good time enjoying themselves and not fighting and hurting each other. we are estimated 7 million bronies strong worldwide and approaching our 3rd year anniversary. and 4th season. Let’s keep it up and continue bringing people together.
Radio is Magic Entertainment » Noi in the News!
Aug 15, 2013 @ 21:50:26
Pingback from http://radioismagic.org.