The Cosplays That Never Made Their Convention Debuts

Last month, I returned to TikTok for the first time since February. I posted a video explaining to everyone that I would no longer post any cosplay videos or share any cosplay throwback videos on the platform. However, I would be available if anyone needs some cosplay advice or tips. I've done over 20 cosplays with some of them I debuted at cons. I'm still enjoying my post-cosplay retirement life and have no plans to return to the craft anytime soon. The following cosplays on this list are those that I came close to debuting online and at cons. Note, I won't be featuring mashup cosplays, as that will be reserved for a future story.

Marty McFly

The Back to the Future trilogy is one of the best franchises in entertainment and forever has its stamp placed in pop culture. I've seen all three movies, but Back to the Future Part II was and is still my overall favorite out of all of them. The trilogy celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025 and it's still loved by millions of people. As an older millennial, one of my vices is 80s movies. No matter how good, terrible, or cheesy they were, I still enjoyed them. Anyway, about Marty McFly. I debated if I wanted to wear his outfit shown above or the one from Part II. I preferred the outfit from the first movie, but due to the cost of every individual item needed to make it happen, I regretfully passed on it.

Robin

For context, I'm referring to the version from the 1960s Batman TV series. Batman's sidekick, portrayed by Burt Ward, was the version I liked the most. His outfit was one of the most iconic in the DC Comics franchise. I would've loved to go as him, but the cons I attended had strict rules of how much skin cosplayers could show. Affordability wasn't the issue. If I had worn it, nine times out of ten, con staff would've denied me entry to the event. I never understood the reasoning behind showing too much skin. That male cosplayers showing lots of legs was in their minds, scandalous. While many cons allow cosplayers to show as much skin as they see as acceptable, others, not so much. I totally understand that most cons want cosplayers to have fun, but dress modestly because children also attend these events. However, if a character someone is cosplaying is scantily clad or provocative, they're put in a difficult spot. As for the Robin costume, it caused some controversy back in the 1960s. Had cons in my area loosened the rules a bit of allowing male cosplayers to show a little bit more skin, then I would've gone as Robin in a heartbeat.

Green Arrow

For eight action-packed seasons on The CW from 2012 to 2020, the TV series, Arrow, based on the DC Comics character, was one of the many DC shows I enjoyed so much. To be honest with everyone, Stephen Amell, who portrayed the titular character also known as Oliver Queen, had scenes of him shirtless doing either pull ups or just being shirtless for no reason. He was really good looking and wish I had a physique like his. As for the costume, I was very close to cosplaying as the hooded vigilante. One problem I encountered was I needed con-approved bow and arrows. The other was difficulty finding someone who was willing to make those. This cosplay never fully saw the light of day, which was disappointing, but at least I enjoyed the TV series and Stephen Amell's fine, athletic self.

Batman 1989

Released in June 1989, Batman was and still is my favorite version of the entire franchise. It grossed over $400 million at the box office and despite most critics not being fans of the dark tone, overall, the majority who watched the film loved it. Michael Keaton, who portrayed the titular character, would reprise his role in the sequel three years later in Batman Returns. In 2022, I floated around the idea of cosplaying as this version of Batman. I've cosplayed as three versions of Superman, Green Lantern, and other DC characters, except Batman. I ran into a costume that I really liked and wanted, but it was for sale for over a couple hundred dollars. Close to $225, to be precise. It was way out of my price range, but I wanted it so badly. After much thought, I decided that it was not possible for me, affordability wise, to splurge so much dough on a nice costume like this. Hopefully one day, I'll get my hands on one and dress up as Batman for fun to see how it feels.