Check out my behind the scenes footage of their epic aviation photo shoot and panel discussion as they discuss the life of cosplay!!
The Avengers of New York is a non profit organization created by Marvel inspired cosplayers for charity events and
hospital visits.
GothamGeekGirl here, I got to hang out with the super talented cosplay group NY Avengers at Cradle-Con; Long Islands non-profit, comic, collectible, and pop culture convention. Cradle-con is the Cradle of Aviation’s own celebration of all things comic book culture. I had a great time covering this new annual geeky event which raises funds for the museum and stem education programs. There was loads of cosplay, anime, panels, vendors, VR, geeky merch, and indie comics! There was something for all types of fandom. This convention also featured a fantastic cosplay panel by the super talented cosplay group Avengers of NY!! (see video)
I also got to chat with NY Avengers Founder Samantha Catalano (Captain Marvel) about what it takes to be a NY Avenger!
*Samantha Catalano (Captain Marvel) is the admin and founder of The Avengers of NY.
1. How did you first get into cosplay and did you ever expect it to become such a major part of your life?
After receiving so many compliments after being Elsa for Halloween. I started to dress as Elsa at charities and fundraisers. I then decided to turn it into a business while still keeping a wish program for ill or trauma stricken children. So cosplay was actually more of a job for me at first. I met so many amazing children and it fueled my drive to do more. I also loved the idea of getting to be my favorite character and seeing the impact it made on people, especially kids. Then I decided to make a Harley Quinn cosplay and wear it to NYCC. The rest was history. I never expected it to be as big as it became for it but I have no regrets. As long as I can do what I love and make kids happy, I’m happy.
2. How did you first come up with the idea for the NY Avengers?
It was more of a group effort. A few of us were talking about turning it into an actual group after a charity we participated in together. We all worked really well together and had the same goal and focus. So we decided since we are all major avenger fans and have pretty close to movie accurate cosplays, let’s make this a real thing. We all agreed that NY Avengers / Avengers of NY was a perfect fit for the name.
3. How did you assemble the group and recruit other members?
There was a bunch of us already set as a group when it began but as for the new comers it was word of mouth. We like having cosplayers that have near movie accurate costumes and take the craft seriously. I was also big on picking people who have experience and work well with kids, given my background. We also do not like to have duplicates. You are set as your character this way there is never 2 of the same characters showing up at events. We also like to keep it authentic and some actual resemble the actual characters. As for me, I don’t think I look the actress that plays Captain Marvel, but I try to embody the character as much as possible. It’s also important to know as much as possible about your character and have the skill of not breaking character in front of children. Everyone has pretty much mastered that.
4. What do you recommend to other cosplayers that want to get more involved in charity work and giving back?
Do it! There is no better feeling in the world. A parent said to me once “thank you, because my child may never get to Disneyworld given her condition”. I cried so much that night but at the same time I felt so good because she got to meet her favorite character and some how I was able to bring her to life for them. It’s an amazing feeling, Just try it. It’s something you can never regret.
5. What’s next for the Avengers of NY?
We will be at NYCC on Friday fully assembled. We are trying to fill the summer with charity work and maybe a few more cons.
More fun photos from the epic weekend at Cradle-Con Below!!
Big Thanks to Candid Cosplay Photography for the photos!
Follow & learn more about each of the Avengers of NY @nyavengers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthascosplaymodel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthas_cosplay/
Learn more about the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center Here:
Cradle-Con was founded in June 2018 in an effort to raise funds for the Cradle of Aviation’s Museum and Education Center’s Women in STEM Education programs. The programs are designed to empower and enrich education for girls and young women to excel in the science and tech based jobs of the future.
https://www.cradlecon.com/
https://www.cradleofaviation.org/
Gotham Geek Girl 