San Diego Comic-Con will require masks this year. Here are some costume ideas
Comic-Con attendees will also be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
Comic-Con International is finally back after two years but the organization is still conscious of COVID-19 with new health protocols.
It recently updated its website to say attendees must wear a mask throughout the convention, and show proof of vaccination or be able to show a negative test within 72 hours.
Comic-Con, which runs July 21 to July 24, is no stranger to masks with colorful costumes. But, the organization is very specific about what type of mask doesn’t count: Mesh face coverings (like a Spider-Man mask), face coverings that have exhalation valves (like a stormtrooper) and neck gaiters (like the new female Daredevil).
In addition, Comic-Con says masks must be visible at all times and may not be concealed under costume headwear and masks. So, it’s not like you can put a mask on and throw a Deadpool mask over it.
Attendees might not want to play loosey-goosey with the mask rules. Comic-Con’s website says guests will be removed if they don’t follow mask rules. “Security will be onsite to support adherence to the policy,” it reads.
Children under 5 years old do not need to wear masks, and the organization said ticket holders who say they are unable to wear a mask due to a medical concern are asked to not attend the event.
Here are some possible ideas under Comic-Con’s rules:
1. Mortal Kombat
There are a lot of characters from the Mortal Kombat video games and movies who wear masks that could fit into Comic-Con’s policy: Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Mileena, Kitana, Erron Black, Reptile and others.
2. Anime characters
There are quite a few anime characters that wear masks that could work, such as Kaneki from “Tokyo Ghoul,” Tomura Shigaraki of “My Hero Academia” (it’s more of a creepy hand but might work as a printout), Shie Hassaikai from “My Hero Academia” and Kakuzu from “Naruto.”
3. Spider-Man Noir
There are a few different costume versions of Spider-Man Noir, a Great Depression-era Peter Parker, but there is one that features the type of face covering that Comic-Con is looking for. With goggles and the hat, it could work pretty well. Another Spider-Man character could work, too: A female character, Silk (Cindy Moon), wears a red face mask.
4. Batman Villains
Batman’s most famous villain, Joker, is known for a very wide, laughing smile. Naturally, it was printed out and became a popular face covering in the early days of the pandemic. A cloth mask, dyed green hair and a purple suit will definitely get the point across. Another Batman villain, Bane, is known for a variety of masks but just don’t wear the one from “The Dark Knight Rises” because it looks like there are a few vents. A frequent Batman ally, The Question, might work too if you can find a flesh-colored mask. The character’s face is blank with no mouth, nose or eyes visible.
5. Moon Knight
Fan of the recently completed Disney+ show? One version of Moon Knight’s costume already comes with a face covering and seems tailor-made for the upcoming convention.
A few other ideas are members of The Hand (Daredevil villains), Mikasa from “Attack on Titan” (red mask with her trademark red scarf), Ibuki from the Street Fighter games, Chamber from X-Men comics, Commando Spawn (a version of Spawn that wears a red face covering) and Ladytron from WildC.A.T.S.
Have other ideas? Leave suggestions in the comments!
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