Monster Makers: Confessions from the Dark Side (of Comic Con)

Hey Monster Maker!

Let me just say this up front: San Diego Comic Con was a freakin’ blast.

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​I wore villain cosplay. I saw villain cosplay. I screamed (lovingly) at villain cosplay. It was like dancing into a Monster Ball, and I didn’t want the music to stop.

And let’s be honest: the Dark Side always shows up strong.

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​Darths and Vaders and Mauls, oh my. Entire families in Sith robes. So many red lightsabers swinging proudly, I thought we were about to storm the Jedi Temple (again).

But why do we love dressing up as monsters and villains?

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​Because monsters are deliciously counterculture.
Because villains let us try on the parts of ourselves we usually keep locked away.

Because when you wrap yourself in a cape, a sneer, and the confidence of someone who knows they’re the problem—you get to play. Hard.

And sometimes? That’s healing.

👿 The Dark Side Is Where the Drama Lives

Let’s face it: the Dark Side has better outfits, better lines, and way more emotional baggage.

But more than that?

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​It’s a space for catharsis.

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​For folks who don’t often see themselves in the hero’s role, villain cosplay offers power, presence, and play.

✨ You can be loud.
✨ You can be angry.
✨ You can be Too Much—and no one blinks an eye.

That’s monster energy, baby.
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👻 Monster Building Tip: Let Your Freak Flag Fly

Your monsters and villains aren’t just scary—they’re also often reflections of taboo desires, suppressed emotions, and cultural shadows.
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​Sound familiar?

Give your villain room to embody what the world calls "too much."
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Too ambitious. Too wild. Too emotional. Too gender-nonconforming. Too loud. Too demanding. Too powerful.

When you write them like that—and love them anyway—your readers will feel it.

✍️ Try This

What villain would you most want to cosplay—and why?

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Write a short scene where someone in your story plays dress-up as this villain.

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Are they pretending . . . or revealing something true?

🕷️ Over to You

Were you at Comic Con this year (or anywhere else)?

Do you have a fave monster you’ve ever cosplayed (or wish you could)?
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Tell me everything—tag me @iliketododrawrings or hit reply and spill the villainous tea—and don’t forget to include pics!

Until the capes fall just right,

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💀 Heidi

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Monster Mentor | Rebel Witch of the Written Word | Star Wars Shadow Wrangler 💋🖤