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Cosplay on parade at Albuquerque comic-con (pictures)

Everyone from R2-D2 to "Star Trek" red shirts roamed the halls at the Albuquerque Comic Expo 2014.

Amanda Kooser
Freelance writer Amanda C. Kooser covers gadgets and tech news with a twist for CNET. When not wallowing in weird gear and iPad apps for cats, she can be found tinkering with her 1956 DeSoto.
Amanda Kooser
Gimli
1 of 20 Amanda Kooser/CNET

Gimli from 'Lord of the Rings'

Albuquerque Comic Expo took place over the weekend, hosting crowds of cosplayers, including this Gimli from "Lord of the Rings." The impressive costume includes a knitted helmet and yarn beard. The Witch-king from "Lord of the Rings" popped up later, but I didn't get a chance to see if Gimli and the evil-doer managed to meet.

Read more about the 2014 Albuquerque Comic Expo here.

Darth Vader and scout trooper
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501st invades Albuquerque

The local chapter of the 501st showed up in force for the Albuquerque Comic Expo. Darth Vader and a scout trooper pose in front of a "Star Wars" sign. The 501st also hosted its own panel discussion during the con. The full spread of characters was there, including Leia, Han Solo, Boba Fett, and many different flavors of stormtroopers.

SCA members
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SCA on display

The sounds of swords smacking on shields could be heard throughout the main convention room at the Albuquerque Comic Expo. The SCA, the Society for Creative Anachronism, put on fighting displays and showed off their armor and elaborate costumes.

Power loader
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Power Loader for battling aliens

This Power Loader replica based on the machine Ripley wears into battle in "Aliens" towered over the show floor at the Albuquerque Comic Expo. It stood sentry and didn't seem to have the opportunity to actually roam about. On a side note, I noticed no chestburster infestations anywhere at the show.

Lego ninja turtles
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Lego mutant turtles

A large display at the Albuquerque Comic Expo showed off a variety of elaborate Lego creations, including this set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles maxi-figures. The jumbo figures were created by builder Kevin Ponte.

Typod Mary comic book artists
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Indie comics

The ACE featured an artists' alley section showcasing independent local artists, including Jenn and John Myers from Typo'd Mary. Their original comics include a storyline featuring an old lady battling monsters under her garden and "Era of Great Wonders," which explores giant creatures stomping on cities. What's not to love?

"Doctor Who" Tardis
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Step into the Tardis

Crave writer Amanda Kooser attended the Albuquerque Comic Expo dressed as the 4th Doctor, Tom Baker's version of the main character of "Doctor Who." This Tardis was on hand for photo ops in the same booth as a Tardis Recovery Vehicle and a Tardis cat condo. This was my first opportunity for an in-costume photo op with a full-size Tardis, so I tried to make the most of it. No, I don't know why there appears to be a lineup of kitty litter buckets in the background.

The Silence
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Tardis, Silence, and the Doctor

"Doctor Who" costumes were popular at the Albuquerque Comic Expo. These cosplayers traveled as a group representing the Tardis, the Silence, and the Doctor. Tardis dresses are a whole genre sub-set of "Doctor Who" cosplay. This one was particalurly charming. And, yes, the Silence was just as frightening in person as it is on screen.

"Donnie Darko" bunny
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"Donnie Darko" bunny

Frank the evil rabbit from the film "Donnie Darko" made an appearance at the Albuquerque Comic Expo this past weekend. The bad bunny outfit was actually populated by a very friendly cosplayer. Nonetheless, it was exceptionally creepy to see the bun-bun in the flesh.

"Star Wars" scene
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Posing with 'Star Wars' props

Set design, prop-making, and costume group Far Away Creations arranged this impressive "Star Wars" scene for Albuquerque Comic Expo attendees to take photos in. With a choice of lightsabers or blasters, I had to go with a red lightsaber. It matched my "Doctor Who" jacket and really enhanced the cross-universe shenanigans.

Wampa
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It's wampa-time

This massive wampa roamed the show floor at the Albuquerque Comic Expo with some members of the 501st leading the way. Both of the monster's arms were intact, but the blood running down the chin certainly made a strong visual impact. Some brave soul was inside, no doubt cooking under all that fur.

Link and fairy
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Link and the blue fairy

"The Legend of Zelda" came to life at the Albuquerque Comic Expo 2014. This cross-play Linkwas accompanied by the ever-present blue fairy from Ocarina of Time, complete with a "listen" sign. It takes a bold cosplayer to don a shiny blue spandex body suit in pursuit of costuming glory. This pairing was pretty spectacular.

Dark Helmet
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Use the Schwartz!

"Star Wars" wasn't the only sci-fi film to get a costume tribute at the Albuquerque Comic Expo. This cosplayer with a sense of humor donned the Dark Helmet outfit from Mel Brooks' famous "Star Wars" send-up "Spaceballs." The Schwartz was strong with this one.

Big Daddy and nurse
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Bioshocking Big Daddy

The Albuquerque Comic Expo may be small compared with a giant con like San Diego Comic-Con, but there were plenty of larger-than-life costumes. Big Daddy from BioShock really stood out on the show floor along with his nurse companion. Are you ready for your shot?

Scotty the dog
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Scotty the dog

One of the cutest cosplayers I met at the Albuquerque Comic Expo was this four-legged "Star Trek" fan. Scotty the dog looked like he wanted to beam up a Milk-Bone. He was extremely patient as I scritched his head and cooed over his red-shirt costume. Trekkies come in all shapes and sizes.

"Star Trek" red shirts
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Redshirts are rad

Though "Star Wars" cosplayers outnumbered the "Star Trek" crew, these two Albuquerque Comic Expo attendees were willing to tempt fate by arriving in redshirt costumes. At least they were armed with prop space-guns, giving them a good chance of survival through the con weekend.

Costume sign
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Careful with that costume

A sign reading, "Please pick up your cape or tail before getting on the escalator" warns cosplayers to watch their costumes before ascending between levels at the Albuquerque Comic Expo. I had to make sure my exceedingly long "Doctor Who" scarf wasn't dangling dangerously close to the steps.

Lou Ferrgino
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Lou Ferrigno: Still hulky

Lou Ferrigno, known for playing the green-skinned Incredible Hulk on TV, was one of the special guests at the Albuquerque Comic Expo. Here, he speaks as part of a panel on fitness, discussing his workout regimen and how he stays healthy by eating well. It's kept him in top shape all these years.

Pyramid Head
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Pyramid Head

A couple of different Pyramid Heads from the Silent Hill series showed up at the Albuquerque Comic Expo. This particular Pyramid Head also brought some stilts to add even more height to the character. Yes, they're super-creepy in person.

Griff Tannen
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Back to the future

One of the unexpected surprises at the Albuquerque Comic Expo was this excellent Griff Tannen costume from "Back to the Future Part II," complete with Pit Bull hoverboard and expandable baseball bat. Marty McFly's future nemesis was one of many cosplayers attending the three-day event at the Albuquerque Convention Center from June 27 to 29.

Read more about the 2014 Albuquerque Comic Expo here.

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