Big Boys Toy Advocate: The Dark Knight Rises Cosplay Event

The Dark Knight Rises Cosplay Event

by Planet Krypton Philippines and ROMS Computers

Since last year and up to the recent Annual Philippine Toy Convention 2012 at the SM Megamall there have been a lot of buzz going on for The Dark Knight Rises movie. Exhibited and one of the main display was the authentic costume of actor Christian Bale as Batman. It was awesome to see and have picture taken with it, seeing it in person is surreal and was awesome specially for those who are fans of the Nolanverse Batman.

July marked the showing of the third installment of the Dark Knight franchise under Christopher Nolan as usual, a friend of mine is having his personal event for the movie. This is the only time I will write an article regarding his hobby despite of the other movie event he organized simply because this time I was invited. No offense meant but aside from that my Best Friend Mike Alfante was asked to play as Bane.

Meet ROMM-EL, a business man, comic book enthusiast, collector and cosplayer all rolled into one. Independent, smart and quite a hobbyist if I may say. He owns ROMS Computer (you can find them in favcebook via https://www.facebook.com/romscomputer) in BF Parañaque and PLANET KRYPTON The Philippines' No. 1 Source of Super Hero Arts, Lifesize Statues & Lifesize/Scaled Busts, Prop Replicas, and Other Comic Memorabilia. Their website http://www.planetkrypton.net/.

ROMM-EL is wearing an authentic costume of the Dark Knight as played by Christian Bale in the movie. It's awesome to see costume replicas that are not only authentic but can be worn by its owners. I am amazed by the craftsmanship of this costume since I only saw the original on display.

Meet our special guest for the night, Ms. Jahziel Manabat. She has bee introduced to the Toy community last Toycon when she made an appearance for one of the toy group exhibitors, this time she played Catwoman as portrayed by Actress Anne Hathaway. She is wearing an authentic mask belt and headgear as depicted in the movie courtesy of PLANET KRYPTON. You can check their website for availability or for orders, but I have to remind everyone that these are authentic products.

An of course my best friend Mike Alfante, he is the in-house technician at ROMS Computer. The mask he is wearing is a professionally crafted poly resin replica of the mask worn by the villainous Bane in the hit film “The Dark Knight Rises.” Made from Task 16 resin (rubber), it is highly durable and maintains form extremely well. It is also well painted to be screen accurate.

All of the costumes are provided by ROMM-EL for accuracy and authenticity. Mike had to wear a bald cap to depict the character, although the coat and vest are different from the film, it is still clearly depicted as Bane.

Me, my eldest son Dave and his cousin Jasond went there as support to Mike in his first cosplay gig. It was fun and a learning experience. I remember my son being very enthusiastic about the costume and his cousin Jasond about how pretty Jahzel was.

My son and his cousin enjoyed this experience a lot, we get to have first hand account of what's happening. Both ROMM-EL and Jahziel were very accommodating with everyone who wanted to take their pictures with them.

Mike had fun despite saying it wasn't a joke to be a part of this, staying in character and sweating because of the bald cap and thick jacket.

It was nice to know that many people appreciates and accept cosplaying now-a-days. It was something that took time before it came to acceptance, before grown men wearing costumes or portraying their favorite character was something bizarre and only was a kid only thing.

The picture featured is one of my favorite, it features a Dark Knight fan with cerebral palsy. They were very happy to have pictures with the characters. Its fulfilling in a way that we get to make dreams a reality in our most simple way. A lot of kids, I know I was one who wanted to meet these characters in person. Somehow I feel we accomplished something.

Sorry for the poor picture quality, wrong setting while I was taking the picture. Ms Tessa Prieto-Valdes was also in the area and as fun as she is, she took a pose with the most wonderful smile. As a fashion designer, columnist and social-philanthropist known for her flamboyant outfit; it is an honor having her join us for a pose.

Also adding star power to our event is Ms Daphne Osena Paez whom I personally admire for her wit and simplicity. This TV Host, Producer, Model and Businesswoman sets a high standard in journalism for me and you can join her in her personal blog at http://daphne.ph/. (I will e-mail you a high resolution copy after publishing this)

I am amazed on how accommodating Ms Daphne was and asking some questions regarding this event. She was even surprise to learn that it was a personal thing and no sponsors backing-up since the costumes are highly detailed and authentic.

Thank you for your courtesy and simple support to our cause.

Of course there are the kids to whom this was really intended. I feel the heart of a child in ROMM-EL in organizing this, for his daughter to remember; for his nephews to cherish. Its like a meet and greet gig by big companies but since its a personal gig, there are no fuzz and restrictions for a photo-op.

There were also few item from Maxi Collector featured in the Rockwell Cinema. Hot toys 1/6 scale items and a bust of the Dark Knight. I highly recommend Maxi Collector as a retailer in high end collectible figures, I got my 1989 Michael Keaton Batman there and they are awesome.

You can check-out there latest collectible figures on sale or pre-order at their Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/Maxicollector or you can visit their local stores for more info.

Here are more pics of the Dark Knight Rises Even by ROMM-EL of PLANET KRYPTON Philippines featuring Ms. Jahziel Manabat as Catwoman and Mike Alfante as Bane.