Game of Thrones cosplay wows at San Diego Comic Con 2016 (Part 1)

Photo credit: Grim Reaper GRRM by Dallas and Dead Robb by Steven

Who says Game of Thrones cosplayers aren’t tough? Despite this year’s brutal heat (winter is not coming, at least not in San Diego at the moment) and swarming crowds, the stalwart diehards donned their armor, fur, and Dothraki rags and sweated it out for the blood-spattered convention team. HBO had a strong presence at the con, powered primarily by a big Game of Thrones cast and creators panel and their superb Hall of Faces interactive exhibit.

There were so many wonderful, lovingly-crafted costumes—some whimsical, some accurate down to every thread—and it’s going to take more than one article to do them justice. I had time to photograph only a fraction of the cosplayers out there! Let’s start with the big group photo, taken on the rear steps of the San Diego Convention Center on Saturday, July 23rd.

Now that is a magnificent lineup of cosplayers. The real George R. R. Martin would be proud. As expected, Daenerys, Sansa, and Jon Snow were well represented, but we also had nice showings of Margaerys, Cerseis, Melisandres, and Septa Unella. Most every major character appeared at the gathering. Of course, not everybody made it to the group picture, but this gives you an idea of the variety on offer.

Since the Hall of Faces was such a big theme at the Con this year, it would be appropriate to start off with a look at some fantastic Jaqen H’ghar and Arya Stark outfits.

Jaqen H’ghar by Ian and Arya by Ren SDCC 2016

There were lots of Daenerys costumes on hand—let’s take a look at some of the not-covered-with Dothraki-dirt variety. Extra points when dragons are included.

Daenerys by Stephanie and Ashton SDCC 2016

A Daenerys cosplayer has many great costumes to choose from, and if she’s wearing her Dothraki garb, a Khal Drogo can’t be far behind.

Daenerys by Meirava & Drogo by Max SDCC 2016

The newly reunited duo of Jon Snow and Sansa Stark is proving a popular pairing. Kudos to the cosplayers who braved the heat to display their awesome Westerosi winter clothing.

Jon by Adam & S6 Sansa by Colleen SDCC 2016

The always-busy Septa Unellas showed up in force. It has to be a blast to run around San Diego all day shouting “Shame, shame, shame!” The Septa Unella in the center looks like she’s already had her date with the FrankenMountain, and it didn’t go so well.

Hard working Septas by Jenny, Rosei and Trisha SDCC 2016

How about we go BIG to finish out? For starters, we had both a Mountain (along with his always-up-to-something master, a lovely Cersei) and a Wun Wun on site, both tall fellows in stupendous costumes towering over the proceedings like they do on the show.

The Mountain and Cersei by Don and Kelly plus Wun Wun by Dallin SDCC 2016

Of course, there is another popular Clegane family member running around. The Hound made an appearance with two intimidating cosplays from different periods in Sandor Clegane’s life.

The Hound by David with GRRM Dallas plus The Hound by Mike SDCC 2016

With the Mountain and the Hound so near each other, you knew there would be calls for a brotherly battle. This may be the closest thing to Cleganebowl we’ll ever get, so enjoy.

Nice job, everybody! Thanks for making Comic Con a safe and all-accepting place to be, and for reveling in the fun of shared experience and enthusiasm. Keep an eye out for Part 2!

(Cosplayers: If you photo is included here and I messed up your name, etc., please notify me in the comments and I’ll correct it. A lot of you had costuming and resource-based websites, so please include them in the comments section below for anyone who might be interested.)

Next: More cosplay