See some of the cosplays featured at the 11th Annual Grand Rapids Comic Con

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, – Thousands of cosplayers and fans gathered for the 2024 Grand Rapids Comic Con on Saturday, Nov. 16 at DeVos Place Convention Center.

Throughout the three-day event, there was much to see and explore including the film fests, costume contests, vendors, exhibitions, gaming and more.

Cosplayers came as any persona imaginable, from superheroes to characters from TV, video games and anime.

They wore their outfits, many made by hand, with pride.

Kirstia Taylor, cosplaying as Rogue from "X-Men '97," won first place in the amateur category in the costume contest.

"It feels so surreal," Taylor said. "I am sitting here with a trophy in my hand, and I am still not sure this is really happening."

Taylor had watched the new "X-Men '97′′ season that came out earlier this year and was inspired by Rogue's character.

"Rogue's character had a lot of depth. It felt like it was really well written and relatable," Taylor said. "She deals with grief, loss, guilt, all things we all deal with in real life - plus I wanted the chance to make the body suit."

Taylor made the entire Rogue cosplay by hand, minus the jacket. "Everyone says that (making a body suit) is one of the hardest things you can make, so I wanted a go at it."

Taylor had come to Comic Con once three years ago, and this is her first time back since.

"I was having a real hard time with my anxiety and my CPTSD and had to leave early," Taylor said. "The last three years has just been me working on all of this so I could come back here today for a rematch."

Winning first place was the icing on the cake of a well-achieved victory for Taylor, and the award meant a lot.

"It feels like for the first time in my life I finally get to be myself today," Taylor said. "If you have any hesitation, the moment is never going to be right - just jump in and do it!"

The final day of the Grand Rapids Comic Con is Sunday, Nov. 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $30 for people 13 and over and $7 for children 5 to 12. Children under 5 are free.