While The Con of Ages is now over and we’re home safe from the crowds and the smells, there is much to fondly look back on. Everyone can agree on one specific, delightful aspect of this event: costumed laydeez. Whether it’s the legions of Sailor Moons or the armies of Harley Quinns, there’s something irresistible about cute girls in costumes, especially when said costumes look like they took several days to make. As far as I’m concerned, the more DIY and elaborate the look, the better. After all, Comic-Con comes once a year.

(The ever-present naughty schoolgirls are also acceptable.)

To bring you this gallery, I spent much of my Friday and Saturday looking for dressed-up girls to document. Like shooting fish in a barrel, you say? Not so! It’s not easy to locate, stop, and pose amidst thousands of humans, all out on missions of their own. Still, my camera and I persevered. Enjoy!