For Dragon Con 2017, this Atlanta costume store is a must stop

Whether you’re channeling your inner Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn or Jon Snow for the annual Dragon Con convention on Labor Day weekend, one Atlanta costume store is the place to find like-minded villains and superheroes.

On Thursday, Mike Lutin was at the make up counter at Costumes, Etc. on Faulkner Road, looking for the perfect colors for “bruises and blood.”

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Fortunately, the makeup consultant was Christine Daily,  who  also works as a paramedic. 

“Do you want an old bruise or a newer one?” said Daily.”People think bruises are perfectly shaped, but they’re not. Here, let me show you  a way to make finger marks.”

Lutin is among the more than 80,000 people who will pack downtown Atlanta for the science fiction, pop culture and fantasy convention, which will be held Friday through Monday.

Mike Lutin and Christine Daily go for bruise look at Costumes Etc. CREDIT: SHELIA POOLE

Lutin, who works in an architectural, firm, has been going to the convention since he was 10.

“What’s not to like” he said. “For four days everybody is a friend. No one is judged, criticized or ostracized. I work 12 to 14 hours a day. It’s freedom.” 

General Manager Scott Bellomy said the warehouse’s biggest sales period is Halloween, but Dragon Con comes in a strong second.

The store has a huge selection of costumes, wigs and accessories.

He said this year’s hottest costumes are from films and shows like “Game of Thrones”, “Suicide Squad”, “Deadpool” and “Batman.”

Brian Levine and Eileen Chua of California shop at Costumes Etc. as they prepare to go to Dragon Con. CREDIT: Shelia Poole

They start ordering merchanise a year ahead of Dragon Con, but it takes a careful eye. They watch what’s trending on social media, what’s popular in film and television and on the internet.

“Sometimes we have to respond quickly,” if a character or film is an unexpected  or late-breaking hit, he said.

Bellomy said he expects business to be brisk thoughout the weekend.

Costumes Etc. will be open through the Labor Day weekend to help visitors to Dragon Con find what they need. CREDIT: SHELIA POOLE

Christi Harrold had a shopping bag full of merchandise including a menacing-looking sword, chest plate and belt.

This is Harrold’s third convention. She thought about going as Wonder Woman, “because the movie rocked,” but wasn’t sure that she could  do the character justice. Instead, she is going as Wonder Woman’s mother, Queen Hippolyta.

“This place is probably sick of me, “ she said. “I’m here so much.”