This past weekend zombies invaded the New Jersey Expo and Convention Center, as fans of The Walking Dead converged to meet stars, get gear, watch some cool panels, and get some cool experiences at Walker Stalker Con. One of these which was tons of fun was a photo experience with professional cosplayer, Cecil Grimes.

More below.

The set was the prison guard tower with a zombie face on one side and Glenn’s face on another. After chatting with the zombie (who loved my Lamour Rocks tee), Cecil, and his Daryl Dixon (Richard Dixon-who sounds EXACTLY like Norman Reedus), I got my choice of weapon. My husband wanted me to use the computer keyboard the way Rick did fighting the trash zombie, Winslow, but I had to pick Lucille. I received a pretty little pic signed by the cosplayers as well as a selfie. Awesome!

How exactly does one get a job impersonating a fictional character?

In Cecil’s own words:

My journey, as Mr. Grimes, started with a 5 O’clock shadow that has grown into a full-time career ….. and Beard. Everything really took flight when I won the Nation Wide Rick Grimes Look A Like Contest Sponsored by Walker Stalker Con and really got to see the true enthusiasm and support of my Cosplay. I was soon after, getting invited to conventions but I did not feel, just standing in front of a back-drop, was enough to share with everyone and decided to build a photo booth set that could add to my Cosplay presentation. The only issue was I had 7 days until the next convention, so I dove in head first and in 7 days with the help of a great friend I had a Mock up of the iconic Prison scene “Cosplay Style”, including a 16′ prison guard tower, in my living room, kitchen, dining room etc… It was everywhere! But it was done! I have named this new evolution in cosplay presentation “SetPlay” We made it to the convention with a professional photography team, an incredible Zombie and an awesome staff, we made it happen… full on!!! with A LOT of foam, PVC and Duct tape!

You can catch Cecil at more conventions and can even hire him for your next event at Cecil Grimes Cosplay.

Click right here for more from Walker Stalker Con.

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Photos by Daniel Torkel & Athena Costanza

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