For many fans, cosplay is about standing out as an individual. But it’s also about sharing your fandom, and what better way to do that than with a group of like-minded individuals. That, and a strong charitable streak, is the driving force behind a growing number of costuming groups who will be onsite at this year’s Fan Expo Canada.

“It is about the costuming, but it’s not just about the costuming,” explains Krikor Ajemian, “Commanding Officer” of the Klingon Assault Group. “It’s about the group of us all doing something together.”

501st Legion

For fans of: Star Wars

Whose fans are known as: Star Wars fans

Origins: The international organization started in 1998 when a handful of fans realized there’s power in numbers. The Canadian Garrison, known for marching rank and file in hyper-accurate costumes, currently has about 150 members and appears at over 50 events every year.

Typical costume: Imperial stormtrooper

Secret cosplay weapon: Darth Vader

Average cost per costume: It depends on the builder’s skill level, but costumes can run more than $1,000.

2015 Fan Expo activities: Photo booth that includes model Emperor’s chair and speeder bike. Proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The Doctor Who Society

For fans of: Doctor Who

Whose fans are known as: Whovians

Origins: The Society was formed in 2011 after five Whovians noticed the lack of an organized presence at that year’s Fan Expo. Co-founder Cindy Peters says the group offers a space for its 500 dues-paying members to “feel connected.” Cosplay is encouraged but not required.

Typical costume: One of the 12 different Doctors who’ve appeared on the show over its 52-year history.

Secret cosplay weapon: Daleks

Average cost per costume: Costumes can be as basic as a bowtie and fez, so easily under $50.

2015 Fan Expo activities: A replica TARDIS for photos, with donations going to SickKids.

Klingon Assault Group

For fans of: Star Trek, and more specifically, Klingons

Whose fans are known as: Trekkies or the less pejorative Trekkers

Origins: Formed in a pre-Internet 1989 as a costuming club, KAG encourages members to interact with the general public dressed in character. “The current generation of people express their fandom online,” says Ajemian. “We ask them to take a further step.”

Typical costume: Klingon

Secret cosplay weapon: Klingon Batman

Average cost per costume: The plaster needed to make Klingon forehead molds run about $50, but paint and makeup tend to drive up costs.

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Ontario Ghostbusters

For fans of: Ghostbusters

Whose fans are known as: Ghostheads

Origins: The group was formed in 2004 as way to “raise money for charity, raise awareness, and share our love of Ghostbusters,” says group co-president Adrianna Munoz. Boasting a dozen active members in the GTA, fans only need a jumpsuit, elbow pads and a Ghostbusters patch to join.

Typical costume: Ghostbuster

Secret cosplay weapon: Stay Puft Marshmallow Man

Average cost per costume: Army surplus stores sell flight suits for about $50.

2015 Fan Expo activities: Replicas from the films, as well as a photo booth with a full Ghostbusters uniform, including proton pack. Proceeds go to Street Cats Animal Rescue and Vasculitis Foundation (Ghostbusters actor and director Harold Ramis died from the disease in 2014).

The Toronto Browncoats

For fans of: Joss Whedon’s single-season TV series Firefly and its follow-up film Serenity.

Whose fans are known as: Browncoats

Origins: Unlike the other groups on this list, the Browncoats are a charitable group first, part of the international organization Can’t Stop the Serenity. The group raises money from public screenings of Serenity. Like the Doctor Who Society, costuming is not mandatory, but it is encouraged.

Typical costume: “Jayne Hats” are popular for the casual Browncoat cosplayer.

Secret cosplay weapon: N/A

Average cost per costume: $25

2015 Fan Expo activities: Promoting a fall charity screening of Whedon’s miniseries Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. All proceeds go to women’s rights group Equality Now.

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