Most stereotypes of the Mermaid Parade are heavy on the gawking and light on clothing. And while it’s no secret that you can expect to see a whole lot of boobage every year at the parade, I have some serious admiration for those who dare to venture to the dark side. As with the hugely-creative mermen, I must pay my respects to all those who who bring the imaginative, the dangerous, the post-apocalyptic, the goth, and the death-defying feats every year to Coney Island.

Some of my most favorite costumes this year fell into this camp, including the group of brave souls who hauled heavy Blade Runner-esque android junk the entire length of the parade. The sharks were hugely memorable, too — what make-up artistry and attitude! Check out some wonderful shots below of the Mermaid Parade’s mysterious underworld.

“Bite,” by Travis Keyes:

Untitled, by Stan Raffes and “#132 on Surf Ave,” by Pat Merino:

“Vampire Pirate,” by Scott Lynch:

“Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2012,” by Scott Lynch and Untitled, by Taras Hnatyshyn:

“Shark,” by Scott Lynch:

“Slither,” by Travis Keyes and Untitled by Rob Feiner:

Untitled, by Taras Hnatyshyn:

“Sea Zombie,” by Travis Keyes and Untitled, by Oscar Rivera: