Tabitha Lyons

There are many talented models and performers who bring their love & enthusiasm to dressing up as their favorite characters. Comic Book Critic will regularly showcase a performer who embodies this spirit of cosplaying.

Whether it’s creating the costume from scratch, altering the appearance of an existing one, or just getting into character, these performers spend a lot of time and effort on their craft. As much as we all enjoy seeing our favorite fictional characters represented in real life, let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes work that goes into that portrayal.

One thing is for certain though, their love of cosplaying shines through in their work.

The Comic Book Critic Featured Cosplayer Interview this week is:

Tabitha Lyons from the United Kingdom

This week we present a multi-talented cosplayer from the United Kingdom. Not only is Tabitha Lyons a cosplayer, but she also designs props with Artyfakes, performs Live Action Role-Playing (LARP), and models from time to time.

Although she’s super-busy, we were lucky enough that she had some free time for an interview with us so that we could find out more about her interests.

Did we also mention how sexy she is? We didn’t, but we’ll leave that up to you.

So, how long have you been cosplaying and what was your first costume?

I’ve been dressing up since I was a little girl, I started LARP when I was 8 and have only gotten into cosplay May of last year. The first cosplay I made for a convention was She-Hulk.

What made you decide cosplaying was something you wanted to pursue?

I used to be a bit of a closet geek. The older I’ve grown, the more comfortable I’ve gotten with expressing my love of games, movies, and all geeky things. Cosplay has really helped my confidence, let me embrace and even show off all the hard work that goes into costumes.

Do you model other than cosplaying, and if so, was it as a result of it?

I’ve always said I’m not a model; just someone who likes to photobomb pictures. I have had shoots for Zoo magazine and other magazines like that, but in my head, I’m not a professional. I don’t model, I just make props… and if someone wants my picture I’m not going to say no ;)

Do you make and/or design your costumes, if so, which one is your favorite?

Yes and yes. The great part of making cosplays yourself is that you can make the character however you want to! It’s good to make costumes to characters you know and love, but creatively, its nice to break the rules sometimes and make your own design. My Skyrim armour is definitely one of my favorite cosplays. Even though it’s not in the game – as it’s an original design – fans of the game still recognize that it’s inspired by it. :)

You work at ArtyFakes Action Props, do you get to design your own props for your costumes?

If it’s not a customers order, then yes, I get free run of the workshop and all of the goodies inside. Being the big boss’s daughter can have its perks.

Who are your favorite characters (cosplay, comics, movies, games, in general, etc.)?

I’m a Marvel girl through and though! That and I live in a fantasy world – I love strong characters, ones with a lot of history so you can see them grow. Men or woman there are so many I love.. Daenerys from Game of Thrones, Kitiara from Dragonlance, Maximus from Gladiator to name just a few.

Which character do you find the easiest to portray and which is the most challenging?

Juliet Starling is by far the easiest for me to portray as she is basically me – with just less zombies. Hmm… That’s hard… Most challenging… Probably Rogue. I have loved that character for so long it’s hard to do her justice, That, or I just had a problem with her High heels ;)

What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not working on props or costumes?

Spare time? What is that ? Ha ha… Like most cosplayers I’m still stitching and gluing in my hotel room the night before conventions. If I do manage to get any spare time, I enjoy a good movie! …and no, not because its research :)

I see that you like Marvel Comics. Which are your favorites and do you read other publishers’ books?

I’m quite new to comics as I’ve always been a gamer. I love the Civil War storyline and completely addicted to Black Cat. I love to read books and have so many I need to get through, but never have the time. I’m one of those readers, that once I’ve started, I can’t put it down until I’ve completed it. I will stay up until 4 in the morning reading… which is not good when you have to work with shape blades ;)

What are some of your favorite videogames?

I love the classics Zelda, Mario kart, Pokémon, the list goes on…

You seem to be genuinely having fun, is there anything that really bothers you about cosplaying in public?

It takes a lot to bother me. I just enjoy myself at conventions, as that’s what it’s all about! Changing rooms would help, but wouldn’t stop me having a good time :)

On the other hand, what do you enjoy the most about it?

EVERYTHING! From deciding what cosplay I want to make to peacocking it around at a conventions :)

Do you find that photo shoots are fun for you or are they stressful?

Yes! … and they can be [stressful]… It’s very hard to keep track of time at conventions so plans are hard to stick to! You try to get to a certain location at a certain time and you will get stopped on route for pictures and its so hard to say no.

Do you attend many conventions during the year and have you ever gone to one in the USA? If you have, how are they different from the ones in the UK?

I try to go to as many as I can. If I don’t go to one at least once a month, I cry ;) I haven’t [been to one in the US] but I would love to!! It’s in my plans for next year – fingers crossed!!

What’s one of your most memorable moments while cosplaying?

My first ever Convention, and coming 3rd in the cosplay Competition at Kapow!

Do you encounter any problems appearing at cons?

no :)

Who are some of your favorite cosplayers?

I love Rosanna Rocha, Chiquitita Cosplay, Miss Sinister… they are some of my favourites, and of course Miss Nigri :)

Cosplay for me would not be the same without her.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

First rule. Have fun. That’s all you need :)

If you could change anything since you started, what would it be?

DON’T FORGET FACE WIPES!

What does the future hold for Tabitha Lyons?

USA BABY!!!!!

Thanks for that great interview and we hope to see more of you and your creations in the future. I’m sure all of your fans will!

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