Before I get started, I want to thank everyone out there that has already responded to the cosplay call! I really appreciate the love that you have given me in helping out. What’s happening as of now is that The Next Issue is undergoing a few minor changes and one of the requests from the geek community is more cosplay! So what I will do my best is feature you guys as often as I can and also ask if you have anything on your mind, please submit them and if we like it, we will post! However, no sense in asking you guys if I won’t go first so, here I am!

Where are you from originally or reside currently: Maryland

How long you have been cosplaying: Since 2009

Other Characters cosplayed: Bishop, Ezio the Assasin, Red Lantern Dredd.

Website or facebook fan page: Bishop Cosplay

1. Who or what inspired you to cosplay?

I actually have to say it was my wife. In my 30s I thought it was ridiculous for people to still be dressing up for Halloween. But, then she made me a custom Matrix costume and from there it started. Next up, I went to Baltimore Comic Con in 2008 and I aspired to have one ready that next year. My first cosplay costume was me as a Sith Lord and it went over well. Since then I have cosplayed as assassins, superheros and Jedi.

2. Best costume that you pulled off that you thought you could not. What were some of the reactions that you got on it?

I honestly have to say it was my Bishop cosplay. Not because I didn’t think I couldn’t pull it off, but I honestly wasn’t ready to do that character and before the last X-men move was released, he was such an obscure character. But the reaction I got from the community was so great that it may be my most defining costume yet. I even have a cosplay page.



3. Best advice to give a new cosplayer.

One of my best pieces of advice I can give, is know your character. Become your character. In some instances, it does bother me to see someone in a costume, especially if it’s a REALLY GOOD costume and have no idea what the character is about. In a sense I feel that cosplaying is a bit about advertising. Don’t do it if you don’t know what you are selling.



4. How do you feel about race and cosplay?

Honestly, I feel like if you want to pull it off, don’t let your skin stop you. What is really wrong with fandom right now is that a lot of people would like to dictate how certain characters should look and if you play someone outside of that intended look, then it’s not canon. Cosplay doesn’t work that way. Cosplay is for those that have an appreciation for the medium that they enjoy and have an outlet to express it.