Every month the staff at Critical Blast combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and spirit, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

As the summer months heat up, we found ourselves a cosplayer who brings back the cool of characters that don't get a lot of attention in the cosplay community. (If you've gone to a convention and lost count of the Harley Quinns, you know what we're talking about.)

So light those fuses and get ready for fireworks, as we move into yet another hot month of cosplay. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, July 2020

Booster Gold NY

Booster Gold (DC COMICS)

What is your interest in cosplay?

It's fun. I like doing characters that don't get much attention, or are obscure, and getting the reactions out of people for them. And I've grown to enjoy being parts of groups that also just don't get seen that often.

How did you get into cosplay, and what was your first cosplay experience?

In 2012 I just started attending cons again, and at NYCC I did a super low-key version of Green Arrow: green domino mask, hoodie, and my natural blonde hair and goatee. Having people get what I was doing got me willing to actually give it a real go. I debuted my more basic Green Arrow at NYCC '13, and I just had a blast. From there I started making better costumes and more characters, really fully getting into cosplay in '14. And I haven't really stopped since.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

In the beginning I was buying whatever fit that only required a snip here and there. From there, I learned about zentai body suits and learned how to Frankenstein them together to get a range of designs. I've been learning how to use craft foam to better form things out, and I am trying my hand at light armor, as well as hand-painting.

Green Arrow (DC COMICS)
photo: Jason Laboy Photography

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I manage an ice cream shop.

What kind of social or charity activities do you get involved in with your cosplay?

I do part time illustration and art, but mostly go to conventions and concerts (when they were still a thing) when I'm not relaxing at home.

John Constantine (DC COMICS)

Do you make as much of your own costume as possible or rely on purchased materials -- and is that important overall to cosplaying? 

For the most part, after I buy the initial zentai suits I make as much as possible. For some costumes, though, it's just clothes (so many jackets), and finding the right look. And anime costumes I just buy. For myself, it's always more important becoming the character and having fun doing it.

What's your favorite cosplay, your "go to" look that you just love to put on and act out?

It's a toss up between Booster Gold and John Constantine. I love looking for an excuse to bust out Booster, but more often than not at a con I'll be Constantine at some point. Go in as Booster and come out as John.

Where can people go to find you online?

On Instagram as BoosterGoldNY, and Facebook at Stars and Sins Cosplay.

BONUS

In honor of U.S. Independence Day, enjoy this gathering of the iconic DC Comics super-team, The Freedom Fighters, featuring BoosterGoldNY as Firebrand!