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.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it may be a struggle after this trying year we've all had to find things for which to be thankful. Social distancing and self-isolation are new, contributing factors impacting many as a cloying, smothering hopelessness. But there are lights in the darkness, and yes, we can find those lights among the cosplayers we encounter through our search for this monthly feature. So the time is not just ripe, but well past due, for us to introduce you one and all to our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, November 2020

Erica Williams of Red-E Cosplay

Bellatrix Lestrange (HARRY POTTER)

What is your interest in cosplay?

I love testing my creativity when it comes to characters and fandoms. If I can bring a character to life, just bringing a connection to others is so worth the time put into creating whoever I am at the time.

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

Being a theater and stage kid, I’ve always loved just becoming a character. But my first real experience was on Halloween in 2001. I created a costume to compete in the Halloween costume contest, where I worked at the time. In a very competitive group, I brought a Vulcan (from Star Trek) that I created: T’Rek. She was half-human, in case I broke character at any point through the day. I did win 1st place! And I was cosplaying before I knew cosplay was a thing. It may have started on Halloween, but within a few years I was taking characters to con. My steampunk character, Lady T’luluh Poulpé, was my first con outing, in 2015, with cosplay on purpose. And it was wonderful! I haven’t stopped since.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

I tend to find more detail to bring out in a character. I’ve learned to work on getting the makeup, wig (grateful for bobby pins!), little details, and even posing, stances, and facial expressions.

Star Trek Lucy (DESILU)
Photo Credit: Pense Productions

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

In my real life job, I could be considered the Director of First Impressions; outside of that, I’m a wife, mom, mental health & suicide prevention advocate, storyteller, and creative weirdo.

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

With my amazing friend, April Roller, we co-founded Cosplay for Hope. We are an up-and-coming organization for the mental health and suicide prevention of those in fandoms, gamers and cosplayers. We found our tribe was a group not being seen by our advocacy (where we met). So we came together and we encourage cosplay at all of our events. And while we make our presence known at other events, like at cons. I will also jump on board with charity events asking for cosplayers; if I can work it, I’ll be there!

Black Widow (MARVEL COMICS)

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

I may be creative, but I’m not crafty. I’m super envious of those who sew & build. I find pieces and details. I end up purchasing most of my pieces, and then try to reuse pieces if I can. When it comes to cosplay, I truly believe it’s what you put into the details of the cosplay that truly brings it to life, whether it’s custom-made or purchased.

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

My go-to, which I truly love, is my Star Trek Lucy. She’s different while carrying a lot of geeky history. But I’m finding Bellatrix is becoming a fun go-to, as well.

Where can people go to find you online?

Facebook - Red-E Cosplay (@RedECosFash); Cosplay for Hope (@CosplayforHope)

Instagram - Red-E Cosplay (@red_e_cosplay)