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.

Our June 2020 Bombshell of the Month comes to us from England, where cosplaying allows him to tap into and release his inner villain. Combining high fashion with a wicked imagination, he brings to life not just some of our favorite bad guys, but managest to also deliver something we've never seen done before in cosplay -- a brought-to-life animated animal character from a Disney film!

Ladies and gentlemen, we launch you into these dog days of summer with the truly astonishing cosplay of our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, June 2020

God of Mischief UK

The Riddler (DC COMICS)
photo credit: Dr. Bell's Picture Box

What is your interest in cosplay?

My interest in cosplay comes from the pure escapism it offers. There is nothing better than popping on a costume, getting in character, and bringing joy to others. Seeing kids smile will always help to perk you up.

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

I got into cosplay through peer pressure. I used to take photos at events all around the North East of England, and some of the group of costumers I was hanging around with wanted to do a Buffy group cosplay for a Halloween event. I was asked to do Spike (as I have the same cheekbones) and thought, why the heck not? It was a good way to learn how to put a costume together, trying to find the right elements and working with prosthetics too.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

My cosplay has evolved since then with me choosing characters I love and feel that I can portray well. I think that a great costumer shouldn't just wear the costume, they should bring some of the personality to the character as well. Choosing characters I love really helps with this. Though for some reason, they are all villains, so I am always the baddie.

Loki (THOR: RAGNAROK, MARVEL COMICS)
photo: Nicholas Dunn

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I work for a production company that produces a huge outdoor event each summer. As well as looking after the cast and crew, I get to take part in the show, so you will often find me in hand-to-hand combat as a Viking invading a fishing village, as part of a Scottish army battling with swords, or as a barber in the Georgian era, amongst other roles.

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

While my job keeps me rather busy, I try to keep involved with local charities wherever possible, and will always pick smaller local events over big cons if there is a chance to raise some money for charity. I'm not saying I don't love the huge events, but doing what you can to give something back with hospital visits, collection buckets, and messages to poorly kids is what I think costuming is all about.

(Gentleman) Scar (THE LION KING, WALT DISNEY PICTURES)
photo: Donald Manning

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

While I am not clever enough to make my costumes, I do know exactly what I am looking for when I try to source the right pieces, I also know some incredibly talented people who are able to make/ help me get the pieces that you are able to buy online. I like to try to do something original if I can whenever possible so that I feel amazing in what I wear, which helps to bring out the personality of the characters.

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

My favourite cosplay has to be Loki. He's really easy to slip into character and people really, really respond well to him. I just have to remember to duck when wearing the crown.

Where can people go to find you online?

If people would like to find me online, my Instagram handle is @godofmischiefuk or to stalk me in real life @spikeybwoy

BONUS

Enjoy this bonus shot from God of Mischief -- a blood-chilling make-up job to portray the aforementioned Spike from BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. Photo credit to Nicholas Grey.