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 summer now in full swing, the heat is definitely on -- but it has nothing on the cosplay of this month's featured cosplayer! With her ability to bring to life our favorite characters but also place them in settings that complement the scene, as well as finding ways to make a character cosplay uniquely her own, we find ourselves awed at the talents on display, and we think you, dear reader, will be similarly blown away by our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, August 2020

Euphoria

Savage Land Rogue (MARVEL COMICS)

What is your interest in cosplay?

My interest in cosplay evolved from a love of comics and a desire to sew my own costumes. Growing up, I would always try to make my own Halloween costumes. Sometimes they turned out great and other times I failed miserably, but I always loved the challenge of trying to create something from scratch. Comics constantly inspired me to be a better person, and I particularly loved the X-Men. So when I learned that there was a creative hobby where I could use my talents for something I was passionate about, I dove in headfirst.

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

Although I had been creating costumes since I was in middle school, I had no idea "cosplay" was an actual hobby until my senior year of college when I attended my very first Comic Convention in Pittsburgh 2012. I was invited to go with some friends and, being the outgoing type, I asked if I could go in costume, to which I got a resounding "YES!" Thrilled, I wore my X-Men Rogue Legacy costume I had made for Halloween earlier that year.

Upon entering the convention, I had my very first experience officially cosplaying. I also got a photo with Stan Lee that day, so all in all the experience was pretty epic.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

Since I began cosplaying, my skills have definitely evolved. I began cosplay only using fabrics, but now I have expanded my knowledge into using foam, leather, Worbla, and PVC. Wig styling has become one of my favorite aspects of the craft. I suppose the biggest change, though, is that now I have a partner in crime. Since meeting My husband in 2013, cosplay became something we did together as a couple, and it makes the experience all the more special to be able to share it with the person most important to me.

Cheetah (INJUSTICE 2, WARNER BROS)

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

My husband and I own a live performance theatre company where we provide acting classes and main stage performances for the public. I also have a degree in fashion design, so I do costume and wedding gown commissions for individuals all over the country.

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

Through our theatre company we do a tremendous amount of social events. From character appearances at parties and sporting events, to murder mystery dinners, I am always dressing up as some crazy character and performing for the public. I have also provided characters and costumes for local charity events such as Night to Shine.

Rococo Harley Quinn (Original Design based on DC COMICS character)

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

I try to make as much of my costumes as possible. Personally, it's what makes cosplaying so special. When you love a character so much that you are willing to spend hundreds of hours researching what fabrics to use and what type of texture would look best, the whole experience becomes so personal. I don't think there's anything more amazing than seeing a complete costume come together when it started out as just a piece of fabric lying on the table. It's a very fun challenge to figure out where seams should go and how you can make this 2D drawing into a 3D piece of art. When you see it all put together at the end, it's incredibly rewarding.

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

My "go-to" will always be Rogue from the X-Men. She inspired me as a child and I could often identify with her character. My life goal is to make every version of Rogue's comic book costumes. It's extra special since my husband is always by my side as Gambit.

Where can people go to find you online?

Euphoria.BJC on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, and Twitter.