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.

2020 has been one of the strangest years in the lifetime of most who have gone through it. We've had to quarantine ourselves, avoid large gatherings -- all of which is antithetical to what our favorite cosplayers are used to (with, perhaps, the exception of wearing a mask). It's a year that we'll all be happy to see in the rearview mirror as we cross over into 2021. And to help give this year the boot, weve brought in a talented cosplayer who looks ready to give 2020 the swift kick it deserves. So without further introduction, Critical Blast is proud to introduce you one and all to 2020's final...

Critical Blast Bombshell, December 2020

Edwin Davis

Ultimate Spider-Man (MARVEL COMICS)

What is your interest in cosplay?

I read a lot of comics, so cosplaying is a fun opportunity to dress up as my favorite characters and to mingle with other people who do the same.

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

I first got into cosplaying at the behest of a friend in 2018. He was already getting into it himself and he wanted me to join him. I had been attending anime and comic conventions for years at that point, and I figured it’d be cool to experience it as a cosplayer, so I went for it. My first cosplay experience was at Daisho Con 2018 in Wisconsin Dells, WI and to call the experience incredible would be underselling it.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

My cosplay has evolved alongside my willingness to try different things. My cosplays largely focus on comic book superheroes and supervillains, so I had to get used to the idea of wearing a spandex suit in public. However, I’ve always had the mindset to give whatever I’m doing my best effort and not to go into things half-heartedly. So, on top of rummaging through thrift shops for clothing to add to my costumes, I’ve learned how to craft with foam, proper use of paints and glues, and I’m currently exploring how to use more body paint/makeup and getting into 3D printing.

Robin (DC COMICS)
 

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I’m currently a delivery driver for Amazon.

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

The primary social activity that includes cosplaying would be attending conventions. No better way to socialize and make friends than that. A friend and I were considering doing charity events and etc. but the current global situation has made that an impossibility at the moment.

Rogue (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? 

With my current skill set most of my costumes are purchased as a base then I add to it by crafting whatever needs to be added to it (gauntlets, belts, pauldrons, etc.). Overall it’s not important how one assembles their cosplay. Not everyone has the time, money, or resources to build a cosplay from scratch. It’s about having fun and appreciating the fandom that one represents.

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

My favorite cosplay would have to be Spider-Man. It was my first cosplay, I grew up in the 90s with Spider-Man (and the X-Men). The first comic book I owned was Spider-Man, and this was all before the movies came out in the 2000s. I have many different cosplay iterations of him, and I love interacting with people as him the most.

Where can people go to find you online?

Instagram - Miltown Cosplay (@MilTownCosplay)

BONUS: Paging Mister Todd McFarlane! You might want to contact Edwin to stand around your booth at your next convention!

Spawn(IMAGE COMICS)