Cosplay inspires the imagination of so many people. Some do it just for a lark, and some get bitten by the cosplay bug big time, churning out some truly stunning transformations that not only bring the characters out of the fantasy and into reality, but simultaneously bring the fans out of reality and into the fantasy.

Whether it's video games, comic books, or animated fantasies, there are always so many characters to pick from -- and our September Bombshell of the Month is one who can take them on from all media, as you will see.

So now, Critical Blast is proud to introduce to you our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, September 2018

Ginger Punk Cosplay

What is your interest in cosplay?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved geeky things and always loved the characters and the costumes. Halloween was always my favorite holiday because I got to dress up as an awesome character! Little did I know until much later, because of cosplay I could dress up anytime of the year and become anyone I want! It’s a lot of fun to make characters come to life, and I love being able to meet all kinds of people through this craft!

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

I first got into cosplay whenI was 17 and a friend of mine took me to my first convention: Megacon! I saw so many amazing costumes, and that was when I realized people did this as a hobby all the time. I just had to be a part of it!

My first cosplay was what I could now call a closet cosplay. I cosplayed Marceline from ADVENTURE TIME. All it took was a gray tank top, jeans, red boots, fangs, and a black wig. I won’t, lie the cosplay looked bad, but hey it was my first time. Regardless, I still had so much fun and people still welcomed me and my low budget costume, and that’s how I fell in love with cosplay.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

A big factor there has been money. I definitely spend far more money on my cosplays now to make sure they’re as good looking and accurate as they can be! In addition, I’ve worked really hard to improve my makeup skills as well.

Rapunzel (DISNEY's TANGLED)
Photographer @brilanimagery

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I’m the Emergency department  secretary for a local children’s hospital!

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

I do children’s birthday parties, parades, hospital visits and charity work in my cosplays through a party company local to me! Aside from that, I’m really passionate about hiking and being outdoors in general.

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

I am not crafty by any means. I cannot sew or make things. I buy most of my costume pieces, and generally I feel like there are people who look down on cosplayers like me because they don’t consider it “real cosplaying” because I didn’t make it. The reason I buy instead of making things is because I know if I did try to make it, my cosplays would look horrible and I like being able to wear high quality, accurate cosplays so I can do my favorite characters justice!

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

I love Aloy, I love how detailed it is and how many pieces there are. Also Aloy is super badass so she’s my favorite character wise.

SpiderGwen (MARVEL COMICS)
Photo: Maija Fuentes

Where can people go to find you online?

Facebook: Ginger Punk Cosplay

Instagram: @gingerpunkcosplay 

Twitter: @gingpunkcosplay