January Bombshell, Kelly Poynter, Hits Bulls-eye with Worthy Cosplay

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Submitted by Critical Blast Staff on Tue, 01/01/2019 - 04:00

Wow. 2018 has just flown right by! Hard to believe we've seen twelve incredible cosplayers already, and with our January 2019 Critical Blast Bombshell, it looks like there's no end to the creative people who are out there making our heroes pop out of the pages and screens and into the real world!

And every once in a while, you find a cosplayer who does a character you not only merely recognize, but whom you would swear was lifted right out of the medium and placed into the world. This month's Bombshell is definitely in that category, and one month in is already on target to be our Bombshell of the Year for 2019. (Granted, he's in a field of one right now, and we'll be adding eleven more to the competition before the year is out -- but for the next 31 days, the odds are definitely in his favor!)

So let's draw back the curtain on a new year -- and a new cosplay Bombshell feature -- as we proudly present to you, our readers, the...

Critical Blast Bombshell, January 2019

Kelly Poynter

Green Arrow (DC COMICS)
Photo Credit: @thehampresents

What is your interest in cosplay?

Cosplay has always been a part of my life, even when cosplay wasn’t the enormous cultural presence it is today. I grew up in San Diego and hit CCI every single summer, and dressing up for it is what ya did! Now it plays a different role in my life, as it is a source of motivation and encouragement for me to continue my health and weight loss journey. It also provides a way for me to try and spread some positivity and light out into the world with motivation posts, or just something I hope helps make someone laugh. It’s also allowed me a chance to serve others in my community, which has been absolutely amazing.

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

I guess I kinda touched on it above, but San Diego CC was an every summer thing. I’d go as an attendee, or when I eventually worked at a local comic shop, a vendor. My first experience with cosplay was going as Quailman from DOUG, my favorite cartoon as a kid, and the reactions from people were the funniest.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

That’s a great question, and looking back at it, there isn’t a single piece of my GA cosplay that hasn’t evolved in someway. When I started, I used to have black around my eyes. I don’t know why, but now I use green to give it a classic domino look. The brim of my hat is longer, a new streamlined tunic is used, full silver age gloves or updated more accurate bracers, two never quivers instead of something made of fabric, military belts and floral foam, new material for the tights and several different boot types.

Unworthy Thor (MARVEL COMICS)

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

My wife and I own a small business (PinPoyntfx), where we sell costume pieces, custom handbags and her art! I used to do voice over at one time, but haven’t since we moved from California.

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

Socially, I have a wide variety of interests. I love movies, video games and hockey. The gym is a huge part of my life, and I sport GA stuff all the time to help motivate me while I’m there. The cosplay scene in Utah is pretty large, so charity events are constant, and we are given lots of chances to serve those around us.

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

My wife does the majority of my costume, and I have a friend that does the leather armor pieces. I’m lucky enough to be sponsored by an amazing PVC bow company, Ivory Forge, who take care of my needs there. I don’t think making or buying your stuff is important at all. The big question you have to ask is, do you love the way you look? Are you having an absolute blast doing this? People who are talented enough to make their own stuff are awesome to talk to about it and get tips, but if you aren’t cosplaying just because you can’t make it? Stop that. Go and have fun!

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

Green Arrow, hands down. I have several different looks, but my classic Denny O’Neil era version is my favorite.

Green Arrow (DC COMICS)
Photo Credit: @tammohawk.photography