No, your eyes do not deceive you. After having missed May, we have a new cosplayer for our monthly Critical Blast Bombshell feature. This go round, we pull in another member of the male cosplay community (because we're all about equal representation that way).

You might say he's a bit of an outsider. He's built solid enough to take a hit from a crowbar. (Am I robbin' the pun jar too much?) 

Okay, enough with the attempts at cleverness and let's move on to why you're really here: to meet our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, June 2019

Jay Pines

What is your interest in cosplay?

Cosplay has really made an impact in my life. It helped me grow, and it encouraged me to get out of my shell and experience what the world has to offer. I cosplay in support of all those who have come from similar situations, and hope to inspire others to go one this creative journey.

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

A few years ago I had heard of a new convention coming to Vancouver, and me and my best friend at the time were super excited to go but knew next to nothing about conventions. We decided to do a little research and stumbled upon cosplay and the cosplay community. So that same day we both started on Captain America cosplays, and the rest is history. 

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

When I first started cosplaying, the extent of my costuming knowledge was how to use a glue gun and that's it! Fast forward a little over 9 years and I'm now an award winning costume designer in the film industry. Its amazing how my passion has helped me find my career path.

Red Ronin
Photo: Richard Grayson Photography

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I'm currently working as a Craft Beer specialist in a liquor store, and do Costume Design part time.

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

I am currently working on getting a fan film off the ground for Red Hood, we are currently working on a teaser trailer that will lead into a Kickstarter. Fingers crossed we get enough to make it happen. Eventually I'd like to branch out more on the charity aspect of cosplay, but for now the film has taken up most of time. 

Red Hood (DC COMICS)
Photo: Richard Grayson Photography

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

My Favourite cosplay has to by far be Jason Todd AKA The Red Hood. The character and I both have gone through such tragic crisis in our lives and both keep coming out strong no matter how difficult the situation we've been faced with. Jason will always be my go to costume for favourites, though I dont know what version out of the various different ones I've done!

Where can people go to find you online?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPinesCosplay/
Instagram: @Jay_Pines
Deviant Art: https://www.deviantart.com/jaypines
Cosplay Amino: https://aminoapps.com/c/cosplay/page/user/jay-pines/PbUP_fNGWBleZ3z1jlNwkLdrLlrDz3