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.

This month our quest takes us into the world of anime and gaming, to find a cosplayer whose work is a royal treat. Equally comfortable with dark princes and fairy princesses, we are happy to introduce  you now to our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, September 2019

Mako

What is your interest in cosplay?

I do cosplay just to have fun. Simple as that. It's a nice way to connect to other people that have the same interest. Some of the friends I have now I have met through various conventions throughout the years. It's also fun to work on collaborations with other people. It's nice to bounce ideas off of one another on how to do something.

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

I've always enjoyed dressing up. Halloween is my favorite holiday because you can be whatever you want for one whole night. As soon as I found out that there were events that you can dress up for a whole weekend and hang out with other nerds - yep I said it - I jumped right in head first. My very first con was at the Syracuse Hero's Expo where I cosplayed as Hollow Ichigo.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

i went from purchasing my costumes on eBay to making them. Back when I first started to cosplay, there weren't any resources or materials available like there are today. Back then, I either dyed my hair, or used that leave-in spray color in a can that you buy from SPIRITS, to get my hair the right color, and then pray that the costume I purchased fit or was the right color or  look. 

Now I can go to JoAnn's and purchase my fabric, pattern, and other materials.  And I get my wigs from Arda. Every time I make a costume, I always learn a new technique. The last cosplay I made was Trevor Belmont from the Castlevania Lords of Shadow series. With that one I learned to make foam armor. I still need a lot more practice, but that's the fun part about cosplay. It's ever-evolving and there's no one way on how to do make something.

Princess Euphemia Li Britannia (Code Geass)
Photo: Zorra Cosplay and Photography

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

People can find me at the local health food/ supplement store helping and educating the community about creating a healthier you, or at home gardening. When I'm not cosplaying or at work, I am having some dirt therapy outside playing with my plants.

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

i volunteer at a Haunted House during Halloween time - Raven Haven. It's a free local haunted house hosted by some amazing people who just want to create a place where families can enjoy themselves and get a scare in. I've been helping out for 7 years now, and every year we come up with new make-ups and characters to entertain the masses with.

San (Princess Mononoke)
Photo: Mako

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 as I can before I purchase something. My San cosplay from Princess Mononoke is a really good example. I made everything BUT the mask and the ears. Those I had 3D printed. It's okay to not have a costume 100% homemade. Not all of us either have the time nor the skill set to do everything, but that's what's fun about cosplay; you get to collaborate with other artist.

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

Ooh, thats a tough one because i love them all. Euphemia from Code Geass. I love puffy princess dresses, and she has puff! I made my own petticoat to make it puff out more. Not to mention those wings and the pink hair--I feel very Princess-like while wearing it, which is the total opposite of me. I have tattoos and dark hair.

Where can people go to find you online?

Facebook: GundamFenris Cosplay
Instagram: GundamFenris