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.

As 2019 draws to a close, we thought we'd send the year out with a frosty bang of some explosive cosplay.  Ladies and gentlement, it is our great pleasure to introduce you to our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, December 2019

Maiicosplay

Allura (CRITICAL ROLE)

What is your interest in cosplay?

In general, I just love the idea of being able to change into a different persona. I also just really like sewing, which is a more recent interest for me. I usually bought my costumes online (which I still do) but I recently finished my third self-made costume. I've improved a lot already, and realized how enjoyable sewing is for me.

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

Technically, my first experience was with a friend of mine when we were about 14/15. A big part of our friendship was watching the RESIDENT EVIL movie series. Although it's subject to harsh criticism, we still enjoyed it a lot.  In Denmark, during the last year of high school, the graduating class dresses up and hosts entertainment at the school theater. So, since i knew we had to come up with a costume, I suggested we should also go to a convention. We didn't have a lot of money, but made the costume with approximately 15-20 dollars, along with stuff from our closet. The costumes were nowhere near perfect. We also didn't get any wigs, and our hair didn't resemble the person we were cosplaying. But it was, whatever. We were only there for two hours, so I don't usually count it.

My actual first experience was at Comic Con Copenhagen in 2016. It was while BATMAN V. SUPERMAN and SUICIDE SQUAD were being promoted. My friend suggested we go as Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn - so of course I went ahead and spent lots of money on a costume. I had a great experience, and people loved our costumes.

Then i made a cosplay instagram, and it just continued from there.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

I started on small budgets, with no wigs or proper makeup. But then I got a job and could afford materials and costumes! Skill-wise, I went from not remembering how to thread  a needle to sewing a blue ballgown with the most ridiculously long sleeves, which i consider quite the success!

Jinx (LEAGUE OF LEGENDS)

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I just applied to a photography school, and I attend a film school once a week, where we produce four short films each year.

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

I spend alot of time as a photographer, for which I have a separate account. I mostly do cosplay photography (shocker), at @mai.captures.

Elsa (WALT DISNEY'S FROZEN)

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

I personally don't care if people buy or create their costumes, especially since i do both myself. Some costumes I want to do, but simply dont have the skill or time for, so then ordering it online or doing a commission saves more time and money.

People have all kinds of reasons for cosplaying. Some do it because they just like dressing up, which in the end we all do. But for a lot of other people it's also because they like crafting and sewing, which is why some people buy, and some people make it themselves. Neither is wrong as long as you enjoy it.

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

I really love wearing Yennefer (WITCHER). The costume is warm, elegant and comfortable to wear. The wig I use for her has such nice volume I cant help but feel kind of... 'vogue' almost, haha!

Where can people go to find you online?

Facebook: @maiicosplay
Instagram: @maiicosplay