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, we extend our reach across the globe to Russia, where we find a talented cosplayer who works hand in hand with an equally talented photographer. The results are bewitching, and we couldn't be happier to share with you, our readers, the...

Critical Blast Bombshell, September 2020

Saint Hysteria

Jean Grey as Phoenix (MARVEL COMICS)
Photo Credit: Elena Vesania

What is your interest in cosplay?

I think that cosplay is the best hobby ever. I've always been a creative person since childhood, but when I started playing video games and then saw cosplay of favorite characters, it completely charmed me.

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

Friends invited me to become X-23 (Laura Kinney from X-MEN) for a Halloween photoshoot. Then I took part at the cosplay festival as Poison Ivy in 2016. This magical atmosphere captured me and now cosplay is my favorite hobby!

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

At first I did cosplay to have fun with friends, and some selected characters were imposed by others. Since then I've begun to choose only my faves, and am doing more independent projects now.

Yennefer of Vengerberg (THE WITCHER)
Photo Credit: Elena Vesania

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

Cosplay is just my hobby, albeit an expensive one. I am pleased when my subscribers want to support me with money, but my main income is working as an engineer in security systems. And it's really top secret. ;)

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

So many trips to various conventions have been planned for this year. But the pandemic has its own plans, so we are waiting for 2021 and hope, that it will be a healthy year.

Alice Liddell (ALICE: MADNESS RETURNS)
Photo Credit: Elena Vesania

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

First of all, this is a huge scope for needlework. I like to do everything except sewing. Honestly, I don't have a sewing machine and always hated it since high school. It's easier for me to make money and pay for tailoring in the workshop, but otherwise I'm very proud of those things that are made entirely by hand.

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

I'm in love with Yennefer. When I started making this character, there was already a huge mass of cosplay for her. But only a small part, in my opinion, was really able to convey her person well, and I decided to show my version.

Where can people go to find you online?

VK and Instagram.