Tell me about the outfit you are wearing !
Well, as you can tell I’m wearing Darth Vader. Its pretty self-explantory from there on out.
Tell me about the process of making your outfit – was it easier or tougher than you imagine it to be ?
Well, this is actually the third rendition of the costume. My first was originally just basic Master Replicas Darth Vader Sumpreme Costume, but over time I decided that I should of actually pieced together my very own Vader suit. After a previous rendition, this is final result that you see. Not one single piece on that entire outfit you see came together as a set. Everything was either ordered and pieced together, or I had to make it myself. The armor itself was a fiberglass blank piece, then I had to paint it. That actually automotive-grade car paint on the armor. Tough stuff. Plus the helmet I’m wearing is an extremely well-done piece from Master Replicas. Its one of only thousand pieces in existence. So at first the suit was somewhat easy when I got it as a kit. Then when I started to put my personal touch on things, it quickly became a very large task to handle. I still say it was worth it in the end though. I just love peoples reactions when I come from around a corner, or I come out of the elevator into a crowded elevator lobby. I just love it.
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con?
I’ve had numerous reactions from people. So many I can’t really remember any specific one at the moment, but I can usually norrow them down to catagories: Elevator moments. Small hallway moments. Cosplay Contest Moments. Random Dance Moments. Take your pick amongst those catagories and I can bet you’ll think of something funny. If its within the realm of reality, then its happened to me.
How did you get started cosplaying and what got you interested?
Well, for one I was congoer for about a year before I got into cosplay. I was always interested in cosplaying, but I never took the time to actually get into it, but still though liggered in the back of my head. Then finally, after about a year I decided to go ahead and do it. That first Darth Vader costume I had was my first cosplay by the way. Ever since then I’ve never looked back and continued forward. Always coming up with more costume ideas. I’m somewhat of an original in a way, that I cosplay as characters that I’ve created in my own head. Some people find it a little weird, but other enjoy it.
What con did you first attended?
Hmm, lets see. My first con was actually AnimeExpo 07 in Long Beach, California. That was a few years ago, but still my first and I’ll never forget it. I’ve been meaning to always go back someday, but for the most part I’ve decided that small more frequent cons in Texas are the ones I’m gonna stick with for now.
What’s your favorite con that you’ve attended so far and why?
Man, that a real toughfy. I can’t say I really have favorites, or at least I try not to pick favorites. Cause to me every con is somewhat unique, it has it own vibe and unique feel. Not every con gonna be the same no matter how much the try to plan it that way. I don’t even really attend the opening or closing cermonies when it comes to cons, just so that I can go from one con to the next without ever feeling that it ever really ended for me in the first place. I love the big cons all the way from A-kon. To the small cons all the way to Atsuicon (which so far has been a one-time only con). To me I love all cons, they’re all my favorites. I can’t just pick one. I need a little spicy variety when it comes to cons.
What does cosplay mean to you?
Holy Crap. Now thats a seriously tuff question. I guess to me its a ultimate feeling of expression. When you see something, and you feel that you must render that thing to reality somehow, you can. Its a chance to escape that which binds us, holds us down in our everyday lives, and gives us chance to let our imaginary spirits soar high above all that makes us feel weak. We can shed our everyday lives and feel free to express outselves in whatever way we feel. (Just as long as thats within a sensible manner of course. There are kids that attend these cons.) I guess all boiled down its a form of ultimate expresion and feeling of escapism. Just feeling free to express your creative talents. Whatever they may be.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay?
Now come on, thats just not far man. How can you expect me to answer a question like that. . . . . . I can’t. If its within the realm of possibility I can pick. My brain would grind to a hault and shutdown from imagination overload. I can’t answers that. Its too much for my brain to to even fathom or comprehend, not to mention ever come close to handling.
