Tell me about the outfit you are wearing – who are you cosplaying and how did you decide to pick this particular character ?
I am cosplaying M. Bison from Street Fighter. Street Fighter made a huge impression on me growing up, and even though Sagat is my fave character, Bison allowed me to build armor and install lights into the costume. I have been cosplaying M.Bison since 2003 and I keep improving him along the way. I believe he has made the most smiles of any costume I have made to date, so I’m going to keep going! –
Tell me about the process of making your outfit – was it easier or tougher than you imagine it to be ?
M.Bison was originally made in a span of a few months between work and other obligations. At this time my sewing skills were sub par so I had to ask for some help with that. However the armor was surprisingly easy if you had an eye for trash cans and plastic objects. I just found plastic shapes that worked and put it all together. The lights were a pain originally and I still have scars from electrical burns on my wrists. Since then I found some better enclosed LEDs. The costume was and is very ‘trial and error’ and it is still a work in progress. So long as it keeps making smiles I’ll keep working on and upgrading it!
Any interesting stories from people’s reaction to your outfit at the con ?
I have stopped traffic in this costume. Somebody actually pulled over and yelled out the window “Holy shit, its M. Bison!” One person started mock fighting me and when I blocked his forearm his watch broke on my armor. Most often though, the costume is met with kind praise. ^^
How did you get started cosplaying and what got you interested ?
A good friend of mine had just started cosplaying and I had been making a lot of costumes for halloween and other events, so I just fell into cosplay pretty quick.
What are the con did you first attended and what’s your favorite con that you’ve attended so far and why ?
My first full con was AX 2001. As for favorite, it would have to have been Ani- Magic back in its heyday. It was like an anime summer camp. You could rig up your window with a display and win prizes. Moreover there was just a strong feeling of community about it. It was quaint enough to generate that feeling of community and large enough to have great events. You have to be kinda hardcore to drive out to Lancaster for a con, and it brought in all the CA people that were.
What does cosplay mean to you ?
It is a medium that bring fantasy into reality. For me, I enjoy creating cool things and seeing the reactions on people’s faces. It is an art form that is done out of love and dedication, and money is not the goal.
If you had unlimited funds/technology/time, what is your dream cosplay ?
Heh, six lime green robot costumes that transform into construction vehicles and then merge into the Original Devastator from Transformers.
