Member Since 08-08-2004

United States

New York

What got you into cosplay?
Basically, I love to act. As an actor, I feel that costumes help to put you into character, and sometimes even dictate the character itself. Since I really enjoy character acting, I take this notion quite seriously. So I enjoy wearing a costume to get into a different role, which led me to cosplaying. I figured that I love my favorite anime and video game characters, so why not make costumes of them and perform as them? What keeps me involved and interested in cosplay is the masquerade scene, because it allows me to do these things while also working my creative juices to create stories that people find entertaining even years after they were performed. ^_^
What was your first costume and why?
Technically, my first costume was a really crap Great Saiyaman, but I never finished it. Ditto for my first attempt at "Dead or Alive's" Ein. My first real one was Buu Saga Vegeta. I give myself credit for having the balls to wear tight workout clothes when I didn't have the right body for it at the time. 0_0; But hey, it worked out in the end. I did it 'cause I LOVE Vegeta, and the costume was easy enough to do. Plus, since I can impersonate both American dub voices, it was easy to make it a very believable Vegeta. If I ever upgrade it, I'll add pics of it someday.
What is your favorite costume and why?
There is only one which truly defines me as a cosplayer: Shuyin. Although I was to retire the costume the same year I debuted it, it's gone on to earn me recognition and a solid identity as a cosplayer. For those reasons, I'm truly grateful to that costume and that character. ^_^
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
If I make it, you'll see;-)
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
The moment I wore Shuyin in public for the first time. I literally walked out of the elevator after putting it on and got blitzed by photographs. That was the moment that told me all the hard work and close calls that came with making that costume had been worth it. ^_^
Do you participate in masquerades?
Yes.
What was your best masquerade experience?
Draw between two of my last cosplays: BAAF 2003 and Anime Next 2004. At BAAF, I performed in my Ein costume and did a martial arts routine I worked out with my instructors the week before. I had to adjust on the fly, and since I was only a low level intermediate rank at the time my techniques weren't stunning, but it was good for my level and I had a blast that night pumping up the crowd so much without having to say a word. Anime Next was great 'cause it was my first group cosplay, and I was not only proud of the costume I had, but proud of the skit 'cause it was a potpourri of the experiences I had at Animazement a month before, as well as a concept so totally original that I never even THOUGHT I could come up with it if I'd tried. And being a writer, and doing exactly that on a normal basis, this is a BOLD statement. ^_^; UPDATE (7-18-2006): After what went down this year, I'd have to say my new favorite is the "Gundam Seed Hotline" sketch from Katsucon '06. This was undoubtedly the toughest skit I've ever worked on, and despite all the hassles, BS, and everything, it was apparently the kind of skit I wanted to be involved in: revolutionary. If I had the kind of resources that were available to me then, I would've done every skit I've ever involved myself in just like that.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
If my torso counts, then yes. Lol. I won a judge's prize at Otakon 2004, and they dubbed it the "Sexy Torso Prize" for me. I was SO proud since I've always tried hard to win at least SOME accolades for my performances (and that time, costume). ^_^ UPDATE (2-28-2008): So yeah, while I've won a crapton of performance awards to the point where anyone who rolls with me now is competing as a Master, as of New York Anime Fest 2007, I added to that list by acquiring my first Best in Show award for the skit "Keep it Simple, Keep it Uniform" which I did with my friend Minuberry for a chance at the WCS. ^_____^ I followed it up soon thereafter with a Best in Show for the skit "The Ballad of La Resistance" at Katsucon 2008 which I did with the help of too many people to list here. XD
Tell us a little about yourself
(ADDED 12/3/07) Well, as everyone has probably seen by now, I'm co-hosting Anime News Network TV, which was pretty much the excuse I needed to get back into the con scene. I'm still aspiring to many things with entertainment, including trying to break into Anime Dubs to keep my con roots firm while getting steady acting work, but nonetheless, I hope everyone who comes by goes to check it out and supports the program...y'know, 'cause I would like to keep my more fun job, lol. ^_~
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'm a horrible liar, even if unintentionally...XD Bottom line, because of new opportunities in my life, both personal and job related (see above XD), I'm now back for more shenanigans! It's been six years since my first con....I look forward to another six (and maybe more! ^_~) with all the wonderful friends and fans I've made and hope to make along the way! ~No matter what feuds may start, no matter what chaos the outside world may bring, and no matter what direction the winds of our lives may take us all in...I hope that all our bonds remain strong for life, and that at least the good memories we have of each other may be indelible.~ -11/19/07