What got you into cosplay?
Hmmm... well, it was first introduced to me by the anime club at my old university (Indiana University of Pennsylvania, or IUP). It just seemed like something I would be interested in, as I always liked dressing up for Halloween and this would give me another excuse to dress up. I guess I like being able to show off a costume and get some attention from people who also like costumes...
What was your first costume and why?
Lt. Zechs Merquise from "Gundam Wing". I've always thought those white-masked Gundam characters were really cool. They're very strong, deep characters with an interesting history behind their masks. Took quite a while to get all those white foam pieces glued onto that old white bicycle helmet, but in the end it was worth it.
What is your favorite costume and why?
I'd have to say good 'ol Zechs is still my favorite, for the reasons listed above.
Do you have a dream costume you'd like to make?
I think right now that would be Priss Asagiri (in her armor) from "Bubblegum Crisis". Such a cool outfit, I'd love to have one like that. And I'd just love to see the reactions people get when they hear my deep voice emanating from behind her helmet and realize that I'm in fact a male.
What has been your most memorable cosplay experience?
My first masquerade performance (see below)
Do you participate in masquerades?
Yes. I performed a masquerade skit at Tekkoshocon 2005, and more recently at Con-nichiwa 2011. I've also done two walk-ons.
What was your best masquerade experience?
My first masquerade performance was at Tekkoshocon 2005. I wore my Lt. Zechs Merquise costume and Kyle (another member of the IUP anime club) wore my Lt. Char Aznable costume. Our skit was basically an argument about who was the better Gundam Character, with a surprise for the ending.
Have you won any awards for your costumes?
Nothing major like "best craftsmanship", "best performance", or "best in show", but I've won two judges awards. One for Capt. Byakuya Kuchiki (Bleach) and one for Makoto Shishio (Rurouni Kenshin).
Tell us a little about yourself
I'm a two time graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in biology. However, that particular career path did not work out, so I obtained an Associates degree in med lab science from Pima Community College (PCC) and my current profession is med lab technician. Some of my interests other than cosplay include hiking, collecting (seashells, keychains, and Magic: The Gathering cards), crafts, and Tae Kwon Do (I'm a first degree black belt).
My favorite anime
Inu Yasha, Bleach, anything Gundam
My favorite game(s)
The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, and Metroid series
My favorite book(s)
The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia series
My favorite character(s)
Zechs Merquise, Char Aznable, Rau Le Creuset
My favorite movies(s)
Anything Star Wars