Adventures of Amanda's Cosplay Cosplay Fanat

HOMETOWN: Pickens, SC
RESIDENCE: Greenville, SC
SCHOOL: Pickens High School, then I graduated college a few years ago.
HOBBIES: Other than cosplay, I enjoy writing novels and graphic novels. I currently have a graphic novel I’m hoping to get published soon. It deals with a few of my favorite subjects: old punk music, confusing morals, and post apocalyptic settings. Also, I collect action figures.
ZODIAC SIGN: Aquarius

CF. How did you get into cosplay, who did you portray first, and why?

Amanda: I first started cosplaying a little after high school. Horror movie special effects had always fascinated me, and it irritated me how inaccurate Halloween costume were. So every year for Halloween, I started creating my own outfits. I had never been to a convention at that point and had only heard rumors of this amazing thing called cosplay. So my friends and I decided to throw a cosplay party one day and decided to wear outfits of our favorite characters. The first cosplay I ever did was Haruko from FLCL. No pictures exist of it, and there’s a reason: I had no idea what I was doing, so it looked rather… not good to say the least. I even used the Halloween store hair spray to turn my hair pink. Remember: Everyone starts somewhere.

CF. What’s the best part of cosplay?

Amanda: The people I meet! I have made the most amazing and inspiring friends in this hobby. I look forward to every convention because I get to hang out with my con buddies and see what outfits they’ve come up with. I also adore the looks on people’s faces when I cosplay their favorite character. Nothing beats that. There’s an instant connection of shared interest, and it’s such a great feeling.

CF. If you could be any super hero or villain who would you be and why?

Amanda: Ooh, this is a tough question. I think I would be Pixie of the X-Men. She has a great set of powers: Flight, teleportation, pixie dust, and a blade made out of a piece of her soul. Also, pretty pink hair!

CF. If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?

Amanda: I would love to meet Neil Gaiman again. He has always been a huge inspiration to me as a writer and artist, so when I finally met him. I ended up stuttering like a fool. I’ve met quite a few of my heroes, but he was the only one I completely geeked out on. So I’d like to have a redo of that moment and just tell him what an inspiration he has been to me.

CF. What’s your favorite sci-fi movie and what captivates about the plot?

Amanda: Hmm, can I count Sci-Fi shows in this too? Because if so, I’d have to say Firefly (if it has to be movie, I’ll say Serenity). That’s probably a cliche answer, but I’m such a big fan. What I love about this show is how well written and unique the characters and dialogue are. It’s easy to let a sci-fi show drown in its own universe, but Firefly grounds it with a strong crew that cares about each other. It’s so easy to fall in love with the series.

CF. What’s the craziest thing a fan sent you or requested?

Amanda: It wasn’t sent to me or requested, but I did once have someone show up at my door in the middle of the night to tell me how much he loved my work. He said he recognized my car in the driveway. I’ve never posted photos of my car or even mentioned it online. It was kinda creepy, not gonna lie.

CF. What sidekick would you hire to be your personal assistant and why?

Amanda: Brock Samson! Then again, he could easily take on all the enemies by himself… Hm, perhaps I’ll be a villain instead and collaborate with Dr Girlfriend (Or Dr Mrs the Monarch). I think we’d make a terrific villainous team.

CF. What character intimidates the heck out of you, why, and when will you attempt take the challenge to portray them?

Amanda: I’d love to do a fully functioning Iron Man suit of armor one day, but I’m not sure my armor skills are to that level quite yet. I know I’d be obsessive over the details and want it to be perfect. Maybe when I’m a bit more confident in my armor skills, I’ll attempt it.

CF. Do you know a lot about the series you cosplay?

Amanda: Absolutely. I tend to obsess over the series I’m cosplaying from and watch it religiously as I work on the outfit. For example, I’m working on a few X-Men cosplays now, so I’ve already watched X-Men the Animated Series and X-Men Evolution, as well as picked up a ton of new comics that I was behind on.

CF. What’s your favorite comic con to attend and what makes it so special?

Amanda: This is another tough choice. It’s kind-of a tie between MomoCon, DragonCon, and HeroesCon. I like them all for various reasons. The people I meet, the art I see (and have to buy), the amazing outfits I get to see in person. There are many reasons to go to cons.

CF. What comic con’s are definitely attending this year?

Amanda: So far, I’ve been to IchibanCon, NashiCon, and MomoCon. I had to miss HeroesCon this year since I’ll be in Japan the next week. Then I’ll be going to MonsterCon (where I’ll be a cosplay guest, so come see one of my panels!), DragonCon, and Anime Weekend Atlanta.

CF. What’s one thing you wish fans wouldn’t do?

Amanda: I’m really laid back, so things rarely irritate me. The only thing I can think of would be the guys that send me crude, sexual message, or comment crudely about my outfit. That’s uncalled for. Just because I’m in a cosplay doesn’t mean I’m a fictional character that you can say such demeaning things to.

CF. Who was your favorite character to portray and what rocked about it?

Amanda: It was probably Pixie of the X-Men. I went to HeroesCon dressed as her, and so many little girls immediately connected with the outfit. They had no idea who she was, but they adored the bright pink hair and wings. I really don’t think younger girls have many strong superheroines to look up to, so I like to think Pixie is a character that would help the younger generation get more into comics. Plus, it was fun to see their eyes light up as they asked if my hair and wings were real and if I could fly. The answer was yes to all of those, of course.

CF. How do you keep cosplay fun?

Amanda: I always pick characters I’m a huge fan of, and I always have my friends there to help me. Cosplaying with friends is always a lot of fun. I’ve done two collaborating cosplays with my friend Tiffany Diaz: Etna from Disgaea (with Tiffany as Flonne) and Sailor Scout Marceline (with Tiffany as Sailor Scout Bubblegum). I also plan on cosplaying with my friend Megabolt Cosplay soon, and I’ll be in a huge X-Men group this year as well!

CF. Where can new fans go to follow you?

Amanda: If you’d like to support me, you can follow my page: www.facebook.com/amandafinleycrafts

CF. Other than this interview, what’s the craziest thing you agreed to do?

Amanda: Dress in gray body paint for Marceline and walk barefoot through an abandoned, broken glass-filled building for a photoshoot. Then attempt to float in photos.

CF. In your opinion what’s the meaning of life?

Amanda: Be open minded and kind. Read good books. Watch good movies. And most of all, create.