Are You Ready For Knightmage Cosplay? Cosplay Fanat

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio
RESIDENCE: Youngstown, Ohio
SCHOOL: Lutheran High School East/Youngstown State University
HOBBIES: Cosplaying, Gym, Movies, Video Games, outdoor adventuring
ZODIAC SIGN: Leo

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

KM:-It all started when I decided to make a Halloween costume in 2011. I’ve always loved to dress up for Halloween. This time I wanted to make my own costume. I chose The Green Lantern John Stewart. I chose that character not just because I liked him but because the design seemed simple enough to do. I knew of cosplaying but I had no idea how big that world really was. Believe it or not I had never been to a convention before. Once I made that costume I started doing a few local charity events which led me into creating my second costume then third and so on. A few well known cosplayers took notice of me online and started asking what conventions I attend. Well, again I had never been to one. I finally attended my first convention, Cincinnati Comic Expo in the fall of 2012. I’ve been addicted ever since, obviously.

CF. What’s the best part of cosplay?

KM:-Honestly I don’t think I can pinpoint it down to just one thing. It’s all the best to me. From the spark of your idea to creating it. From stepping on to the convention floor in your prideful creation to doing charity events. From seeing your costume being praised to you seeing it in photos. Cosplaying is a confidence booster as well as an inspiring tool for others. There’s so many positive aspects to it and they’re all equally awesome to me.

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

KM:-I’m sure it’s a popular answer but Superman. So much power and so much good that can be done it.

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

KM:-Wow. I’ve really got nothing on this one.

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

KM:-Another hard question. I would have to go with a trilogy. The Matrix. While I will admit that the third movie is a bit “lacking” it’s such a really cool story and idea. The visuals are insane and the soundtrack gets you pumped up. You start imaging yourself as Neo.

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

KM:-I haven’t had anything crazy sent to me. For requests I have had people, both male and female ask me to model nude in pieces of my costume. I thought that only happened to the women.

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

KM:-I would have to say Robin (Dick Grayson). He’s loyal and talented.

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

KM:-It’s a weird answer considering I’ve already created him. Spawn. That character intimidated me so much. Probably my favorite character design wise. I had no idea how to tackle the costume so I just jumped in without forethought like I do all my others. It sill intimidates me because there’s so many other awesome versions of the character that I want to do. My goal is to do a new version every year. I already have 2 down. Original Spawn and Wings of Redemption.

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

KM:-For the most part yes. Even if I don’t at the time I do research on the character to learn. I find nothing wrong with wanting to cosplay a character simply based on your liking the costume design. However my advice is to do a crash course on the character for a few different reasons. It’s almost guaranteed that someone will approach you wanting to talk about the character you’re cosplaying. You don’t want to just sit there looking like a deer in headlights. At least have a general working knowledge about the character so you can hold a small conversation with a fellow fan . Also it’s good to do research for your own look. Meaning for photos. You made or bought this awesome costume. You don’t want to take photos just standing there like a yearbook photo. You want to be able to do something cool and pose character-esque of the person. Sao again, even if you don’t know much starting off by the time you finish you’ll be good to go with some knowledge.

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

KM:-It’s a tie between The Cincinnati Comic Expo and C2E2. The Expo because that’s where it all started for me. Not to mention it’s a really good show. C2E2 because that was my first opportunity to really break out of my shell. That’s the convention that really set so much in motion for me cosplay wise.

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

KM:-For the rest of the year. WV Pop, Dragon Con, Connecticut ComiConn, Cincinnati Comic Expo, NYCC, Tyler Rose Comic Con, Wizard World Ohio, Pittsburgh Comic Con

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

KM:-Be negative. Often the best thing is just not to say anything at all. Especially when it comes to cosplaying. There’s no need to belittle another person’s creation. It’s not constructive criticism. It’s just being a trollish a-hole.

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

KM:-It’s a 4 way tie between Batman, Spawn, Snake Eyes and now Lobo. Batman because of the kids. All kids love Batman. To have their eyes light up and just want to give Batman a hug or high five is the greatest feeling in the world. Spawn because plain and simple I feel like a badass. When I walk I feel like people are moving out the way in fear. Snake Eyes because well, who doesn’t want to be a cool ninja? With all the gear I just feel like I’m ready to take on Cobra. And now Lobo. With him I’m embracing that inner bad boy.

CF. How do you keep cosplay fun?

KM:-Simple. I keep it positive. When you keep things positive you keep it fun. I’m all about inspiring through cosplay. Whether it be helping someone create and become something magical or to become more involved in the community with charity work.

CF. Where can new fans go to follow you?

KM:-I can be followed on my Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/knightmage1 or on Twitter @Knightmage

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

KM:-Well, this one time at band camp……Just kidding. In College I didn’t exactly go streaking through the quad but I did go make nude snow angels in it. It wouldn’t have been bad if the roomies didn’t lock me out of the dorm.

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

KM:-To live it in such a positive way that it becomes immortalized in the thoughts of generations to follow.