My next interviewee, Brian, is also from the great province of New Brunswick. He's been a big fan of comics by Marvel and DC since he was a young boy, and to this day he is still a big kid at heart.
Dani- How long have you been cosplaying, and what inspired you to start?
Brian- 2014 will be my 4th year cosplaying in this fun-filled hobby! As a kid, I always enjoyed Marvel and DC comics when I had a chance to see them at the local grocery stores. Selection was very slim for titles that would come in compared to your local comic shops that we now have today. Sometimes I would receive a comic from a childhood friend. His older brother had a huge collection and would give out the comics that no longer had a cover on them. Cover or not, it was the best thing a kid could get... *laugh*. I guess you could say that this love for the story and characters made way for what I really appreciate doing today! In 2011, I met Scott Bell (who is known for being Sabertooth). We both were into comics and chatted about what we liked about comics and sci-fi shows. Scott told me about a comic convention that was being held in Halifax, NS called "Hal-Con" in the month of October of that year, and asked if I'd like to go with him and Kevin St. Pierre (who is known for being Wolverine). It didn't take me long to say "YES"! The Captain America movie came out that year and didn't take long for me to think of who I wanted to go as. I went as the WWII version of Captain America with the leather jacket and blue helmet with the letter "A" painted on it. I also found a very talented man who goes by Saintjohn Ironbat who you can find on FB! This genius made Ironman armor and was able to make me the WWII version of Caps Shield which was, and still is the best thing ever!
D- What would you say are some of the things that prevent people from cosplaying even if they want to?
B- Hmmm! There would be a lot of reasons no doubt. It all depends on each case as they would say! Age may be a factor. Some may say that they are too old and that its just for kids. Some may think that they could not portray a character that they enjoy and who would love to become for a day or weekend. Some may worry what others will think about their hobby (those who may not really understand what this is all about). Time (Family / work or other responsibilities that they may have) and money (making or purchasing pieces of your costume/ or full costume) may be a factor as well.
D- There's been a lot of negative views on what Cosplaying is. What does Cosplay mean to you?
B- Cosplay means choosing your favorite characters that you wish to become, and portraying them the best that you can. The number one rule is to have "FUN". Without this, it's all for nothing! Do not worry about being perfect, just do what you can and focus next year to improve what you may not have liked, or the weak spots. Challenge yourself in creating your character but do not lose the enjoyment of finally completing what you envision. I was doing this with my Captain America Cosplay. After my WWII version, I searched out people who were and had experience making items that would go for my character because I could not make them to what I wanted them to be. I have to thank Saintjohn Ironbat for the shields, Alicia Robichaud for the cutting pattern of the gloves and shirt while attempting my 1st try at the comic version of Captain America, and Scott Whipple for the boots and Captain America cloth cowls. For the life of me, this would not be possible without their help. After that year I still tried to challenge myself on the quest to reach my final Jack Kirby version of Captain America that was reached last November in 2013. Took me 3 years to reach what I wanted but it was worth the journey to reach it!
D- What cosplays have you done since you started cosplaying?
B- Captain America was my 1st main focus. I really loved reading the Captain America comics done by Jack Kirby! I really like the retro kind of heroes. Last year I was able to make and manipulate clothing to create the 60's version of the X-men's "Beast" and Dr. Midnight from the Justice Society of America. I am now going for Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns Batman. I am looking forward to see this come alive this year!
D- You probably have a favourite and one that was the most challenging so if you had to pick a favourite and categorise one as being challenging to do which ones would it be?
B- Captain America hands down! Last year I made the scale top of Cap's costume with the star made out of vinyl. This was the most difficult challenge that I had. I used my thumb as a pattern for the scales. Once this was done, I went on to trace the pattern on the vinyl sheet and then cut them out. Over 1000's pieces were cut out and then I had to place them on a shirt to make the scale top come alive. It took me nearly a year before completing. At one point, I had to put it away for about 3 months just so that I can regain focus to try and figure out how to fix the weak spots that were giving me a challenge, mainly the outer chest and under the arms were the most challenging. The star was done by trying to find the right size to fit the shirt. Made a lot of stars that day...
Photographer: Alicia Robichaud
D- There are many different ways to go about putting together a cosplay such as buying, making, or commissioning them. So how do you go creating your cosplays?
B- Depending on what you may need to make your character come alive. My Captain America cosplay needed all 3 in order to come to life for me. Dr. Midnight and the Beast turned out to be the simpler ones to make. Frank Miller's Dark Knight Batman will be a bit of making and purchasing in order to complete. I am looking forward to doing this as soon as possible when the time permits.
D-Have you gotten any awards for your cosplay and what was the experience like?
B-I enter the "representation" category. No awards given here. The experience is a blast! I love it when you walk on stage and hear the people in front of you clapping and hopefully knowing that they really like what we do. Just to represent your favourite character is the most satisfying experience that I will never forget. I have created an album that holds those pictures of all my convention memories with some great folks new and old!
D-What do you enjoy most about cosplaying and what is the downside?
B- What I really enjoy about cosplaying is the people that you meet and the cool costumes that are there! You have a sense of feeling as if this is second nature, something that you are comfortable in doing. My real biggest experience and enjoyment is when you see little tykes faces when they see you and get a picture with them. Just seeing their eyes and expression is priceless and is well worth the time and challenge in doing what you do. We really are all big kids at heart but when you see the kids being excited, or in awe, nothing makes you feel more that you are doing it right! The downside of cosplaying is when it is a contest of who’s bigger or the best, searching for popularity status, putting others down because of lack of self confidence or lack of respect towards others. To segregate others in the hobby from fitting in, or joining the fun (which may ruin their experience in this hobby), rude comments and unwanted comments (like they say, if you have nothing good to say, KEEP IT SHUT) in other words, useless and unwanted drama. FUN and RESPECT should be what cosplaying is all about but alas not everyone may look at this as simply as others. No matter the activity, these types will be there. It's up to you to not fall into their "trap" and let this ruin your love or interest in cosplaying. For whatever reason this may happen to anyone, just stay strong and be the bigger person. Just be true to yourself and be real.
D- As a cosplayer what would you like to see for the future of cosplay and the cosplay community?
B- What I would like to see for the future of cosplay and the cosplay community is to keep a positive attitude and strive to be respectful and considerate to one another. In other words keep having fun and make great memories while enjoying this wonderful hobby! KEEP 'EM FLYING!!!!
D- Finally if people wanted to know more info about your work where would they go to get it?
B- Here is my link to my FB page Dani! https://www.facebook.com/brian.plummer.31
Thank you very much for this opportunity to share my experience and views in this great hobby. Keep the kid in you alive always!!! Cheers!!!
Hey guys, sorry for the late video update, but as an apology, here's three videos instead of one. We're finally putting up the game show videos from DTAC 2013 back in December. They have been held up due to a copyright issue, but they're finally here! Give them a look.
