Cosplay Interview - Mike Foster (a.k.a. MangaChild)

Cosplay interviews! A weekly feature on Animetion where we talk to cosplayers on what motivates them, plus a cool gallery showcasing their cosplays. Here we talk to English cosplayer:

Name: Mike Foster
(a.k.a. MangaChild)

Q: When did you start cosplaying and how long for?

My first cosplay was @ October Expo 2006 and am still cosplaying now so almost 2 and a half years now :S

Q: What attracts you cosplay?

I normally cosplay a character because I like them or I vaguely resemble them in looks or otherwise. While cosplaying its almost like having temporary celebrity status, having strangers recognise you as fans of the series and asking to take your photo. It's a great experience.

Then meeting other cosplayers and anime fans is all part of the experience as well. It's very social as you make friends, discuss and discover new anime and costumes too...

There is also the aspect of the challenge to take something 2D from the comic book, TV or video game and make it 3D...

Q: What has been your favourite cosplay?

I think the costume I am most proud of is Clive from an old PS2 RPG called Wild Arms 3, closely followed by Tessai from Ninja Scroll.

Q: Most memorable moment whilst cosplaying?

I’ve had soo many positive experiences with cosplay its hard to draw on the most memorable. Theres my first time on stage as Ichigo with my girlfriend as Rukia (both characters from Bleach - ed.) and then learning to sew. There is our first skit at Minamicon 13 (click here to see the skit) and also Being asked by a great group of established cosplayers to join their Wild Arms Group at Minamicon 14 the following year.

Q: Have you had any cosplays go wrong/encountered problems whilst making cosplays?

With every costume, no matter how big or small, there will always be challenges as the character designs are far from realistic. This is all part of the fun, finding the solutions to these problems and hoping it all holds together for a day lol.

My favourite mishap was with Clive from Wild Arms the scope fell off the rifle as I was about to walk on stage lol :D

The least favourite mishap was working with latex and then having an allergic reaction :S

Q: Have you ever regretted cosplaying?

The only time I regret cosplaying is when I think about how much I've spent on a costume :S

Q: Have you ever done group cosplay? If so how did you find that experience?

Group cosplays are great. It's so much fun to have friends around you, or even strangers, as your characters can play off each other or even crossover and mix different characters from different series :)

I personally find if I am entering a masquerade in a group you have a lot more of fun. It settles your nerves somewhat as your focusing on a performance rather than worrying about what to do on stage. You tend stay on stage for much longer than a walk on/off. Also as far as judging goes as there is a performance aspect to scoring so groups have the upper hand there too.

Q: What cosplays are you planning?

I haven't thought much about forthcoming costumes, I need inspiration to deicide what to do next :D

Q: Do you have a dream cosplay?

I have lots of dream costumes I'd love to try some day. Fortunately enough Tessai was one of those

Q: Do you have one piece of advice that you would give to cosplay virgins?

Start simple and sewing isn’t as difficult as it seems, it's well worth giving it a try. You can see how clothes are put together by studying your own clothing and maybe start by modifying them to begin with.

Cosplayers are extremely approachable and helpful. If you need help or advice just ask :)

Q: Do you have an account with the website Cosplay island/other social networking sites?

I’m a Cosplay Island troll so whoever you are drop me a pm and I will reply :D

http://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/user/168

(click any picture for a larger image)

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