Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Cosplay

    Interview: Cosplaying Heroes and Villains

    By September 11, 20095 Comments5 Mins Read

    01picon.jpg

    At the recent Wizard World Philadelphia convention (which took place this past June) there was a particular cosplayer getting an enormous amount of attention and upon laying eyes on him, it was easy to see why. With his tailored purple suit, white makeup and sly grin it looked as if The Joker had sprung to life from Batman: The Animated Series. It’s easy to say that he was a big hit among those attending the con to the point that people were lining up and taking turns to be photographed with him.

    Fast forward three months later and I stumbled upon the cosplayers online profile. His name is Paul and I discovered that he has a very impressive collection of costumes. After witnessing his impact on the convention crowd and being highly interested in him myself, I took this opportunity to interview him for Major Spoilers about the hobby of cosplay.

    Victoria: How long how you been cosplaying and why did you decide to take on the hobby?

    Paul: I’ve always been a Bat-fan and wanted a high quality suit for a long time to wear for Halloween. At the Baltimore Comic-Con ’05 (I think) I talked to a few people in costume, one of whom directed me to a cosplay forum called the League of Heroes (http://theleagueofheroes.yuku.com/). There I found people who made all kinds of cosplay items including cowls, boots, bodysuits, props, etc. and realized I could make it happen.

    Victoria: How many costumes do you currently own?

    Paul: Six. Batman, Joker, Riddler, Scarecrow, Two-Face & Bozo Joker from TDK. I also have a green flight suit I wear with a green lantern t-shirt and ring for a Hal Jordan outfit.

    Victoria: Have you ever had any wardrobe malfunctions at a convention?

    Paul: I’ve stumbled over my cape a few times but luckily I’ve never actually fallen.

    Victoria: Out of all of your costumes, which one is your favorite?

    Paul: Joker is the most fun to wear, but as Batman I always feel bigger than I actually am. The answer to the next question is why.

    Victoria: Okay, what has been your favorite convention experience so far?

    Paul: One year at the Baltimore Comic-Con I was walking around when I heard someone yell out “Batman!” I turned around and it was a boy in a wheel chair. He was really excited to see me as I walked over and shook his hand, posed for a photo and talked to him for a bit. As I was getting ready to leave his father pulled me aside and told me that he’d been in a car accident a few years ago in which his mother had been killed and this was the first time he’d spoken more than a few words since. He’d brought him to the con just to get him out of the house and asked if I’d talk to him a little longer. I stayed for a while trying my best to stay in character but I couldn’t help but be moved. I believe that was one of the moments I was born for and one I will certainly never forget.

    Victoria: Wow, that’s a beautiful story! What other conventions do you attend?

    Paul: The Baltimore Comic-Con, Wizard World Philly, The Pittsburgh Comicon and this year I went to Otakon in Baltimore. I also do appearances at my local comic shop for Halloween and Free Comic Book Day, been in a few parades and did one appearance at a minor league baseball game where I got to throw out the first pitch. Any opportunity to suit up.

    Victoria: Your Batman and Joker costumes are incredibly impressive. Can you tell me more about them? Did you make them yourself? Why did you decide on those two characters?

    Paul: Thank you. The Bat suit was the first one I put together. I purchased it piece by piece from several different vendors and individuals I found online. It’s gone through a few incarnations over the years to get it to the point where I’m completely happy with it. I did make the padded suit I wear underneath to give me a little more bulk.

    For Joker, I found the materials and patterns for a tailcoat tuxedo and gave them to a professional tailor who was willing to put it together. I modified it a little and added some extra deep pockets in the back of the coat to carry props like a whoopee cushion, rubber chicken, Joker bomb, etc. and of course I always have my trusty joy buzzer handy. As for why those two characters, who doesn’t want to be Batman? He was always my favorite comic hero and Joker has always been my favorite villain. The two costumes let me express different aspects of my own personality.

    Victoria: How long does it take you to put on the Joker’s makeup on? What do you use?

    Paul: About an hour and a half. I use Manic Panic gel for the hair, a Mehron clown white stick for my face, a lipstick pencil and an eyebrow pencil.

    Victoria: Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson or Mark Hamill?

    Paul: Mark Hamill for the comic Joker who inspired my suit, but Heath Ledger did an incredible job bringing the character to life in the real world.

    Victoria: Any upcoming cosplays you can tell us about? What other characters would you like to portray?

    Paul: I hope to go up the the Pittsburgh Comicon next week on Sunday if the heavens align properly. I’ll definitely be at the Baltimore Comic-Con in October. Eventually I’d like to do a Riddler suit (green suit with question marks all over it) and a black and white Batman: The Animated Series Two-Face suit. I’ve also been playing with some ideas to do Clayface.

    My thanks to Paul for taking the time to speak with me and for sharing his experiences with our readers!

    Batman Joker batman the animated series bozo convention crowd Cosplay cosplayer Cosplayers Costumes flight suit Green Lantern hal jordan impressive collection league of heroes philadelphia convention purple suit quality suit Riddler wardrobe malfunctions Wizard World Philadelphia
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleReview: Ultimate Avengers #2
    Next Article Art Appreciation Moment of the Day: Sean Galloway

    Related Posts

    COMICS PORTAL: The Thor’s, They Are A’Changing!

    Read More

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    Read More

    Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 Review

    Read More

    5 Comments

    1. Navarre on September 11, 2009 2:36 pm

      I didn’t see the Batman costume. The others look really good though.

      His story about the boy in the wheelchair only confirms to me the impact comic books have with those who love them and what a wonderful medium they are to connect people in this world.

      Great interview. Thanks, Victoria!

    2. Brian on September 11, 2009 3:00 pm

      I love that picture of the Joker by the White House! That’s brilliant! I want to see the Batman suite too. Anyone got a link to a gallery or something?

    3. Stephen Schleicher on September 11, 2009 3:36 pm

      You might want to check out last year’s Major Spoilers Costume Contest. Paul entered quite a few entries to that, Batman included.

    4. Victoria on September 12, 2009 11:17 am

      You can check out all of Paul’s pictures on his official My Space,everyone! http://www.myspace.com/paulv70

    5. Paul on September 12, 2009 9:44 pm

      Thanks Victoria for such a flattering article. I also have to thank my lovely wife for her help and support putting together my costumes. It’s truly been a labor of love.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    7.0
    July 7, 2025

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    5.7
    July 6, 2025

    Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 Review

    7.0
    July 6, 2025

    Retro Review: Big Apple Comix (September 1975)

    6.0
    July 5, 2025

    Wolverines and Deadpools #1 Review

    9.0
    July 1, 2025

    Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 Review

    Patreon Support
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT