2023 Cosplay Models (In Order Of Appearance)
1. What got you interested in cosplaying?
Some amazing friends of mine invited me to come to DragonCon 2013 and I’ve always wanted to cosplay. I told my friend Chris who is an amazing cosplayer that I was interested and he told me he had a cosplay he doesn’t wear anymore (Patriot) and when I held it in my hands, the love and journey started!
2. What is your favorite cosplay moment?
Coming to DragonCon 2016 and finding my tribe of black cosplayers, proudly displaying their love for their respective fandoms at the Black Geeks of DragonCon photo shoot..and I’ve been a part of it ever since! Its so wonderful and blessed to find so many others who share the love and passions that you share, so it feels like a family reunion.
I’m open to anything, but my love for comics is undeniable. That was my first love and comics is my lifetime genre. My favorite cosplay has been Patriot from the Young Avengers, since day one, because of the lineage and story behind the character.
4. What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Instagram – navymontel
- Twitch – Rogue Catnip
- YouTube – Rogue Catnip
- Facebook – Blerdicorn
and my little brother Sam Famoyegun of SFG Designs
1. What got you interested in cosplaying?
Back in 2006, I went to my first Anime convention in North Carolina. I love costumes and just bought a simple cape. When I seen people dressed as my favorite Anime characters at that time…I WAS FLOORED. I knew from then on, I wanted to be a cosplayer! I love taking pictures and I love seeing people excited seeing me as their favorite Anime character!
2. What is your favorite cosplay moment?
In 2016, I submitted my cosplay of Lion/Rose and Steven Universe to the Cartoon Network Halloween Contest and we came in 3rd place. My designer (PLUSHII KAWAII) made my dress and I dressed my son in a closet cosplay. IT BLEW UP and that’s how people knew who we were and that was honestly one of my FAVORITE moments.
3. What character/genre is your favorite to cosplay?
I love when I can cosplay using my locs since they are so long. Wigs are hard for me, so if I can, I will style my locs. By far, I love to make characters SAILORfied (aka Sailor Moon Inspired) . Second place would be any of the heroes from DC comics. They are more relatable than Marvel to me 💁
4. What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Instagram – Sailor Xtasy
- Twitter – Sailor Xtasy
- Facebook Sailor Xtasy
Photo Credit:
Instagram – SomeSayIMModest
1. What got you interested in cosplaying?
A friend/colleague from college won a cosplay contest on Syfy. I was inspired to try!
Instagram – flypennycosplay
Instagram – flypennycosplay
What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Instagram – VoodooChildCosplay
- Facebook – VoodooChildCosplay
What got you interested in cosplaying?
I love costumes and how they transform. I first started considering cosplay for myself when #28daysofblackcosplay by Princess Mentality Cosplay first began.
What is your favorite cosplay moment?
Meeting Princess Mentality at Anime St. Louis
What character/genre is your favorite to cosplay?
High Fantasy, of course! I’d love to be a orc princess someday in full armor.
What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Twitter – Jasmine La Fleur, Black Fae Day
- Instagram – Black Fae Day Official
- Facebook – Black Fae Everyday
What song best describes you?
A Fan’s Mail (Tron Song Suite II) – Thundercat
Photo Credit:
Instagram – Creative.estrella
What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Twitter – TheDirtRoadNerd
- Instagram – RealPrinceOfAllSaiyans
- Facebook – RealestPrinceOfAllSaiyans
What got you interested in cosplaying?
Growing up, I’ve always loved playing “dress up” with my sister and role playing. I didn’t know about cosplay until I learned about conventions and attended my first anime convention, AnimeExpo, in LA in 2016. I cosplayed for the first time at this expo and it was a major success! I received a lot of compliments and even participated in a group meet up. I then realized I could incorporate my love for anime and dressing up into a hobby and, one day, a profitable business.
What is your favorite cosplay moment?
My favorite cosplay moment is being a cosplay guest at AnimeNYC 2021 for the online publication RGN 99 at their booth.
What character/genre is your favorite to cosplay?
I honestly love Kawaii looks, but I really just enjoy cosplaying characters I love and who resonate with me. If I have to choose one though, I would say Nurse Joy is one of my favorite cosplay I’ve done. People love Nurse Joy and the excitement I see on children and adults faces when I cosplay her never gets old.
What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- TikTok – NurseJBecky
- Twitter – NurseJBecky
- Instagram – NurseJBecky
Photo Credit:
My wonderful photographer is Nomadimages405 on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok
What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Instagram – Fantastic Frankey
- TikTok – Fantastic Frankey
- YouTube – Fantastic Frankey
What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Instagram – Official_Rdan
- Twitter – NicholsonRomane
- TikTok – Roman02177
What got you interested in cosplaying?
One of my best friends got me into cosplay in college. I had never cosplayed or been to a convention but it looked like so much fun and once I went to my first convention I was blown away and instantly hooked.
What character/genre is your favorite to cosplay?
My favorite characters to cosplay are typically badass female characters. It’s so empowering! I also love anything that involves costume makeup or body paint. I love fully transforming myself!
What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Instagram – Okmickey
- Facebook – Mickey K Cosplay
- Twitter – Okmickeyy
- Sailor Moon by LAYA
- Stay With Me – Night Tempo Showa Groove Mix by Miki Matsubara and Night Tempo
- Pop Life by Prince
Photo Credit:
Facebook – Eeza James
What got you interested in cosplaying?
To be honest, someone shared one of their cosplayers in a Facebook group. I was a part of a couple of years ago then I went, “Hmm… I want to do that.” LOL believe it or not!
What character/genre is your favorite to cosplay?
I really don’t have a preference, but anime cosplays have my heart
What are your social media names that people can follow you on?
- Twitter – Afrococoapuffs
- Instagram – Afrococoapuffs
- TikTok – Afrococoapuffs
“Afrococoapuffs” on every single platform (including music streaming services) lol.
Photo Credit:
All photos were taken by either myself or a friend
What songs inspire you?
My taste in music is really weird, but there are some that I vibe with so much like:
- Pretty Brown Skin by ALTON KIING
- Get It Together by India.Arie
- How Does It Feel by Samm Henshaw
- Unravel by TK from Ling tosite sigure
My name is Aaliyah Mason. I’m just the around the way girl that happens to be a blerdy nerd! An occasional muse. Full time Chamaeleon, Bishoujou gamer and a free spirit.
I love all aspects of nerd culture from comics and movies. Anime and especially cosplay. These are all outlets that allow me to express my creativity, meet new people, be myself and have fun! I try my best to share other cosplayers and artists that I come across. To show that regardless of size, sex or creed, there is room in our community for everyone.
I also like to share daily affirmations and on occasion, talk about things that have affected me personally. My audience consist of cosplayers, artist, family and friends.
You can find me mainly on Instagram (@aaliyahmason) and occasionally on TikTok (@aaliyah.mason).
Want to be in the next calendar? Email (info@otakunoir.com) us your photos, bio and social media info for consideration.