Interview with Dynamite Webber Cosplay
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Interview by: Geek Girl Jillian Ryan
Dynamite Webber Cosplay... That page has been BLOWING UP all over the internet lately. Shawn Webber is known for his Nolan inspired Nightwing cosplay as well as his kick-ass attitude; happily reaching out to help fellow cosplayers with costuming questions. He’s been featured on MTV’s website and Getty Images and here at Geek Girls we have been lucky enough to snag this amazing male cosplayer for an interview! Read on as he gives us the scoop on his biggest blunders, hopes for the community and more!
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Photo by Colin Douglas Gray for mtv.com
GG: The costumes you have done so far are fantastic! What was it that got you into cosplay in the first place?
“Well, in 2002 I attended Otakon in Baltimore Maryland. It was my first convention and real exposure to cosplay, and I fell in love with it instantly. Getting to see so many people dressed up as the characters I loved all while having a blast made me want to try it. The following year I did my first cosplay as Neo from the Matrix films.”
GG: How long have you been a cosplayer?
“I started in 2002-2003 and was away from the community from 2009 until 2014. In a way I feel like I just started all over again after being away so long. I am super excited to continue being active in the community.”
GG: We all started somewhere! Cardboard and tape armor, learning new skills and getting flustered at wasting your materials. If you could give one piece of advice to new cosplayers what would it be?
“My number one piece of advice would be to do it for you. Don't worry about “likes” or cosfame or someone else getting more attention than you. Just go have fun, that's why we do what we do! My second piece of advice would be to not be afraid to fail! Some things you make just won’t work out during your first attempt, sometimes not even on the second or third attempt! Keep your head up and don’t stop trying!”
GG: Mistakes happen, and sometimes certain mistakes are bothersome enough to stick with you as a reminder as to what NOT to do in the future! What would be your biggest blunder so far in costuming?
“The first version of my Nightwing costume was super difficult to put on and take off. In the planning stages I didn't consider getting into or out of my cosplay when I had attached all the armor to the shirt and pants! Embarrassingly enough I got stuck in it a couple times! Though I bet it was a pretty funny site to see my arms flailing with my shirt over my head for like 15 minutes before I could get it off. Note to self, plan out taking off your costume before gluing anything!”
GG: There are so many different mediums cosplayers use to create their awesome costumes. Some people even use tips of plastic spoons for scales in armor! If you had to pick one medium to call your favorite which would it be and why?
“Without a doubt I would say EVA foam. As a working class guy I have to watch my budget when it comes to cosplay. EVA is a cheap and easy to use material that is available in so many different retailers around the country. It's an amazing place for beginners to start when making armor. Due to it being inexpensive you don't have to be afraid to mess up a few times while you’re learning! Also, tutorials are your friend! There is a wealth of very helpful tutorials on YouTube to learn how to use it and that’s how I began to learn to work with EVA as well!”
Photo by Edward Liu
GG: There are so many different skills that can go into costume building! What is one thing you -really- want to learn to do in costuming?
“I would love to learn to sculpt and cast my own pieces and props. This is something I haven’t really dabbled in yet and I see it as quite the art form. Honestly I’m nervous to try it!”
GG: Cosplaying can be super expensive. Luckily there are many ways to save money. What are some tips and tricks you have picked up over the years for costuming on a dime?
“Always remember to be creative with your materials! Look around dollar stores with an open mind, you’ll be surprised at what you can find to use for a costume. A very large way to save some cash is to plan ahead. By spreading the expenses of costume materials over several months rather than just a few weeks can make a huge difference in your bottom dollar!”
GG: What is one cosplay constructing tool that you can't live without?
“My dremel. It can do anything...…anything. If you’re working with foam it is a NECESSITY!”
Photo by MPC at Washington College
GG: It appears as if the majority of the cosplay community is female these days. What is the most challenging thing about being a male cosplayer in a seemingly female dominated hobby?
“I think the most basic challenge is simply getting noticed. A seems like a beautiful woman will always catch someone’s eye before a guy does. Trying to come up with new ways to set yourself apart; be the characters you decide to portray, your physique, your attitude (being outgoing and approachable), it’s something that you have to really pay attention to. I also think a lot of guys may be afraid to be judged by peers for wanting to “dress up” at cons; which may steer them away from the hobby entirely in the first place.”
GG: Conventions are full of panels, dances, photo shoots, autograph sessions, seeing old friends and making new ones! What is your personal favorite convention moment since you’ve been in the hobby?
“My all-time favorite things to –do- at cons are always just meeting and chatting with people! Taking photos with them in and out of set shoots is a blast. I especially love getting to hang out with and take photos with kids! It always seems to mean so much to them! On a broad spectrum though I’d have to say just the overall feeling of sharing your love for fandoms and cosplay with others.
If I had to pick a single moment though, it would be meeting comic book artist George Perez. He’s a legend in the comic industry and has created various characters and so many iconic images. Mr. Perez came up and asked me for my photo at a recent convention. Honestly I was grinning ear to ear, it was a surreal moment! He is hands down one of the most pleasant human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.”
Photo by Photos by Young from New York
GG: Cosplay has become a very popular hobby over the years with some conventions reporting their attendance numbers doubled in a year! As the community grows so does the opinions, talents, tastes and overall vibe of convention goers. As someone who has been in the hobby for a bit, what is your greatest concern regarding conventions currently?
“I have had a lot of very good experiences at cons this year! There have been some issues with lines and unnecessary waiting though. I feel as though issues like that could be solved with better communication from the management to the staff, which in turn would lead to better communication from staff to attendees! One BIG thing people have to remember is a lot of Con staff are volunteers. Keep that in mind before you lose your temper with them in a situation, they are probably just as frustrated as you are. Other than that I’ve had overall very pleasant experiences and I can’t wait to go to even more conventions.”
GG: Many cosplayers say that they are inspired by the work and attitudes of others within the community. Who are some of your favorite cosplayers and why?
My top choice would be my Beautiful Girlfriend; Queen Helene Cosplay. She’s extremely talented and her craftsmanship is amazing. Her attitude is second to none and she loves interacting with everyone at cons, always wearing a genuine smile! Jessica Nigri is also a favorite. I love her attitude. She often receives hate for her style of costuming and she makes no apologies for just being herself, instead she enjoys the craft and keeps her head held high. Also, I think she's hilarious which speaks volumes in the community. A quick shout out to my Canadian twin Nathan Deluca. He's a super pleasant and helpful dude who makes a lot of outstanding costumes. Finally, my good buddy Wes of Revenge City Cos-Props is a great person to highlight. We started cosplaying together in the very beginning and I’m always impressed by his quality props and his ability to transform himself into whatever character he’s trying to portray.”
GG: You are a big advocate for continued learning through tutorials. Time to share that wealth of knowledge you’ve gained over the years! Where is your go-to spot for cosplay tutorials?
“Yes! I have learned so much from YouTube. There are so many different tutorials for just about every material you can think of! It can be as simple as typing in the basic idea of what you are looking for (example: type in foam dremel tutorial and see what pops up!). Don’t forget, you can always go to fellow cosplayers who have been working with a certain material for a while and don’t be afraid to try your hand multiple times at a new process!”
GG: You recently went to New York Comic Con, and shortly after you began popping up –all- over the internet. How do you feel about being featured by the likes of Getty images, MTV.com and Outtraveler (TWICE!) after being back in the hobby for such a short period of time?
“It is a very humbling and awesome feeling to be recognized by such high profile sites! It was completely unexpected but an amazing experience. Both were an absolute pleasure to work with and I cannot say enough good things about them. It is a very surreal experience to have your friends and family contact you to tell you they just saw you on mtv.com. I am still reeling from the experience and I can’t wait for future meet-ups.”
GG: You are often seen cosplaying with your girlfriend Helene of Queen Helene Cosplay. How do you two help inspire each other as a cosplay couple and what is something you both enjoy doing in the hobby?
“She’s great! We both have different specialties when it comes to costuming so we are always able to compliment one another’s work and challenge one another to continue to improve! Together we really enjoy helping fellow cosplayers with info on techniques and materials. We also try to compliment as many cosplayers as we can while at a con; you never know what a kind word will mean to someone.”
GG: Harassment has become a huge hot button in the community (and rightfully so). A huge misconception though is the belief that it doesn't really happen to men. What kind of harassment have you personally experienced in the community?
“Harassment as a whole is a very serious issue. Sadly yes, many people don’t think it happens to male cosplayers. I have received inappropriate messages from both men and women through my public account. I have even been groped while in costume and many other male costumers have come forward with the same issues. These things DO happen to men; people tend to assume we will like it just because we are guys, which is NOT true. Everybody has their own level of comfort and we need to respect that level and be very clear when someone crosses that line.”
GG: You are a large advocate for personal fitness and health. Many costumers have questioned how you balance your fitness goals and cosplay at the same time. Are there any websites you think cosplayers looking to get fit should look to and do you have any words of encouragement?
“Bodybuilding.com has been a huge help to me. It has tons of articles, workout plans and recipes for being fit. Being fit doesn’t just happen, consistency is key! It may take a while to see results and you may go back and forth a bit in your planned progress but keep working hard towards your goal and results will come!”
GG: You seem to be a pretty down to earth guy. Word has it you’ve even done some charity work to give back to the community with your costuming. Care to share your experience?
“I recently worked with the Richmond VA based charity group called The Chrono Hearts. We did a visit to the VCU children's hospital and spent the day playing board and video games with children with severe mobility issues that are unable to do some of the things we take for granted like getting out for the holidays or spending time out playing with friends. It was a surreal experience and something I would like to do more often! We gave out high fives, hugs, took photos and spent some quality time as super heroes and other animated characters of note. I would like to give a shout out to my main man Dylan! We hung out as things were winding down and this kid had a laugh that would make even the hardest heart smile. Even though these children face some serious challenges they are all super brave champs and I hope to see them again!”
GG: As you spend more time within the hobby you come in contact with a larger diversity of cosplayers and fans. What is one thing you wish con-goers would do more or less of?
“I would love to see more positivity in general. I've become a firm believer in promoting the things you love rather than showing hate for the things you don’t. The negativity doesn’t help anybody and stifles creativity and a sense of kinship with others within the hobby. Why not just enjoy the ride and meet great people along the way?”
Photo by Sir Dylan Eli the Dragon
GG: You take a firm anti-bullying stance and have been featured in anti-bullying panels in the past. How do you personally handle bullies online and in person?
“I preach the idea of “don't feed the trolls" when coming across issues online. Ignoring these people can often be one of the best courses of action. They're often looking for attention and projecting their own insecurities in the only way they know how which is by bullying others. Don't give them the attention of an argument! At conventions I have found it is best to surround yourself with friends and positive people you can be confident around. Don’t let naysayers get close enough to even be on your radar! Now with that being said, if you are at a convention and the bullying is repetitive, escalates or makes you feel in any sort of danger find the nearest staff member at the con and make them aware of the issue.”
GG: Wait a moment; is that a flash symbol hiding in your tattoo? Any other nerdy business that your tattoos are hiding?
“Yes, in the tribal on my right arm and the Batman symbol is hiding in there too....because… well… you know… he is the night.”
GG: What’s your go to geek-out?
“Comic books have always been my biggest geek binge item. In recent years I’ve greatly enjoyed the increase in comic book movies. Sometimes even seeing a trailer can make me get super excited just like a kid!”
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December 28 2014