Bam Smack Pow Cosplay Spotlight: Lonstermash

“Get To Know Professional Cosplayer Lonstermash”

Los Angeles native Lonstermash knows how to reinvent the wheel. Cosplaying for a little under three years, his favorite characters to cosplay are Wolverine, Rocky Balboa, Batman and Rambo. That may seem like a small list, but he uses his creativity and special effects skills to create different versions of his cosplays. His work has not gone unnoticed, as Lonstermash has become one of the cosplayers who has achieved professional status. I’m betting on him to replace Hugh Jackman as Wolverine!

Bam Smack Pow talked to this rising star to learn more about his craft.

Bam Smack Pow: Who or what inspired you to cosplay?

Lonstermash: Nothing really, other than my love for dressing up on Halloween (all of my cosplays have been Halloween costumes), so I look at it as an excuse to celebrate Halloween 20 times a year.

BSP: What do you do when you aren’t cosplaying?

Lonstermash: I’m a physical therapist specializing in geriatric rehabilitation. I’ve done this for 21 years now.

BSP: Which character is your favorite to cosplay?

Lonstermash: Rocky Balboa

BSP: What costumes have provided the biggest challenge and rewards so far and why?

Lonstermash: By far it was the day I did the Nagasaki atomic bomb-blasted Wolverine. The special effects makeup took me and my friend 3.5 hours to apply and about 30 minutes to wash off. But it was epic and, as far as I know, never done before or since. It was my most liked picture on Instagram last year, even though I posted it in mid November.

BSP: Do you get to travel the country to different conventions? or are your local to one area?

Lonstermash: I’m mainly in the LA area, but I have traveled to places like SD, Las Vegas, Atlanta and recently Dallas for other cons. Some cons have asked me to appear (one as far away as northern England), but they never agree to terms with me as far as traveling expenses. I wanted to attend NYCC, but the passes sold out each year in 15 minutes. I would go to other ones, like in Chicago, but I can’t afford the time off work, unless I’m being compensated by the convention, which almost never happens for men I’m sure, lol.

BSP: What is the best advice you would give someone new to cosplaying?

Lonstermash: Do your best, but first have fun! Practice a few camera poses, so that you can hit them quickly and know you’ll look good when you’re going to a convention and will be hit up for pictures. If it’s a complicated costume or makeup job, practice or wear it first before debuting it at a convention.

BSP: What show can fans expect to see you at next?

Lonstermash: Anime Expo

For more information, pictures, and updates on Lonstermash Cosplay, be sure to like his Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter, and Instagram!

Next: Bam Smack Pow Cosplay Spotlight: Bowbat Cosplay

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