Cosplay Corner #2 Interview: Holly Brooke
Welcome to the second Cosplay Corner! This time we feature cosplayer Holly Brooke who was nice enough to spare some time answering my questions. She has a great quality to her cosplays and I think my favourite is her Zero Suit Samus, reminds me of Smash Bros.
Thanks for doing this interview, how are you?
Hi there, I’m doing great! Thank you for thinking of me for this interview!
What kind of a geek niche do you think you fit into? ie. Comics, movies, games, etc.
All of the above! I have a love for most things nerdy. My most loved fandom is without a doubt Batman, but I have a soft spot for many video games, scary movies, and anime!
What are your top 5 movies, games, and tv shows?
Movies
5 Shaun of the Dead
4 Night of the Living Dead
3 Pulp Fiction
2 The Shining
1 Lion King
Games
5 Skullgirls
4 Metroid
3 Resident Evil
2 Darkstalkers
1 Tomb Raider
TV Shows
5 The Mighty Boosh
4 FLCL
3 Invader Zim
2 Evangelion
1 Batman the Animated Series
When you cast a patronus spell what shape does it take?
It definitely takes the shape of a tiger!
Why did you start cosplaying?
My mother had me wearing costumes by the time I was just a few weeks old, and continued making me elaborate costumes throughout my childhood. My grandmother had me on a sewing machine as a young girl, and my sister and I spent many summer vacations making crazy outfits and costumes while watching Toonami. My first cosplay was of Sailor Moon when I was in grade school, which was made primarily by my sister. I consider this costume a cosplay because it wasn’t for any party or play, it was just for me to wear and run around and shout, “In the name of the moon I will punish you!” I continued sewing clothing and costumes throughout high school, but then I attended my first convention in 2009. I came in costume, but I realized that people were not just making costumes to wear to a convention. It was an art form, and I instantly wanted to level up my skills.
What’s your favourite cosplay that you’ve made?
Ugh! It’s too hard to choose! Right now, probably zero suit Samus, but I almost always like my newest costume the best!
What costume are you best know for?
I have no idea! I don’t think I have a trademark costume. If I do, I’m oblivious. Maybe my female Ghost Rider is, because I was the first person to do that cosplay. I’m not sure.
Who are you favourite cosplayers?
Vampy Bit Me Twinzik Cosplay It’s Raining Neon Abby Darkstar Jean Gomez Vegas PG Becca Batgirl Smile X Villain Co. The list goes on foreeeeever!
What is your absolute favourite thing about cosplaying?
When I look in the mirror and see that all my hard work brought a character I love to life, I feel nothing but complete fulfillment. There’s something amazing and surreal about escaping the real world, and diving into a fantasy life that most people only wish they could be a part of. Cosplay is as close as I can get to living in the realms that I love.
Do you have any cool hobbies other than cosplaying?
I’m a certified crazy cat lady. I have spent the past few years working as a keeper for a big cat facility, and have worked with lions, tiger, jaguars, leopards, snow leopards and many other types of crazy cool cats!
What’s your day job?
When I’m not working at the Cat Haven, I am a full time veterinary student. So in three more years I will be Dr. Catwoman!
Do your co-workers know about your cosplaying?
YES! Everyone at school and work knows, and I take a lot of flak for it! All in good fun of course!
I know lots of girls are often given a hard time for cosplaying or expressing their geekdom saying they aren’t true geeks, I think this is stupid but it happens. Does this happen to you and how do you deal with it?
UGH! Yes, and it is old and tiring. I basically do what I do with most things that bother me, I shrug it off and don’t let it ruin my fun!
Do you go to any conventions at all and if you do, do you have any plans to go to any this year?
I do! I’ve already been to quite a few this year, and my year is starting to mellow out a bit, except my next con on the schedule is SDCC! I typically attend Sac Anime, Wizard World Sacramento, Big Wow Comicfest, Fanime, Sac Con, SDCC, and I will be attending Zapp Con this year in my hometown!
Anything you want to say to the folks at home?
To anyone that’s ever paid any sort of attention to the costumes I have worked so hard on thank you! Sharing the costumes with other people who are a part of your fandom is one of the best parts!
Where can we find you on the internet?
Facebook: facebook.com/pokypandas
Twitter: @pokypandas
Instagram: @pokypandas
Photo Credits:
Morrigan, Ghost Rider, and Sailor Moon photos are by Lucky Monkey Photography https://www.facebook.com/MonkeyPhoto
Samus and Black Canary are by Eurobeat Kasumi Photography https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eurobeat-Kasumi-Photography/181144498573739?fref=ts
About the Author
Andew Dupe Andrew is a web developer and general geek. He likes drawing, programming, table top gaming, video gaming, other general geek things, and of course long walks on the beach. Follow him on twitter @dup3 Favourite Movie: Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi Favourite Game: Halo 2 Favourite Book: Name of the Wind
