We Give Thanks For Cosplay: Meet November Bombshell, Jamie Krakover

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Submitted by Critical Blast Staff on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 08:40

Jamie Krakover as ARROW's Speedy -- an archer at the Arch!

Halloween 2016 is officially in our rearview mirror, but that doesn't mean that dressing up is out of vogue -- not for us, anyway! And that's something we can all be thankful for -- apropos, as November is the month we officially give thanks!

Our November Bombshell, Jamie Krakover, hails from the Midwest, and draws upon film and television for her cosplay inspirations. Whether she's battling the forces of a galactic empire or fighting crime in the streets (that's her Speedy to the left -- an archer at the Gateway Arch!), Jamie combines imagination and intellect to call forth positive female role models in her cosplay.

Critical Blast Bombshell, November 2016

Jamie Krakover

Interest in Cosplay: I've always loved Halloween because you get to dress up. So any excuse to put on a costume, especially as an adult, is okay with me. I also really enjoy seeing the excited look people get on their faces when they see someone dressed as a character they love. To me that makes everything so much more fun, that connection that hey we both like the same thing. That's the awesome thing about fandom and cosplay, that immediate connection formed over a character.

Introduction to Cosplay: I'm honestly not sure how I "fell" into cosplay. I think it was a combination of comic con finally coming to St. Louis, and it being more widely talked about online and on TV. When comic con came to St. Louis I knew I wanted to go in costume. It's something that seemed like a ton of fun so I tried it with something more simple and had a blast. Now I'm always looking for what I want to cosplay next and how can I actually make it happen.

Secret Identity: I'm a rocket scientist... No really! I have a bachelor's and masters degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Social Activities: Primarily cons, but also during Halloween and costume parties. Plus it's great for fun facts when people ask you for them. Oh no big deal I just dress up like superheroes in my free time!

In the future, I'd love to get into some volunteer stuff though. I know a lot of organizations host volunteers while dressed up as superheroes/characters and kids really like it. I'd love to cheer up anyone just by dressing up in cosplay.

Do you make as much of your own costume or rely on purchased materials -- and is that important overall to cosplaying? A little of both. I buy stuff and piece it together, alter things as needed, and make what I can't find. I'm not great at art projects and I suck at sewing, but I'm learning as I go which is why I primarily started with piecing things together then branched out from there.

In terms of how you compile/make your cosplay, I don't think that's important. As long as you're having fun making it and having fun becoming that character, that's what's most important.

Favorite Cosplay: Oh tough call, I really enjoy all my cosplays, but my most favorite is probably my Rey cosplay. I had a blast being Rey and talking to all the excited kids (especially the young girls) who love Rey and were excited to see her in person. Plus it's a comfortable costume, so bonus!

My Speedy from Arrow and Violet Parr from the Incredibles are both a close second though. Cause who doesn't love some kick ass female superheroes?

Twitter: @Rockets2Writing