There are 7.4 billion people out there in the real world. Sometimes I think there are a whole lot more that exist in the fantasy realms we've created in cartoons, comics, and video games, all of whom get cosplayed to one degree or another.

And it's not that they're not all great, but sometimes it's refreshing to see someone go "back to basics," back to the classics, back to the good old-fashioned super characters that helped form the foundation of the culture.

Well, set off your signal watches and light up the Cosplay Signal, because our October Bombshell is just the guy for the job. Old Fashioned Nerd has been drawing attention on the convention circuits and on Instagram with his classic interpretation of characters like X-MEN's Iceman (seen left and below) and Wolverine (even further below, bub). So without further delay, let us introduce you one and all to our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, October 2017

Old Fashioned Nerd

Iceman
photography by @sekphotograph

What is your interest in cosplay?

I'm a bit of an introvert in real life but when I put on the costume I feel like a badass. It's nice to be your favorite character for a day and (especially at a convention) meet other people who are into the same fandom as you. Cosplay is a great ice breaker at conventions.

How did you get into it, and what was your first cosplay experience?

A group of my friends had already been doing it for years and invited me to a convention to be part of their cosplay group. It sounded like fun so I went as Two Face from Batman Forever. I had such a great time that I immediately started planning my next cosplay and what conventions I'd go to.

What's your secret identity outside of cosplay?

I work for United Airlines, so when your luggage goes missing you can blame me.

What kind of social activities do you get involved in (especially if you are able to incorporate cosplay into it, such as charity events)?

Other than conventions, I don't do many social activities. Game night once a week with friends is more my speed. We get together (not in cosplay) and play CATAN, TICKET TO RIDE, and the DC deck building game, to name a few.

Do you make as much of your own costume as possible or rely on purchased materials -- and is that important overall to cosplaying?

I personally buy as much of my costume as possible, because I want to look my best and I'm not talented enough to do it on my own. I tip my hat to anyone who makes their costumes from scratch, however that isn't important to cosplay overall. What's important is that you have fun dressing as your favorite characters. How you do it is completely up to you.

Wolverine
photography by @aeralixs

What's your favorite cosplay -- your go-to look that you just love to put on and act out?

My go to is probably my classic Wolverine. Hes one of my favorite characters and although I wouldn't consider myself a badass, when I put on the costume I sure feel like one. It's my most popular cosplay at conventions so that helps add to my love for it.

You can find Old Fashioned Nerd online for more of his coplay at:

www.instagram.com/oldfashionednerd

www.faceboom.com/oldfashionednerd