The flowers have been blooming, the grass has been getting greener (and taller) for a while now, but May is the month when things really start to get warmer and brighter.

So I think you'll agree this is the perfectly proper time to introduce our newest monthly Critical Blast Bombshell, a lady who exudes both light and heat in her cosplay, her performance, and even her identity.

Please give a warm welcome to our newest...

Critical Blast Bombshell, May 2018

Chaotic Flare

Bowser (SUPER MARIO BROS)
Photo: Albert Ng

What is your interest in cosplay?

I've always been crafty and fashionable so I just fit right in with the passion! I love bringing my favorite characters to life, especially when I get to design them myself. Being a living work of art has always been my path just my nerdy side has just taken over with cosplay!

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

I feel like dressing up has always been my life from Halloween, to holiday outfits, to spirit week as a child. It eventually grew to some extreme personal fashion fads in highschool, usually DIY as well. But it wasn't until I met my Boyfriend in 2012 did I even know what cosplay or cons were! Finally an outlet for my creativity was there and it just took off! I think the first costume I attempted was Flame Princess for an Adventure Time themed Rave. I hope to do her justice again sometime now that I have more skills under my belt.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

Oh man A LOT! When I started I could only throw together some colored clothing and maybe hotglue some pieces and stuck to simple designs. Now I plan and budget carefully but fully invest in the project. I try to learn new skills with each upcoming cosplay. It takes up all my time and space in my tiny apartment but worth it to be able to craft giant bad ass armor with my own two hands!

Charizard (POKEMON)
Photo: Aperture Tyrants

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I'm currently pursuing cosplay as a professional career! I also do regular modeling and event promotions on the side. My true unprofessional secret identity is that I'm a Hardcore Raver that loves to dance! :)

What kind of social or charity activities do you get involved in with your cosplay?

In 2017 I was a guest cosplayer for Santa Clara Library Comic Con and got to share cosplay with the cutest kids! Out of cosplay I've helped organize a few dance events and hope to host Twitch Stream charities on my channel in the future!

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

Crafting is what I do and I love the process but if you love to cosplay I think that's all that matters! Everyone takes what they want from cosplay, it's not always in the cards for other to make their own and that's ok they matter in our community too.

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

Wow this is a hard one! While I love my big beautiful armor, I can't get over the reactions my Silent Hill Bubble Head Nurse got this Halloween. My passion for cosplay started with Halloween so I love freaking people out with the gore and twitchy movements. People think I edit the videos of my moves!

Astalos Armor & Hammer (MONSTER HUNTER GENERATIONS)
Photo: Blizzard Terrak

Where can people go to find you online?

Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, and Twitter!