It's only the first of the month, but we've already started the fireworks display. And if ever a cosplay model has embodied the Transformer's motto, More Than Meets The Eye, this month's Bombshell does it in spades. Not only is she becoming a master of costuming craft, but she is also both mentally and physically advanced. Any further in both arenas and she'd graduate from cosplayer to full-blown superheroine.

As you get to know this month's Bombshell, we believe you, dear reader, will easily see the qualities that we saw, qualities that go beyond the costuming and right to the heart of the cosplayer.

So at this point, we are both proud and humbled to present to you our...

Critical Blast Bombshell, July 2019

Savannah Poison

What is your interest in cosplay?

I started cosplaying because I love making and wearing costumes.  I love dressing up and getting into character.  I enjoy kid's faces lighting up when they meet Wonder Woman or Harley, or when they ask to pet Red Sonja's cape!

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

I first heard about cosplay through Pinterest.  I was pretty young, just planning all these amazing costumes I wanted to make and wear when I ran across the word cosplay.  I looked it up, and then started planning from there.  If I remember right, my first con was the World Wide Wizarding Con.  I went as Harley Quinn from the Suicide Squad.  I remember seeing the trailer and immediately started making and buying components for my costume.  Before that, I just made and bought costumes for Halloween, my favorite holiday. 

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

Now I make my cosplays more about 80-90% of the time.  My sewing has improved so much! I went from just making quilts and altering t-shirts and dresses to fully making my own corseted bodysuit for my Poison Ivy costume 2.0.

Poison Ivy (DC COMICS)
Photo: @themeshoots

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

I'm a zoo keeper! So I'm usually taking care of exotic animals and teaching about them. I'm also a full time student, enrolled in a doctorate program.

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

I'm an NPC bikini competitor so I spend a lot of my time in the gym.  I recently got involved with Capes for Kindness.  I can't wait to do my first event with them.  I love the group's attitude.  They are all genuinely good people. 

Wonder Woman (DC COMICS)
Photo: @scott.fischer.79

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

I like to make as much of my costume as possible, depending on what part it is.  I find many clothing items, like my previous version of my Poison Ivy bodysuit, don't fit right if they aren't made for me, by me.  However, I'm not skilled with leather at this point, so I definitely had no problems buying my Wonder Woman costume. 

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

For charity events, Wonder Woman is my go to.  Kids LOVE her.  Their faces just light up with the biggest smiles, and there's nothing cuter than when they get to meet and interact with their favorite hero.  Poison Ivy has always been my favorite for cons, but Red Sonja is quickly catching up.

Where can people go to find you online?

Twitter: @savannah_poison
Instagram: @realqueenofthejungle
 

BONUS PHOTO

Because it's summer and everything is green, we want to put out this public service message: watch out for poison ivy when you're enjoying the outdoors.

Poison Ivy (DC COMICS)
Photo: @themeshoots