Scifipulse recently had the pleasure of interviewing Michael “Knightmage” Wilson. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Michael is a current decorated 25 year Deputy Sheriff for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio. He has been cosplaying since 2012 and has created over 400 costumes. Additionally, Michael has worked on several Hollywood comic book movie productions. As well as creating various costumes for World Wrestling Entertainment superstars.
Over and above that, Michael’s likeness was used in the creation of the character Cruzado from Emerald Anvil. He has also been featured on the Emmy nominated show Judge Steve Harvey; as well as being an alternate for the 2006 reality show “Who Wants To Be A Superhero” hosted by Stan Lee.
Michael most often uses his costuming by bringing awareness and participating in many charitable events, benefits, parades, birthdays and hospital visits to children. He has received the “Outstanding Service Award” from Credit Where Credit Is Due, the CosBravo Award, Electronic Sports Industry “Most Influential Male Cosplayer” Award, “Most Influential Person Of The Year” Award from Spanning the Need. And most notably, the “Presidential Volunteers Award” from President Barack Obama and the White House. During this interview, Michael shares his thoughts on who the greatest wrestling babyface and heel of all time are. As well as how he deals with racism in the cosplay community.
Cruzado from Emerald Anvil
SFP: Was there any particular character that first made you want to be a cosplayer? If so, who were they and why?
Knightmage: Well, I wouldn’t say there was any particular character as I’ve always been a fan of so many. Even though my first cosplay was John Stewart Green Lantern, I made that costume solely for Halloween but it was definitely that costume that opened the door for others. I think when I made and started wearing Batman to charity events and conventions and seeing the reaction of people being so excited to see their favorite hero, that’s what made me want to continue being a cosplayer.
SFP: What would you say is the biggest factor that has allowed you to ignore and prove wrong those who said you “can’t” or “shouldn’t” be a cosplayer?
Knightmage: I think there are two equal factors. The first being me just wanting to prove it to myself that I can do those things. There’s definitely a sense of pride when you can look at your makeup or costume, your art and say “I did that”. Especially when you once thought or was told that you couldn’t. The second factor is leading by example and showing others out there who may be told the same things that they can do it too. The reason why I strive to be so prolific in my cosplay is to show that there are no limits to what you can do. Cosplay at the core is simply just your fan-art of a character and there’s no wrong way to do fan-art. That’s what I want to show.
SFP: Following on from that question, what is your advice for someone who wants to try cosplaying but is not confident in doing so?
Knightmage: The confidence will come in time and honestly, you may always struggle with it but that should never be a deterrent. While cosplaying can seem like a personal hobby, which in many ways it is, it’s also a very social one. When you cosplay you belong to a community and there is no other community as diverse and inclusive like the cosplay community. I also say it’s a very social hobby full of socially awkward people but that’s why we all get along. We understand one another. So I think it’s important to know that you’re not alone in whatever insecurities you may have.
SFP: Have you ever experienced racism in the cosplay community? If so how did you
Knightmage: Quite literally every day. As a cosplayer in this social media age, that’s where the majority of your interactions will occur. And unfortunately not everyone likes to be decent humans on the internet. There’s so many different ways to deal with and what works for one person may not work for another. Personally, I don’t delete comments, I don’t block people and I respond to the hate with love and a care-free attitude. I troll the trolls. I do this for a couple reasons. First, it keeps the engagement up which is extremely beneficial for me. Nothing they say will keep me from doing what I love plus every time they think they’re hurting me by commenting they’re actually helping. It’s a win-win. Second, again I want to show others who face this that they don’t need to quietly sit by. Use their hate or delete them or whatever but you hold the keys to your house, not them. Again, every one deals with that sort of negativity differently. The most important thing is that you come out having peace within yourself.deal with it?
SFP: Which cosplayers are you inspired by?
Knightmage: This will sound a bit cliché but it’s true. The entire cosplay community inspires me. There’s so many talented and inspirational people within it that to narrow it down would be a shame.
SFP: I see from your Instagram that you’re a wrestling fan. Who would you say is the greatest wrestling babyface of all time and why? And who is the best heel and why?
Knightmage: That’s tough. There’s been so many throughout the years. For babyfaces, if I had to go with just one I would say John Cena because I think he truly embraced it, even off screen. As for heel, I would say Ric Flair. You hated him because you wanted to be him and he had no issues in showing and telling you why he was better in the ring and out.
SFP: Do you have any advice for cosplayers who want to cosplay professionally?
Knightmage: Whatever you do, do it on your own terms. It’s so easy to get discouraged or stressed out trying to keep up with others and trends. You have to find not only what works but what works for you to be able to continue doing it. Don’t compare yourself to others, know your worth, and stay the course.
SFP: And finally, if you could assemble a team of 6 characters to save the world, who would they be and why?
Knightmage: Superman is number one because, Superman. Number two would be Spawn for his abilities but also his knowledge of the underworld. Number three would be Tony Stark due to his brilliance with technology. Number 4 would be Doctor Strange for his knowledge of the Mystic Arts. Number 5 would be The Flash because you always need a speedster on the team. And lastly, Scarlet Witch because if all else fails, she can just warp reality. I think this team pretty much covers all threats.
By the power of Greyskull – Knightmage as He-Man
Scifipulse would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks and warmest best wishes to Michael “Knightmage” Wilson for so graciously taking the time to answer our questions.
Michael’s website: Knightmage
His Instagram: Michael Knightmage Wilson (@knightmage100) • Instagram photos and videos
Michael’s Facebook: Knightmage | Facebook
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