Where are you from originally or reside currently: I am from Washington, DC and currently live in College Park, MD
How long you have been cosplaying:  I have been cosplaying on and off again for about 2-3 years if memory serves me right.
Other Characters cosplayed: ,Ben 10, Rio, Wolverine, Superboy and Krys.
Website or Facebook fan page: America’s Greatest Otaku

I have been watching Anime since there was an Erol’s Video Store. The first Anime I ever watched being Captain Harlock. Soon I started buying anime on VHS from Devil Hunter Yohko, The Dirty Pair and Ranma 1/2.
I have staffed at such cons as Katsucon, Otakon, and Anime USA.
I am the founder and president of DC Anime Club (www.dcanimeclub.org), winner of Tokyopop’s America’s Greatest Otaku

Anime Instructor for the Enrichment Centers (and soon to be the head of the Anime Camp of the Prince Georges Park and Recreation ).

1. What do you think is different when cosplaying anime characters vs mainstream characters?

I honestly don’t see much difference besides the respective fandoms. In the end we are all putting on a costume we either created, bought or pieced together.  We all are just a bunch of geeks and nerds having a good time at events that happen only once a year.

2. What are your thoughts on couples cosplay?

Couples cosplays are cute and bring couples together for their love of cosplay. I see it often at conventions and just go “awww”. My wife and I have couple cosplayed as Jem and Rio from Jem and the Holograms, Rainbow Brite and Krys from Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer Movie and as Mario and Toad from Super Mario Bros. Not sure what we may couple cosplay next since I have been more attracted to geek fashion and less cosplay.

3. What is the one character you would love to cosplay but haven’t yet and why?

Afro from Afro Samurai. I love the anime and I am currently reading the Manga. I related to Afro not just simply because he is an African American but due to the fact that we are both the strong, silent type. Everyone was after him and as a black man I have been pulled over by the cops for fitting the description of whatever perp they were after. Three times man. Three times!! I mean really how many people can I possibly look like? That’s how I relate to Afro and why I sometimes sing a certain song about the police by Jay and Silent Bob.

4. How would you inspire kids to get into cosplay?

First off I would show off my geek gear with my cosplay. I have all the Avengers role play toys that light up, make sounds, shoot foam projectiles etc. Whenever I show kids this it’s the same old thing. They ask their parents to buy the toys they see me show off while I am in costume. By this the kids learn that they can be their favorite fictional character since not only would they get the toy but also the costume to match.