PrettyWreck Cosplay

There are many talented models and performers who bring their love & enthusiasm to dressing up as their favorite characters. Comic Book Critic will occasionally showcase a performer who embodies this spirit of cosplaying.

Whether it’s creating the costume from scratch, altering the appearance of an existing one, or just getting into character, these performers spend a lot of time and effort on their craft. As much as we all enjoy seeing our favorite fictional characters represented in real life, let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes work that goes into that portrayal.

One thing is for certain though, their love of cosplaying shines through in their work.

The Comic Book Critic Featured Cosplayer Interview is:

PrettyWreck Cosplay from London, Ontario

PrettyWreck Cosplay is a relative newcomer to the cosplay scene, but she’s done a wonderful job on the several costumes she’s already completed. You can tell that she really embodies the character she’s cosplaying from her amazing photoshoots.

With what she’s done so far, we’re looking forward to seeing more of her work in the future. PrettyWreck Cosplay took the time to give us a look at what she enjoys and keeps her going at her hobby.

So how did you decide on the name PrettyWreck Cosplay?

Me and some friends were making a team on League of Legends (in hope to make it to LCS aha) and i made my name for the team – CLC PRETTYWRECK – because I thought it was a funny oxymoron. When I went to make a Facebook page for cosplay, I thought that name would be good since it was very general for all the types of cosplays I was hoping to do.

I’m glad I made that my name because I think it’s very unique.

What was the reason you decided to start cosplaying & when did you start?

I got into cosplay after attending Toronto Comic Con and witnessing other cosplayers. Beforehand, I didn’t even know what cosplay was, I had never seen it before.

What really got me intrigued was seeing a Jinx cosplay from League of Legends: a video game I was obsessed with at the time. This made me really want to make a League of Legends costume as well. After the con, I went home, got on the internet for help, and found out what cosplay is. A few months later I made my first costume.

What made you think – “I want to do more of this!”?

You put a lot of time and effort into the costume, and when someone recognizes your character at a con and tells you how great it looks, it gives you a really good feeling. I think that’s why I continue to do it and strive to make bigger and better cosplays. It’s like an addiction – to keep progressing to do better than your last creation.

Have you done any modeling work, outside of cosplay, or is that something you’d consider doing?

I have never done modeling outside of cosplay.

Wearing my own creation and getting nice pictures taken from some great photographers has made me appreciate how hard models and photographers actually work in that industry. Maybe one day I might have an interest in exploring that side of the modeling world, but right now its not my main interest.

Which are some of your favorite video games?

World of Warcraft and League of Legends are my favorites, but I also play a lot of Diablo 3.

Do you read comic books at all, if so, which do you enjoy?

I really love the Batman and Wonder Woman comics! I also have several The Walking Dead comics as well.

I’m trying to build up my collection and I’m not going to lie, it’s mostly Batman and Wonder Women!

Did you consider yourself a nerd or geek when you were younger, and do you do so now?

I was less of the stereotyped “nerd” and was more into playing and watching sports. I became more into gaming and comic books the past 2 years. I love the person I am becoming now.

So what do your non-cosplay friends think of your cosplaying?

My close friends think it’s pretty cool, and are pretty amazed at the things I have made. Some people, I’m pretty sure, just think I’m weird. But that’s okay, because I totally am!

If you could pick one motivating factor that makes you keep coming back to creating new costumes and cosplaying, what would that be?

Happiness. Every time I go to a con, meet new friends, and get compliments on my creations, it makes me happy. It’s hard to find things in life that genuinely make you happy all the time, and cosplay does that for me.

Do you attend a lot of Cons or events?

Well, last year was my first year attending cons and cosplaying. I tried to attend as many cons and events as my budget would allow.

I have around 6 confirmed cons I’m attending this year, with a few promotional events I’ll be doing as a cosplay guest.

What’s one of your most memorable moments while in costume?

We were walking into FanExpo, at the same time a Toronto Blue Jays game was being let out. I was told by security that I had to enter through a specific entrance which took me right through the path of thousands of existing baseball fans. In a matter of seconds I was completely surrounded by people who had no idea what cosplay was and that FanExpo was happening right next to their baseball game. The whispers began, some people saying “I think they are going the wrong way” and “what the hell is that?”

Honestly, it was both uncomfortable and hilarious at the same time. Their reaction made me appreciate the welcome nature of FanExpo guests. It also made me laugh because all of these people were confused as to why I was dressed like a video game character for, what they thought, was no reason.

Have you ever had any bad experiences with people while cosplaying?

The only bad experiences I have had was when people criticized my natural appearance. I can handle when people criticize my work, because I’m still new and I know my stuff isn’t that great yet, but the “fat” and “ugly” comments are unnecessary. I am quite comfortable with my appearance.

Do you have other cosplayers that you admire?

I admire Jessica Nigri and Yaya Han as my idol cosplayers, but they are just cosplayers I look at on Facebook and Instagram.

Kouki-li Cosplay is a local cosplayer and friend in my area, I admire her work and how helpful she is. She has many more years of experience than myself and she is like my ‘cosplay Google’, if I ever have any questions or need help I go to her!

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

I’ve learned to buy everything ON SALE. Cosplaying is expensive and you want to save as much money as you can!

Also, I’ve learned that sometimes you have to fail to succeed and that YouTube tutorials are a cosplayers best friend! Also, please remember that cosplay is fun and that it’s not a competition: Everyone is doing it for the same reason, TO HAVE FUN!

So always be nice to other cosplayers and don’t put each other down<3

Looking back on your work, is there anything that you’d do differently ?

I would like to do my female Thresh COMPLETELY differently. Ever since learning about EVA foam and seeing actual fem Thresh designs, I’m really not happy with how it looks. But with all the characters I have plans to create, I’m going to save working on the old ones for later.

Do you currently have any works in progress?

Power Girl, which is almost complete (waiting on my wig to arrive due to a shipping error and is now MIA). Also, Sylvanas Windrunner from World of Warcraft, and Wonder Woman.

What does the future hold for you?

I’m hoping that my future is filled with more cosplay, more travelling, meeting new friends and attending a school for fashion and costume design.

PrettyWreck, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview. We look forward to seeing much more of your cosplaying and costuming work in the future!

If you’d like to book PrettyWreck Cosplay for your event, you can contact her here or through one of her social media account below.