Mizz Jupiter
There are many talented models and performers who bring their love & enthusiasm to dressing up as their favorite characters. Comic Book Critic will regularly 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 for March 12th, 2013 is:
Mizz Jupiter from New York City, NY
Mizz Jupiter has been cosplaying since 2008. We asked her a few questions about her experiences portraying her favorite characters.
What made you decide cosplaying was something you wanted to do?
Halloween has been my favorite holiday since I was very young. My mom would help me make my costumes. I never new about cosplay until I went to NYCC for the first time in 2008. Then I saw the movie Watchmen. From that very first moment I saw Silk Spectre II’s latex costume I knew from that moment I had to have one of my very own. I never looked back since.
What was your first costume?
My first cosplay and my personal favorite is my Silk Spectre II latex version from the movie Watchmen.
Have you ever modeled before you became a cosplayer?
No I do not model. I work as a theater/event technician.
Do you make your own costumes?
All my costumes unless noted are handmade by me. My latex Silk Spectre and Ms. Marvel are made by The Baroness.
You can visit her website at www.Baroness.com
Who are your favorite characters,?
I have soo many so, I will pick my top 3.
1. Silk Spectre II from the movie Watchmen
2. Black Widow
3. Ms Marvel.
Which character do you find the easiest to cosplay and which is the hardest?
There is no easiest or hardest cosplay. I do have easy and hard cosplays to wear. I find that my unlatex cosplays are easiest. My latex cosplay are the hardest because since its a rubber I have to be careful. Any knick or pull will leave a hole or worse a rip that cannot be fixed.
How do you usually spend your spare time?
On my spare time I’m usually working. But when I’m not working or cosplaying I spend my time catching up on my favorite TV shows that I have recorded. I love sports, so a Knicks, Yankees, or Jets game.
What are your favorite comics?
I love comics. I try to read them when I have time downtime from work. My favorites are Marvel – Civil War and A Vs.X. My personal favorite is the True Blood comics from IDW, Before Watchmen, and the classic graphic novel Watchmen.
Are there any particular events or conventions that you prefer to appear at and how many do you usually attend in a year?
I attend 2 to 3 major cons a year like NYCC Otakon and PRCC- Puerto Rico Comic Con. I try to attend some local small cons in the new york area if I am not busy with work like Spring Fest in Brooklyn at Polytech and The cherry blossom festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. One year I would love actually go to San Diego Comic Con, Dragon Con and Stan Lees Comikaze Expo.
What are some of your most memorable moments while cosplaying?
My most memorable moment has to be the other amazing cosplayers I get to meet and talk to. Some have become very good friends. It’s great because if I need advice or help or just support they are there to help out.
Are there any downsides to appearing at cons?
With anything you do in life there are always downsides. My downside is when I wear heels with my cosplay. I love my heels and I’ve learned that sometimes heels aren’t the best way to go.
Another downside which affects women cosplayers is the inappropriate comments, asking of personal information and sometimes trying to accidentally bump or get a “free feel”. Personally, con or no con, I do not tolerate that type of behavior. It is disrespectful and disgusting. Just think that could be their daughter, niece, or granddaughter.
(Disclaimer: I don’t promote violence. Violence is not the answer and is against the law. I will not be violent but I will speak up and I know self defense) :)
What are some of your least memorable moments while cosplaying?
My least memorable moment was when my Silk Spectre (latex version) knickers broke in half right in front of everybody. I was heart broken. But I was a trooper, and being a theater tech, I had back up black tape and I taped away. No one seemed to notice. I pulled it off without a problem.
Who are some of your favorite cosplayers?
I have a lot favorite cosplayers.
Some of them are Annisse Damefatale, Tally Justine, Kirika Yashida ECA, Trinket Cosplay, Ivy Doomkitty, KO Cosplay, BellChere, Freddy Nova, Ani Mia, Spectra Cosplay, NYC Assassin, Jay Justice Cosplay, Larry Smith, Cap America, Betheny Maddock, Kearstin Nicholson, Kitty Honey Cosplay.
I love all cosplayers. sharing the same love for the art makes all of us great creative and unique.
How long have you been cosplaying?
I’ve been cosplaying since 2008.
How much time do you invest in it?
I have invested so much time I’ve lost count. I really don’t worry about how much time I spend on a costume. It’s my hobby and my joy. If you love something that you do, it really does not matter how much time you spend on it. What counts is the final result of your creation.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out?
Don’t let no one tell you that you can’t do something. Do what you love and be happy doing it.
Also, please be careful when offered gigs – especially modeling. Use a business email and never ever give out your personal information or phone numbers. And make sure it’s a paying gig. Always remember, as cosplayers, we have to support each other. We are a community. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable or felt you were put in an uncomfortable situation, never stay silent. Sharing your experience with other cosplayers can teach them to be careful. It also warns them of that person or organization so that same situation won’t repeat itself. If you are reading this and would like to share with me. My door is always open.
If you could change anything since you started, what would it be?
I’m being very honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. I feel the experiences I went through have taught me to be a better cosplayer/costumer and a better person.
What does the future hold for Mizz Jupiter?
My future is limitless. I don’t know what’s in store for me, but I’m sure the roads I’m taking will lead me to the right place.
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Mizz Jupiter, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. We look forward to seeing more of you and your costumes in the future!
Mizz Jupiter Links
You can see more of her work at these links:
Photo Credits:
Silk Spectre II – Latex Version from the movie WATCHMEN
Photo By: Mark McQueen
Hair/Belt/Shoes/Makeup- Mizz Jupiter
Latex fabrication by: The Baroness www.baroness.com
Peggy Carter – Captain America “The First Avenger”
Skirt/Jacket/Wig/Makeup- By Mizz Jupiter
Photo By: Brian Ngai
Taken @ New York Comic Con 2012
Claire Redfield – Video game version from Resident Evil: Code Veronica
Vest/Design/Makeup/hair- By Mizz Jupiter
Photo by: Ricardo Cepeda
Ms Marvel – Carol Danvers version from Marvel Comics
Wig/Sash/Mask/ Makeup- By Mizz Jupiter
Latex fabrication by: The Baroness www.baroness.com
Photo by: Geeks are sexy http://www.geeksaresexy.net
Taken @ New York Comic Con 2012
The Black Widow – Marvel Comics Version
Wig/Belt/ Stingers/shoes/Makeup – Mizz Jupiter
Photo By: Judy Stephens for Marvel.com
Taken @ New York Comic Con 2011
Peggy Carter – Captain America “The First Avenger”
Skirt/Jacket/Wig/Makeup- By Mizz Jupiter
Photo By: Brian Ngai
Taken @ New York Comic Con 2012
Ms Marvel – Carol Danvers version from Marvel Comics
Wig/Sash/Shoes/Mask/ makeup – By Mizz Jupiter
Photo Taken By: Ricardo Cepeda
Taken @ New York Comic Con 2012
– The Comic Book Critic