Cosplay Spotlight Margie and Ned Cox

On my recent visit to Georgia I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Margie and Ned Cox, the powerhouse cosplay couple.

I have longed admired Margie and her husband Ned for their incredible talent in costuming. Their costumes are flawless and their photos are nothing short of stunning. Theres also an element of romance to them; I have always found it romantic when couples cosplay together.  This husband and wife team are quite the dynamic duel in the world of cosplay and are highly respected and admired. They have inspired many, including myself and I was thrilled to have the chance to meet them on my recent trip to Georgia.

Victoria: How did the two of you meet?

Ned: We met in college--nothing too interesting. She had taken Army ROTC as an elective while I was in the midst of my four-year pre-commissioning training to become an officer. She didnt care for me at first, as she likes to recall, but I can be pretty bad with first impressions, admittedly.

Victoria: How long have you been married?

Margie: We’ll be married six years in May.

Victoria: When did you begin cosplaying together?

Ned: Toward the end of college, my love of comics hit a boiling point where I felt the need to LIVE in the fantasy world. Totally healthy of course. Im kind of a big kid at heart and running around as Batman as an adult in 2012 isnt much different than what I was doing in 1992 as a child after watching episodes of The Animated Series, I just tend to be better dressed for the occasion. When I told Margie that this was what I wanted to do, she was a bit apprehensive. She liked comics and superheroes, but this took it to another level. When I told her that I was interested in looking into doing this beyond conventions as a way to give back to the community and help charitable childrens causes, she became more interested.

Victoria: Whats your favorite couple to cosplay?

Margie: Oh, I don’t know what Ned’s going to say, but I honestly really like being Carol and Hal (Star Sapphire and Green Lantern). I think the reason is that we only have two couples costumes (Star Sapphire and Green Lantern, Batman and Catwoman) and Ned’s personality is a lot more of a Hal Jordan personality than Bruce Wayne (Batman) personality. Anyone who knows Ned will probably say that “That guy doesn’t break character for anything.” Ned is naturally a goof-ball and I love him for it. However, as a comic fan (and someone who doesn’t like to alienate new potential friends and bystanders), I appreciate that he keeps that part of his personality locked down in certain situations or wearing certain costumes.

Ned: Agreed. Its great that, after so many years of pretending to "just be friends" as some of our JLA characters, Margie and I finally got to be Green Lantern and Star Sapphire and really be a couple just
like Hal and Carol.

Victoria: You recently debuted your New 52 Wonder Woman at this years MegaCon. How long did it take to construct the costume?

Margie: I have a day job and mostly I work on costumes at night and on weekends, but it took me a few months. That was with the sanity breaks I took, where I would stare at a boot for a week and think “I wish I had briefs to go with those boots…” Four weeks later: “I guess I need armor to go with this corset….”. Five weeks later: “I’m going to get Velcro to hold up this armor since it’s not going to stay on with magic.” My overwhelming guilt at staring at hundreds of dollars of untouched costuming materials is how most of my costumes get finished. I’ve actually been staring at a creepy plaster hand that I’ve had in my basement for a few weeks knowing I need to get started sculpting my Huntress armor.

Victoria: What costumes do you have planned for in the future?

Margie: I’m working of the New Huntress costume and a Sith costume. I would also like to do the new Starfire costume, but I’m honestly waiting (and hoping) that DC caves and gives her a bit more coverage. I really like the new costume, except for that part.

Ned: Im going to work on classic Giant-Man (Hank Pym) from the Avengers. After costuming as Cyclops, I feel a sort of connection to the misunderstood and damaged characters in comics. Besides that, hes a classic Marvel character that gets no respect. And the Giant-Man costume looks REALLY cool. Margie and I are also hoping to join the Sith soon--our first costumes outside of superheroes as well as "good guys." It should be fun!

Victoria: You both do a lot of charity work for your community. Could you tell my readers more about that?

Margie: Heroes Alliance is a charity that I’ve been involved with in some way since I first got into costuming. Basically it’s collaboration of costumers, photographers, and general comic fans who
would like to use their art to reach out to their communities, to charities, and also to support local comic shops. I’m the coordinator for the Atlanta group and I have a soft spot for children’s charities, so the majority of events that we do here are for special needs children. Some of the groups I’ve worked with over the last year are FOCUS, Down Syndrome Society of Atlanta, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Extra Special People, and CASA.

Ned: Margie and I joined at the same time, shortly after the Heroes Alliances founding in Tampa. Ive had the honor of being elected council chairman for the second year in a row and Im extremely proud of our teams across the nation (and world, with our UK partners). Weve built a great community of volunteers who have a very unique role among charity groups in bringing a real-life superhero experience to children with illnesses and disabilities. I love conventions and seeing my spandex-clad friends, but Ive found so much more fulfillment in the Heroes Alliance than I ever imagined.

Victoria: Margie, you are a very accomplished writer. What are you currently working on?

Margie: Thanks! I have a Bachelors from USF in English with a specialty in Creative Writing—my family thought I was insane for coming off the Pre-Med/Microbiology track, so I’m elated that I’ve been able to do a few dark, gritty, artistic pieces which have proven to them that I was more insane than they ever imagined.

A few years ago, I finished my novel, Southern Gothic Confidential, a dark regional comedy/tragedy that entwines the cultural evolution of a small town with the personal renaissances of some of it’s inhabitants. The backdrop of characters is very colorful. In the foreground of the Historic District is Ms. Jane Bradshaw, a very prim and proper Southern lady. She is President of the Red Hat Society and Secretary of the Garden Club. When her neighbor is decapitated in an auto accident, she finds herself living next to his estranged mother, Crazy Deb, and Crazy Deb’s very strange husband, Wild Ernest, who have been certified uncrazy due to the overload of patients in Chattahoochee Mental Institution. This state of affairs sets off a chain of events which will forever change the Historic District and the characters. Luckily, SGC got into the hands of someone in the industry via my husband’s boss who was nice enough to send it to a professional proofreader. After the proofread, they sent it to a publisher for me. It was super nice of them. We’ll see where it goes.

Currently, I found a pretty sweet gig writing a comic with Eugene Selassie called Rock, Paper, Scissors. It’s a 12-Issue story that deals with the super-powered crime underbelly of Chicago. It is morally gritty and I’d like to think that the characters are rather likable although they are in a very ethically challenged climate. It was great being able to work on a team of very talented, fresh artists and writers. It was like walking into a room that was bursting at the crown molding creative energy. We were like artistic vampires feeding off of each other’s talents and ideas. Issue One exceeded my expectations art and story wise. I’m a huge fan of Tarentino and Puzo. We all brought our love of crime noir, modern classical mafia literature, and comics to the table. I don’t know how much more I can say since we’re talking to a few publishers now, but we’re building a damn good story.

Victoria: Many people like myself, see you both as an
inspiration in the world of cosplay. How does it feel to be role
models?

Margie: I’m so honored and humbled that you feel that way. When I started out, I just had a few friends who costumed (I could count them on both hands) and we were just supportive of each other. We’d find a few photos of ourselves online from time to time, but other than that, I don’t think anyone was terribly well known. I don’t feel very far removed from that experience except I can’t count the people I know on my hands anymore. It’s really easy to treat people well when I’ve been so well treated. I feel pretty much the same, but I’m very grateful for any good vibes that I’ve been able to send to people. It feels great to know that maybe I’ve made a difference.

Ned: Im humbled, perplexed, and honored that you say that. Its something I didnt expect but Im always very happy to hear whenever Ive had any sort of positive impact in peoples lives in any way.

Ive found myself in leadership roles from time to time--in the Army, through the Heroes Alliance, and now at the company I work for. Those are all very different environments with different leadership

requirements but Ive found some common truths among them: be honest, be consistent, and take care of the people you care about. Its always served me right.

As for being an inspiration, Ive always been just an, "Im just happy to be here" kinda guy. If I bring positivity and joy to a situation or group then all the better. Ive met some of the most wonderful people doing this (another unexpected blessing) and they inspire me. Its easy to be positive when youre around great people.

Victoria: What is your personal favorite costume?

Margie: Wonder Woman.

Ned: Im going to say Green Lantern. Ive accepted that Ill probably die as Hal Jordan--a Green Lantern Corps emblem on my tombstone. Thats fine. Im very happy to be known for that and I absolutely love the character, the Corps, and all of my fellow Lanterns. Its a wonderful thing.


My thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Cox and be sure to check out Margies Facebook Fan Page to keep up with this Cosplay Goddess!

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Ask Victoria!

Photo by Heart Shine Photography

Many people have a variety of questions for me regarding charity work, costuming, conventions, modeling etc. so I decided to bring back the Ask Victoria feature! Questions were left for me on my Facebook Page and now, I bring you the answers. Thank you to everyone who submitted!



Jesse L. Asks:  What got you into doing charity work and what charities normally spark your interest?


Victoria: I survived a horrific car accident several years ago that left me in a wheel chair. At first, doctors were not sure if I would be able to walk again. I know what it is like for your life to suddenly change and the different emotions you experience. You go through shock, fear, depression and anger. Things seem hopeless. Its so important to let as much happiness in as possible. Your sanity depends on it. I want to reach out to others who need help. Kindness goes a long way. Love goes a long way. It can inspire you. It can heal you.

As much as I love costuming, I also have to admit that Im sick of the egos and drama. We can use our talents to give back. Thats a very powerful thing. I wanted to take the focus off of me and put the spotlight on these charities that do wonderful things for children and their families. I dont want to be too self absorbed. If I can give back, I will. With working for the Heroes Alliance, we focus on child-related charities.

Photo by Photos and Designs by Piera

Shaun S. Asks: Would you do a Make-A-Wish for a child?


Victoria: I have worked with the Philadelphia chapter of the Make-A-Wish-Foundation. If I was contacted by them to make a particular wish for a particular child come true, I would absolutely jump at the chance to grant it.


William H. Asks: Will you ever make it to the Motor City Comic-Con in Detroit?


Victoria: I currently have no plans on attending that convention. If youd like me there as a guest, the best thing you can do is write to the people running the show and recommend me as a guest. You can also message me on my Facebook Page so we can communicate about shows in your area.


Ray M. Asks: Who inspires you the most in terms of  just life, fictional and non? Heaven, both if applicable and how?


Victoria: My late grandmother inspires me. She was a kind and loving woman and was always there for her family. She also loved the Lord. She inspires my relationship with my family, to put them first
and always be there for them. She inspires me when it comes to charity work and helping others.

Photo by Green House Photography

 Fictional characters who inspire me are Belle, Lara Croft, Wonder Woman and Snow White. Belle longs for adventure like most of us, is a bookworm like me and sacrificed her freedom for her father without hesitation. Lara is smart, dangerous, sassy, sexy and confident. Id love to go on her adventures even though most of them would scare me to death! She inspired me to work hard when I was going through psychical therapy and learn how to walk again. Wonder Woman was the first female super hero I was exposed to. I grew up watching the Lynda Carter series then later graduated to comic books. Id love to have her life, to train on an island of female warriors. Shes a goodwill ambassador and can kick major butt. She can hold her against the best of the male super heroes. Shes tough yet feminine and lets not forget that shes royalty! Theres so many reasons to love her. Snow White is a survivor. She survived the heartbreak of loosing her parents and survived repeated attempts on her life. She found a support system with the seven dwarfs and kept pushing forward. And she got her happy ending.


David P. Asks: If you could be any of the characters you portrayed, who would it be?


Victoria: Wonder Woman.

Bobby T. Asks: What superhero would you love to cosplay the most?

Victoria: Id love to do Batgirl. That would be fun and different and I can relate because just like Barbra, I use to be in a wheel chair.

Photo by Photos and Designs by Piera

Ian S. Asks: Do you have a costume in mind that you havent tried yet because it might be too difficult?


Victoria: Id love to be Iron Man but I dont even know where to start with something like that.


John C. Asks: Will you be going to New York Comic-Con?


Victoria: No, I do not have plans to travel there this year.


Claudio A. Asks: When you look into making a costume, what do you take into consideration?  Design, characters, values?


Victoria: Its not nearly as that complex for me. I costume who I love. Thats it.


James R. Asks: Do you plan on coming back to any of the shows in Pittsburgh?


Victoria: At the present time, no. Not this year.

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Ask Victoria Part 5

So for the fifth round of "Ask Victoria" I had my fans ask whatever they wanted on my Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/VictoriaCosplay). The original plan was whoever asked the best question would get to interview me for my Blog but there was such a huge response and so many great questions, I decided to pick the ten best for this article.
My apologies that I could not get everyones questions in. There were far too many and some of them were questions I have all ready answered in other interviews across the web. Thanks again to my fans. Read on and enjoy!

Emily Ruth asks: What has the process been like going from a low-key cosplayer to the Queen of Cosplay? Your great greatest challenge and hardships that you had to overcome as each new con approached? How as those challenges shaped you as a person and where can you see yourself growing from there?

Victoria: I never thought I would receive any kind of title in the cosplay world especially being named the Queen of Cosplay. Its a bit mind boggling. I was just a shy little nerd girl who wanted to give cosplay a try and really enjoyed it so I continued with no specific goal in mind other than to have fun and pay tribute to my favorite characters. In the beginning I actually dealt with a lot of racism with my first cosplay (Aerith from Final Fantasy VII) and I would consider that the biggest hardship. I also have individuals whom I refer to as my "sheep" who literally would shop at the same local stores I would or apply to the same shows or websites, contact people I have worked with, imitate my modeling photos, even cosplay the same characters that I do. Sometimes they are former friends, sometimes they are plain ole stalkers.  But these women arent considered hardships in the least, they are just people I laugh at when our paths cross. I think any obstacle in life helps you become who you are and I have faced everything from being in a wheel chair, to murder in my family, divorce, abusive relationships and even alcoholism. I always found the light however thanks to my family, friends and God. I do not exaggerate when I say I have very thick skin. I have even taken up the practice of meditation and feel I am constantly evolving.

Russell asks: How has cosplaying changed your life? Pros and Cons of cosplaying for you?

Victoria: Gosh, its changed in so many ways. First and foremost, its crazy that I dont have to worry about a ticket anymore. Im getting invited to these shows or am granted access because of my work and the name Ive made for myself and thats incredible. My first trip to the San Diego Comic Con was in 2010 and I had people come up to me who knew who I was. It wasnt just fans either; I met a Fox San Diego camera man and he said he followed my work online. I couldnt believe I was all the way across the country and people knew who I was and it really showed that all my networking has really paid off. I would say the annoying thing about being an internet celebrity is the idioticy I have to deal with; people who just act stupid. But thats easily taken care of with the click of the "block" button. Sometimes I will spit their stupidity right back at them, other times I dont bother and just block them.

David asks: What is your opinion of the latest Superman costume from Superman: The Man of Steel?

Victoria:  I actually really like it! Its different from any Superman costume weve seen onscreen. I think it was time to step away from the traditional outfit (just a bit) and give us something new. Its not too different though so its still safe. I also think its sexy. Ive been in love with Superman since I was a little girl and am very much looking forward to this film.

WeAre NerdCaliber asks: What was the last thing you read that made a huge impact in your life or thinking? Why?

Victoria: I dont know if this counts but I have a Dream Interpretation book that I use to decipher dreams and visions I have while I meditate. I record everything down in a journal and its amazing once you decode the hidden meanings behind dreams and visions.

 Brian asks: I sort of know the answers to any question that could be asked but I feel like one question in particular would have an interesting answer and I wonder if its changed over time: How do you go about "retiring" a cosplay? I know youve had quite a few that have been shelved for good (Aerith for example), but I would like to hear in your own words what goes through your head when you decided that a cosplay has run its course ...

Victoria: If I feel like I have done all I can creatively for a character whether it be costume upgrades or photography wise, I will retire it. With Aerith I was very satisfied with the pictures that were taken (http://cosplaygirl.webs.com/aerithfinalfantasyvii.htm) and had no desire to cosplay her variant dresses. I also dont attend many video game shows so I had no where to really wear the outfit to.

Dave asks: Do you regret cutting your hair?

Victoria: Not at all! It has to be cut after I put my hair through hell one week. I went from dark to highlights to back to dark. It got fried so I cut only two inches off. As you can see in the Alice picture above, its not too short. It looks shorter though when I wear it curly.

Humphrey asks: With all the hype of the new 52 how do you feel about the new costume designs. Do you see yourself cosplaying any of them in the near future. If so which would be the first. Ohh yeah will you marry me.

Victoria: Im digging the designs so far although I am still getting use to Supermans collar. I may try Wonder Womans new outfit but I have no love for Supergirls new uniform. I think  its horrendous. As for marrying you, if Im still single in five years lets do it!

Michael asks: You have been featured lately on several big cosplay websites, and even most recently on EW.com. Do you hope to become a model outside of the cosplay world, and if so, what would you model?

Victoria: Ive been doing three things like a mad woman; teaching, cosplaying and modeling. I feel I am ready to be more active in the modeling world so cosplay may be pushed to the side for a little bit now that I am in negotiations with a modeling agency. Ive actually held off on signing with an agency because teaching and cosplaying came first but even with doing that, Ive proved I can make it into national publications. As for what would I model, that would depend on what assignments I would get but I am open for pretty much anything.

Mind Trickdmedia asks: Best Pick up line when youre dressed as Slave Leia?

 

Victoria: I love it when females ask me to marry them at conventions or when they say "I love you Princess Leia!". Conventions are suppose to be fun and with all the online Slave Leia bashing going on, its always nice to meet a confident, strong, female fan who appreciates Leia.

Phil asks: Thoughts on being the subject of so much fan art? I could probably have an entire art related conversation.

Victoria: Its awesome! I appreciate everyones efforts and for incorporating me into their art! Ive seen some incredible work and try to post as much as I can on my website: http://cosplaygirl.webs.com/fanart.htm

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What Cosplayers Need to Stop Doing

Photo by Bodhi Tree Photography

Not too long ago a video was circulating on the web where the host discussed a list he created on what cosplayers need to "stop doing". Reasons varied between creating Kickstarter Campaigns to sexy costumes. While the intentions were meant to be noble and he is certainly entitled to his opinion, there were topics he discussed that left me shaking my head. By the end of the video I had a moment of clarity. Its clear what cosplayers (and the public that follows us) needs to stop doing in terms of racism, Kickstarters, gender bender, sexy costumes and so on.

People need to stop judging each other. Thats it.

See how simple that was? Namaste.

                            

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