Victoria: How long have you been acting and are you trained in the arts?
Kevin: I’ve been acting since college. I went to Newberry College in South Carolina on a football scholarship and was approached my freshman year to audition for the Robert Bolt play ‘A Man for all Seasons’. I fell in love with acting and theater at that point and it’s been a part of my life ever since.
Victoria: How did you get involved with Bat in the Sun studios?
Kevin: I first met Aaron and Sean Schoenke at the San Diego Comic Con in 2003. I was there making a Batman appearance for DC and Mattel. Aaron had a Bat in the Sun t-shirt on, and I was familiar with their first film “Batman Beyond: Year One”. I commented to them about it while on set, that’s actually caught on tape as Sean was filming all of this. They later reached out through a mutual connection and offered me the role of Batman in their next project.
Victoria: Are you a comic book fan?
Kevin: Always. I am a huge fan of the source material as that’s where the truth of the characters lies, in the intent of the writers. I have been an avid collector all of my life.
Victoria: How long does it take to complete a Bat in the Sun film?
Victoria: What are your thoughts on Ben Affleck being cast as Batman in the Man of Steel sequel?
Kevin: I think that he will do well. Hes older, wiser and the suit will do most of the work. I trust Zack Snyder.
Victoria: How did you prepare to play the role of Batman?
Kevin: Its just something that is within me. Its very natural to shift gears. I am not this way in my everyday life. My demeanor is much more upbeat. But there is something that is amazing about the duality. This double life and putting on this second skin that brings out some hidden dark side. You access your pain, anger, rage...Its cathartic in a way.
Victoria: Why do you think Batman is such a popular character in comics and pop culture?
Kevin: Batman is American mythology. Its a child’s character that also matures with us as we grow. There are various interpretations for each stage of development. It’s a human hero that endures, who is flawed but triumphs. His heart, his drive and yes that dark side that most people never admit to having. Bottom line, Batman is cool. Theres no arguing that! Victoria: What other film projects do you have coming up?
Kevin: I just got word this week that I have been cast in a new film starring Jackson Rathbone. I play a biker and have a couple of great scenes with Andrew Dice Clay. It shoots in December and I couldn’t be more excited.
Victoria: What does your convention schedule look like for 2014?
Kevin: I’m not really sure. I have a few films lined up so my schedule may not accommodate many conventions. I would love to attend more as I love getting out and meeting people that appreciate the work. I will be at San Diego, thats certain!
Victoria: Where can fans contact you and view a port of your work?
Kevin: You can always reach me on the Fan page Kevin Porter Batman. You can also imdb me to find out what projects Ive done or the ones that I have coming up.
I first discovered Nataschas cosplay work while scrolling on my Newsfeed on Facebook. It was one of those moments when you literally stop. The German beauty literally looks like a comic book character come to life. With her high quality costumes and stunning photography, Natascha aka Knightess Rouge, has developed a huge following including Batgirl writer, Gail Simone. Natascha took some time to chat with the Confessions of a Cosplay Girl Blog about her craft, the sudden firing (and re-hiring) of Gail Simone and what fasinates her about Barbara Gordon.
Natascha: It was quite a long process. I started planning and organizing the costume about three months before I started working on it. As soon as my ReevzFX cowl arrived (which is btw. AMAZING. I love his work!), I started working on the bat-suit. It took me three tries with different materials until I got the result I wanted. Fortunately I managed to make the cape without any problems. Its made from pleather and yellow lining and has a little zipper in the back. My belt is made from pleather and the little "capsules" are made from an aluminium pipe and bolt nuts. That was quite a lot of work! It took me a while to find ideas for the belt. I really wanted to make it on my own and Im proud of the result. I always wanted to make a Batgirl costume since I was little, so it was a big dream to come true. I wouldve never gotten that far if I didnt have some amazing people around me who gave me tips and helped when I needed help. A big thank you at this point to Janet Drake, Laban & Jaz Boldero, Bob Kieffer and Shawn Reeves.
Natascha: I know theres a lot of controversy about this topic, but personally I find her appealing no matter if shes Batgirl or Oracle. I agree that Oracle had a very important meaning and was a very different character. She gave hope & motivation to many people, but so did Batgirl. Oracle was older and more experienced. Its difficult to compare a teen/young woman to an adult, dont you agree? Barbara Gordon as Batgirl was the very first character I idolized and shell always have a special place in my heart. I also loved her as Oracle, no doubt, and I think she was extremely important for the comic world, but we have to realize that its only the beginning of Barbara Gordons story right now in the New 52. Theres so much more to come and Im sure shell grow to an even bigger hero. She always managed to fascinate people and so itll continue. I refuse to only see her as "Batgirl" or "Oracle". I see her as Barbara Gordon in all her variety and how much she means to people. The things that happened in the past are not lost. You can re-read her stories all the time and theyll never disappear. Keep them close to your heart and remember what you loved about her. I always try to be open to her new adventures. Theyve never disappointed me.
Natascha: Yes, a few times. I always get so exciting when she does!! THE Batgirl writer calling you "the real Batgirl" is about the best feeling ever. I remember almost tearing up when she first followed me and tweeted me. Unforgetable. Sometimes I cant believe all these wonderful memories are real.
