Today’s cosplay interview is with a very lovely and talented woman. She has worked with amazing photographers such as David Ho, Michael Iacca, and Superhero photography to bring out the true beauty of her cosplay. I have seen some of her cosplays throughout the years and I always wanted to interview her. Well, a couple of months ago that mission was accomplished and now you, the reader, get to enjoy the results. Nerds and Nerdettes, I present my interview with the lovely Alexia Jean Grey.
I am Alexia Jean Grey, born in Wisconsin but now living in south Florida
2. How did you discover cosplay?
I was always into nerdy things when I was younger, reading comic book and watching Sailor Moon. When I moved to Florida about 5 years ago I became friends with a group of cosplayers who brought me to my first convention. I knew basic knowledge of seeing but after cosplaying a couple times I did a lot of research on how to make advangard things such as armor and wood work fabrication. Each cosplay I do I always try and teach myself a new form of crafting, I’m always looking to challenge myself.
3. I really love your Batgirl cosplay. What made you choose that character?
Even though I’ve always been more of a Marvel fan then DC I love the whole concept of Batman, the art style was the first thing that caught my eye how gritty and dark the comics where. I also love that it’s more of a realistic story, to me super powers are awesome and all but I love characters who use intelligence to fight back which is the bases of batman (well and money haha). When I first saw Batgirl n the animated series I thought she rather adorable and even though she was young she was young she still had the courage to run off and fight with Batman. Barbra Goordan will always be my favorite Batgirl and was rather heartbroken when she was shot by the Joker. Happy she was able to stick around and was able to put on her suit again, but still angry DC made me go throw that drama thinking they were killing off my favorite character.
4. I know you have cosplayed other comic characters, which one was your favorite?
Each one is different and hard to choose just one. I’d have to say thoug Black Widow and Mary Jane will always be in my top. Imlove Black Widow because she is highly intelligent, master of weaponry, and courageous enough to stand against villains that have super powers even though she has none. I also really admire Mary Jane, Spider-man was one of the first comics I read as a kid and MJ had a major role thought the comic and had a huge affect on the plot. A lot of the time romance is over looked in action packed comics but Spider-man wouldn’t be the same without her and even though she was just a regular girl she sacrificed her life and her relationship to save Peters life, to me she is some way a superhero of her own.
5. What other genres do you cosplay?
I love a bunch of different genres and have dabbled in each, from anime to comics, video games, and working on some original designs as well. Comic books are usually my man hub but I have done characters such as Felicia, Rei Miyamoto, and even a Lady Dexter. There are just to many different chapters I like and wanted to costume, I thinki have an endless list.
6. I really love your female Dexter from Dexter’s Lab. How did you come up with the idea?
Vie always been an advent watcher of Cartoon Network as a kid, and still quote those shows to this day. I was always trying to organize a Dexters Lab group but it always fell through. Even though DeeDee was the main lady in the show Dexter was always my favorite character so decided to try and take a whack at it since I can’t recall ever seeing a girl version of it. I only had one day to do it since I was leaving for NY Comic Con and do still really love it needs a few fixes. My main worry was if anyone would really get who I was since it was a female version of a simple character so decided to make a Dexter tag to go along with it. it was a big hot and do plan on updating it for future shows.
7. What is your favorite way to show off a new costume?
I mainly debut my new costumes at major conventions. Conventions are where a lot of my best photoshoots have been held. Even though there are a couple amazing costume photographers in my area conventions are the best way to bring cosplayers and photographers together thatmlive across the country. I can also usually find a lot of great locations to shoot at shows s opposed to my area, I live by a beach… So it’s limited. Such as this last Chibi pa where I wore Rei Miyamoto we had access to the roof top of the hotel which went perfectly for the High School of the Dead theme.
8. What are your plans for the future?
Right now I’m busy planning and ordering materials for my costume debuts for early 2013. Also next year will be my first time at international shows including London and Mexico which I excited about since I’ve never been outside the country. I am also one of the cosplay cordnaiters for Supercon and Animate next year, also working with a few companies for conventions next year but I can’t say to much more than that.
9. Where can my readers see more examples of your work?
My full galleries are on my website alexiajeangrey.com.
I also have a Facebook www.facebook.com/alexiajeangreyfanpage.
I often update progress photos and convention times on Instagram alexiajeangrey and twitter @alexiajeangrey
10. If you could work with another cosplayer for a photo shoot, who would you choose
I’d like to work with as many cosplayers as possible. Each cosplayer brings something unquie to the cosplay community, I’m hoping to work with Jessica Nigri in the future and always want to work with some other ladies such as Soni Arylinn, Victoria Lee, and Ivy Doomkitty who I think are insanely talented and equally as kind hearted.
