Maki Roll’s Chop Shop: Interview with a Cosplay Inspiration

Everyone (with taste) can appreciate talent and creativity. There is a cosplayer that is taking the geek/nerd industry by storm. You may have seen her famous cosplay of Ryuko Matoi from the anime Kill La Kill. She is an inspiration to many based on her talented costume-making skills, engaging personality, and her ability to stand up for what she believes in. I had the awesome opportunity to interview her via email, so please enjoy! Black Nerd Problems: Please tell us a little bit about your background. Maki Roll: I’m 24 years old and I’m from Washington, DC. I am currently in school going for my undergraduate degree and I work as a child-care provider. BNP: How did you get into cosplay? MR: I went to my first convention when I was 15 years old and just seeing everyone dressed up as some of my favorite anime characters made me want to try. My first real costume was Yuffie from Final Fantasy VII: The Dirge of Cerberus. My mom helped me make it, and from there I started making costumes with my mom. When I turned 18, my mom gave me my first sewing machine as a birthday present and ever since I’ve been learning and making my own costumes. BNP: Have you faced in oppression/discrimination/racism in the cosplay community? MR: Definitely. Being a cosplayer of color automatically sets you up for the “you’re not the right skin color” or “you’re the black version of -insert character-” comments.

BNP: How do you choose to combat racism and sexism in the cosplay world? [quote_right]”There…