Meet Julie...
Krewe du Who: Why do you cosplay, or what do you like the most about it?
Julie Batgirl Ghostbuster Vader: I cosplay because I like getting lost in a character. I love getting caught up in the creation of the costume and figuring out how to put my own spin on it. There’s something about stepping outside the painful reality and into a fantasy world that cosplaying provides and it’s better therapy than I could pay money for!
KdW: How many costumes do you presently own?
JV: That’s a matter of opinon! Seriously, though… give me a moment to figure this out. Let’s see, I have two regular Ghostbuster flight suits, a Batgirl Ghostbuster suit, Christmas Ghostbuster, working on a pinup/WWII Ghostbuster, Gozer, stormtrooper armor (almost finished!), Batgirl, Catwoman, River Song, soldier from “The Empty Child”, tenth Doctor, Sailor Mars, Supergirl, Dr. McNinja, zombie version of Lonely Island’s “The Creep”, Corpse Bride, Boone from Fallout: New Vegas, Hipster Wonder Woman… I’m sure I’m forgetting something. How many is that? Twenty. We’ll go with twenty for now.
KdW: What makes a costume one that you want to recreate?
JV: Most of the time, it’s a character that I feel a connection with on some level. Other times, it’s something I think would entertain people. My favorite costumes are the ones where I can’t be identified or people have a hard time recognizing me, so a lot of times, it’s simply a matter of my face being covered.
KdW: Do you belong to any costuming groups?
JV: I’m a proud member of the Louisiana Ghostbusters, working on my membership into the 501st, Louisiana Super Hero League, Geek Girls with Guns, and of course, Krewe du Who.
KdW: What was the best experience you've had in costume?
JV: There are plenty, but pretty much anything involving kids is great. There was a teenage boy at the Children’s Hospital that was so excited to see a group of Ghostbusters in his room, he could hardly contain himself. It put a smile on my face that couldn’t be wiped off for hours. I love making other people happy.
KdW: While in costume have you met the original actor that you're playing tribute to? If so, what was his or her response?
JV: It hasn’t happened yet. I think I might actually avoid that situation because I’d be too nervous about the possibility of it actually happening. For instance, if I knew an actor that has portrayed a character I cosplay was going to be at a convention, I’d intentionally skip that costume.
KdW: What do you like the most about Doctor Who?
JV: I’ll be honest, being a budding makeup artist, I love the aliens. The plotlines, characters, comedy, thrills… those are all amazing. I just get giddy about all of the different aliens species they come up with.