Hero Behind the Mask: Lonstermash

This weeks feature is about someone I have followed for a long time, Lonstermash!  He is mainly a cosplayer who occasionally uses his love of Wolverine and Rocky for CAUSEplay. I highly recommend his Facebook page!  He is always coming up with fun photo shots using his unique sense of humor.  As I always say, if you aren’t having fun in this hobby then why are you doing it?!  And this man knows how to have fun!  Not only that, he is very down to earth and a pleasure to speak with!  Always willing to take a timeout to get a picture with a fan!  I am pleased to present this weeks interview!  ENJOY! –Mala

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Name:  Lonstermash

Location:  L.A.

What got you into CAUSEplaying?  If we’re talking “cos” playing, the fun of getting to basically celebrate Halloween more than once a year   If we’re talking “cause” playing, my friend over at The Trinity All-Stars who first organized an outing for me and a few of our other cosplayer friends to visit a pediatric ward of a big hospital near L.A..

What keeps you CAUSEplaying?   The great reaction I get from fans at conventions and on my FB page and IG account, the fun I get to have with fellow cosplayer friends, the fun photo shoots I get to do, and the way it allows me to express my artistic and creative side.   If we’re talking “cause” playing, the good feeling I get by making someone’s day nice who, otherwise, isn’t in a good place in life right now, due to illness/poverty.

What was your first CAUSEplay event?   For Cosplay, it was Comikaze 2012; for “Cause” play, it was the above mentioned outing to Long Beach Memorial hospital’s pediatric ward.

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What is your favorite costume to wear while CAUSEplaying, and Why?  For “cos” playing, it’s Rocky Balboa, because he is my favorite fictional character of all-time and much of the reason I am who I am today, in terms of my work ethic.  And, he was the reason I got into fitness back in the mid 80’s (because I wanted to look like  his body).  For “cause” play, it’s only been Wolverine, so there is no choice there.  And it’s only been Wolverine, in part, because this is my most recognizable character to kids.

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Most memorable CAUSEplay moment :  When a little girl yelled out “I DON’T EVER WANT TO LEAVE THIS PLACE,” at my recent Toys For Tots event, where I and about 30 total cosplayers entertained less fortunate kids and their families just before Christmas.

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Toys for Tots event

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What is your favorite cause to support?  Anything having to do with kids who are in bad health

The silliest/strangest thing you have done for a cause?  Nothing silly/strange

Who inspires you?  No one specifically.  But I really like it when I encounter a celebrity who acts very humble and down to earth when they meet you.  And  I’m very inspired by anyone who is enlisted in our armed forces defending our American freedom, or anyone who donates their time and or money to help those less fortunate.

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Advice for CAUSEplaying:   Leave your ego at the door and try to be as real and down to earth as possible.

What CAUSEplay events do you have coming up?   None that I know about.

Do you prefer to be called a cosplayer or costumer?  I’ve never been called a costumer, but either would be fine.

What was your first costume/cosplay?  Wolverine

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What is your day job (a.k.a. how I pay for my expensive hobby)?  Physical Therapist

If you could have any job what would it be and why?  Actor/Rock star, because it’s fun and pays well and has a lot of time off.

Star Wars or Star Trek:  I like both, but WAYYYY more into Star Wars

Marvel or DC:  Marvel, but I LOVE Batman, too.

Favorite Comic Series:  X-Men

Favorite Comic Character:  Tie between Batman, Spider-Man, and Wolverine

Favorite Book:  The Bible

Favorite Video Game:  Mike Tyson’s Punch Out on the old Nintendo system

Favorite Convention:  Comikaze

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/Lonstermash

Twitter:  @reallonstermash     (I had to use “real” because some jerk created an account with @lonstermash, using my pictures, and pretending to be me and he won’t surrender it now)

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