Cosplayer Spotlight: Josh Wentworth

Almost a month ago, Power Rangers fans from around the world celebrated the 25th anniversary of the franchise, including a special anniversary episode, which aired on Nickelodeon. I had such a great pleasure of recently interviewing another fellow Power Rangers fan and cosplayer, Josh Wentworth. Sit back and enjoy my interview with him.

Texxx-Man Cosplay: How long have you been doing cosplay and how did it change your life?

Josh Wentworth: I started cosplaying a few years ago. First time was at Free Comic Book Day. I created a Tactical Joker Hybrid "Joker X." Cosplay has given me an outlet to express my creativity, build awesome relationships, and most importantly, it has made me want to work my ass off and take control of my body and be aware of what I'm taking in. I want to do my best to be fit as a superhero.

How did you first get interested in cosplay?

I was going to a lot of events seeing how much fun the people were having. I decided to jump in. I started out doing small things. Once I met James and Anthony, it changed everything. I asked to just be a part of the positivity they were spreading. That led me in to diving in full out into more complex characters and crafting. Then I started with fitness, so I could feel more comfortable in the suits I was wearing.

I've been following you on social media for quite some time. Tell me more about the cosplay group you're in and what you guys do.

Muscle Geek Physique LLC could be considered a cosplay group. It is more of a place to express yourself and take control of your life and body. Becoming the best version of yourself. We travel the world doing panels and working with companies to use any platform we can to share the message of physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices while promoting equality. Cosplay is a way to channel a lot of what we enjoy as a team. The support we get from each other and everyone who is joining us on this thing we enjoy to do is contagious.

What have been your favorite cosplays so far and how long does it take to create them?

Kiba X, the hybrid White Ranger and Predator. Lord Drakkon is a close second. At the time, we didn't have a lot of material or imagery to go off and it came out great. Created by my good friend and crafter, Josè. Usually looking at 5 to 18 months, depending on the character design and the crafter that you choose to use.

Do you know any cosplayers that inspire you. If so, who?

All of them. True, though. I see so much crazy creative people out here just pushing the limits of crafting. The OG cosplayers and the people coming up all inspire me. Off the top of my head, the whole group of MGP keep me inspired and help me bring my ideas to reality. One of the first cosplayers I saw in the Ranger realm was Patrick Skye. He does so much outside of Rangers also. He brings every character to life with his own flare. James, everyday, gets some type of character idea or thought from me and I know he enjoys that. Again, my good friend, José David Rivera Maldonado. I can't even relate into words what he has done for me and the passion he has for cosplay. Arsenio Garcia and so many more old school guys who still do it at a high level while staying physical fit. A ton of young guns but my favorite is Forever Cosplay on IG. Dude is young and can pull off some great hybrids. Britney Chaos, who I just met, is very talented with her own crafting. It is out of this world. I can go on and on all day.

If you had a piece of advice you would give to anyone who wants to cosplay, what would it be?

Do what you want to do and what makes you feel comfortable. If the character connects to you in any way, that makes you want to do your own style of it, do it. No matter the gender or race of the character. Just do it, show up, and show out!

Which conventions would you like to attend in the future you haven't gone to yet?

FanExpo in Canada.

Thanks to Josh for taking the time to interview with me. To follow his cosplay adventures and check out his creativity, be sure to like his page on Facebook, The Wentzillah Reboot, and on Instagram, @wentzillah. Finally, give Muscle Geek Physique LLC on Facebook a like and a follow on Instagram, @musclegeekphysique. They are an amazing group and everyone should check them out.