We’re spotlighting talent in the cosplay community!
Every month, The Variant showcases cosplayers who display talent, creativity, and a positive voice within the cosplay community.

When I was twelve years old I had an obsession with Young Justice and in particular a YouTuber who talked about it in her series. I didn’t realize until the Halloween episode that she was in fact a cosplayer and I immediately fell in love with the idea of being my favorite characters. It’s been about a decade since then and I’d like to think I’ve improved at least a little bit compared to what I was at the start. Even if I haven’t, I’ve found a community that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

I’m Powerhouse Cosplay or just Powerhouse if that’s too much of a mouthful. I’ve always wanted to create things since I was a little girl and cosplay was that “perfect” hobby for it. There’s something magical about being able to step into a character you love and look up to and then become them, at least for a little while. I have a lot of problems relating to real people, I’m bad at starting conversations, and I don’t always understand other people’s emotions, but cosplay gave me the ability to work around my issues to connect with people and feel like I belong. It’s my passion, and it makes me so happy to get to work on cosplays when I have the chance.

For our September Cosplay Spotlight, we are pleased to announce Powerhouse Cosplay!!!
While we’ve known Powerhouse for a hot minute and have been wanting to get her stunning self in a Spotlight for years,
it was just never in the cards…until now.

This month PC brings us her K/DA Kai’Sa from League of Legends and Ellie from The Last of Us 2. Special Shout-Out and
Thanks to the good people over at 21c Museum Hotel in Durham, North Carolina for giving us access to their vault for the LoL shoot!!
The Last of Us was shot on location at West Point on the Eno, also in Durham.
Both sets were painstakingly crafted by the illustrious Tomisina Lynn!!

WAIT!!…why are you still reading this??
GO CHECK OUT THE PICS!!!!