It's February -- the month of hearts and flowers, stuffed bears and romantic greeting cards, and all in the name of love.

One of the things we here at Critical Blast love is cosplay, which is why every month our staff combs the cosplay community for up-and-coming cosplayers who deserve to have a broader audience for their work, taking into account not only costuming skills and spirit, but also how they use that ability in service to others. Through this, we've not only met some talented cosplayers, but also some fine human beings.

Which brings us to Steffany, who uses the nomme-du-cosplay New Moon. So let's dive right in and get to know her better! Critical Blast is proud to introduce you one and all to the...

Critical Blast Bombshell, February 2021

New Moon Cosplay

Bulma (Dragon Ball Z)
photo credit: @JasonDelaney13

What is your interest in cosplay?

I do it because I love the art of it and how anyone can become the superhero and/or cartoon they grew up admiring. As a little girl, I wished I could be Sailor Moon. As an adult now, I can be her when ever I want to be.

How did you get into cosplay, and what was your first cosplay experience?

My first experience was when I found out anime cons were a thing in high school. I went to one with friends and saw all these people dressed up as anime characters, and I was jealous right away that I wasn't dressed up as one too. After that day I started sewing so I would be ready for the next con.

How has your cosplay evolved since you began?

Since my first cosplay (which was Hikaru from Magic Knight Rayearth; I made her school uniform), I have started making armor and taking care of myself more. I work out and eat healthier now, all so I can feel and look my best in cosplay. The more effort I put into making armor or sewing an outfit, the more effort I put into self care. No one wants to spend months on a cosplay just to look horrible because they haven't been getting enough sleep.

Black Canary (DC COMICS)

photo credit: @New_Moon_Cosplay

What is your "secret identity" outside of cosplaying?

My job is really fun, I make puppets for stop-motion animation movies. I get to be creative all day at my work, so it makes me even more excited to work on cosplay when I get home.

What kind of social or charity activities do you get involved in with your cosplay?

In  all honesty, I'm not much of a social person. Between work and cosplay and just general living, I don't have much free time. When I do, I love to go hiking, play video games, and create more art. I also try to save a day a week for friend time -- this was before the plague fyi. Now I stay home and cook or work on more cosplay.

Eyes (based on artwork by @Cathpun)

photo credit: @aleksvuphotography

Do you make as much of your own costume as possible or rely on purchased materials -- and is that important overall to cosplaying? 

I used to only make my own cosplay. Now, if it's more of a simple sewing cosplay, I will buy it and just make the armor. I love making my cosplays, but sometimes I just don't have the time; so I'll make the harder parts, because for me that's more fun. And I think everyone should try to make at least some part of a cosplay, because there is pride in making one's own art.

But by no means should that stop anyone from cosplaying. We cosplay because we love the characters we want to dress up as, and nothing should stop you from that. So if you want to buy it, then by all means go for it! Don't let purchasing or making a cosplay stop you from expressing yourself.

What's your favorite cosplay, your "go to" look that you just love to put on and act out?

Right now my favorite cosplay to just wear is Yumeko Jabami from Kakegurui. I think it's because of the red contacts I get to wear, but I just love her style. But if you're asking my all-time favorite cosplay, it would have to be Angela from Spawn. She was my first real big cosplay-and-armor set. And I really like the Spawn comics.

Where can people go to find you online?

As of right now I only have a 2 instagrams accounts @new_moon_cosplay and @new_moon_art. The art one is more like an everyday account ,whereas my cosplay is only that. I also stream from time to time on Twitch as @new_moon_gaming.

VALENTINE BONUS

Steffany took a set of three Black Canary photos specifically for this Bombshell profile. It would be an absolute crime to let the other two go to waste. So as a Valentine to our readers, we are happy to present to you the other two shots of DC Comics sonic siren.