Spider-Man Cosplay #8! Featuring Spider-Man! (Paul Heid)

Spider-Man Crawlspace
PROUDLY PRESENTS

Greetings Crawlspacers!  Welcome to the eighth edition to Spider-Man Cosplay!  The article on the front page that deals with interviews that I conduct featuring people who cosplay in Spider-Man themed costumes.  If it’s Spidey-themed and love for the character I’ll find it and publish here right on the front page!!

You can’t have a Spider-Man Cosplay without SPIDER-MAN!  Sit back and enjoy this wonderful and inspiring interview with cosplayer Paul Heid!

ME: What drew you into Spider-Man and when was that? What does Spider-Man mean to you?
Paul: I grew up in the 70’s watching the syndicated Grantray-Lawrence syndicated cartoon. Spider-Man was this neat superhero with a sense of humor. That’s pretty much all he was to me until I got older and started collecting the comics. That of course was when I started admiring him for his sense of responsibility.

ME: Favorite Spidey writers and artists?”
PAUL: Even though I really connected with Spider-Man through the work of Andru and Frenz, seeing as I cut my teeth on the 60’s cartoon, Ditko’s original webhead always feels like home. But I appreciated what every artist brought to the characters evolution, except McFarlane. Never cared for that aesthetic. As for the writers, it almost seems blasphemous not to mention Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, but those early books were so verbose. I think Conway resonates the most for me. He, for my reading, refined what Stan and Steve started. Really, they all had notable runs- DeMatteis tackling the death of Aunt May, and Stern introducing Hobgoblin! And a total honorable mention to Marko Djurdjevic’s cover work, which was the inspiration for my costume design.

ME: Was there a favorite issue or story arc you like? Can you tell us why?
PAUL: Well besides the aforementioned, when I read stories like the Master Planner Saga, and the death of Gwen Stacey, I found my own personal philosophies being shaped, or realized as it were. Really buying into the concept of insurmountable tasks may be impossible to overcome, but it’s how we face the consequences that demand the best of who we can be. As far as issues go… Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 – Sinister Six!!!

ME: Is there any merchandise you hold dear to you that represents your love for the character besides your Cosplay?
PAUL: No. For me it’s not about material stuff any more. My collections have gone away through the years, toys over played and worn out, etc. What I found so endearing about the character has all been internalized.

ME: Speaking of which, let’s get into that! Spider-Man is one of your spider themed cosplay. What was that like designing the costume and did the costume present any hurdles to you when making it. What drew you into cosplaying that character?
PAUL: Like I mentioned, Marko Djurdjevic’s representation of Spidey’s webbing in a natural, more organic composition really drew me in. Odd as I’m a total nut for symmetry when it comes to aesthetic. So designing my own variation took on this life of making it personal, and embracing the natural world… choosing a chest spider indigenous to the country I was born; flipping it’s orientation to reflect how the majority of spider species sit in their webs facing downward when waiting for their catch; stuff like that. I also ditched the back spider icon as it (A) was so distinctly different from the front design always seemed weird to me, and (B) why even this need to advertise from that perspective? It’s not like he’s on a sports team. Besides, I knew I was going to make a web pack. I like practicality in my costumes. Got to have some way to carry a change of clothes. You can’t just walk in as Spider-Man. Incognito is always more fun. I also had to edit myself on things like web-pits. Love ‘em, but they didn’t match the aesthetic I was going for.

ME: You suited up for the first time and ready to walk on out of the floor. What was that like and how did that feel?
PAUL: Are you kidding? I became a hero to little kid me from the 70’s! It was a dream realized. Almost to the extent of thinking I could just go out and fight some crime and crack wise while doing it!

ME: Sometimes a costume you cosplay as defines you, because you represent it so much. Has anyone ever called you ‘Webhead’ or ‘Spidey’ while out of costume?
PAUL: Without being specifically related to a particular moment, or action? No. I wasn’t one to make my outward appearance/personality synonymous with the character. I mean, he’s a character at the end of the day. I’m me. Sure Peter Parker informed much of my design for the person I wanted to be, but I didn’t think it was important to advertise that. Perhaps subconsciously the alter-ego thing really stuck. But people who do know that I costume as Spider-Man have bandied the monikers my way. That’s only because they know me. I’ve only had the mask off in public, in suit, maybe once or twice in my run. So unless you know it’s me, you’d never know. I mean sure, I wear a t-shirt or socks every now or then, but I’m low key.

ME: Any cool stories you wish to share while dressing up and walking around as Spider-Man?
PAUL: Every time I’m out in public, it’s a cool story! People love Spidey. Even those who know he’s not real. They really embrace the idea of him. You can’t beat that.

ME: This is a Spider-Man site, but I’m sure people would like to know. What other cosplay costumes have you done?
PAUL: Although I’ve done a few, I’m going to stay true to your site and be spider-centric, so I’ll only mention my favorite Spider-Man villain- Mysterio.

ME: You don’t have to say Spider-Man, but which costume is your favorite to dress up as?
PAUL: They are all dear to me. All a part of who I am. The webhead gets all the recognition, but a certain yellow skull, blue skin baddie is where I have the most fun.

ME: I notice you did some charity work? Could you elaborate on that?
PAUL: Long story short, I started costuming to help boost fundraising efforts for a Cancer charity my wife was engaged with. After that, charitable work just happened organically. Especially any opportunity to be Spider-Man for children’s charities. It was again a bit selfish in that I got to appeal to the me from my childhood, but at the same time do something for others. Closest I could get without having to dodge bullets, etc. But yeah, costuming as Spider-Man started as a dream to be him, that one day manifested in wanting just to walk around my neighborhood and do everyday good deeds- help someone cross the street, mow a lawn, etc. Compliments of your friendly neighborhood…

ME: Have you ever considered dressing up as another spidey themed character?
PAUL: I suppose Mysterio answers that question, but if you’re hinting more directly to a different spider, nope. Blue and Red’s my guy.

ME: Have you ever heard or visited the Crawlspace (this site)?
PAUL: I’m a bit out of the loop with the fan culture stuff, that is, outside the scope of what I do as Creative Director for We Are Cosplay. Between that, my awesome wife, our awesome cat, D&D and the remaining time left for the pursuit of other passions, I just can’t keep up with all the cool stuff.

ME: Do you listen to the Spider-Man Crawlspace Podcast?
PAUL: I don’t. Most of my podcast listening revolves around comedy, spooky stuff, and D&D. But I’ll definitely check it out. I could use some insight on what comic Spidey is up to these days.

ME: Where can people find you online if they wanted to?
PAUL: Facebook I suppose… either via my personal page, the We Are Cosplay Facebook group, or Hidden Forms Radio if you’re into industrial, synthwave, witch house music.

Photo Credit: Leasson 5 and We Are Cosplay