Spider-Man Cosplay #19! Featuring Mary Jane Watson! (dakotahsgrotto)

Let’s get started, what do you like about Spider-Man so much
For me, I’ve realized that the reason why I like him is because of how relatable he can be.  He goes through so much and doesn’t ask for anything in return.  He stays upbeat with a smartass undertone and keeps his morals straight.  He’s also awkward and a complete nerd, a total underdog. 

Any favorite artists or writers?  Are you recent to the comics or do you travel back to the Stan Lee days?
I am recent to the comics.  I’ve always loved the idea of Spider-Man and what Stan Lee has achieved.  But I can’t say that I have also been there from day 1.  Growing up I honestly read a lot of teen romance novels and Harry Potter.  

Your Cosplay!  So you dressed up as Mary Jane Watson.  What made you decide to do that?
Honestly that cosplay was a last minute addition to my line up.  I decided to do it when my partner received his Spider-Man ps4 suit!  I figured why not.  It was quick, easy and fun to wear!
Do you know anything about Mary Jane?  Do you feel any kind of connection to her?
With taking on any sort of cosplay,  I like to at least be somewhat knowledgeable about the character.  MJ has had a rough go around with the first part of her life.  And like myself, she is still trying to figure out what she wants.  One thing I do know is that she is so much more than a pretty girl with red hair.  She’s got a fiery personality and knows how to take a stand with the confidence given to her from the beauty she naturally possesses.

Were you introduced to Spider-Man in comics or more in media (TV, Movies, fanfilms)?
I personally was introduced to it all first through the media. I just recently started trying to get more into the comics and understanding more of the story.  Especially since I am stuck on a cruise ship working for 7 months!

Is there any merchandise you hold dear to you that represents your love for the character besides your Cosplay?
I have a funko pop with MJ that I love as well as some art work on my wall by my bed!

What was that like designing the costume and did the costume present any hurdles to you when making it.   I did run into a problem of getting a shirt in on time.  I actually had to borrow a friends for the convention I went to!  And the pants I bought a a local store for cheap and ripped them myself.

You suited up for the first time and ready to walk on out of the floor as Mary Jane. What was that like and how did that feel?
Honestly I felt completely normal.  And comfortable.  She was honestly the most laid back cosplay I have done, yet so much fun when seeing cosplayers dressed as Spider-Man!

Sometimes a costume you cosplay as defines you, because you represent it so much. Has anyone ever called you “MJ” or “Mary Jane” while out of costume?
Not yet!  But a lot of people still bring up that cosplay to me and want me to keep doing it.

This is a Spider-Man site, but I’m sure people would like to know. What other cosplay costumes have you done?
Well let’s see,  I’ve cosplayed Honey Lemon from Big Hero 6, Ariel from the Little Mermaid, Poison Ivy from Batman, Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad, Sarah Sanderson from Hocus Pocus, Raven from Teen Titans and Anneliese from Barbie. And I will soon come out with previews to MJ as Spinneret, Female Punisher, and another version of Raven.

You don’t have to say Mary Jane, but which costume is your favorite to dress up as?
At the moment Ariel, but I think I’m going to really love doing Spinneret. 

Seeing the other cosplays you have done, is Mary Jane the most enjoyable?
She was definitely a fun one to do and like I said she was very comfortable to wear at the convention!

Let’s have some fun, let’s say there is a Peter Parker in real life.  Which means there is a Spider-Man.  You see him on the TV and in the Newspapers and you know his secret!  How would you handle that?  Would you be an friend, enemy, partner, ally, or love interest?
I think I would try and be his Ally and then possibly Friend.  I would want to gain his trust before anything serious happens.  I think that is really important in any type of relationship.

Let’s have some MORE fun.  Let’s say YOU have Spider-Powers.  How would you go about with that?
Besides lock myself in my house for a few days, I would probably go ask my partner for help on what to do!  He honestly knows so much about these comics and story and would be the best guy for the job! I would freak out too much at first and wouldn’t be able to do anything.  It would be super fun in the end!

Have you ever considered a “Mesh Up Cosplay” costume?  Mary Jane meshed up with another pop culture icon.  If so what would it be?  Disney Princesses in Star Wars gear as an example.
I’ve honestly thought about having Ariel or Anna in the spinneret suit… it might be interesting to see. 

If so, besides the Spider-Man Cosplay, are there certain other articles you’ve read on this site?
I have not, but I’m looking forward to the day I get off this ship to be able to look more into this site!  You guys have been great and I want to see the hard work and effort you put into it all!

Where can people find you online if they wanted to?  I have a cosplay page on Facebook (@dakotahraecosplay)  And instagram (@dakotahsgrotto)

Photo Credit belongs to: the.dapper.daniel
Spider-Man Cosplayer: cfowl22