021FOCUS | Faziela Harris-Davids
Comic Con Cape Town may be over, but the excitement for Comic Con Africa is already creeping in. As much as conventions are about community, nostalgia and shared fandoms, there is something especially captivating about cosplay. The quiet craftsmanship behind it all. The late nights, the patience, the dedication to bringing fictional worlds into reality from the corners of bedrooms, garages and home studios.
Every convention floor feels like stepping into a living gallery. Armour gleams beneath convention lights, fabrics are hand-stitched with care, and every detail tells a story of passion. At this year’s Comic Con Cape Town, one cosplay in particular stopped me in my tracks — a towering Pacific Rim armour build so intricate and cinematic that I was left completely speechless.
And as if the universe heard my fascination, the creator soon appeared on my socials.
Behind the name Damascus Cosplay is the owner of Obsidian Forge Labs, where custom commissions and craftsmanship collide. But beyond the intimidating armour plating and impressive hardware, I discovered someone with an incredibly soft heart and a genuine passion for the community he creates for.
It was such an honour chatting to someone so humble, but don’t take my word for it. Here is what he had to say.
How did you get into cosplay?
“I got into cosplay through my passion for creativity, storytelling and craftsmanship. I’ve always enjoyed building things by hand, from props and armour to detailed costumes and character accessories. Over time, that passion evolved into creating full characters inspired by films, comics and games that had a strong impact on me growing up.
“What started as a creative hobby slowly became something much more meaningful as I realised cosplay could inspire people, bring communities together, and create moments of genuine joy.”
Was there a specific moment where you realised cosplay could become something bigger than just a hobby?
“Yes. The moment that changed everything for me was seeing the emotional impact these characters could have on people, especially children and individuals going through difficult situations.
“Watching someone’s face completely light up when they see their favourite hero in person made me realise cosplay could be used for something bigger than entertainment. It could create hope, comfort, laughter and connection.”
How do children usually react when they see you arrive in character?
“The reactions are always unforgettable. Some children become instantly excited and energetic, while others freeze in disbelief because, to them, the character is real in that moment.
“Seeing that sense of wonder is incredibly special. Characters like Spider-Man often bring excitement and inspiration, while characters like Deadpool bring humour and laughter into the room.”
Have any interactions with the kids stayed with you long after an event ended?
“Absolutely. There have been moments where children opened up emotionally, hugged me tightly, or simply smiled in ways that showed how much that interaction meant to them.
“Some of the most meaningful experiences have been with children facing serious illnesses, where even a few minutes of laughter and escape through these characters made a visible difference in their day.”
What does stepping into costume emotionally mean to you now, knowing the impact it has on others?
“Stepping into costume now feels like stepping into responsibility and purpose. It is no longer only about creating a visually accurate suit. It is about what that character represents emotionally to the people who see it.
“Whether I’m portraying a hopeful hero like Spider-Man, a larger-than-life character like Gipsy Danger, or using Deadpool’s humour to spread cancer awareness and positivity, every costume carries an opportunity to connect with people in a meaningful way.”
Cosplay is more than costumes
“A lot of people see cosplay as performance, but there’s also so much heart behind it,” he explained.
“I believe cosplay is where performance and compassion meet. Heroes often symbolise courage, resilience, hope or humour during difficult times, and when you understand that emotional connection, cosplay becomes far more than simply wearing a costume.”
Which character connects with children the most?
“Spider-Man is definitely one of the characters children connect with the most because he feels relatable, kind and hopeful.
“Deadpool also creates a strong connection because of his humour and unpredictability. He immediately breaks the tension and gets children laughing, which can be incredibly powerful in difficult environments.”
What has this journey taught you about kindness and community?
“It has taught me that kindness has a much greater impact than people often realise. A simple interaction, conversation or photo can stay with someone for years.
“It has also shown me the power of community and creativity when they are used to uplift others.”
Why imagination still matters
“In a world that can feel heavy, imagination gives people something powerful to hold onto,” he shared.
“Stories, heroes and fantasy worlds remind us of courage, resilience, hope and humanity during difficult times. Sometimes people do not need perfection — they simply need something that helps them smile again.”
The most rewarding part of the journey
“The most rewarding part has been realising that something I genuinely love doing can positively impact other people’s lives.
“Whether it is inspiring someone creatively, making a child smile, helping spread awareness through characters like Deadpool, or simply giving someone a moment of happiness during a difficult day, those experiences are deeply meaningful to me.”
In a world that often feels rushed and heavy, creators like Damascus Cosplay remind us why imagination still matters. Sometimes, behind every helmet, stitched cape or carefully crafted piece of armour, there is simply someone trying to make the world feel a little lighter for someone else.
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