Scoundrels? Heroes? Why not both? This pair of characters may make questionable decisions, but their presence and entertainment made the grueling conditions of the badge pick-up line manageable. Ready with a quick laugh and perfect timing, the duo was kind enough to answer a few of my questions while waiting in line for badges outside of the Courtland Grand this Thursday!
Daily Dragon (DD): Hello! May I have your name and who you are cosplaying?
Benjamin Klein (BK): I’m Benjamin Klein and am cosplaying Tulio!
Josie Klein (JK): And I am Josie Klein, and I’m Miguel!
BK: They call us Tulio and Miguel!
JK: Miguel and Tulio!
BK: Mighty and powerful—
BK+JK: Gods!
BK: And we’re from The Road to El Dorado.
DD: What’s one word for how you’re feeling right now?
JK: Joy!
BK: Joyous! Secondarily: Hot.
DD: How many total hours have you put into your cosplay?
JK: Four hours?
BK: I would say five.
JK: Let’s say five. Actually, I cut the wigs. Let’s say six.
DD: What is the last thing you completed on your cosplay before Dragon Con?
JK: My facial hair.
BK: I was cutting my wig in the hotel room, when I realized it wasn’t sitting right.
DD: Accuracy vs. comfort when designing cosplay?
BK: Comfort, especially for a Thursday cosplay. Even for my other cosplays, I’ve cut holes in helmets and put things over. If you can’t be comfortable in it, you can’t embody the joy of the experience.
JK: Yeah, I agree with that.
DD: Did you have to cut any planned material from the design?
BK: It’s surprising how hard it is to find loaded dice, and I tried making my own unsuccessfully. So, I had to settle for a pair of dice that people can drink with me and get loaded.
DD: What is the single greatest piece of advice you can give new cosplayers?
BK: Find something that brings you joy and that you’re passionate about. That will come through in whatever you do. Don’t be like: “oh, well, I have to make sure I have fully-functional LED wings,” or whatever. If you enjoy it and are passionate about it, the best thing about Dragon Con is your passion radiates out, and everyone replicates it.
JK: And I would say: No one makes the mistakes you think you’re making.
The boisterous pair certainly live their words, bringing vibrant, chaotic passion through their cosplay. If you see them about the con, take your chance in a game of loaded dice!
