Falkirk woman stars in global Comic Con event

Erin Kirkwood developed a passion for cosplay, in which participants dress up as stars of films, books and video games, through her love of creating Halloween costumes and entered her first Comic Con in Edinburgh in 2016.

Known as The Crystal Wolf, Erin creates all her own costumes, such as Frozen’s Elsa, and is skilled in make-up, patterning, sewing, metalwork, electronics and wig styling.

She was one of 50 who last month entered a cosplay competition at Comic-Con@Home – the online equivalent of the cancelled San Diego Comic Con – as Xena: Warrior Princess.

While she may not have come out on top in the contest, Erin was just pleased to participate in an event which regularly attracts celebrity guests.

She said: “Everyone's photos and videos were uploaded to a Tumblr page then three judges decided who would win each category.

“I wasn't awarded anything but I had fun all the same. For the shoot I entered a video that was directed and edited by Scottish filmmaker Charlie Francis.

“We shot it at Westquarter Burn in Falkirk but you would never realise it when you watch it. It looks like a lovely waterfall in a roasting hot country.

"Cosplay has made a huge impact on my life. I'm really passionate about it and most days all I want to do is craft!”

As well as her virtual Comic Con appearance, Erin is a supporter of Capital Sci-fi, a not-for-profit convention which supports Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Having turned out as a number of characters at Capital Sci-fi events in Falkirk in recent years, she plans to continue helping the cause.

Erin said: “I like to help Capital Sci-fi who do terrific work raising money for CHAS.

“They have had cons in The Howgate the last few years and I have appeared as Wonder Woman which is one of my most-worn and most-popular cosplays.

“I have also guested at the main Capital Sci-fi event at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh for the last few years where I go all three days and judge the main cosplay competition.

“Capital Sci-fi are doing an online event just now which I'm hoping to participate in too.

“It has the hashtag #cosplay4charity and cosplayers will upload videos in their character doing something entertaining to get donations.

“They will then nominate four other cosplayers so the whole thing grows.”

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