We recently caught up with Khris Bacho (photography by Kings Cosplay). Khris makes his own rider cosplays and took the time to answer a few questions about his latest, Den-O Sword Form, and how you can get started making your own cosplays.

What was the first convention you cosplayed at, and what was your costume? The first convention I cosplayed at was at Otakon 2008. I went as Hei / Li Shengshun from Darker than Black.

Why did you choose Den-O? Honestly, I wanted to actually cosplay a rider that hasn’t really been done at the conventions I go to. I went as Wizard at Katsucon, AnimeNEXT and Otakon 2013, and figured, well, it was time for a change.

How did you create this cosplay? Blood and tears. Lol. Well, it’s based off a couple of pepakura files, one of which is from a friend of mine that does this sort of work with Blender and Pepakura Designer. Unfortunately, he only had a partially completed chest file and nothing else, so I had to wing it with the rest of the outfit. The helmet itself is just made from cardstock, layered twice with fiberglass resin, and then instead of using Bondo, I actually printed out a pepakura pattern and transferred it onto craft foam in the colors I needed. The eyepieces were a pain in the rear, I ended up going the stunt helmet route and just punched several holes so I could see out of the Wonderflex. The rest of the suit is just made from 3/16″ EVA foam and lots of hot glue and Mod Podge. I also modded the DX Superbest DEN-O belt so that it would match the actual Henshin device. The bracers and shins were made from Worbla, but I’m looking to improve on that because it didn’t really work for me.

Do you have any new cosplays currently in the works? I actually am redoing my Den-O suit, by making it into something that can transform into all of his forms minus Wing, Climax and Liner form. I’m also thinking about making an older Sentai suit, possibly Maskman or Bioman. I am a leaf in the wind, watch me soar~

What’s your favorite thing about cosplaying? I love the pure and simple fact that you can “be” the person you used to only be able to pretend to be as a kid, even if only for a few hours. I would love to have Rider abilities, but hey, if for a couple of hours at a convention I could hear people call out to me as my character, then my job is done, and I’m happy.

Do you have any advice for people just starting or thinking about starting cosplaying? Start simple, and gradually build up your skillset. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get it right the first time, because we all have to crawl before we can walk. Stumbling is an eventuality, but only serves to teach us to be better. Do lots of research on your character, get lots of reference shots. And don’t be afraid to ask for help!