This experience was completely different from anything else I have done, and in the best way possible. Instead of building the costume myself, this was an opportunity where I was brought in to portray Yvonne from Toxic Crusaders, the animated counterpart to Toxie’s girlfriend. In the animated series, she is known as Yvonne rather than Sarah from The Toxic Avenger, which is an important distinction for fans of the franchise. Being chosen to represent that character at a booth was something that felt genuinely surreal.
The Opportunity
This was one of those moments where everything just felt exciting from the start. I reached out, the opportunity came through, and before I knew it, I was preparing to step into a role where the costume, the character, and the presentation were all being handled by a team. That alone was a very new experience. As someone who is used to making or assembling my own cosplays, it felt a little strange at first to have someone else create the entire look based on my measurements. At the same time, it was also really special to feel like the character was being tailored specifically for me.
Fitting Process
The preparation behind the scenes was very thorough. They actually ordered multiple sizes of certain pieces based on feedback and reviews, especially in cases where items were known to run small. Instead of guessing, they planned ahead:
- Ordered my expected size
- Ordered one size up as a backup
- Had me arrive early to try everything on
Before the convention even opened, I was there testing fit and comfort. Once everything was confirmed, they took the selected pieces and modified them to match the character design. This step was important because once alterations began, there was no going back.
Wearing the Costume
During the event, I worked in shifts.
- Wore the costume for a few hours
- Took a break
- Returned for another shift
- Changed out and enjoyed the convention afterward
Because the costume was not mine to keep, I was extremely careful with it. Each night, I would take it home and freshen it up using fabric spray. I avoided washing it entirely because I was concerned about damaging the painted elements, especially any green detailing that might bleed or fade. There was also an understanding in the agreement that if the costume were damaged, I would be responsible for replacing it. That alone was enough motivation to handle it with care at all times.
The Question Everyone Asked
The most common question I received was simple.
“Do you get to keep the costume?”
The answer was no.
At the end, I was offered the option to keep smaller items like leggings or a tank top, but not the full costume. The boots, in particular, had to be returned to them. And honestly, those boots were the one thing I really wished I could keep. They were unexpectedly comfortable, and sometimes it is those small details that stick with you the most.
Convention Experience
The first day was the most nerve-wracking. That was when all the promotional photos and content were being captured, and I could definitely feel the pressure. Looking back, I can tell I was a bit stiff in those early images. Over time, though, I became much more comfortable. By the later days, I was fully leaning into the character and having fun with it. I started interacting more naturally, adding little moments that made the experience feel more alive. One of my favorite things to do was play off the theme of cleaning up toxic waste. At one point, I started jokingly calling out “clean up time” and helping throw away people’s stuff from lunch. It fit the character in a playful way and gave me something interactive to do. Another that made them laugh was me stomping on bubble wrap and then throwing it away.
Memorable Moments
There were so many small moments that made this experience stand out. One of the most memorable was with a little girl who recognized the character from a game. She was so excited, and I invited her to hold one side of the accordion prop while I supported the other. Seeing her tiny hand holding onto it was one of those moments that just stays with you. There were also fun interactions throughout the convention floor, including creative cosplays from other attendees and unexpected encounters that made the environment feel lively and collaborative.
Meeting Creators
One of the standout moments was getting to meet the Angry Video Game Nerd. It was one of those “this is actually happening” experiences. Even though I was working and could not fully engage the way I might have as an attendee, it still felt incredibly special to be in that environment and cross paths with someone so well-known.
Creative Shoots
The team I worked with was very creative when it came to content. At one point, we stepped outside to an area that had an industrial look with pipes, barriers, and bold patterns. It matched the Toxic Crusaders aesthetic perfectly. We did a quick photo and video session there, and it ended up being one of the most visually fitting backdrops for the character.
Contract & Boundaries
One of the more unique challenges of this role was the contract restrictions. I was not allowed to promote myself. This created some awkward moments when people asked for my social media or business cards. I had to come up with a response that stayed within the rules while still being helpful. I ended up directing people to the RetroWare social media pages, explaining that they could find the content there and see me tagged. It felt a little strange not being able to directly share my information, but it was part of the agreement, and I respected it.
Team Experience
The team I worked with was incredibly supportive. They consistently checked in to make sure I was comfortable:
- Offered water regularly
- Made sure I had breaks
- Asked about my feet and overall comfort
- Ensured I was doing okay throughout the day
That level of care made a huge difference and made the experience even more positive.
Keepsakes
While I did not keep the costume, I did receive a few items that I still have. One of them is a shirt featuring Toxie, which has become something I hold onto carefully. It feels like a small piece of that experience that I can keep. I also later purchased a similar belt because I liked the look so much. Over time, it showed some wear on the inside, which is something to be mindful of with certain materials.
Final Thoughts
This was more than just a cosplay. It was a full experience. It involved:
- Working as a character representative
- Navigating contracts and boundaries
- Collaborating with a creative team
- Engaging with fans in a new way
It was surreal, exciting, and something I will always remember. And even now, if I ever come across those boots again, I would absolutely grab them.
