Leo Nocedo : How did you discover cosplaying?
Dan Gruden : People started saying I looked liked Stan Lee and my granddaughters said that I should attend a Comic Con. So I bought a sweater and a pair of sunglasses and went to Megacon. I didn’t even make it out the parking lot before I was being asked for pictures. When I went in I was waiting line to get a ticket people started coming up to me and requesting photos. Got my ticket and a line of people started following me for photos. I couldn’t believe it because when I look in a mirror I only see me. Go figure.
Leo Nocedo : What was your first cosplay?
Dan Gruden : Well that was my first cosplay as Stan Lee.
Leo Nocedo : What are your next 3 cosplay plans?
Dan Gruden : I plan on doing all the comic con in the area.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever been in a cosplay contest?
Dan Gruden : I’ve been in two. One at Infinity comic con and one at Tampa comic con. Didn’t win but I don’t expect to. The other cosplayer put a lot of work into theirs. I just buy sunglasses and a sweater. LOL.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to do photoshoots at cons or at specific locations?
Dan Gruden : I like doing photo shoots with other cosplayers and the attendees. It’s a lot of fun and the people are great.
Leo Nocedo : Is there a type of character you cosplay frequently?Since I can only do Stan Lee I guess you can say that my favorite. Lol
Leo Nocedo : Do you have any favorite cosplayers?
Dan Gruden : All cosplayers are my favorite each one. They all work so hard on their cosplay.
Leo Nocedo : What are your top 3 craftsmanship tips?
Dan Gruden : My favorite cosplay tips by friendly to everyone. Everyone there are there to have a good time. Acknowledge other cosplays that’s what their there for. Be sure to have a good time yourself.
Leo Nocedo : What’s your funniest cosplay story?
Dan Gruden : This is isn’t funny but the reactions I get from gasps to tears and can I hug you.
Leo Nocedo : What’s the best in-character interaction you’ve ever had?
Dan Gruden : My best in-character inter action was with an about an eight or nine year old. He truely believed I was Stan Lee and he wanted to know why I killed off Black Widow and Iron Man. I told him it’s just a movie and you never know they may just come back.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever cosplayed with a family member?
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite cosplay photo of yourself?
Dan Gruden : My best photo so far is the one where in a black sweater with a black background with fist coming forward.
Leo Nocedo : What are your go-to stores for cosplay materials/full cosplays?
Dan Gruden : My best stores for cosplay are JCP, Amazon and Macy’s. Just regular clothes and shoes. LOL
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy pre-styled wigs or style your own?
Dan Gruden : Luckley I don’t have to buy wigs or any of that. I just continue to age. Lol
Leo Nocedo : What’s the biggest con you’ve cosplayed at?
Dan Gruden : The biggest comic con was MEGA con.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer cosplaying characters with props, or characters that you don’t need to carry a prop around all day?
Dan Gruden : The only prop I carry around are my sunglasses.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to cosplay solo or in a group?
Dan Gruden : Usually solo but I’ve gone around with the Shield Group like they were my body guards. The reactions we’re great.
Leo Nocedo : If you had a chance to meet your all-time favorite cosplayer, what would you say to them?Like I said before I think all cosplayers are my all-time favorite.
Leo Nocedo : Have you ever done a cosplay panel?
Dan Gruden : Since I’m new to all this due to Covid19 I’ve yet to be on a panel. I would like to but I think need to be better known.
Leo Nocedo : Do you prefer to buy or make cosplays?
Leo Nocedo : If you could tell your past self anything about cosplay, what would you say?
Dan Gruden : What would I say to my past self? Get started earlier before Stan past away.
Leo Nocedo : What is your ultimate dream cosplay?
Dan Gruden : My ultimate dream for cosplay is to be recognized as someone who want to keep Stan Lee’s legacy alive for the public.
Leo Nocedo : What, in your opinion, makes a cosplayer a “pro” cosplayer?
Dan Gruden : I think there are Pro and Semi Pro cosplayer. The Pro is someone who does this year after year and goes to all the major cons. Semi-Pro who all the local shows just for the pure fun of it.
Leo Nocedo : What is your favorite part of cosplaying?
Dan Gruden : My favorite part of cosplay is meeting all the people that attend and inter acting with them.
Leo Nocedo : Make up your own question!
Dan Gruden : I’m hoping I can go out to the San Diego comic con and maybe get some cameo roles someday.
Dan Gruden : I’ll be attending a Celebrity Look Alike convention on Labor Day Weekend in Orlando (Sunburst Convention and Showcase of Celebrity Impersonators) at the FLorida Hotel & Conference Center. There will be a large number of talented Celebrity Look Alikes and Entertainers there.
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NocedoPhoto Media Group is an innovative and creative consortium that unites photographers, writers, cosplayers, event promoters, vendors, costume and prop makers, and other creatives under one roof to use their collective skills to maximize their distribution and presence on digital media platforms. Their goal is to create a well-rounded and successful network for all involved.
