The Living Action Figure

In an era of viral trends and "clout-chasing" algorithms, Brandon James is a bit of an anomaly. The Richmond, Virginia-based creator doesn't build for the likes, and he rarely wears a costume more than once. For Brandon, the joy isn't in the "follower count"—it’s in the tactile, grueling, and ultimately rewarding process of turning himself into a living action figure.

Since 2017, Brandon has been proving that the only permission you need to embody a character is the will to build it. Whether he’s transforming into the rugged bulk of The Thing, the chilling presence of Mister Freeze, or the mythical Wukong, his work is defined by a singular, handmade touch.

When Brandon says his work is "all handmade," he isn't exaggerating. Every stitch is hand-sewn; every weathered plate of armor is hand-painted. It is a level of dedication that resonates deeply with his audience, not because he is trying to "mash up" characters with his heritage, but because he is simply embodying them as himself.

"I cosplay what I’m drawn to," Brandon says simply. When asked if he feels the pressure to justify his character choices in a community that can sometimes be rigid about "accuracy," his response is a masterclass in creative confidence: "Not really. I just make what speaks to me, and it usually turns out great in my eyes."

For Brandon, being a Cozzer of Color isn't about reinventing a character to fit a specific cultural mold; it’s about the radical act of showing up and excelling. To the young fans of color who see him at conventions, he represents a powerful truth: that a character’s appearance in a comic book is not a boundary for who can play them in the real world.

"Anyone can do what I do," Brandon insists. "Because a character is one way in the comics doesn’t mean in real life it can’t be, or look like, any of us."

It’s a sentiment that echoes his personal identification with Batman—not for the gadgets or the cape, but for the shared drive to save and support others.

If Brandon has a "utility belt" of advice, it’s forged from the hurdles he’s overcome, specifically the "cliques" that can sometimes make the cosplay community feel inaccessible. His message to the readers of COZ Magazine is a direct challenge to the modern digital landscape.

"Don’t do this for clout, don’t do this for follower count, don’t do this for clicks, views, or likes," he urges. "Do it because you have a story to tell by making and showing off your costume!"

As he looks toward the future, Brandon’s goal remains as focused as his craftsmanship: to continue to improve. In a world of digital noise, Brandon James is a reminder that the most meaningful stories are the ones we tell with our own two hands.