Black & Blue Through & Through:

Across the sprawling expanse of Colorado’s Western Slope, superhero fandom runs deep. But few creators embody the athletic, vigilant spirit of Gotham's favorite adopted son quite like Keenan Grumley.

Known throughout the regional circuit by his fitting handle, DualIdentityCosplay, the 35-year-old Grand Junction native has spent the last eight years establishing himself as one of the premier Nightwing cosplayers in the Southwest. From the sleek tactical lines of Dick Grayson’s iconic blue-and-black suit to the gritty resolve of Red Hood, Keenan brings a grounded, cinematic authenticity to every hero he portrays.

Sitting down with COZ Magazine, Keenan reveals that his journey isn't just about suiting up for the convention floor—it’s about storytelling, independent filmmaking, and bringing a much-needed dose of genuine kindness to the community.

For Keenan, the spark that ignited his eight-year obsession with cosplay happened in 2017 during a life-changing trip to Salt Lake Comic Con.

"I went to my first con, wanted to try cosplay, and immediately fell in love with it," Keenan smiles.

What started as a fun hobby quickly expanded into a creative outlet that allowed him to flex his artistic muscles. A lifelong "superhero nerd" with a deep affinity for DC lore—specifically Batman, Nightwing, Captain America, and Venom—Keenan found himself drawn to Dick Grayson’s unique path from sidekick to independent hero.

That passion eventually spilled over from static photographs into motion picture storytelling. Keenan turned his love for the character into Nightwing Returns, an ambitious, full-fledged fan series hosted on his YouTube channel. Currently hard at work on the third and final season, Keenan has used the project to showcase not just his suit fabrication, but his passion for martial arts choreography and cinematic fan fiction.

In a community that can sometimes get caught up in elite gatekeeping, competition, or online toxicity, Keenan’s personal philosophy stands out like a beacon on a dark rooftop.

When asked what he feels sets him apart from others in the field, his answer has nothing to do with suit materials or camera gear: "I will always do my best to be kind and supportive. Not everyone in this community is."

That commitment to positivity comes from lessons hard-won over nearly a decade of costuming. Keenan candidly reflects on the mental traps that many cosplayers fall into, particularly the urge to constantly measure oneself against other creators.

"Some challenges I’ve learned is that sometimes things don’t always work out the way you want them to," he admits. "Don’t compare yourself to other people—that's a big lesson I’ve learned. Be proud of what you’re doing, and go at your own pace."

"We all started somewhere. There is nothing wrong with making your suit or buying it from a maker—I’ve done both."

Keenan's approach to suit building is pragmatic and inclusive. Whether a cosplayer stitches every seam by hand or commissions a high-end replica from an established artisan, Keenan believes the spirit of the character remains the same. "Have fun with it," he advises newcomers. "There's no wrong way to do it."

Looking toward the horizon—and with the final season of Nightwing Returns drawing near—Keenan is preparing to step into the boots of the Dark Knight himself, with a custom Batman build currently in development. As for his future goals in the convention world over the next decade?

"Honestly, I would love to be a cosplay guest at a con," he says. "I think that would be really fun."

Given his dedication to the craft, his filmmaking endeavors, and his unwavering support for his fellow creators, it's only a matter of time before he’s sitting behind that guest table.