The Daywalker of the Mile High: 

In the crisp air of Aurora, Colorado, there is a legendary figure known to locals and con-goers alike. He doesn't just arrive at an event; he makes an entrance, often accompanied by a custom "Daywalker-mobile" that looks like it drove straight out of a Marvel storyboard.

Meet Phillip Burrell. At 61 years old, the Air Force veteran and "double retiree" isn't interested in a quiet life of golf and gardening. Instead, he spends two hours in a barber’s chair having an intricate geometric design carved into his hair, slides into an armored vest, and becomes Blade.

Phillip’s journey into the "multiverse" didn't happen overnight. A self-described "Archies-to-X-Men" nerd, he spent years attending conventions as a spectator. "I went for two years dressed as a citizen," he recalls. "Then I saw the fun the cosplayers were having in front of the camera, and the rest is history."

For thirteen years, Phillip has been perfecting his craft, but it’s his military-honed discipline and "champagne taste" that set his portrayals apart. Whether he's channeling the stoicism of Morpheus from The Matrix or the legendary grit of Isaiah Bradley, Phillip brings a level of gravitas to his roles that only comes with a lifetime of experience.

In a hobby that can sometimes feel obsessed with youth, Phillip is a proud "Cozzer Over 50" and a prominent voice for POC cosplayers. He’s heard it all—from family members suggesting he’s "too old" to vendors who have been less than welcoming.

"I have naysayers saying I’m too old to cosplay," Phillip says with the kind of stubbornness you can only admire. "But there are too many cheerleaders out there and I’m too stubborn to quit. I’ll cosplay until they take the glaive out of my cold damn hands."

His journey hasn't been without its hurdles. He speaks candidly about the challenges of sourcing custom armor and the frustrations of navigating convention weapon bans that can strip a character down to "just a black man in a trench coat." Yet, he refuses to let the bureaucracy or the "haters" dim his shine. Instead, he focuses on the "double takes" he gets when people realize they are looking at the best Blade they’ve ever seen.

For Phillip, the next decade is about expansion. He’s looking to move beyond being typecast as the Daywalker, exploring new characters and traveling the professional circuit with the Mile High Multiverse group. He’s a man who has served his country and his community, and now, he’s serving looks.

When he isn’t hunting vampires or hitting Level 71 in Pokémon GO (Team Instinct, naturally), he’s mentoring the next generation. His advice is as sharp as a silver-tipped stake:

"You be you! Cosplay anything you’re comfortable with. It doesn’t matter about your race, gender, height, or weight. Embrace your cosplay. OWN IT!!! Forget the naysayers."

As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that Phillip Burrell isn't just playing a hero. Between his charity appearances and his infectious positive attitude toward every "citizen" who asks for his time, he’s living the part.