iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

You can do it, Rillaboom! I got some long lost #Magfest photos taken by robkabob photography (ig) of my Project Voltage Grass Trainer Hatsune Miku #cosplay. Cosplay made and modeled by me. #pokemon #hatsunemiku

Project Voltage Grass Trainer Hatsune Miku cosplay by melpoolcos

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

"This is my Zero Mission" I made this Zero Suit last year, but don't have too many pics of it... until now. Pics by @jeffzoetvisuals.bsky.social #samus #metroid #cosplay

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Me posting fall pics when it’s going to be over 80F/26C this week… Here are some long lost Roy cosplay pics from last year’s Toronto Game Expo. Pics by my wife, editing by me. #fireemblem #cosplay #poccosplay

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Bringing some light into the dark caves. Pics by @erikwphotography.bsky.social of my Samus armor from last weekend’s studio shoot. #samus #metroid #nintendo #cosplay

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT I'm a cosplay barn guest at RisuCon this Sat at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, MD. I'll be running an EVA foam 101 panel from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Also stop by my booth for tips for how to work with spandex and enter to win a giant Metroid plushie! risucon.org

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT
I'm a cosplay barn guest at risucon.mcccc this Saturday at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, MD.
I'll be running an EVA foam 101 panel from 5:30 to 6:30 PM in the barn. Also stop by my booth for tips for how to work with spandex and enter to win a giant handmade Metroid plushie!
Tickets: risucon.org

I'll be cosplaying Raihan from Pokemon Sword and Shield

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Studio event today as Zero Suit Samus #cosplay #metroid #samus

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Late update. While prepping for tomorrow, I discovered an issue with my Justin Bailey Samus cosplay that I do not have time to fix, so unfortunately I will have to drop her. Will be running with just ZSS and the armor tomorrow.

Cosplay Studio Experience
Zero Suit Samus 1 - 3:30 PM
Samus Armor 4:30 to 7 PM

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I’m a featured cosplayer tomorrow for a studio shoot event in Fredericksburg, Virginia! Here’s what I’ll be wearing. Yes, it’s all my Metroid cosplays 👾 If you want a studio shoot without the studio prices, stop by tomorrow! More info: www.bryantcoxphotography.com/thecosplayst...

The Cosplay Studio Experience cosplay plans:

Zero Suit Samus 1-2:30 pm
Justin Bailey Samus 3-4:30 pm
Samus Varia armor 5-7 pm

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Obligatory Fire Emblem post for the release of Fortune’s Weave. I definitely see a Noctula cosplay in my future. But for now, here’s some Roy.

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Hunt or be hunted. So glad to see all the Metroid hype! Varia Suit cosplay made by me Pic by @karamelphotography.bsky.social #samus #metroid #cosplay #metroidprime

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

LRT. 2P deserves more love. I cosplayed her back in 2021 and it's still one of my favorite shoots ever. Cosplay doesn't fit me anymore though... Part of me does want to remake her from scratch. Pic by RobKabob Photos

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

RAAAAHHHH #METROID FANS BE (literally) EATING GOOD TODAY. MUST UPDATE MY DREAD GRAVITY SUIT. BUT FOR NOW YOU GET THE PRIME VARIA SUIT. PIC BY @karamelphotography.bsky.social

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Samus Returns… to the Carrie Blast Furnace. I shot v2 of my Varia armor here in 2022, and earlier this year I shot my current version here, both with @karamelphotography.bsky.social More to come… #samus #metroid #cosplay

Samus Varia Suit armor cosplay by melpoolcos

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT I’m a featured cosplayer for the Cosplay Studio Experience event later this month in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It’s a unique opportunity to work with several great photographers in a studio setting. Tickets: www.bryantcoxphotography.com/thecosplayst...

FEATURED
COSPLAY GUEST
THE COSPLAY STUDIO EXPERIENCE
MelPool @melpoolcos

FEATURED
COSPLAY GUEST
THE COSPLAY STUDIO EXPERIENCE
MelPool (any pronouns) is a
genderfluid cosplayer, content creator, and gamer from the Washington DC Metro area. They have been cosplaying since 2013 and frequent conventions on the East Coast. They specialize in mixed media cosplay construction featuring various skills including EVA foam work, needlework, wig styling and more. They are a masters level masquerade competitor, having most recently won Best Masters Performance at Anime Frontier 2024. They recently retired as an esports competitor but still serve as an esports TO and caster for Smash Bros Ultimate and MarioKart competitions.
EVENT SPONSORED BY:
Redum Arcade
PRESENTED BY:
@RECLAIMARCADE
@/CTIMS & VILLAINS®
@VICTIMSANDVILLIANS
@MARKSTERCON@COSMEETDMV @SHADYSQUADHQ@CENTRALVACOSPLAYPHOTO

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

It wouldn’t be a Mount Lady cosplay shoot without the 🍑 Cosplay made and modeled by me. Event: carsncosplay.dmv Pic: focus.button Car: mkv.kiddo (all ig) #myheroacademia #mountlady #cosplay

Mount Lady cosplay posed in front of a Toyota Celica

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Happy birthday Hatsune Miku!!! Here’s my Project Voltage Grass Miku cosplay!

Project Voltage Grass Trainer Hatsune Miku cosplay

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

My local esports venue is closing because someone bought the building and jacked up the rent 😞 They are looking to reopen elsewhere in northern Virginia but I def had a lot of fun running Mariokart and casting Smash here. I’m casting their final smash tournament right now twitch.tv/tol_gaming_l...

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Summertime slay. This was my first time modeling for the new DMV Cars and Cosplay group. Definitely a different experience but a lot of fun despite how hot it was. Mount Lady cosplay made by me. Pic: focus_button (ig) Car: mkv.kiddo (ig) #mountlady #cosplay #bnha

Mount Lady cosplay by melpoolcos. Posing with the back of a modified Toyota Supra

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Cosplay upgrade, Mount Lady edition! This is my most recent and best fitting bodysuit build. I also included the mask and horns props. I did a shoot recently in this cosplay with some tuner cars, should have the pics back soon so stay tuned… #mountlady #myheroacademia #cosplay

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Holiday Matsuri Winter Cosplay Championship submission due 1 October, sooner than in previous years. The cosplay crunch starts now… (but at least I have the skit written already…

Official Art of Hatsune Miku from Sonic Racing Crossworlds

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

This would be hilarious if it wasn’t destroying people’s livelihoods…

Heartwarming: the worst people you know are all fighting meme from the Onion

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Sure, store bought bodysuits are nice, but what if I just ✨made my own?✨ I sewed my own custom Zero Suit Samus bodysuit, complete with detachable gloves and boot covers! Stay tuned for tutorials on how I made this and some of the other bodysuits that I’ve made! #samus #metroid #cosplay

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Quick as a rabbit! It's no sweat. If you're going to die, get the job done first... I'm #Mirko!! And I'm not done yet! Because a Hero never, ever... gives up!! I love the results of this quick shoot with @lxe.bsky.social at Yeticon! #Cosplay made by me, some patterns by Kinpatsu Cosplay

Mirko cosplay by melpoolcos. Flexing right bicep.

Mirko cosplay by melpoolcos. Fighting stance

Mirko cosplay by melpoolcos. Left leg raised at 90 degree angle, toes pointed down

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Got to model with cars in cosplay tonight! Definitely a different experience, but a lot of fun.

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Who did it better? Nejire-Chan edition. My take on Nejire from My Hero Academia! Pic by @karamelphotography.bsky.social #nejirehado #myheroacademia

Nejire cosplay. Model is sitting on the floor

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I'm once again in a #cosplay magazine! This month's issue of @cosplaygladezine.bsky.social is launching later today, and the feature is cosplayers of color! My #Samus armor has a page in the magazine. Original pic by @a.q.photographs (ig)

Cosplay Glade Magazine page featuring my Samus Varia suit cosplay

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Here’s where my Otakon lineup would be… IF I HAD ONE. Sorry, it will be a No-takon for me this year. I’m still recovering from a recent surgery. Have fun and be safe.

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Seeing the new designs for Pyra and Mythra reminded me that I do have Pneuma on my cosplay build list. might be a while before i get to her, though...

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

I had successful surgery this morning to correct a chronic trigger finger issue. This is the same issue that caused me to retire from competitive gaming. I unfortunately couldn’t control the timing of the procedure and thus I have to miss Tekko… see yinz soon, Pittsburgh.

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

TONIGHT!!! I’m a cosplay guest and judge for this anime rave tonight in DC! I’ll be wearing Skyla for this. Get tickets here: www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/tiara-...

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

I guess I can say I’m a published cosplayer now. Feels a bit more real when you have the physical copy in your hands. Thank you @cosplaygladezine.bsky.social for putting me on your cover! Pic by @allyspock.bsky.social #cosplay #shera

Cosplay Glade Magazine June 2026 Pride Issue cover

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Are you ready to battle the High Flying Girl? Skyla cosplay made and modeled by me, pic by my partner and edited by me #skyla #pokemon #cosplay #yeticon

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

You are challenged by gym leader Skyla of the Mistralon City Gym! Cosplay made by me. Pics by my partner syzygy.lily (ig)❤️ #skyla #pokemon #cosplay #yeticon

Skyla cosplay by melpoolcos, full body pic

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Who did it better? Recreating Skyla's sprite from Pokemon Black/White with my new Skyla cosplay! Debuted this at Yeticon a few weeks ago and I was really pleased with the result! Pics by my partner syzygy.lily. Cosplay made by me. #skyla #cosplay #pokemon #yeticon

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

"To all plotters and schemers out there!! Hope you're ready for me to kick your butts." New Mirko posts from Yeticon! Pics by @gvmultimedia.ca #mirko #myheroacademia #cosplay #yeticon

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Friday at @yeticon.bsky.social featured a fiery red sunset right before the Glow Parade… made for some unique pics of my Samus armor. Pics by my wife, edited by me. #yeticon #cosplay #samus #metroid

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Share this video with your friends to bless and/or ruin their day. #samus #cosplay #metroid #yeticon

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Had a few shoots today as Mirko to wrap up Yeticon. Wasn’t in this too long as I’m old and everything hurts 😵‍💫 #mirko #cosplay #yeticon #myheroacademia

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Time to fly! Here’s a little preview from my Skyla cosplay shoot at Yeticon! Pics by my wife. #skyla #pokemon #cosplay #yeticon

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Blue skies at Blue Mountain, just the way Skyla likes it! #skyla #pokemon #cosplay #yeticon

Skyla cosplay by melpoolcos in front of a BLUE sculpture

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Samus ventures into Canada! Got to march in @yeticon.bsky.social glow parade last night and witnessed one of the wildest sunsets I’ve ever seen. Here are some previews taken by my wife, will professionally edit them when I get home. #samus #cosplay #yeticon #metroid

Samus cosplay by melpoolcos at Yeticon, the Blue Mountains, Ontario, Canada

Samus cosplay by melpoolcos at Yeticon, the Blue Mountains, Ontario, Canada. Bank turned in front of a burnt orange sunset

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

We are Yeti! See you soon, Canada. Here’s what we’re bringing to #yeticon2026 Dark Pit and Bea are swimsuit looks! #areyouyeti #yeticon #poccosplay #melpool @yeticon.bsky.social

Yeticon 2026 cosplay
Fri: Dark Pit, Samus
Sat: Bea, Skyla
Sun: Mirko

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Nice place (Provincetown MA 🌈) Nice date (6/9) Nice weather (69 F) Nice.

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Skyla cosplay update: all the sewing portions are completed! Only thing left to go is the wig. #skyla #cosplay #pokemon

Sewing:

Sewing portions are complete! Last thing to make is the wig.

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Happy Pride Month!!! I’m honored to be on the cover of this month’s @cosplaygladezine.bsky.social Pride Issue! Order a copy to read my interview as part of being featured cosplayer for the month, and for more beautiful pics from @allyspock.bsky.social #shera #cosplay #pride

Mara She-Ra cosplay by melpoolcos on the cover of the June 2026 issue of Cosplay Glade Magazine

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MelPool @melpool.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Nejire-Chan, ready for action! Pic by karamelphotography (ig) #nejire #myheroacademia #cosplay

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