WARREN, Ohio — On his time off, an Ohio sheriff’s deputy visits children in the hospital in hopes of making them feel better.
But Michael Wilson doesn’t visit in his usual uniform. Instead, he dresses up as characters, like superheroes, to try and make the day better.
In his house, he has hundreds of cosplay outfits and spends hours searching for the right one.
“I just always loved Halloween (and) loved dressing up. I never really was kind of artistic. When I started dressing up ad embodying other characters, it just felt natural,” Wilson said.
Once Wilson discovered the world of cosplay, he started making his own costumes.
“My ultimate goal is to just have fun. Have fun and hopefully inspire others to express their creative side. Of course, try and bring smiles. I do a lot of fundraising, so try and raise as much funds for different charities,” Wilson said.
Since 2012, Wilson has been going to hospitals and meeting the young patients. He dresses up as the kid’s favorite hero. Wilson has received numerous awards for his gesture, including the Presidential Volunteer’s Award from former President Barack Obama.
“It’s really special—really impactful. I know, being 41 years old, when I see someone dressed as Superman, I still get excited. So I can only imagine what it is like for a 10 year old, 15 year old and even adults still see me dressed up (and) they are just excited to see their favorite character brought to life,” Wilson said.
Wilson says it usually takes him three to five days to make a costume, and the hobby can be very expensive, so he likes to share his ideas with fellow cosplayers.
“I try and detail exactly what I did, how I made it, how I sewed it together,” Wilson said. “I like to try and teach other people how to make their own costumes, too.”
The sheriff’s deputy says during these difficult times, becoming someone completely different from himself is a great escape from the real world.
“It’s my outlet. Some people go to the gym. Some people draw some people—do what they do. To me, making costumes is my relaxation. It’s my outlet,” says Wilson.
