"Never take yourself too seriously."
Kristina Truong (aka our site's Managing Editor!), or as she's better known to the cosplay social media world, @coloradokryptonian, is a local Colorado cosplayer who recently went viral on TikTok for her Lara Croft cosplay.
And if you thought this was just some random hobby, you might be a little bit wrong. Kristina has built on her personal admiration for the following characters: Lara Croft (Tomb Raider), Supergirl, Belle (Beauty & the Beast), and Rey (Star Wars), along with some strong social media following: Instagram (6K) and TikTok (43.8K), with her highest video garnering nearly 5M views:
@coloradokryptonian Reply to @tomtomgagu trying this again 😅 got this Q so many times! #coloradokryptonian #laracroftcosplay #RayBanElevatorDance
♬ original sound - Kristina Truong
Although the followers are nice and can become a bit consuming at times, it's more the idea that when she steps into a costume "it makes you feel like you can take on the characteristics." The act of putting on a costume sheds your own persona and allows you to take on the persona of the character. It's an outlet for Kristina "to push her creative side."
Kristina and her husband (Lara Croft and Nathan Drake) at New York Comic Con 2019, Courtesy of @coloradokryptonian
The cosplay community has been more than a hobby and dressing up. It has been an incredible place to creatively collaborate with other cosplayers locally, nationally, and globally, as well as with talented photographers, editors, and podcasters. But most importantly, the community where Kristina met her husband, who mutually share a love and passion for all-things cosplay!
Are you in the cosplay community? Who's your favorite character? Share in the comments.