For the month of May, the COZ Collective spotlight shines on Outsiders Cosplay, an Ohio-based troupe of 30 active members who treat strangers like friends, and friends like family. Established in 2013 by three lifelong friends who felt like they didn't belong anywhere else, the group has grown into a massive support system and creative family.
Their slogan, "You Don't Have to Cosplay Alone," is the beating heart of their organization, ensuring that no one is truly alone at conventions or in their creative journeys.
Location: Ohio, USA
Website/Socials: @outsiders_cosplay_
Email: cosplay.outsiders@gmail.com
Availability: Available for hire (depending on circumstances).
Behind the group's 30+ members are five core individuals who keep the creative gears turning:
Adam Peacock (Founder/Leader): The one-man army and glue that holds the group together. Covers a wide array of characters from Batman to Captain America.
Robert "Bobby" Escamilla: Manages the social media presence and pairs with Adam as the dynamic duo. Known for characters ranging from Iron Man to Moon Knight.
Stephanie H.: The group's professional hair stylist and makeup artist, ensuring everyone looks and feels their best.
Logan H.: The encyclopedia of all things nerdy. Logan provides character immersion and helps members stay true to themselves and their characters.
Michelle P.: The heart of the group, looking out for the well-being and schedule of the members from start to finish.
Starting with just three founding members (Adam Peacock, Angel M., and Ryan K.) in 2013, the group has evolved far beyond local conventions. Over the past decade, they have traveled across the country to host panels, win competitions, and partner with organizations like Make-A-Wish.
Their builds have also grown in complexity. The group is currently constructing a replica of the 1989 Batmobile to use for charity events and community gatherings.
When asked about their go-to resource, the answer is simple: each other. Members pool their unique skills, helping one another with costume construction, sharing materials, and lending a hand whenever a build gets complicated.
"Where one person may not be great at something, another person is there to give a helping hand. Not just for the members in our group, but to help out our other fellow cosplayers."
When the cameras are off, the group is known for goofing off. One of their favorite backstage traditions is the "after photo." To blow off steam and share a laugh, the members will swap costume parts with each other, creating wild, hilarious combinations—like Batman wearing Superman's trunks or Spider-Man wearing a mask backward!
For those looking to start their own cosplay organization, the Outsiders have a few words of wisdom:
Do it together: You don't have to do it alone.
Choose your members wisely: Surround yourself with people who strengthen the group, not tear it down.
Have fun: Treasure every moment and remember to enjoy the process.
Follow the figures who inspire the team. The Outsiders recommend these figures
@thejokersanarchy
@foggyknight14
@fazgardian