Greetings, fellow Amazons. Welcome to the 42nd installment of Wonder Woman Wednesday!
When I first started writing this column for Fanboy Comics, I joined a bunch of Wonder Woman fan and collector’s groups on Facebook. I figured it would be a good way to connect with Wonder Woman fans for inspiration in writing the column. I have met so many amazing and passionate fans. A few of them stand out for various reasons. Usually, the most passionate ones are the ones who catch my eye. “Viva” Wonder Woman is definitely one of those.
“Viva” is a cosplayer that lives in Las Vegas. She stands out for a few reasons. 1. She mainly plays everyone’s favorite Amazon, Wonder Woman. 2. She makes her own costumes. 3. She has turned her passion for cosplay and Wonder Woman not only into a business, but a humanitarian cause, as well.
Viva runs a successful costume company in true Wonder Woman fashion. (The sisters are doing it for themselves!) Not only does she make all her own costumes, but she can be commissioned to make one for you, as well! To sweeten the pot and make you even more in awe of this amazing woman, when she’s not running her business, she spends a lot of time with her non-profit organization, “Heartfelt Heroes.” She visits children as Wonder Woman at local hospitals to inspire them and raise their spirits! They also make personalized superhero capes for kids in dire situations. How cool is that?!
Viva took some time from her busy schedule to answer a few questions for Wonder Woman Wednesday.
Michael Fitzgerald Troy: Hi, Viva! Thanks for letting me feature you in Wonder Woman Wednesday. Can you tell our readers about when you first discovered Wonder Woman?
VIVA: I first discovered Wonder Woman when I was very young and watched the T.V. series with Lynda Carter. I loved that Wonder Woman was a genuine, kind, and nurturing woman but could also be a fierce and confident hero, as well. I’ve been a fan ever since.
MFT: What is it that you like about Wonder Woman? What does she mean to you?
VIVA: There’s so much I love about Wonder Woman. As I mentioned, she is a woman with so many layers. She’s beautiful, kind, and smart, but she’s also a strong and confident warrior capable of holding her own with anyone. When I think about what she means to me personally, she’s a symbol of peace and strength and a reminder that strength of character is just as important as physical might we possess. Wonder Woman is an icon and proof that anything is possible if the will to succeed exists.
MFT: Aside from the fact that you look stunning as Wonder Woman, when did you decide to start dressing as her?
VIVA: I first started dressing as Wonder Woman visiting hospitals over four years ago. I love watching the kids’ reactions when they see Wonder Woman walk into their room, and it makes me so happy to know I can play a part in making their day better.
MFT: How did you decide to incorporate your cosplay into charity work?
VIVA: I’ve been making costumes for family and friends for years, so it came naturally to use my love for Wonder Woman to try to make a difference in the the lives of children in need. I created my charity, Heartfelt Heroes, in the hope of continuing my charity work on a larger scale.
MFT: Can you tell us a little bit about your foundation and the types of things they do?
VIVA: My charity is Heartfelt Heroes, it allows me to visit hospitals, burn units, cancer centers, elementary schools, women’s/children’s shelters, and and aide in any cause in need of a hero. I also have a program called CAPES FOR A CAUSE where I make personalized superhero capes for special kids facing extraordinary challenges around the country.
MFT: How about your secret identity? What do you like to do when you aren’t spreading good will as The Princess of Themyscira?
VIVA: When I’m not Wonder Woman, I focus on my costume design business which takes up most of the spare time I have when not doing charity work.
MFT: And finally, a “Fanboy” question. Are you excited about Wonder Woman’s big screen debut in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice?
VIVA: I’m definitely excited to see Wonder Woman in Batman V Superman. It’s an opportunity for me to finally see the hero I love introduced to to a new generation on the largest platform possible. At the same time, it gives long-time fans the chance to hopefully see Wonder Woman get some of the attention and recognition I think she deserves.
Thanks for the great interview! Long live “Viva Wonder Woman!”
It’s so “Wonderful” and inspiring to get to meet people who do good things and are inspired by the love and respect of Wonder Woman. To find out more about Viva’s costumes, click here.
Well, that wraps it up for another week, Wonder Warriors. I look forward to seeing you back next Wonder Wednesday and, in the meantime, as always, “Like”, “share” and post at I am Wonder Fan.
