This cosplayer makes me smile every time they upload a photo. I was scrolling through a photo set from SDCC when I was stopped dead in my tracks. Not only was this lady wearing an amazing cosplay. But she was cosplaying with a very important friend; Her DOG! Without further ado, here is Amanda and the Cosplay Dog, Merly!
What inspired you to start cosplaying?
One of my friends told me about Comicpalooza, as I was just discovering the Marvel movies were connected, and I decided to go in 2016. I felt like I was missing out on the fun being in regular clothes. So for Alamo City comic con, later that same year, I decided to dress us up. It was a blast & I fell in love. 
Which of your cosplays is your favorite and why?
For me, it would probably be Nightwing now, because it’s easy & comfortable but still looks good. But Thor is pretty high up there as well as Vision, though I just don’t like the process of taking the Vision makeup off afterward, or how hot Thor makes me.
Does Merly have a favorite cosplay she likes to wear?
Well, she likes them all, there’s a few I know she doesn’t like, so we never wear them to cons. I think she likes Batdog, Shazam, & Scarlet Witch the most though. Probably Batman when Kirby does Rob-ween with her.
(From left to right: TheCosplayDog, Kirby, and Amanda)
What are the three most essential things to have with you when cosplaying at a convention with a dog?
#1 thing would be Merly herself since she’s my service dog, but it’s always important for me to remember her pop up water bowl, doggie bags, & some treats.
If you had all the time and money in the world- what would your ultimate cosplay be?
I’m not really sure, that kind of changes, if you asked me last year I would have said Superior Iron Man, but I have that now… I’m currently working on an Injustice Doctor Fate, so that. For Merly, the whole Outlaws Overwatch team
Merly has met a lot of famous people, has she ever done something embarrassing or hilarious in front of one?
Well when I first started I would get so nervous that she tried to help me in a photo op once but missed and hit Dave Bautista in the crotch, his face in the photo is hilarious.
What have you learned about yourself since you started cosplaying?
I am much more able to be social with a mask on or any cosplay that’s genderbent. I have an older brother and growing up I always thought it was cool to be like the guys so I guess that’s why.
What is the next event we can expect to see you cosplay at?
Merly has an official booth at Alamo City Comic Con 2018, but we’ll try to swing by Dallas Fan days one day the weekend before
What is your advice for those just getting into cosplay?
Start with simple costumes & build your confidence with sewing/foam building etc slowly. Don’t rush in and DON’T EXPECT THINGS TO WORK PERFECT.
Where can we find you online?
@TheCosplayDog on mostly all forms of social media as well as www.thecosplaydog.com