Cosplayer Feature Revisited: The Next Decade Props & Costumes

We check back in with our very first Cosplayer Feature, The Next Decade Props and Costumes AKA Dustin Beadle, to see how he has progressed in his cosplaying journey.

What have you been up to since we last talked to you?

I’ve been through a lot. Since we last spoke, I finished my Dangerous Zombie and have already sold it off! I also finished a Kamen Rider Genm Lvl 0 in 9 days. I was cranking it out! I’ve also built some parts for one of Kamen Rider Build’s Riders, but I can’t pick. Build had some great suits and characters. I’m also considering something for Zi-O. Its all up in the air, I really just can’t decide what I wanna make for myself next!

Have you learned any new skills you’d like to brag about?

Well, I got better at making two part molds and tinted clear resin pieces. I’m also experimenting with electronics and new tools to help me build stuff while I’m building other stuff. I recently acquired a 3D printer that I am constantly learning more about everyday. It has forced me to update my model making skills.

Are there any new tokusatsu series that you’ve been following?

Tokusatsu GaGaGa! I love this show so much. It’s been adorable. While it’s not like our usual shows, all the feelings and thoughts are there. Its been super enjoyable and a must watch for longtime tokusatsu fans.

The last time we talked, you said you wanted to cosplay Kamen Rider Decade, Garo, and Shin Kamen Rider, is that still true?

There are so many suits I want to make its not even funny anymore. But as it stands, the top three suits I still really wanna make in no particular order: Garo, Kamen Rider Decade, and Shin Kamen Rider. So yeah, it’s the same!

Any new memorable moments in cosplay that you’d like to share?

So last we talked, I was still working on Dangerous Zombie. Well, I competed with it at Animazement 2017 and won Journeyman first place! That was cool. I do have an even cooler cosplay story from 2018 but I wasn’t necessarily the cosplayer in the situation~ it’s a secret for now.

You recently stayed in Japan for 3 months, what was your experience like?

My experience was eye opening. The best way I can describe Japan is peaceful. Sure there are some issues there like anywhere else in the world, but in my three months there I really had no major issues even with a language barrier. I met wonderful people who worked on shows I loved, been to places some have only dreamed of going, got to hang out with some of the higher ups from Team TokuNet and made friends with people from all over.

Go to Japan at least once. Save up, work hard, try to stay for a minimum of 15 days. I was very fortunate to make this trip a reality. And now I’m working to go back again just as long as last time if I can!

What did you learn while in Japan during your research?

I learned so much. Most importantly, Japanese tokusatsu fans are like our cousins we never met. They are exceptionally cool and quite kind. While some stuff is lost in translation, tokusatsu itself becomes our language between us. Go out there and make some Japanese friends. Trust me, they wanna talk to you too.

What kind of projects do you have coming up that you can tell us about?

Well as far as props and costumes goes, I’m unsure! I have some ideas for stuff from Kamen Rider Build and Kamen Rider Zi-O, but until I make a official statement, it’s up in the air. I wanna try new things but at the same time some of my attention has shifted to making videos.

I’ve been trying to make more Youtube videos and start up a BIG film project. The Youtube stuff is super low effort, but I’m working super hard on a documentary about Western tokusatsu fans and how we aren’t too different from our Eastern cousins. I traveled across many filming locations from so many of the shows we love. It was mind bending and so wonderfully fulfilling. I hope others get a opportunity to go one day too.

I can’t wait to share what I saw and learned while I was out there. I still have one more trip planned to get some more footage and talk to a few more people before the year is out.

Where can new fans find you online?

I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and also have a Patreon and Ko-Fi!