Cosplayer Jaden Welgemoed (22) is raising the bar as he prepares to compete once again at this year’s Comic Con Africa, taking place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, from September 24 to 27.

After winning the SA Greenleaf title last year, Welgemoed, also known as Klax, is now aiming for the prestigious Armour Championship 2026 title with what he describes as his most advanced costume yet.

With applications opening soon and costumes required to be at least 80 per cent complete to qualify, Welgemoed is already hard at work on his latest creation, General RAAM from the popular video game franchise Gears of War.

“This year’s championship cosplay outfit is by far the most advanced outfit I have ever made,” said Welgemoed.

Although he has completed the head and chest pieces, he still needs to finish the arms, legs and weapon before the competition deadline.

Welgemoed explained that, depending on the design’s complexity, a costume can take anywhere from a week to a month and a half to complete.

“This year, I am aiming for the first-place Armour Championship, which is a higher title than last year. This uniform has to be full-on armour,” he said.

His costumes are made from a variety of materials, including fabric, PVC piping, cardboard, and EVA foam for weapons and armour.

His mother also assists with detailed fabric and material work. Welgemoed said his passion for dressing up in character began at a young age.

“When I was in school, I competed in local cosplay competitions, not knowing much at that age,” he said.

Although he recalls winning only one competition during his school years, he now competes on much larger platforms against highly skilled competitors.

“People do not understand how big these competitions are. Cosplay competitions are a rival sport and get bigger every year. I am competing against many highly talented people,” said Welgemoed.

Despite the competitive environment, he described the cosplay community as supportive and inspiring.

“It is healthy competition. Nobody acts better than others; we inspire one another and help each other improve,” he said.

Welgemoed admitted that cosplay is often misunderstood and that he still receives mixed reactions from the public.

“I get a lot of mixed reactions and am misunderstood by many, but I hold on to my passion and art,” he said.

He added that while negative comments have decreased over the years, many people now stop him to say he inspires them and their children.

His advice to sceptics is simple: “Give it a try. You will put on a costume one time, attend an event, and get bitten by the bug.”

Cosplay, short for “costume play”, is a hobby and performance art where participants dress as fictional characters and often adopt the character’s personality and mannerisms.

Welgemoed said his own inspiration comes from Marvel characters such as Iron Man and Hulk.

“I am inspired by Iron Man. Every time he goes up against a threat and his armour fails, he finds a way to improve,” he said.

That same mindset motivates him to improve his own costumes year after year.

“This year is a major improvement for me over last year. My uniform last year had a few setbacks and needed improvement. I took the judges’ feedback and used all that knowledge in this uniform,” he explained.

As far as he knows, Welgemoed is the only person in Standerton actively embracing cosplay. He described Comic Con Africa as an enormous event that attracts thousands of visitors over four days.

“Just for one day of the event I competed in, there were around 38 000 people,” he said.

Last year marked his first time competing at such a major event, making his victory even more meaningful.

“I was told how much of an achievement it is to win a title at my first major event while competing against such amazing artists,” said Welgemoed.

Residents who spot him in town wearing parts of his armour should not be alarmed; he is usually testing the movement and durability of his costume.

Although people sometimes make assumptions about cosplay, Welgemoed said he is always willing to answer questions and share his passion with others.

“My advice to someone wanting to take up the sport is not to be afraid. Don’t do it to impress other people; do it to have fun and enjoy it,” he said.

He believes cosplay is for everyone.

“If you want to dress in character, do it. Don’t let fear stop you from doing something you enjoy,” concluded Welgemoed.