Meet Elijah & Porscher Black | Return of the Giving Dead: Horror Cosplay for a Cause

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elijah & Porscher Black and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elijah & Porscher, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
There are several amazing superhero and comic cosplay groups that make significant contributions to charitable causes. However, we recognized there wasn’t a charity cosplay group more geared towards horror cosplayers. My husband and I primarily specialize in horror cosplay and are actively engaged in the robust local horror scene. The generosity exhibited within this community is profound, yet many may remain unaware of its extent. We aim to inform local charitable organizations that they can rely on our support, while also showcasing the immense compassion that horror fans possess. Although we celebrate the allure of evil monsters, we horror fans are far from being one.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We have always strived to give back to our community in meaningful ways. Along this journey, we discovered an incredible passion for cosplay, even celebrating our love by getting married as Gambit and Rogue. Cosplay has woven itself into the fabric of our lives, transforming who we are today. Before we ventured into this creative outlet, we faced mental health struggles that often left us feeling lost and introverted. We tended to keep to ourselves, seeking safety in solitude, yet this solitude gifted us the time to volunteer and contribute goods and baked items to various charities, igniting a sense of purpose we had long sought.

As we became more involved, we realized that raising awareness for these charities meant engaging with the public. With a heart full of hope, we decided that maybe donning costumes could help us connect with others. And it did! We didn’t just wear the costumes; we transformed into the characters we portrayed. People approached us for pictures and conversations, and through these interactions, we were able to share the missions of the organizations we supported. Bit by bit, we emerged from our shells, allowing our creativity to flourish, and that’s when everything truly took off.

Our passion for horror unlocked an entirely new layer of creativity for us. We found our niche in crafting unique cosplays that stand out, recreating not only beloved characters but also iconic scenes and poster art from our favorite films. This renewed focus has opened doors to collaboration with like-minded individuals, fostering deep connections and friendships along the way. We’ve discovered our voice within the vibrant horror community, and this journey has beautifully merged our love for cosplay with our commitment to philanthropy. Together, we continue to inspire and uplift, reminding ourselves and others of the power that creativity and community can hold.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is always a market happening that showcases local vendors and artists. If a convention is happening during their visit, even better! Taking in a drag show here is a must considering how talented the performers are. A Pain Proof Punk show is the perfect charcuterie of performers, and highly recommended. We’d love for them to see all the local talent we have here in AZ.

We have a lot of great choices for food, so we wouldn’t even know where to begin haha. Drink Me! Tea Room has been a staple for us. They have different tea themes throughout the year and everything is vegan, but you wouldn’t believe it by the taste. If we’re looking to have a fancy night out, we can never go wrong with Cafe Monarch in Scottsdale with their prix-fixe courses. BEST octopus we’ve ever had. For breakfast or brunch, The Brunch Snob is superb and has some unique menu items with the biggest french toast we’ve ever seen. Then for a sweet treat, head over to our favorite bakery Spooky Swirls for a terror-ific goodie. Plus, they have a mini museum filled with horror/sci-fi movie props and wardrobes.

Speaking of horror, we’d have to take them to some our unique shops in the valley. On the east side we’d specifically take them to Horror Monger Collectibles, Terror Trader and Monster Comics. Then on the west side show them Evil Izzy’s Haunted Emporium, Morbid Mystique and Jesse James Comics.

Weather permitted, we would also enjoy a day at Tempe Town Lake for a boat ride. Their swan, duck and dragon boats are adorable. A visit would not be complete without a trip to the beautiful desert botanical garden and the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park. Especially the animal encounters! Finally ending the day at Silver Key Lounge for some delicious mead while playing a board game to wind down. Then head to a movie night hosted by Cult Classics or Cinesylum who are our local movie aficionados, and excellent people in general.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
None of this would be possible without the support of the whole AZ horror community. Local businesses/vendors donating items for raffles, cosplayers joining us at events, artists creating pieces for the cause, folks involving us in their events to bring awareness, and of course the horror fans who share what we do. Their continued support has been the driving force behind what we do, and we cannot be more grateful.

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Image Credits
The Return of the Living Dead cosplay photo is courtesy of Seneca Silverhorn