Knightmage

An Ohio native, Michael “Knightmage” Wilson is a decorated 25-year Deputy Sheriff for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office. Michael has been cosplaying since 2012. After creating over 400 costumes, Michael is an award-winning cosplayer, with creations visible on numerous print and online platforms. Michael has become one of the most influential and diverse male cosplayers in the world. Along with judging cosplay contests, Michael often hosts cosplay panels and workshops at conventions showcasing the creative, positive, inspiring, and supportive side of cosplay.

With a love for acting and stunt work, Michael has worked on several Hollywood comic-book movie productions. He was an alternate for the 2006 reality show Who Wants to Be a Superhero, hosted by Stan Lee. Michael has been featured in several fan films and productions, like the popular YouTube series Man at Arms: Reforged. Michael is a spokesperson for the FX latex product Zombie Skin, and has also created costumes for World Wrestling Entertainment superstars.

Michael has also been featured on the Emmy-nominated show Judge Steve Harvey. In 2022 the word “Knightmage” was added to Urban Dictionary, describing some of the positive cosplay philosophies that Michael tried to exemplify in the cosplay community.

Michael’s likeness was used in the creation of the character Cruzado from Emerald Anvil. This young-adult fantasy novel and game is from the producers of the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Michael loves using entertainment to make a positive impact and bring smiles. He participates in many charitable events like benefits, parades, birthdays, and hospital visits to children. He is a member of esteemed costuming groups all over the United States such as The League of Heroes, The Heroes Alliance-Ohio Branch, East Coast Avengers, Costumers with a Cause, Superheroes to Kids in Ohio, Gingersnaps Cosplay, and Heroic Inner Kids.

Michael often works closely with charities as a sponsor, partnering with over 200 organizations around the world for fundraising and to bring awareness to these organizations. Michael has received numerous awards including the “Outstanding Service Award” from Credit Where Credit Is Due, the CosBravo Award, and most notably the Presidential Volunteers Award from President Barack Obama.

If you wish, become a fan and follow at knightmage.org.