About Me

Michael “Knightmage” Wilson was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and now resides in Youngstown, Ohio. 

A current decorated 25 year Deputy Sheriff for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio, Michael has been cosplaying since 2012. Having created over 400 costumes, Michael is an award winning cosplayer with many of his creations being praised and displayed on numerous platforms in print and online. Michael is noted as 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. 

Having a love for acting and stunt work, Michael has worked on several Hollywood comic book movie productions. Michael was also an alternate for the 2006 reality show “Who Wants To Be A Superhero” hosted by Stan Lee. Michael has worked on and has been featured in several fan films and productions such as the popular YouTube series “MAN AT ARMS: Reforged”. Michael is a spokesperson for FX latex product, Zombie-Skin and has created various 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 many positive cosplay philosophies that Michael holds along with others in the cosplay community.

Michael’s likeness was also used in the creation of the character Cruzado from Emerald Anvil. This young adult fantasy novel and game, was mad by the producers of the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Genuinely loving to entertain, make a positive impact and bring smiles, Michael most often uses his costuming by bringing awareness and participating in many charitable events, benefits, parades, birthdays and hospital visits to children. This has led him to becoming 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 charity organizations as a sponsor and has partnered with over 200 various organizations around the world to fundraise and bring awareness to these organizations. Michael has received numerous awards for his charitable deeds including the “Outstanding Service Award” from Credit Where Credit Is Due, the CosBravo Award, Electronic Sports Industry “Most Influential Male Cosplayer” Award, “Most Influential Person of the Year” Award from Spanning the Need, and most notably the “Presidential Volunteers Award” from President Barack Obama and the White House.