Postcards from Londres: A Chilean werewolf in London

Cosplay — a type of role play in which participants wear costumes to represent specific characters — is a huge phenomenon in the UK with a wide following. Devotees to the game travel miles in order to gather at conventions or film premieres and become their favorite character for the day. It is a serious business and the scene is both glamorous and competitive.

Amid the sea of superheroes and heroines, a certain grizzly face is becoming quite a celebrity on the circuit.

Meet Raul Herrera Acuña: lecturer and PhD student by day, Wolverine by night. A favorite in the capital’s Cosplay scene, he may possibly one of London’s most visible Chileans.

I managed to catch him and ask him a few questions about his colorful double life.

Where are you from in Chile?

I’m from Arica, North Chile.

How did you get to the UK? What do you do in London?

I think both questions have the same answer. Back in Chile, I was a lecturer on computer science, but I needed to complete my PhD to become a full-time lecturer, so I came to the UK for that. I’m at Kingston University, London. I’ve now completed my course and am working on proofing my thesis.

So, why Wolverine?

Let’s start by saying that my favorite Marvel character is the Hulk and my second is Wolverine. Given that it’s impossible to look like the Hulk and my face kind of looks like Wolverine’s, I decided to take the risk and “cosplay” him. It grew from there. I guess he stole my soul.

What inspired you to become him?

Well, several reasons. He is a really complex character who has evolved over time and little by little, he has discovered what it is to be his “true self.” I must admit that in the beginning I didn’t feel any connection between him and me. Lately though, I think we’ve properly fused.

Tell us about the cosplay world you inhabit.

Well, the cosplay world is like any other “social” world. You have mainly good people that just want to have fun and show their love for their favorite characters. But there are also people who are there for fame and attention.

What does the wolf like to do in London?

Go out on full moon nights and have fun at pubs and conventions, fight crime with my fellow avengers, enjoy the good people of this amazing city and go to world premiers from time to time!

Do you have any wolfy plans?

Wait for the next full moon!