Conversations with THATMAN !

Today we’d like to introduce you to THATMAN !.

Hi THATMAN, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For eighteen years, my wife was my world. That world changed forever when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and given two weeks to live. She refused to accept that timeline, displaying incredible strength and fighting valiantly for over a year.

During her frequent and challenging hospital stays, I visited her regularly. On one occasion, I arrived in a simple Halloween Superman costume, holding a sign that declared, “You Are My Hero!”

That personal gesture quickly expanded. Hospital staff soon informed me that the children on the ward, both patients and visitors, had seen me and were asking for a visit. I found myself going door-to-door, bringing a moment of joy to every room in the hallway.

Witnessing this interaction brought my wife immense happiness. As we were unable to have children of our own, she cherished seeing me connect with the young patients while in character. She made me promise that I would continue this service to others.

She achieved a miraculous victory, being declared cancer-free. However, the victory was tragically short-lived; she passed away soon after from a complication related to her medications, a fatal blood clot. The timing felt almost cosmic: her diagnosis fell on my birthday, and her passing occurred just one day after our anniversary, a little over a year later.

Her sheer determination during her battle is the inspiration that fuels me. It ensures that I not only honor the promise I made but also dedicate myself fully to community service and worthy causes. My hope is that these small acts of service continue to bring her the same joy they did in life, and that she knows my love for her is unwavering.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of being THATMAN! is immensely rewarding, but sustaining this mission has presented significant personal and financial hurdles.

My wife’s initial cancer treatments occurred without insurance, incurring monthly costs in the thousands. This financial strain was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately forced the closure of our small business after a decade of operation. I accrued substantial debt during this period, followed by the struggle to cover funeral costs and outstanding medical bills.

The resulting damage to my credit and financing options has made starting new ventures nearly impossible. I now rely on more essential service roles, like ride-share and food delivery, often serving former patrons of my establishment—a truly humbling experience.

Furthermore, maintaining the persona and equipment is costly. The Thatmobile and my costumes frequently sustain damage—from the curiosity of children to attendees looking for a “souvenir.” The upkeep and basic repairs alone regularly involve expenses in the hundreds of dollars.

Fortunately, I have received goodwill from local businesses and organizations in the form of occasional services and sponsorship. I also conduct private appearances, where the donations received are crucial to funding our ongoing community outreach.

This path has been challenging, but the impact of the work is profoundly rewarding, and my commitment to the promise I made my wife remains absolute.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am THATMAN!—a costumed hero focused on community outreach and charity fundraising, primarily based in Colorado Springs and serving the greater Colorado area. My specialty is bringing joy and inspiration to those who need it most, particularly children battling illness, developmental disabilities, or other hardships. Essentially, I use the universally recognizable power of a caped crusader to lift spirits, raise awareness for worthy causes, and—hopefully—make people smile.

I am known for my “Dark Knight” archetype who shows up at charity events, hospital visits, and community fundraisers. I work with organizations to bring awareness to many different conditions such as down syndrome, kidney disease, Alzheimer and childhood cancer and in support of various local nonprofits. I’m also probably most known for driving the Thatmobile—a customized vehicle that adds a huge theatrical element to my appearances. I try to be a grounded, human symbol of resilience and hope.

I am most proud of keeping a promise. My work as THATMAN! began in a hospital room, as a final, heartfelt promise to my late wife. She saw the simple joy it brought to patients, especially the children, and asked me to continue. Every single event, every smile, every dollar raised for a good cause is a direct fulfillment of that commitment. It’s a way for her legacy of strength to live on and inspire others. That, and the fact that I’ve managed to park the Thatmobile in some truly impossible spots without getting towed.

What sets me apart is the authenticity of the origin and the correlations to the characters themselves

My motivation isn’t fandom or a simple hobby; it’s a profound, personal vow made in the face of tragedy. It’s a very real commitment forged by a very real loss, which I think people sense.

While the persona is known as THATMAN!, the truth is, I’m the ultimate “Everyman.” I am a deliberately anonymous symbol—I choose to keep my identity private because the message should transcend age, race, or specific background. I represent the simple, powerful potential residing in every single person: the ability to choose service over self and to stand up as a symbol of hope. My goal is for every kid, every parent, and every struggling Coloradan to look at the costume and realize, “If THATMAN! can choose to serve, then I have the power to do something good, too.” I’m not special; I just made a choice, and that’s a power we all possess.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
That’s an excellent question, and frankly, I see a future for this industry that is absolutely limitless—a total game-changer.

The biggest shift over the next 5-10 years will be mainstream cultural acceptance and professional recognition. We’re moving rapidly past the days when cosplay was relegated to the basement or the convention floor.

Cosplayers are increasingly being recognized as genuine artists, skilled in tailoring, fabrication, engineering, and performance. This is paving the way for us to be honored guests at galas, red-carpet premieres, and major cultural events, not just as entertainment, but as honored participants and creative partners. You are already seeing looks on the Met Gala red carpet referred to as “cosplay dressing.”

The focus is shifting to the ideals we represent. People are realizing the incredible impact that groups like mine, who use costumes for community service, hospital visits, and charity work, have. Cosplay becomes a tool for empathy and hope, giving it genuine substance and value far beyond a photo-op.

Advances like 3D printing, advanced LED integration, and specialized fabrics will make our creations more intricate, durable, and interactive, blurring the line between costume and functional art. We’ll be showcasing high-tech, screen-accurate creations that continue to blow minds.

In short, the industry is transitioning from a niche hobby to a respected form of public art and service. We are proof that heroism doesn’t need a massive budget; it just needs conviction and commitment. And that message—that potential in everyone—will only continue to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.THATMAN.fun
• Instagram: @thatman_of_colorado
• Youtube: @thatman_of_colorado

Image Credits
Elliot Padilla | Denver Photographer
Instagram @eyez.are.blind