“Face your fears. Wear the costume, go to the events, talk to the people.”
I first met Toronto’s own Batman, Caleb Bonney, back in 2014 at Fan Expo Canada. At 6’3″, I’m not often looking up when talking to someone, but with Caleb towering at 6’10, and that’s not even counting the Bat-cowl ears—it was an unforgettable first encounter. He truly resembled Gotham’s Dark Knight come to life.
Since then, Caleb has continued to impress fans with his dedication to the role. His Batman cosplay is not only about the suit but it’s about the spirit of Batman he embodies at conventions, events, and for the fans who light up when they see him. With Batman Day 2025 arriving on September 20th, I had the opportunity to ask Caleb a few questions about his journey as the Dark Knight, what the character means to him, and why Batman continues to inspire fans.
At 6’10”, you already stand tall as Gotham’s protector. How does your height enhance the impact of your Batman cosplay?
First and foremost, the height helps to strike fear into the hearts of criminals… As a downside, it also means that I am entirely incapable of blending into the crowd, so I tend to get an overwhelming amount of attention. At conventions or big events I never get to hang out with friends, meet anyone, check out the vendors, go to any events or panels, it is just standing there with my wings spread taking pictures from the second I arrive to the moment I leave.
What first inspired you to don the cape and cowl and become Batman for fans in Toronto?
I had a good friend starting a Batman cosplay group, and they needed a Batman, and he felt my height would fit. I was over 400lbs at the time, and argued that nobody wanted to see me in spandex, but he made me the deal that if I ever lost the weight, I be their Batman. A year later I had lost 150lbs, and found my first cowl at the local costume shop. Though the Batman group never panned out, as my costume didn’t meet the standards of his friends, and I wasn’t well known enough in the scene to be welcome, I eventually ended up with the greatest group of Batman cosplayers at my side anyone could have hoped for. And more attention and fame than I was comfortable receiving.
Cosplay requires a lot of dedication. What has been the most challenging aspect of creating or wearing your Batman suit?
Finding a suit that actually fits me. I own over a dozen cowls, and not a single one fits right. I have spent years trying to get my dream suit made, but have been ripped off about 3 times now by various costumers in that pursuit. Wearing the suit for extended periods being a challenege in and of itself.
Conversely, what has been your favorite or most rewarding moment while cosplaying as Batman?
The most rewarding part for me has been all the friends I’ve made, opportunities it has granted me, and more than anything, the countless smiles I have put on people’s faces from all generations and walks of life over the years.
This year’s Batman Day, September 20, 2025, is approaching, what does Batman Day mean to you, and how do you plan to celebrate?
Batman Day is honestly something that flies under my radar these days until I see people posting about it. Before my time in The Navy, while I was doing the Batman thing fulltime I used to go out to local comic book stores dressed up, but now I treat it mostly as just another day.
You’ve likely encountered many fans, both young and old, while in costume. What’s the most memorable fan reaction you’ve received while suited up as the Dark Knight?
The most memorable for me was when I was street performing, and I had a girl come up for a picture, and was absolutely delighted to meet her childhood hero. About an hour later I saw that same girl coming back the other way sobbing, before hiding around the corner. I decided to pack up my bag for the day, and checked around the corner to find her sitting on the ground bawling her eyes out. I sat down beside her, and asked if she’d like to talk about it, told her I had a bad day too once.
We talked for the next hour about her boyfriend breaking it off with her at the worst of times. I gave her my card in case she needed an ear later, and she later messaged me to tell me that conversation legitimately convinced her not to go home and do something regretable. It was touching to hear that just by playing dressup and listening for a bit that I may have actually saved a life.
Lastly, if you could deliver one Batman-style message to Batman fans and cosplayers, what would it be?
If I could deliver one Batman style message to Batman fans and Cosplayers it would be this: Face your fears. Wear the costume, go to the events, talk to the people. Do every little thing you’ve ever dreamed of doing, but feared judgement. You would be absolutely astounded at where such courage will take you. Who you’ll meet. What you’ll do. Life’s too short for anything else.
Happy BATMAN DAY 2025!
