Anime Expo 2024
The behemoth Anime Expo returned for another great year. Crowds were larger than the year prior and the con consumed more of the grounds around the Los Angeles Convention Center. At its current size and stature in the industry, this convention seems unstoppable. Attendees come from around the world. The sheer number of people can be overwhelming. The lobby builds up a should-to-shoulder crowd, challenging the HVAC system to keep everyone cool. Still, it's an unforgettable experience.
Having attended many anime and fan conventions, this event always impresses me. Its influence on the anime industry is no more evident than the large booths covering every square inch of the facility and massive advertisements slathered on every wall. It commands attention due to its huge attendance numbers. With more than 400,000 attendees (turnstile), companies in the anime, manga, and related industries simply can't ignore it.
The big anime companies like Crunchyroll and Viz bring large walk-through booths. The gatcha game "Goddess of Victory: Nikke" had a large display in the lobby with free merchandise for eager fans who made reservations in advance.
The Cosplayers
No anime convention would be complete without cosplayers, and Anime Expo certainly has them. I've recorded video with cosplayers from far away places such as Japan, China, Korea, and New Zealand. There really is no other convention like it in North America. Please take a moment to visit the Instagram accounts of the cosplayers below.
Comments