BB Hood by Anti Ai-Chan, Felicia by OnPaperWings, Darkstalkers
I think most attendees were a bit skeptical when it came to Anime Expo this year. Due to the enormous amount of new staff members and rumors of the con going bankrupt, it seemed to but a damper over things right off the bat.
It’s true, there were a lot of negative aspects about the con this year: hotel shuttle fees, fees for masquerade tickets, security guards being rude, not being able to wander the halls without a badge and the usual staff/volunteer confusion. All we can say at Mananiplay as that we hope Anime Expo truly takes in all the feedback that their attendees are giving them. I think we all have high hopes for the con being successful as it’s their twentieth anniversary and hopefully they’ll celebrate it with a bang!
On a lighter note, AX did hold the first Hall Costume Contest. Contestants first had to upload completed or progress pictures of the costume they were entering several weeks before the actual con and were then judged by CosCom staff. There were over a hundred entries which were dwindled down to forty-eight; surprisingly enough our very own Anti Ai-chan made it to the finals. At the con, contestants were judged in ten minute time slots and the winners were announced later that day. Unfortunately Ai didn’t win but we do know a few of the winners and they definitely deserved the awards.
Cosplay has always seemed to be one of the bigger highlights of Anime Expo since it draws cosplayers from around the world. Look at 2009 for example; the famous Japanese cosplayer Kaname attended so who’s to say who else might stop by. In our opinion, AX should start catering to more cosplayers to continue to draw in the best of the best. More panels on costumes, contests, or even guests who are well known for cosplaying or costume design in general.
Hopefully next year will wield better in many aspects and that the con may take a one-eighty for their big anniversary special.
