AnimeNYC 2021: Overview
Anime NYC was our 1st convention in two years. With an estimated 50,000 con-goers over a three-day weekend. It was action-packed with special screenings, industry professionals, and all sorts of rising talent: like RDCworld1 and Beyond The Bot.
Every convention comes with issues, and AnimeNYC wasn’t any different. There were some line issues and the security was a little too laxed for my liking but other than that, I didn’t have any other major complaints. Going into the con, I was wondering about how they would handle the layout. To my surprise, they utilized the rented space pretty damn well.
Let’s dive in!
I’m not gon’ lie, the 1st day felt wild-strange, especially after everything that went down over the last two years. And I’m HERE. right now! Amongst all these people, like con-plagues, not a thing. For those of you who are unfamiliar with con-plague, it’s literally the flu or cold passed around at a convention. So yeah, I was a little uncomfortable and well aware of the risk of pulling up to an event of this size. But by the time Saturday rolled around, I was comfortable.
Cosplay at AnimeNYC 2021
First things 1st, I wanna talk about cosplay. What better way to experience it than at a convention. The show floor was immaculate. The Cosplayers were really in their bag and I was all the way here for it. People of all shapes, shades, and sizes. All together having a great time. And the number of Black and Brown faces, I saw this year in comparison to previous years and in cosplay too. I love to see it. High key made me really happy.
How can I talk about Cosplay and not mention the annual Masquerade? It’s the only place where these artists can compete with others who thrive on the opportunity to do the same. I won’t go into too much detail because a post about it is on the way. But what I will say is, all the contestants looked amazing. And I’m sure Drey got some really dope pictures. So can’t wait to share them with ya’ll. Be sure to follow our socials.
Another highlight from AnimeNYC was the gaming area. We played Windjammers, Soul Calibur II, and a few other games. There was also a tabletop gaming area that included card games and an exhibit by Defend The North. Defend The North is a gaming organization that specializes in Fighting Games. Their section included an array of consoles featuring popular combat games.
Panel Recap at AnimeNYC 2021
On Friday, we attended the Inside the Industry Panel featuring Ajani Oloye, Julian Robinson, Mark De Vera, and Nikolas Draper-Ivey. Where the panelist discussed topics such as localization, distributions, marketing, and other topics related to North American (Manga) publishing. We also attended the My Hero Academia Concert. Which featured several special guests and a live band shacked with a brass and string section. Been a long time since I’ve been to a concert and it felt amazing.
On Saturday, We attended Rating Anime Characters Fits with Beyond The Bot. Noir Caesar Presents: The Fanboy Fighter Forum. And on Sunday, we attended a premier of Pompo: The Cinephile. I really enjoyed this movie! It was mad relatable, as someone who creates things or rather tries to create things. I’ve found myself in similar situations. I feel like a lot of other folks will be able to relate too. For a review of this film. Click Here: Pompo: The Cinephile.
Staying Connected at AnimeNYC 2021
While the activities at a con can really make or break the experience. The most important aspect is the people. They wouldn’t exist without us. I was lucky enough to spend the entire weekend with one of my best friends. Also, meet a few of my online friends. Contr0lFreak, Victoria (Sailor Moon Fan Club Podcast), Lisa (of The Wonder of Anime), the crew from Religiously Nerdy (Ellie, Toyin, and Tobi). If I’m missing anybody, I’m sorry, feel free to let me know.
All in all, I had a really dope time at AnimeNYC. Shout out to Crunchyroll for allowing us to attend. The staff for putting a dope event. See you next year!
Did you attend AnimeNYC? If not, would you like to attending in the future?
Join the conversation !
Thank you for your support. If you would like to show love in other ways here is how.
| Instagram | Twitter | Website |
Yes! Anime NYC was awesome and thelarge amount of POC cosplayers, guests, and panels made it a great experience. It was great to meet you!
Getting to see these spaces grow more diverse is exciting. can’t wait to see what’s next. Thank you for stopping by.