3 Things About Anime Pasadena You Didn’t Know

3rd Annual Anime Pasadena Cosplay & Nerd Convention proves to be getting more popular among the Pasadena community. – Photo by Alex Cordero / Beacon Media News

By Alex Cordero

On Saturday May 26, Pasadena Convention Center hosted its 3rd annual Anime Pasadena Cosplay & Nerd Convention. The concept of the event is to bring the animation culture to a provincial area such as the City of Pasadena and give upcoming and local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work. Three years later ,  the Anime Pasadena Convention proves to be getting more popular among the Pasadena community. Here are three things about Anime Pasadena you probably didn’t know and might make it worth your while learning about.

1) Is not just Anime

When you see a banner that reads Anime Pasadena hanging from the Conference Building Center it is safe to believe the convention is just about Anime. However, if this particular style of Japanese film and television animation is not your liking,  this convention features a lot more. For example,  it includes American Superheroes and any other popular science fiction category to be part of the convention. You can be sure to run into several Marvel Comic characters or a villain from Star Wars. Most of them are in full character and are more than willing to take photos with you

2) Vendors of an Artistic Nature

Most conventions consist of vendors selling event theme merchandise, there was one thing different about the vendors at Anime Pasadena. The majority of the merchants at the convention were artists that were exhibiting their own works of art. From robot graphics to costume made animation sketches,  you can find yourself appreciating the ambitious process of animation. The artists range from experienced to new and upcoming creators. This generation of artists is changing the way artwork is promoted and exposed, by using social media and self starter business media outlets, making it easy for the public to support local artists and purchase art designs anytime, anywhere from the convenience of your cell phone.

3) Is Cosplay for everyone?

Nobuyuki Takahashi a Japanese artist, invented the term in 1984 by combining the words costume and play. Those who participate in Cosplay wear costumes and use fashion adornments to represent characters featured in anime, video games, comic books, live action films, etc. Cosplayers for the most part create an atmosphere of fun and interactive play apart from stage characters, granting anyone who attends Anime Pasadena a valid excuse to dress up like an animated superhero and be part of all the fun this event brings.

This event is located in the heart of Pasadena. It is designed for families and everyone who enjoys anime, superheroes, and cosplay. Anime Pasadena is different from other conventions as it creates an opportunity when you can engage in this animation culture that appears to be gaining popularity among the Pasadena community.

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