Besides the insane, 4-hour line to get into the Los Angeles Convention Center, Anime Expo 2017 was everything my girlfriend and I wanted it to be.
The Exhibit Hall was breathtaking. Every type of booth and vendor could be found there. Sadly, huge lines snaked the Atlus and Bandai Namco booths, so Audrey and I had to check them out from afar. A Colossus Titan loomed over the show floor from the Kodansha location. One of the big merch trends this year were the mystery boxes filled with random merchandise. It’s a genius business model! I folded and picked one up.
Cosplayers ruled the walk ways and were always photo-ready. Audrey and I got a pic with a couple of inflatable Pikachus. Incredibly detailed costumes were also out in full force. Intricate Gundam suits made their rounds alongside Survey Corps members complete with vertical maneuvering gear.
We managed to grab some seats in a viewing room where Audrey watched her first anime ever. It was an episode of “One Piece” and thank god it wasn’t too outrageous. There is a possibility she wasn’t scared away forever!
I think we might go back next year. It’s clear that the badge pick-up system for the event needs updating so the line isn’t super long but the expo itself is so memorable and fun.