Not to push the metaphor, but this writer’s first adventure into the Anime Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, being held from Friday July 1st – July 4th, seemed like it lasted a lot longer than it actually did and afterwards left a lot of linger questions, namely: what the hell is this thing?
“Okay, I was speaking in general, but yeah, I’d like an explanation for that thing to.”*
Before the internet rage boils over, we at Geekscape obviously recognize Anime as an objectively acclaimed style of art that permeates into just about every medium that it can be expressed in to convey said style. There is without a doubt more than enough substance behind that style too. Just look to the massive fanbase that shows up annually to support their favorite characters, series, games, artist… to a first timer, the sheer amount of fans is unreal.
“Pictured: Zero breathing room.”
It’s safe to say that Japanese Anime is no longer a niche market. Nearly every every inch of the 720,000 square foot space was used by fans, cos-players, merch booths, panels, and lots of lines. For the uninitiated that want to know what the meat, the draw, the substance is behind AX, it may seem a daunting task to pinpoint an exact answer to, “What is AX?”
Okay, maybe look a little higher.
If one were exceptionally cynical, the easiest answer behind, “What is Anime Expo?” It’s a mall. Within the exhibit hall AAA Companies like Capcom, Bandai Namco, Funimation and dozens more compete for attendees hard earned cash. Plushies, collectables, samurai swords. Stuff. ALL THE STUFF!
Before this writer awakens the ghost of McCarthy for not upholding the sacred principles of capitalism, let’s be honest; all that stuff, is really cool. Did I not mention the samurai swords? Do you know how hard it is to see a rack full or Master Swords and Hylian Shields and not just buy ALL of them? Really hard.
Naturally, if you’re a fan, and you’re in love with a franchise, you show your support. You buy the merch. You get an exclusive box set of the series. You wait in line, in the heat, for hours just to get a glimpse of your favorite voice actor.
“Or, you attend the panel before yours starts so you can get a glimpse of your actual favorite voice actor from the front row. #TeamAgil #TeamPatrickSeitz”
To the non-cynic looking to dig deeper, look no further than the actual setup of the convention. Sure, all the name brand merchants are in the exhibit hall, but underneath, the very base of it all is Artist Alley. It may seem like a concrete dungeon, but fear not. Located in Kentia Hall is actually the beating heart of AX.
It’s the artists. They are both figuratively and literally supporting the convention upon their shoulders.
Not to diminish those that buy stuff though. We all buy stuff. We support our interests. But, to those that are inspired to create, that’s the foundation of the artistic movement that is AX.
Artwork by Faye @squaredprince
We had the opportunity to speak with an exceptionally talented up-and-coming artists, Faye, who has toiled for the better part of a year to exhibit their art. Masterfully imbued with a style that is undoubtedly of the anime form, Faye and other artists add their voices into the collective community whose substance goes beyond simply merchandising. In their own words…
“Being a rather repressed (and oppressed) individual, art is a way to express myself without necessarily needing any further explanation. I can only hope that it can express what I’m feeling to like minded individuals.” – Faye
“But seriously, don’t just stare, open your adult wallet, and support this artist.”
So beyond the cosplay, the merchandising, dances, video games, and promotions of anime to come till the end of time: it’s about the artists. From the talented independents like Faye, to the Big Dogs upstairs, Anime Expo is about an artistic movement and those that revel in it.
Make no mistake that art doesn’t happen without the artists who create the content you love, and the fans that support it. Let it be known that if 90,000 plus people are showing up to support art over Fourth of July weekend, there may be hope yet for this country, and perhaps the world.
“4th of July AND Japan: proof you can have your cake and eat it too.”
Artwork from Faye can be found at squaredprince.tumblr.com
Follow them on instagram.com/squaredprince
*Of course someone put time and effort to build Ikkakumon, and we at Geekscape commend them for the hundreds of hours spent digivolving, and hauling it to AX.