The 2024 Little Rock Anime Festival proved to be the most successful event of its type that the state of Arkansas has ever seen. Thousands of fans of the Japanese animation style flooded into the Arkansas Statehouse Convention Center on February 3rd and 4th.
Head coordinator of the activities, Joey Mills, was extremely surprised by the turnout as rain had been in the forecast for several days prior to the event. However, hundreds waited for the doors to open Saturday morning. All were eager to be submersed in everything that the culture surrounding the artform that they love has to offer.
Cosplay is a huge part of the anime fandom community and this festival brought out scores of enthusiasts that did not disappoint in that tradition. An estimated 4 out of every 5 in attendance were seen to be wearing some form of pop culture regalia. Costumes were as diverse as a Stormtrooper wearing an Ewok head to a Michael Myers carrying a Chucky doll in a baby Bjorn to a myriad of Disney Princesses. However, the predominant garb being worn was understandably anime-related. The most prevalent outfit observed was that of Nao Tomori of the Anime Charlotte. There were also several other characters being represented by multiple attendees such as Ai Hoshino from Oshi no Ko and Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece.
Other than the cosplay and the multitude of vendors selling a variety of pop-related items, the biggest reason stated by most people as to why they took part in the festival was to meet their favorite voice actors. The highlight of the weekend was the appearance of Alejandro Saab. The actor is known for his work on such series as B’TX and Vinland Saga. During his interview with Joey Mills and the subsequential Q&A from fans it was standing room only in a space set up with 300 chairs none was left open.
In all this year’s rendition of the Little Rock Anime Festival was an enormous success with plenty to enjoy by anyone who has a love for animation, pop culture, costuming, makeup, or just art in general.
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