During the summer of
2018 Anime Expo would make a posting upon Twitter that morning
mentioning how their contract with the Los Angeles Convention Center
was only good through 2019. As of it now being the case that is 2019,
this year's Anime Expo would then announce their stay with the
convention center for 2020 and beyond! Having the convention return
for it's annual 4th of July run next summer. To those not in the know
though, Anime Expo or “AX” is a convention of anime and manga of
Japan, including such popular properties like Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z,
Sailor Moon, Yu-Gi-Oh and many others. This summer though, it would
see a wide range of changes, including not bringing back Anisong
World Matsuri, which had been a staple at Anime Expo since it's first
edition held in 2016, going into the next years of 2017 and 2018.
Instead of this,
would be other concert events in it's placing. But while that was a
downside to the convention, the historic "Line Con" of the
convention, even with the added effects of a new badge system,
"tapping" your badge to enter and exit said event halls,
and the convention itself, the mass of fans who gathered outside the
convention since Day 0 the "Pre-Show" night, would be long
lasting lines. Fans had gathered Day 0 having some complaints occur
but Day 1 would be where everyone would be in a rut of trouble. Some
individuals even facing heat stroke, while others waited as long as
6-8 hours just to get INTO the venue. It was not a pretty night, as
some of these lines even wrapped around the building's more than once
in some instances.
It was official
"Line Con", had returned for yet another year and many were
not pleased with it's return of time and length. But after one would
get into the convention all of the usual happening's would take
place, such as panels, screening's ceremonies, and the numerous
hall's like the exhibit hall, artist alley, and entertainment hall.
Many fans were dressed in their favorite attire from t-shirts to
actual full on costumes of characters. Everyone in the presents of
these spots were in total glee of what to expect. Many of whom would
go on to spend hundreds of dollars on merchandise alone, while others
stood in the "Line Con" several times more so just to get
into other events happening around the convention itself.
In the Lounge 21
spot for those 21 and over could drink and chat and see some
performers take the stage, including Northern Californian's Phoenix
Ash, a Japanese Rock band with an Americanized influence, who have
played this convention four times, 2019 being the fourth for them,
having a total approval by those witnessing their rockin performance
tactics. The crowd had gathered at the front of the stage, while many
others kicked back in the assorted couches and lounge sofa chairs
listening and seeing the band's performance as a whole. Their set
being impressive and truly Japan original really, their styling being
a lot like other JRock acts like One Ok Rock crossed with The Gazette
for instance. Truly in short, their set-up was a sight to see and
hear, as the band finished up and would meet and greet with their
fans soon after.
Phoenix Ash:
When it comes down
to it, Anime Expo is an annual staple of an event, that will continue
to return during it's typical 4th of July encounter, bringing many to
see it's contents of events. In short, Anime Expo is one that many
may complain about but end up having a lot of fun about either way.
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