[Weeb Fest June ’24] Short ‘n Sweet

I heard about Weeb Fest since February of this year. I heard about their February event at the Westminster Mall. I was curious to check it out being that it is so close to where I live. Yet, I was out of town during the first Weeb Fest. I followed them on their socials and learned they were going to have a summer event the weekend before Anime Expo. I had a free Saturday and plenty of time to stop by after an influencer gig.

I ended up cosplaying as Miaka Yuuki from the 1990’s shoujo romantic comedy, Fushigi Yuugi. I learned that Bridget Hoffman, voice of Miaka in the Pioneer English dub, would be a guest. I couldn’t find my dvd’s before the convention, I figured she might have a few things she could sign. At the very least, I had planned to get a selfie in my Miaka Yuuki cosplay. In an age where my Miaka cosplay has been confused for Genshin Impact characters, I had to represent the old school and female driven isekai.

Parking was pretty easy to find. Even thought it was a Saturday afternoon at the mall, I had no problem getting a space. The joy of the event being at a mall was access to a food court, but sadly none of the boba places at the mall were open. I decided to browse around the mall. Artist tables and vendor booths lined up 75% of the nearly abandoned mall’s first floor. Artists that I would normally see at a Comic Con Revolution selling mostly Genshin Impact fan themed works dominated the first floor. I found some booths selling figures, shirts, etc. Some of the more unique booths sold anime printed serape’s and anime character shaped sugar cookies. I ended up taking home some candles from Melt and Fuze.

The mall was an interesting place for photos. Some multi color walls made great choices for backgrounds. The abandoned Hollister was a good backdrop for a few cosplays. I loved that the merri-go-round operator just let cosplayers pose on the ride without operating it. I was thinking that this mall would be great for Last of Us or anything tokusatsu related.

I also browsed around a few of the stores like Small Wonder that sold anime merch for 40% off. While some older things such as a Sister Princess artbook or  Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin manga caught my eye, I was amused at the bootleg toys that were on the shelf.

I finally had my moment to meet Bridget Hoffman. We had a good talk about Fushigi Yuugi. The nice thing about small events like these is getting one-on-one time with celebrities. Usually at larger events, you do not have this luxury to have a personal chat with your favorite’s. We talked about the Fushigi Yuugi production and it’s non-binary creator (Yu Watase), the doldrums of recording and shouting “Tamahome!”, and other productions she has been involved in. It’s very rare to see Bridget make an appearance at an event. Looks like the next time I see her, I have to dress up as Mima from Perfect Blue.

In the spirit of the American mall, we had a few concerts made of local idols. Many anime conventions are recognizing the local talent and performers. I was able to check out the anisong covers of Lord Midday and gothic elegance of Knife Pleat.

I also participated in the cosplay contest. The contest felt very old school – like late 90’s Anime Expo masquerade. The judges consisted of the anime voice actors – Erik Kimerer, Bridget Hoffman, and Lia Sargent. The show was hosted by the comedic stylings of Sean Chiplock. The show had cosplayers line up and pose on stage. We ended up having a seven way tie. I happened to make it to the finals. The only way to break the tie was for the seven of us to show off our stuff in five seconds. The top three honors ended up going to a Chainsaw Man group, Muchiro Tokito, and Chun Li. Both Muchiro and Chun Li showed off some martial arts moves that wowed the crowd. Lia Sargent assured that I was very close to making it to the top three. No worries here! I just love being a part of it all, vibing with cosplayers, and making new friends.

Overall, Weeb Fest was a neat summer event that I wouldn’t mind checking out again if I have the time. Their next event is in Riverside at the end of July. I will be at San Diego Comic Con instead promoting my book, The Fangirl Diaries. This was reminiscent of cosplay hangouts hosted by Suncoast Video in the 00’s. I liked being in a public space where cosplay photos were encouraged. After all (even partially) abandoned malls could make some good backdrops. I liked talking to the artists, all of them were very friendly. This event had good vibes and I wish Weeb Fest’s ongoing success. Anime events are changing and while I have my pessimism and I prefer to hold onto the older model of weekenders at some hotel, free events like these make events like these accessible to the youth and their curious parents in tow.

And give my regards to Sean Chiplock. No hard feelings at all! Cheers!