“I’m really happy to see a Misty May figure here! It’s so hard to find old school stuff!” I exclaimed to the two Anime LA representatives at Anime Vegas 2009. Given their older age, I assumed they have heard of Otaku no Video. Puzzled, the two looked at each other. “It’s from Otaku no Video. It’s like the early history of Gainax,” I said. Still exchanging confused looks, the bearded representative said to his bear-eared companion, “Have you heard about this one?” “No.”

While that anecdote is from Anime Vegas 2009, there is much one can draw out of that scenario. I want to make it clear that I did enjoy my experience at Anime Los Angeles 8, however, given that this convention is rolling into their ninth year, there are so many things that could be done to make Anime LA be everything and more. It would be unfair to compare Anime LA to the bigger guns like Anime Expo and Otakon, but as an anime event that’s receiving so much positive attention from the community, Anime Los Angeles can do more service to the fans. While conventions are never perfect, there is much Anime Los Angeles can do to make it accessible to everyone.

My main concern about Anime Los Angeles is not the three-day experience itself; one can make their experience a good one. The concern lies within what goes on behind the scenes prior to the convention and Anime Los Angeles’ history. Going into their ninth year, Anime Los Angeles has yet to procure a Japanese guest of honor. Smaller cons such as Pacific Media Expo and Animation on Display were able to get this done by their fifth year. Anime Los Angeles neighbors LAX and popular Los Angeles destinations. Translators in the LA area are not hard to come by and people will delightfully volunteer to translate for their favorite Japanese guest of honor.

As I was watching a promotional video from Anime LA (Special Place), I viewed it again a second time. No mention of anime or Japanese culture was mentioned. While it is commendable to have a fan friendly event for cosplayers, they are not the only walks of otaku attending Anime LA. I will also note that when Scarlet Rhapsody was attending We Heart Japan for the tsunami relief fundraiser, Anime Expo, AM2, and Pacific Media Expo were present to support the cause. Many anime events have done fundraisers for the tsunami relief fund through the year, even when they were off season. All three Southern California events have done some type of awareness campaign, and I question why Anime LA has not rolled up their sleeves to help the cause.

The other external issue I have with Anime LA is the extensive publicity tours. While it is commendable for Anime LA to do community outreach at local events, for a con that wants to keep a 4,000 attendance cap, it seems foolish to table at Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Utah. The pool deck felt very crowded and it certainly felt there were more than a reported 4,211 members at Anime LA this year, whether they were ghosting or paying members. We have also talked to members of the press and cosplayers who freely admitted they did not need a badge to attend Anime LA. Money spent on out of the local area publicity tours could be spent on acquiring infrascture for hosting Japanese guests.

There were good things about this event. As always, I do love how this event goes above and beyond for the cosplayers. It is no wonder why LA Weekly has called this Best Cosplay Friendly Event. The costume repair station had glue guns, tape, make up, wig help, etc. They have almost everything you need to fix up a costume mishap or a touch up. The masquerade backstage was one of the better experiences I had. The backstage crew was very helpful and very friendly. They understood the stress cosplayers go through in competition, and they provided food and water to keep us satiated.

I do admire the fact that the programming division wants more unique panels at Anime Los Angeles, but people seemed more interested in hanging out at the pool deck than to attend a discussion panel. There were a few good panels at Anime Los Angeles. However, it would have been nice to see more guests from the LA area voice actor talent pool. I was disappointed to find that Richard Epcar was listed in the autographs schedule, but not listed as a guest. This is a huge name in the anime industry. Give Batou credit where it’s due. This also begs the question if Anime LA’s higher ups are aware of who is important in the anime industry.

There are other factors that Anime LA probably cannot control such as the public drinking and influx of the so-called “weaboos.” The second floor reeked of alcohol on Friday and Saturday night. The other reputation Anime LA has that it is a drinking con. However, though Anime LA is cosplay friendly and is a party con, it is far from the likes of Dragon Con.

We are open to do panels and participate in live programming again if we are invited to do so in 2013. It is a pleasure doing panels and sessions with guests. However, looking at the $60 at the door price tag, I would encourage long time members to go for the pre-registration price of $30. It is a nice cosplay vacation, if you’re into gatherings and photoshoots. For photoshoots, it is good to already know a photographer in advance.

Perhaps what can be best described for Anime LA is from “American Nerd” by Benjamin Nugent's account from Anime LA 2008."The common denominator...isn't Japan; it's childhood." (As of note, Doug Walker (That Guy With the Glasses) expressed interest in being a guest at Anime LA when we spoke to him at Anime Central 2010. Given the target audience is that of the average Anime LA member, this guest alone would fill up live programming 1 and main events should he do a panel. Fans have asked since 2010, bring Doug Walker to his first west coast convention appearance!)

There is nothing wrong about being with likeminded peers who share in the same interest, but I feel that Anime LA has transcended being just about anime and Japanese culture. Geeks LA, Cosplay LA, Nostalgia Bomb LA, Party Rock LA, etc seem to be more appropriate names. While the con thrives on being kind to the customer, the overall arching theme of anime and Japanese culture seem to be lost in translation.

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