Last month, I made the spontaneous decision to go to a new local anime convention, Anime Pasadena. It took place on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Pasadena Convention Center. It claimed to have over 130 vendors, cosplay contests, nerd karaoke, live music, photo meet ups, anime panels, a fashion show, and more. I did already have plans that day to help my sister with a photoshoot but I figured why not stop by for a few hours beforehand and see what it was all about.
What I Wore
Cosplay of all fandoms was encouraged, and I knew a big draw and focus there would be on cosplay. However, because it was so spur of the moment, I really didn’t have enough time to get a cosplay together. I also knew I would be going solo so I wouldn’t have anyone to help me take photos either. Instead, I kept it “basic” with my “Form Voltron” tee from The Basic Geek.
Shout out to the two kind strangers who took these photos of me!
Arrival/Outside
Parking for the con was a bit frustrating as it was a flat $20 (I believe). I was only going to be there for a couple hours so I opted for street parking instead which was a bit of a walk. Outside the venue, it was quite lively with lots of cosplayers, Pikachu, Transformers, and even Voltron!
Live Music, Crowds & Panels
Inside was even livelier! There was a Marvel cover band called RagnaROCK playing in the main area downstairs that was getting a lot of attention (just look at that crowd!). At one point, they even had the original singer of the Pokemon theme, Jason Paige, join them on stage and perform the song which drew a HUGE crowd! Everyone was packed in so much, I wasn’t actually able to get a photo or video.
I wandered around the top floor taking notice of the various panel rooms before making my way downstairs to the vendors. I peeked into this panel on Voice Actors but it was pretty full, and I would have had to stand in the back so I didn’t stay too long.
Plushies
The big crowds downstairs cleared up after the live music ended. It was then possible to explore the many vendors and Artists Alley. Immediately, a booth with TONS of handmade plushies caught my eye. If you don’t know, I have a HUGE soft spot for custom, handmade plushies. I even tried to make some myself but it was too time consuming so I really admire others who have the patience and skill that I lack ^^;; I was really so impressed with the quality and detail of each plushie. Also very impressed that they had plushies from practically every major fandom in TV, movies, anime, and video games.
I was so tempted to bring some home with me but I restrained myself to instead make a commission order for my favorite otome characters. After talking to the girl behind the booth, she told me her mom taught her how to make the plushies and they run the business together. Her mom does the TV and movie characters (@wee_bit_o_geek) while she does the anime and video game (@weebitofreak) ones. So cute!
Candles & Soaps
Another vendor I almost walked right past (but I am SO glad I didn’t) was Dorkish Soap (@dork_ish). They make the most lovely looking and smelling handmade fandom soaps and candles. The item that initially caught my eye was a small jar that said “Peter Parker.” Once I got closer, I noticed it said “In Memoriam” and was a jar of bath salts made to look like a jar of ashes. They had them for other characters such as Bucky, T’Chall, and Groot and all included their last spoken words. You could now bathe in the ashes of your favorite fallen Marvel superhero!
I was a bit taken aback at first but then had to laugh at how morbidly clever it was. Plus, they smelled great! I had to take one home – and I did just that! Along with a few other cute soapy items, I gifted Spider-Man’s ashes to my sister. I asked if the owner had an online shop I could link in my post, but she said she got so overwhelmed with Etsy orders she had to take it down so now she strictly just sells at cons and through her Instagram(@dork_ish).
Other Vendors & Artist Alley
Here are a few other lovely vendors and booths I came across downstairs.
People everywhere! They really need to find a bigger venue next year.
There were also quite a few autograph signings happening. The lines always seemed pretty long and since I was limited on time I didn’t spend a lot of time in the area. Some of the special guests included Veronica Taylor (original voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokemon), Tony Anselmo (official voice of Donald Duck), Max Mittleman (voice of Saitama from One Punch Man), Robbie Daymond (voice of Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon), Rikki Simons (voice of GIR from Invader Zim), and Carla Perez (the original Rita Repulsa from the original Power Rangers series)!
Cosplay
Despite being a smaller con, it attracted a large number of cosplayers. It definitely made me wish I had planned a little better so I could’ve come in some cosplay of my own!
Such a cute Voltron group cosplay! But where’s Space Dad?
Wakanda Forever!
I just have a feeling these two would’ve gotten along.
Who else is excited for John Cho to play Spike in the live action series?
This Marie Kondo and Frog Princess cosplay sparked joy for me.
Such an amazing fem!Bakugo!
My favorite Avenger!
Thoughts
Despite it only being their second year, this was a pretty great con! I think it could have used a slightly bigger venue (and more affordable parking options) but I have a feeling after this year’s success that won’t be an issue next time. Even though I was only there for a couple hours and went by myself, I still had a GREAT time and wish I could have stayed longer! I definitely wanted to sit in on more panels (you all know I love my panels)! I’m particularly disappointed I had to miss the one on Geek Fashion as that’s (obviously) right up my alley. Next time, hopefully I can bring some friends with me and do some cosplay too!
