I went to Anime NYC! Here are my top 3 experiences

For the third year in a row, I had the fortune of attending Anime NYC. However, unlike the past years, this event was held in the summer, allowing fellow attendees to avoid cold weather and, instead, worry about whether someone else would have the same cosplay outfit as them.

As always, my experience was filled with seeing all my favorite anime shows and characters in one place. I gawked whenever I saw the amazing Hunter x Hunter standing poster in the main room and I almost couldn’t hold myself back whenever I saw any type of Jujutsu Kaisen merch. But above all this, there were experiences that I simply had to pinch myself to believe. Not only because it was a huge fangirl moment but also because it was very enriching.

If you couldn’t tell by how enthused I have been thus far, Anime NYC was one of my favorite events of the summer. Here are the top three standalone moments that made this year’s event one to remember.

In previous years, it was a little daunting going out to a brand-new place all by myself. That’s why, this year, I made it a priority to attend at least one panel.

Attending a panel about Black representation in anime

As a Black woman who loves anime, I know there are tons of people just like me. But it was always difficult to find where they were. Fortunately, several Black representatives from different organizations attended Anime NYC to let us know where to go to find others with similar interests. 

From organizations like Black Girls Anime to solo projects headed by people like JustAFro, I had the chance to meet a handful of great people who are making huge waves in the Black community as well as the Blerd (Black nerds) community.

At the panel, they taught me many things, such as how to advocate for people who look like me as well as how to ensure that Black representation in anime/animated titles isn’t something that is only created or spearheaded by people who don’t look like us. What’s more, they taught me all about the different events that exist outside of Anime NYC!

If you’re like me, desperate for a community that looks like you, why not start your journey by checking out some of these Black organizations? Or attending a panel that is sure to impart some important knowledge to you? It did wonders for me, so I’m sure it’ll do the same for you!

Finding my new favorite Genshin Impact poster

The best part about Anime NYC is that this event isn’t limited only to just anime or manga; it features a plethora of things that all fall under the umbrella of geek.

While anime is the love of my life, I am also someone who adores video games just as much. Specifically, games like Elden Ring, Omori, and Genshin Impact. The look of awe on my face, when I saw merchandise for all these three (very different) video games, could be seen by everyone. It was a super refreshing experience to be able to feel the product in person and inspect everything firsthand. That’s how I found a Xiao poster that I hold dear to me!

Courtesy of @ChurroSama06, I bought a stunning Genshin Impact poster featuring my main, Xiao. I fell in love instantly with his artwork because, out of all the pieces I saw that day (and I mean, ALL of them), I felt that Churro’s piece was the only one that truly captured how I view Xiao in my eyes.

Official art can try, but I truly feel that only die-hard fans can create an image so soulful and ethereal. Anime NYC really does show the importance of supporting your local artists!

Cosplay. Cosplay. Cosplay.

When it comes to cosplaying, I’ve always played it safe and went with wearing something that had an overly obvious logo or just went in plain clothes. Yet, it never quite felt like cosplay to me since I wasn’t really dressing up. To ensure I wasn’t staying in my comfort zone, I made it a point to go all out. Thankfully, I had a superb experience that went above and beyond my expectations.

This year, I wanted to cosplay as Choso from Jujutsu Kaisen. However, one thing led to another and I wasn’t quite able to do so. Instead, I cosplayed as Canary from Hunter x Hunter, a dope Black character who represents Black people in a pretty cool light.

Many attendees complimented me from head to toe, stating how much they loved my outfit and how they usually never saw people go to Anime NYC as Canary. This filled me with tons of joy because, for an outfit that was done last minute, I noticed how much of a cultural impact it had on those around me who also looked like me and wanted to see more Black people in anime and/or cosplay.

In addition to my outfit, I was taken aback by everyone else’s cosplay outfits too. The outfits I saw ranged from casual styles adorned with something that’s unique to the wearer to ornate masterpieces that you simply had to see to believe. Hands down, Anime NYC attendees know how to dress up and show out.

If my experience has inspired you to also take a trip to Anime NYC, be sure to save the date for next year's which will take place at the Javits Center in New York City between the dates of August 22 - August 25, 2025.

See you there!