It’s the second day of July and Anime Expo 2017 is well under way! While the first official day has come and gone with a bang (along with the unfixed misfortunes of horrific Line Con), there are still three big days filled to the brim with events, guests, panels, and anything anime related. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, still don’t have plans, and want to check something out this July 4th weekend, definitely give Anime Expo a go!
Here’s a quick highlight of some of the biggest things to check out for the remaining days:
Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary (All Ages)
Calling all FINAL FANTASY fans of all ages! Come celebrate 30 years of the beloved franchise with SQUARE ENIX in a FINAL FANTASY-themed Lounge 21, featuring guest appearances from Hironobu Sakaguchi and the FINAL FANTASY XII THE ZODIAC AGE team: Hiroaki Kato, Takashi Katano, and Isamu Kamikokuryo! They will also be participating in signing sessions throughout the weekend.
During the Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary Celebration, Lounge 21 will open up to all attendees of all ages with a valid AX badge!
TIME & DATE: Sunday, July 02. 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Lounge 21
VIZ Media Food Wars! Panel
Join Warner Bros. Japan and VIZ Media in welcoming the co-creator of the saucy culinary manga FoodWars!, Yuto Tsukuda, as he makes his first North American appearance! Tsukuda Sensei, along with his Japanese and English editors, will discuss the creative process behind the hit series. This is a special opportunity to get a small taste of what goes into creating the spiciness that is Food Wars!
TIME & DATE: Sunday, July 02. 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Live Programming 3
Masquerade & WCS US Finals
The Anime Expo Masquerade has been a longstanding tradition, running for over 20 years. A cosplay and performance competition, with one of the largest cash prizes in the country. Hosted this year by Ezra Weisz, join us as performers of all skill levels dazzle us with their creativity.
Anime Expo is excited to host the US preliminary for World Cosplay Summit!
TIME & DATE: Sunday, July 02. 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm Main Events
Late Comedy Showdown (18+)
Join host: Andrew Alandy and our guests AmaLee, Todd Haberkorn, DubShow and more to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Late Comedy Showdown! All of the comedians have been chosen, now let the laughs begin! It’s now time for an all out battle of jokes as each finalist fights for the crown of top comedian at the finals for LCS 2017.
TIME & DATE: Sunday, July 02. 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm The NOVO
ANIME EXPO 2017 AMV Competition Encore & Awards
There are only so many videos that we can put in the main competition, and our heart breaks at all of the awesome ones we didn’t have room to put in. These rough diamonds are worthy of your consideration!
TIME & DATE: Monday, July 03. 12:45 pm – 3:45 pm AMV Theatre
Warner Bros. Japan Anime Panel
Warner Bros. Japan is back at AX 2017! We have prepared many enjoyable contents such as special clips of “Keijo!!!!!”, free giveaways from our shows, presentation from our producers and more! Also, we will have a special announcement for the new season of THAT title which everyone loves and has desperately waited for the returning season. We are thrilled to share this special experience with you and please come and join us!!
TIME & DATE: Monday, July 03. 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmLive Programming 4
Frederator and Netflix Present: Castlevania
Executive Producers Adi Shankar, Larry Tanz, and Kevin Kolde discuss the development, answer questions and show an extensive sneak preview of Castlevania, coming globally to Netflix on July 7.
TIME & DATE: Monday, July 03. 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Live Programming 2
Dragon Ball Super Panel: Presented by Funimation & Toei Animation Inc
They’re back! Get to know Dragon Ball Super English voice actors Sean Schemmel (Goku, King Kai), Christopher R. Sabat (Vegeta, Piccolo, Shenron), Jason Douglas (the man behind Beerus), and special guest Japanese voice actor Ryō Horikawa (the man behind Vegeta) during a special panel and Q&A session. This year, the epic franchise continues with even more power, new characters, continuing broadcast on Adult Swim and an all new part one home video release on July 25th!
TIME & DATE: Monday, July 03. 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Live Programming 1
Shonen Jump Presents BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS Official Panel
Meet the next generation of great ninja with English voice cast of the hit film, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE! We’ll be talking about the movie, manga and the all-new TV series streaming each week on VIZ.com! All attendees will receive a special gift while supplies last, so be sure to line up early!
TIME & DATE: Tuesday, July 04. 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Live Programming 3
Cowboy Bebop: Bounty Hunter Blues
Cowboy Bebop: Bounty Hunter Blues will bring down the house this year as we pay tribute to one of the coolest animes ever created. Universally acknowledged for its unique soundtrack and epic stories told with the moody sounds of a John Coltrane album, Cowboy Bebop breaks the mold of what an anime could be and the cultural impact on fans worldwide.
Bounty Hunter Blues will be a follow up to the popular Jazz Cat Experience with a special live concert for the fans. Featuring live jazz music by the revolutionary band Alice Underground as they tear through a decade of musical and visual tributes to this epic franchise. Bounty Hunter Blues brings together a host of dancers, performers, musicians and musical scores mixed with stunning visuals from the series and created for the live show. Going beyond the Jazz Cat Experience, this one-of-a-kind concert will include new songs as well as classic favorites from the legendary series, Cowboy Bebop.
TIME & DATE: Tuesday, July 04. 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Main Events (LACC/West Hall B)
AND THAT’S ONLY THE TIPPEST OF THE ICEBERG!!
Check out Anime Expo’s main page for their extremely expansive schedule and for any questions regarding their events, ticketing info, parking, and anything else your weeaboo heart desires.
http://www.anime-expo.org/ <<– click it. You know you want to.
For live updates on events and especially on fabulous cosplays, check out The Nerds of Color Twitter page as we go through the convention, capturing as much as possible to share with you while trying to enjoy the convention and blending in with our own cosplays.
Final note: As with any convention, especially the ones during the wondrous hellfire of summer, make sure to stay hydrated, bring sun protection, wear comfortable shoes and get plenty of rest. You can’t have fun if you’re passed out from a heat stroke! Also remember to shower because passing out from the stench of body odour should not be on anyone’s bucket list.