The first day of the inaugural New York Anime Festival was a busy one. Crowds were good for a brand new show on a cold, snowy day, which was, in the end, competing against Christmas shopping. That sounds like damning with faint praise, but there were people throughout the hall all day–all in all, one of the better showings for a new show we’ve seen in New York. Total attendance for the weekend is expected to be about 12-14,000, and everyone expects to be slammed today (Saturday.)

No real news we heard all day, The real experience of an anime show is for the fans, and shows generally have a “by fans for fans” feeling. Although this is a “commercial” show, as it is being run by Reed Exhibitions, the kids were in their crazy costumes (above) and seemed enthusiastic. We had to leave before the big masquerade, alas. A few more pictures in the jump.

At this booth, they were still busy manufacturing merch, and the sewing machine’s hum was heard all day!

This booth was plenty colorful–and LOUD.

Erin Finnegan had buttons saluting legendary Dark Horse editor Carl Horn.

The Comics Bakery crew represents.

At the Maid Cafe, young ladies in costume greeted customers.

This fellow is making a chalk sketch throughout the weekend.

ADV’s Chris Oarr and Appleseed: Ex Machina producer Joseph Chou.

There was actually a big Magic® tourney taking place down the hall. This White Angel (??? We know that’s wrong) greeted players.

Inside the Magic® competition. Feel the tension.

This entry was posted on 12/8/07 at 8:00 am and is filed under Conventions, Manga, Anime. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.