Gundam warriors, League of Legends characters, comic book cosplayers and a bevy of mashups (Samurai Mario, anyone?) crowded the main lobby of the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend for the 25th edition of the Anime Expo.
Visitors navigated their way through an artists alley for hand-drawn renditions of their favorite characters, but even with 40% more space in which to operate this year, many places were hot and cramped. By the time Anime Expo closes on Monday, the four-day event expects to have crossed the 100,000 attendance mark.
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, organizer of the expo, will continue its programming on Independence Day with a full slate that includes open mike karaoke, a panel on the popular cartoon and video game “God Eater” and the finals of the e-gaming tournament.
See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour »
The related Anisong World Matsuri concerts were a success, filling L.A. Live venues, organizers said. Anticipation for Sunday’s world premiere of the movie “Your Name,” by director Makoto Shinkai, spurred fans to camp out for seats on Saturday night.
A crowd awaits the opening of the Anime Expo 2016 in Los Angeles on July 1.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
John Madrigal, center, dressed as Juan Aguacate - Guacamelee! soaks in the experience at the Anime Expo 2016 on Friday.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Riley Vernon, center, dressed as Tin Soldier from Team Fortress 2, rushes in at the start of Anime Expo 2016.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Bryan Atlas, as Greed Full Metal Alchemist, at Anime Expo on Friday.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Cosplayers Kaitlin Lam, from left, as Saber from “Fate/stay night”; Nicole Siryj as Lili Rochefort from “Tekken”; and Samantha Ko as Chun Li.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Gaby Sapetto, center, dressed as Amumu the Sad Mummy, from “League of Legends,” gets some fresh air as Laura Matsen, in costume as as Bee from “Bee and Puppycat” points a fan at him.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Haseo Ryou, as Tai Agumon from “Digimon,” at Anime Expo 2016 on Friday.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Elizabeth Olsen, left, as Poison Ivy, and Chelsea Palmer as Suzaya Juuzuo take some time to shop at Anime Expo 2016 in L.A.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Jazmyn Buendia cosplays as Jinx from “League of Legends.”
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Eric Chhour, cosplaying as Gundam Barbatos, poses for photos at Anime Expo 2016.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Cosplayers head up to Anime Expo 2016 in Los Angeles.
(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)MORE:
Anime Expo is more than just cosplay — but there’s a lot of cosplay
