On Aug. 30, ANIME Impulse started its weekend-long convention at the Anaheim Convention Center. This local traveling convention has taken place in places such as Dallas, Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Bay Area.
Well known by local anime and game lovers, ANIME Impulse is loved for its Vendor’s Hall, Artist Alley, and its special guests. Combined with two other events, K-PLAY FEST and Collectors Expo, ANIME Impulse turns into an all-rounder event where anime, game, kpop, and card-collecting lovers all unite. This convention had many events held in place, such as a Q&A session with CDawgVA, a voice actor signing area, a panel with alexketchem and deeppocketmonster, and more.
Many attendees come to purchase goods, cosplay, or attend special events throughout the convention. Anime conventions are a popular meet-up spot, where friends and mutuals gather to celebrate common interests.
Many groups of friends will sometimes cosplay from the same fandom for photos, gatherings, and most commonly, for fun. Whether the cosplay was bought, made, or commissioned, it does not take away the fun of cosplaying as a group.
Cosplaying is the practice of dressing up as a character from a specific piece of media, whether it be from a book, game, show, or movie. When attending these types of events, one is bound to see at least one cosplay. It’s been deeply integrated into nerd culture ever since the 1930s American science fiction conventions, and has been popular ever since.
Cosplay is a loved tradition for con-goers, whether it is their first time dressing up or they are a seasoned veteran. The hobby is beginner-friendly but still has its difficulties.
One common difficulty would be the issue of overheating in cosplay. Depending on the cosplay, the outfit may be fairly easy to wear and give a lot of leeway, but some characters are not as easy. Some characters require many layers, wigs, heavy makeup, props, and tight fits — Not a good combination for a hot environment.
“Honestly, the only way I was able to get through the heat was because the con took place inside. The only prolonged period of time that I was outside was when we were in the line to get in, which didn’t take that long, maybe 10 minutes.” Julia Leong, a first-time convention attendee who cosplayed Xie Lian from Heaven’s Official Blessing, said. “If I had been out there for longer, I would have just given up on the cosplay.”
Though summer is coming to a close, California has been going through multiple significant heat waves, one of which hit during the convention. With many attendees dressing up for the occasion, it is important to stay safe from the effects of the heat wave.
“I suggest for cosplayers, even though the cosplay may look good, to prioritize health,” Adelina Hernandez, a local veteran cosplayer who goes by the user kaliongi on TikTok, said. So bring water as well as a fan if you’re able to. It’s ok to take breaks. I think a lot of people buy their tickets, so they want to see everything, but I think it’s important to take a break and relax.”