Let's Get Into the Groove with Anime Next

Jun 17

Jun 17 Let's Get Into the Groove with Anime Next

Anime Next, the anime convention that packs a lot of fun and excitement. Where enthusiastic anime and gaming fans from all over come to have an amazing time and be themselves.

Located at Atlantic City, New Jersey, in the Atlantic City Convention Center, Anime Next has been around for 18 years and is among one of the best anime conventions within the metropolitan area. It was a huge honor to be able to cover the convention and it was really fun to see the panels, shows, special guests, and of course, the amazing cosplays done by the attendees.

First, I did a tour of the Dealer's Room. The Dealer's Room had great offers on a lot of quality merchandise like plushies, figures and clothing. I personally picked up two shirts and buttons based on Pokemon, Fire Emblem and My Hero Academy. A lot of the merchandise was actually created by the dealers themselves which is really impressive as I do hope to see them again in the future. There was also the Artist's Alley where there's more fan-created works like posters and prints. It's amazing to see the different vendors overall come together in one place to show off the products they have to offer.

Next, I went to check out some panels. The panels were regulated to the 3rd and 4th floors, but unfortunately Anime Next's venue is really big. This isn't a bad thing, because there's plenty of space and there's a huge variety of panels to check out. But I couldn't really get to see the ones I wanted to, which I'm sure a lot of con-goers can relate to. The panels I saw were The History of American Anime, Brand New Idol Shenanigans: Alternative J-Idol Groups, and The World of Eorzea: A Final Fantasy XIV Panel. I also peeked in some other panels like the Manga Library, 15 Years in (AMV) Hell, and a showing of The Last Naruto: The Movie. If I could I would have went to A Day in the Life Q&A with Max Mittleman, Fright Night: A History of Horror Manga, and Anime Burger Time, and maybe more. But I will say that the panel hosts were really cool and they were more than knowledgeable about the topics for their panels, especially the Alternative J-Idol Groups and the Final Fantasy XIV hosts. Speaking of Final Fantasy XIV, thanks to their panel, I was actually kind of interested in playing it for once, the Shadow bringers expansion looks really good.

Next up, on Saturday, I had a interview with voice actor Richard Epcar, he has voiced over 600 characters in video games and animation. It was an honor to get to the chance to speak with Mr.Epcar in a one on one interview. We got to find out some exciting new's as well, you can read the interview by clicking here.

I also checked out the Gaming hall, which had Smash Bros. Ultimate, Tekken 7, Soul Calibur 6, and a lot of other games, including arcade cabinets. One game in particular that I played was this indie game called Fallen Angel by Matrioshka Games. You play as Lucifer in a 2D Hack-and-Slash fighting game against angels with pixel-art based sprites, it was a really fun game and there's a demo available to play for PC on their website here.

In the back there was Anime Next's first Anime Themed Car Show, where there were sports cars based on Bleach, Hatsune Miku, etc. (how did they even get cars in there?!). Also if you were hungry, there was GoGo Curry, it's good to see one of my favorite spots becoming active in the convention scene.

Afterwards, I went to the Cellchrome concert. It took a while to get started unfortunately due to some technical difficulties. But eventually it began, and the band rocked out with the audience (including myself) getting hype. Not only was it Cellchrome's first appearance at a convention, it was my first time actually hearing them, and I have to say that they definitely left a great impression! Their songs were also used for the opening and ending themes for the Detective Conan anime. After that, there wasn't really much else to do except for the rave party. I would have liked to go to AIMI as well, but unfortunately I had to return back home.

I had a really great time at Anime Next 2019. I can tell that a lot of thought and care was put into the con so the attendees can fully enjoy the weekend. I have to commend Anime Next for providing so many events, panels, and guests throughout the weekend so that the fans can enjoy a little of everything, safe to say things went smoothly even with a lot happening. The staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful to everyone as well which is always a plus in our book.

I definitely would recommend any anime or video game fans to come to Anime Next, they would have a blast there. I'll definitely also come back to Anime Next as well, and I can't thank them enough for providing me with the opportunity to cover here. Until next time!

* Be sure to check out our gallery to see if your cosplay made it onto our page!