Anime may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Memphis, but for three days this summer, manga and anime fans will descend upon the Bluff City to celebrate their passion. On June 29 through July 1, the Memphis Cook Convention Center will host the eighth annual iteration of Anime Blues Con, which made its Memphis debut in 2010.
Since then, the convention has grown exponentially in both size and scope, bringing together fans from all over the United States. Anime Blues Con 2018 will feature over 60 hours of programming, and more than 4,000 people are expected to attend.
Photo Credit: Anime Blues Con Facebook
The guest list for this year’s convention is perhaps the biggest and best in the event’s history. Some of the biggest voices in anime will be present, including:
- Josh Grelle
- Jen Brown
- Arryn Zech
- Vic Mignogna
- Paul Nakauchi
- Austin Tindle
Additional events include activities covering Asian arts and culture, cosplay and otaku interests; a formal ball; an animated music video contest; and the Blues Bazaar, where fans can get together and swap old figurines, DVDs, and other anime, manga and cosplay materials.
Speaking of cosplay, Anime Blues Con’s cosplay contest has become a convention ritual. The contest’s different divisions are determined by ability level, with those who consider themselves professionals competing in the master division while others join the journeyman and novice classes. There’s also a youth division for younger attendees, as well as a groups category. Awards include Best in Show, Best in Class and Best Up and Coming, to name just a few.
If Anime Blues Con piques your interest, it’s not too late to preregister! Standard convention passes are $35 and include access to all convention areas, all guest autograph sessions and the exhibit hall for the entirety of the three-day convention. VIP badges include all standard offerings plus one free autograph on an attendee-provided item, priority access to all convention areas, an exclusive VIP T-shirt and exclusive access to meet-and-greets with convention guests. Walk-in registration will also be offered for one-day passes ($30 on Friday and Saturday, $20 on Sunday) and three-day passes ($50).
More details about Anime Blues Con can be found on the convention website and the New Memphis website.
