Anime NYC 2024 Recap
Anime NYC is a convention held annually in New York City since 2017. This year over 100,000 anime and manga fans attended Anime NYC at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. They held the convention from August 23 – 25. It follows the success of Anime Expo in Los Angeles and Otakon in Washington DC.
During the three-day convention, fans had fun in cosplay events, video games from Play NYC, the Artist Alley, and special panels and premieres. Most importantly the convention aims to celebrate Japan’s culture and its impact.
Anime NYC Event Panels
The anime convention held a diverse range of panels, catering to various interests within the anime and gaming communities. Attendees enjoyed exclusive anime premieres, where they got first looks at upcoming series and movies. Additionally, panels included insightful discussions with the teams.
Highlights also encompassed talks with VTubers, offering their fans a chance to interact with their favorite virtual personalities. Additionally, they also got to see sneak peeks of upcoming anime projects.
Netflix presents TERMINATOR ZERO
The hit franchise The Terminator starring Arnold Schwarzenegger receives a Netflix-exclusive anime spinoff with TERMINATOR ZERO. The panel treated attendees to the pilot episode of the series and a panel afterward.
The team gave insights to the difficulties of adapting this franchise into anime form. They discussed the anime’s themes of Artificial Intelligence and fear of technology. These themes continue to hold relevance today, just like when the original Terminator films premiered.
They also discussed the anime’s direction; the cultural differences between the USA and Japan. They also discussed why they emphasized horror aspects.
If you are a fan of anime and the original Terminator films, this might be something worth watching.
Ranma ½ Exclusive World Premiere
Another 90’s classic anime that gets a reboot. Many anime reboots have been successful in recent times, including Sailor Moon Crystal, Fruits Basket, and Urusei Yatsura. The Ranma ½ reboot aims to be on that top-of-mind list as well.
Ranma ½ is a comedy series that follows Ranma Saotome. A boy who, with his father, falls into a cursed spring. Ranma now turns into a girl whenever cold water splashes on him and only hot water can turn him back.
While I was aware of the aforementioned reboots, I have never heard of this anime series before. Reading the synopsis and watching the trailer interested me a bit. I may give this reboot a chance.
Dandadan Premiere Screening and Panel (English Dub)
One of the top shounen manga’s out right now Dandadan premiered its anime pilot episode at Anime NYC.
Dandadan is a supernatural comedy that follows the story of two high schoolers: Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura. Each have their own supernatural beliefs, Momo believes in the supernatural while Ken believes in aliens. All of them have their arguments on whose belief is real. They realize that they have a similar goal, which is to prove the existence of their beliefs.
I am incredibly excited for this anime, as I have read a bit of the manga, and have been waiting for its release. I thought that this was a piece of work that would be better animated.
Exclusive Screenings
Besides anime premieres, Anime NYC also held exclusive screenings for Transformers One and City Hunter: Angel Dust North. Transformers One showcased a new take on the beloved franchise. City Hunter: Angel Dust North released in other regions, but this is the North American premiere. Both premieres provided an exciting glimpse into the future of these iconic franchises.
Anime NYC’s Continued Role in Anime Culture
The three-day event offered many activities to over 100,000 attendees. Fans had fun seeing their favorite characters in cosplay, meeting artists and creators. Highlights included the anime announcements of Terminator Zero, the exciting reboot of Ranma ½, and the premiere of Dandadan.
Anime NYC showcases Japanese culture and is perfect for fans to explore new trends and meet other anime enthusiasts. Whether discovering the art of Japanese animation or revisiting beloved classics, Anime NYC 2024 delivered a memorable experience for all attendees.
