The Akron Anime Association hosted a one day anime convention from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Union. This is the second year the event has been held at UA and had around 1,000 students attend throughout the day, which is more than double the previous year.

Many attendees dressed up as characters from manga, anime, video games, and as other fictional characters that fit their interests.

“I am grateful despite the weather, especially for artists, dealers, panelists, guests and volunteers who drove two or more hours to be here. Many drove up the night before and got hotels,” said Kimberly Roby, president of The Akron Anime Association.

In room 335 of the SU, video games were set up including Halo, Super Smash Bros. 4, Dance Dance Revolution, and more for attendees to enjoy throughout the day.

Cameron Carlson, former president of Akron Anime Association, said, “Standard anime is thirteen to twenty-six episodes to even four to five hundred episodes on television in Japan.”

As for anime’s audiences, they are driven by mostly teens and adults. Storylines are often sophisticated, complex, and extend into episodic series.

The convention also held vendors that were selling animal ears, kimonos, mangas, graphic novels, and more. This year it had around double the vendors as last year, which matched their growing audience as well.

There were a variety of panels held including Q & A’s about animes, Cosplay discussions, and even a panel to discuss “cartoons that will ruin your childhood,” and others. There was a Masquerade where people competed to show off their costume either in the form of a skit, walk-on, or performance. Next year they plan to have educational panels that will teach the audience more about anime, its culture, and linking with multicultural classes to promote it to other students.

“Zipcon is driven by The University of Akron’s student body. It provides a well-rounded understanding of anime to those who didn’t know about the club,” Carlson said.

Not only could students attend, but parents, children, and community members were able to enjoy the full day of activities as well.

Brittany Gregg
Member Alex Toothman (left) and President of Akron Anime Association Kimberly Roby (right).