John Herbold of Little Rock reattaches an arm to daughter Meagan Herbold's 7-foot Alphonse Elric costume as anime enthusiasts gear up for the first day of Anime Blues Con 9 at the Memphis Convention Center on Friday, July 12. “There’s two video cameras inside and an LCD panel mounted on the inside. That’s how she sees,” John Herbold said. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Anime enthusiasts shuffle between venues on the first day of Anime Blues Con 9 at the Memphis Convention Center on Friday, July 12. The event runs through Sunday. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Vendor Eli Childress of Denver, Colorado, jokes with customers while selling stuffed versions of their favorite anime characters at Anime Blues Con 9 at the Memphis Convention Center on Friday, July 12. Organizers expect some 4,000 fans at the event, which includes cosplay competitions, memorabilia vendors, video games and celebrity speakers. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Asia Lewis (right) and Melanie Smith take a break between activities at Anime Blues Con 9 at the Memphis Convention Center on Friday, July 12. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Meagan Herbold, 19, climbs into the boots of her 7-foot Alphonse Elric costume. Herbold's father, John Herbold, crafted the likeness of the "Full Metal Alchemist" character from fiberglass and carbon fiber. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Derek Alexander and Amanda Gray take a turn at Dance Dance Revolution at Anime Blues Con 9 at the Memphis Convention Center on Friday, July 12. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Mac Gilmore, 17, of Pensacola, Florida, rolls the kinks out of her neck after wearing her heavy costume head on the first day of Anime Blues Con 9 at the Memphis Convention Center Friday, July 12. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Anime Blues Con 9 facilitates fandom and families
Weekend of cosplay, panel discussions and more provides ‘safe place’ for likeminded folks
Memphis’ premier anime convention brings fans together to celebrate their favorite manga and anime.