Anime Blues Con 9 facilitates fandom and families
Weekend of cosplay, panel discussions and more provides ‘safe place’ for likeminded folks
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)
Memphis’ premier anime convention brings fans together to celebrate their favorite manga and anime.
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