This past July 4th weekend, independence wasn’t the only thing several thousand Americans were celebrating. Down in Anaheim, California, right across the street from Disneyland, anime fans of all ages converged on the convention center to immerse themselves in an entire weekend of spending money, costuming, partying, and frightening many of Mickey’s guests who strayed too far from the park. With an attendance exceeding 17,000 guests AX has become one of the largest American celebrations devoted exclusively to the world of anime.

After one semi-disastrous year at the Disneyland Hotel, and two mediocre turns at the Long Beach Convention Center, the return to Anaheim clearly had a positive effect on the attendees. Lines were shorter, tempers were longer, and the almost inevitable miasma of unwashed fanatics that seems to haunt all conventions was greatly reduced from previous years.

Quite possibly, outside of the dealers’ hall, cosplay (costume play) was the most popular weekend entertainment at the expo. After spending anywhere from a few hours to a few months on their costumes, cosplayers descended on AX by the hundreds to show off their anime loyalty, along with their sewing expertise and creativity. The front walkways of the convention center looked like an episode of Power Rangers on crack. Even with the bright array of costumes, there was one cosplayer who was easily the most eye-catching, and shocking of them all. And his name you ask? Fey Valentine. Man Faye, the cute nick-name this brave cosplayer picked up at the show with his take on Cowboy Bebop’s Faye Valentine, took crossplay (costuming as a member of the opposite sex) to new and unheard of heights, or lows depending on how you look at it. With his six-foot stature, luxurious leg (and butt) hair Man Faye quite literally captivated the entire convention.

Expo attendees were treated to more than just shocking costume displays. Anime screenings in four different viewing rooms allowed fans to watch anime almost 24 hours a day. Among the literal hundreds of episodes and movies showing throughout the weekend, Junkers Come Here from Bandai was one of the best choices on the line up. Add this with the various other events including a J-Rock concert, Music Video contest, Idol Singer contest, and a Karaoke contest, and Anime Expo was an anime fan’s dream come true.

Don't forget to check out "part 2" of our AX pictures!