Con Coverage: Animaga 2024

Animaga 2024 was a blast, bringing together anime lovers from all over for a weekend filled with excitement and a shared passion for all things anime. The atmosphere was incredible—you could feel the energy as soon as you walked in, with everyone buzzing about their favorite shows, characters, and creators.

Pictured: FairieDog on the Starlight Stage at Animaga 2024

One of the highlights was definitely the Idol Stage. Performers from across the country brought their A-game, and the vibe was nothing short of electric. Wooly stole the show with her adorable "froggy beam" performance, while Fairiedog lit up the stage with her bright orange idol energy. You couldn’t help but get caught up in the enthusiasm; it was contagious.

Then there was the Artist Alley, which was absolutely stacked this year. It was a treasure trove of creativity, with so many amazing local and international artists showcasing their work. Everywhere you looked, there was something you just had to have—prints, pins, handcrafted items—it was impossible to walk away empty-handed. Our wallets were definitely not safe!

Pictured: Cosplayers at the Animaga 2024 Cosplay Competition

And of course, the cosplay scene was as vibrant as ever. From nostalgic anime like K-ON (which made my inner 13-year-old scream with joy) to the latest trends, the range of costumes was stunning. The cosplay competition was a real treat, too. Cupi Cos took home the Best in Show award, Shirokarai Cosplay won Best Craftsmanship, Kiki snagged the Wild Card, and Hey Yen and AsterCat Cosplay both impressed the judges enough to win Judges' Choice.

That said, the convention wasn’t without its challenges. The lines on day one were a real headache, with some people waiting up to 2.5 hours to get in. It was a bit of a vibe killer, but once inside, there was so much to do and see that it quickly made up for the wait.

Pictured: Itasha at Animaga 2024

All in all, Animaga 2024 was a fantastic time. Despite a few hiccups, it delivered on its promise of being a fun, immersive experience for anime fans. With so much to enjoy—from the idol performances to the artist alley, and the incredible cosplays—this year’s convention was a success, and we’re already looking forward to next year!