Anime Gaming Con assembles a fandom rich with creativity and passion in Fresno

Fresno's biggest anime and gaming convention brought together a fandom worth thousands of passionate people.

I recently covered Anime Gaming Con at the Fresno Convention Center on Feb. 7, for my YouTube channel, highlighting various aspects of the event.

This was my first experience going to this kind of convention, and I did not know what to expect.

After witnessing the awesome cosplayers, art and crafts and speaking with fans, voice actors and businesses, I have three words to perfectly describe this event.

• Creativity
• Passion
• Community

An incredible amount of creativity and skill.

I spoke with cosplayers wearing articulate costumes, some made with a budget ranging from $5,000 to $50 or less.

Merobyte, a central California-based cosplayer, cosplayed as Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022) at Anime Gaming Con.

“I made it all myself,” Merobyte said. “I am a cosplayer who likes to keep things under budget.”

Cosplayers, like Merobyte, are examples of management experts. From budgeting to DIY materials and sewing, these people are talented.

Merobyte said she was excited about being a guest cosplayer and seeing the crowd of people.

“In these communities, I feel like there is not a lot for gamers, nerds, or anything to come out to,” Merobyte said. “[Anime Gaming Con] is a great place to meet people, find community, and just get started on cosplaying, art, or something.”

This fandom is chalked full of creativity fueled by their passion in their interests and hometown.

Recognizing passion in the smallest of places.

Vendors brought anime and gaming accessories, crafts, art, and even an original comic book series based in Sacramento.

Brent Sands, writer and creator of Impound Comics, attended Anime Gaming Con bringing an exclusive look into his upcoming superhero.

“The next character I am coming out with is Cautious [and] his solo story,” Sands said. “He is Fresno’s first superhero.”

Sands said he started his comic book series with Sacramento’s first superhero, Impound, and made superheroes for neighboring cities like Stockton.

“I am always trying to get to the cities that are like Sacramento [that are] not Los Angeles,” Sands said. “That has been a big part of our brand.”

Creating identity for small places, just as Anime Gaming Con is providing to this fandom, demonstrates the strength they inhabit.

A strong fandom providing connections and community.

I agree with Merobyte about how there are not many local places like Anime Gaming Con for fandoms in gaming, anime, comic book and others like them within the Central Valley.

I resonated with many of the people here, as gaming has been a big part of my life alongside watching comic book superheroes and anime.

It’s this recognition that can host a strong connection within social settings.

In an article about enhanced well-being through community social capital published on Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MPDI), the functions of community promote bonding and provide trust between neighbors and members in urban cities.

Anime Gaming Con provided a place in Fresno for this fandom to engage with local businesses, neighbors and people with similar interests to create trust among them.

For example, I met cosplayers with a decade’s worth of experience while also meeting newcomers.

To be a part of something bigger.

I felt alive at Anime Gaming Con spotting a cosplayer dressed as the Silver Ranger from Power Rangers in Space or figures of Bulbasaur. I believe this is what this fandom feels when they are engaging in these types of events.

I became a fan just like everyone else.

If you are interested in seeing more about Anime Gaming Con, please watch my video recapping the event at my YouTube channel.

I hope to see you at an event like this next time!