Anime Magic Takes Over Kansas City
Kansas City, Mo. transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colorful costumes, animated conversations, and the unmistakable buzz of excitement as the second annual Planet Anime Kansas City Convention took place this past weekend at Bartle Hall. Bringing together thousands of anime enthusiasts from various corners of the country, the event not only celebrated the joy of anime but also provided an economic boost to the city.
A Burst of Economic Energy
According to the event organizers, the recent Planet Comicon Kansas City Convention had an impressive economic impact, generating $12 million for the city. It’s thrilling to know that a niche event like Planet Anime contributes to this figure, highlighting the passion and commitment of the local fandom. With expectations of over 70,000 attendees for the upcoming Comic Con in March 2025, you could almost feel the excitement pulsing through the air.
“We bring fans in to spend money at the restaurants, to buy here at the show, to stay at the hotels,” explained Christopher Jackson, the Planet Anime Founder. “I am told by the city there’s a significant economic impact, and they’re very happy with it.” It’s great to see these conventions shining a light on Kansas City, welcoming so many visitors and giving local businesses a much-needed boost.
The Heart of Anime: Cosplay
One of the main highlights was the cosplay—a chance for fans to transform into their favorite characters from beloved series. For Jackson, this part of the convention holds a special place in his heart. “Cosplaying is my favorite part of the weekend,” said Jackson. “It’s wonderful to see people show off their personalities in such a creative way.”
As characters roamed the bustling streets, it was hard not to smile as people dressed as their favorite anime heroes and villains attracted curious glances from both locals and fellow convention-goers. Guadalupe, who donned a costume as Boothill from Honkai Star Rail, shared her joy at being part of such a lively community. Joined by Kai, they spent their Sunday searching for unique items that caught their eye.
A Home Away From Home
“I’m happy we have bigger conventions and more conventions happening instead of having to go to LA and stuff,” Guadalupe expressed. “It brings more people here, and we can all finally bond by our nerdy little interests.” It’s refreshing to see how these conventions create a safe space for fans to connect and express themselves freely.
Kai chimed in with his enthusiasm, saying, “There are a few that I’ve seen, I’m like ‘Oh my gosh, it’s that character.’” The shared excitement of spotting familiar faces from the anime universe made the experience even more special for him.
Welcoming All
As the weekend unfolded, Jackson reflected on the evolution of fandom culture. “A lot of the people may have been considered a ‘nerd’ or ‘geek’ in high school, and they may not have been accepted before,” he said. But at events like this, they find a community ready to embrace them with open arms. Notably, the increasing number of women participating in these events, particularly through cosplay, has widened the appeal and contributed to this celebration of geek culture.
“Nobody’s judging, come out to the show without judgment, everybody’s welcome,” Jackson reassured attendees. This heartbeat of inclusion is vital, fostering an environment where fans of all backgrounds can come together, celebrate their shared interests, and form lasting connections.
The Growing Legacy of Anime Conventions
As the curtain fell on this year’s Planet Anime, Kansas City was reminded once again of the deeply rooted passion that anime fans carry with them. These conventions are more than just events; they are a chance to celebrate creativity, connection, and community love—all wrapped in a colorful, fantastical package. With thoughts already looking ahead to future gatherings, it’s clear that the anime culture in Kansas City is thriving and will continue to flourish in the years to come.
