KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The second annual Planet Anime Kansas City Convention inside Bartle Hall welcomed thousands throughout the weekend leading to millions of dollars invested in the city.
According to organizers, the spring Planet Comicon Kansas City Convention brought in $12 million to Kansas City and Planet Anime is a niche category of that. They expect more than 70,000 people to attend the Comic Con in March of 2025 but they got a glimpse again of the passion anime fans have this weekend.
“We bring fans in to spend money at the restaurants, to buy here at the show, to stay at the hotels. I am told by the city a significant economic impact and they’re very happy with it,” said Planet Anime Founder Christopher Jackson.
People from across the country set up booths inside the hall allowing for anyone and everyone to stop by — in costume or not.
Jackson said cosplaying is his favorite part of the weekend with people showing off their personalities through that avenue.
“Every year the people downtown kind of wonder what’s happening as costume characters wander the streets.”
Guadalupe, cosplaying as the character “Boothill” from Honkai Star Rail, was joined by Kai inside Bartle Hall Sunday afternoon. They explored the area, searching for any unique item they wanted while being a part of a community.
“I’m happy we have bigger conventions and more conventions happening instead of having to go to LA and stuff and it brings more people here and we can all finally bond by our nerd, little interests,” said Guadalupe.
Kai said, “There are a few that I‘ve seen, I’m like ‘Oh my gosh, it’s that character.’”
Jackson added that a lot of the people may have been known to be a “nerd” or “geek” in high school and maybe they weren’t accepted, but now they can be at events like this.
He also said more and more women are attending the events, especially cosplaying, which has helped spread the popularity.
“Nobody’s judging, come out to the show without judgment, everybody’s welcome,” he said.
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