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1st time at Anime NYC and Javits Center. Due to a busy / crazy month, went in completely cold. Had very little time to research any part of the event. I know, never admit, it seriously worked out perfectly. Honestly, wanted to be surprised in every way possible. Decided on Sunday (final day) to get a good feel and avoid a massive crowd (previous experience other cons). Anime NYC did not disappoint and exceeded anything I imagined. Read the breakdown / please scroll down for 3-part review / photos / videos. Very special Thank You to all security / staff / everyone involved, very serious.
Walking in: Did check out the entry map before arriving, Green Line for fans / Blue Line for press / people working. Ok, easy, until you arrived at Javits. Figured there might have been a last minute. Followed crowd like I usually do and inside there would 2 indicators. Walked down to lower level (fan entrance). Asked someone about press entrance was told it was up top. Not really a big deal, did get a great video for you (scroll down), there could have been signs on sidewalk or building. Entering event: Metal detector / bag search / props check (check Security section), major credit here.
WHERE DO I START??? Play NYC first stop. Artist Alley stop #2, then work my way around (always support the indies). This is fucking huge!!! My exact thoughts after security. Sunday was the smart decision, especially after talking to artists / vendors. Navigation / walking around: Made a major mistake here, didn't download the app / plan ahead. Seriously, you will want to do both especially if attending on Sunday. Maps were present throughout event with one drawback: No "You are here" reference point. Layout of Javits Center is confusing, especially if it is your first time.
Technical Layout, especially vendors / Artist Alley / Autographs: This section was very large to say the least. I loved the way it was done, Autographs / celebrities / food on perimeter. Eliminating gridlock and placing focus on vendors / artists. Overall event layout: Excellent. Sunday, a lot of room to relax / take a break. Each aspect had a section (panels, vendors, etc.) with food / beverages spread out over entire event.
I have to point out one thing here: Play NYC. Playcrafting usually does a separate event. 2024, they had a section at Anime NYC. Adding a wider variety to the overall event. Presenting indie tabletop / video game designers entering the Games section. Kind of catching you off guard / seriously grabbing your attention. Believe me, you might spend more time here than planned. Trying out a variety of games while learning from developers.
Speaking of Games section, grew up in the 80's (I know, definitely a dinosaur), going to arcades. Nothing like dropping the quarters, getting finger blisters to play games you love. Walking through Play NYC, ARCADE! Didn't have time to play any, still loved this aspect.
Security: A top priority for Anime NYC. Walking in, you go through a metal detector / bag search. Cosplay? props check. Security team / staff / NYC and State Police easily visible. They did intrude on anyone's experience / fun. Basically, I didn't give it a thought about safety.
Honestly, when you attend Anime NYC, plan an entire day here. Best bet: Friday or Saturday. You have to deal with a larger crowd, open longer hours. 2025: I am already planning on 2 days due to everything I could not experience (panels / stages and more).
Wrapping it up: I missed several aspects of Anime NYC this year. Not planning in advance added a perfect element of surprise which I needed. A little over 6 hours, Anime NYC made my top 3 events for 2025. Security, staff, variety, event size, layout and more contribute to this one. Covering several Cons including now 2 major ones, the review / recommendation is hard earned. With a few, mentioned, exceptions was blown away. 3 days later still get a rush thinking about Anime NYC. This will easily be worth your time / money. Not into Anime? Take the kids, find out much fun you will have and learn.
Walking in: Did check out the entry map before arriving, Green Line for fans / Blue Line for press / people working. Ok, easy, until you arrived at Javits. Figured there might have been a last minute. Followed crowd like I usually do and inside there would 2 indicators. Walked down to lower level (fan entrance). Asked someone about press entrance was told it was up top. Not really a big deal, did get a great video for you (scroll down), there could have been signs on sidewalk or building. Entering event: Metal detector / bag search / props check (check Security section), major credit here.
WHERE DO I START??? Play NYC first stop. Artist Alley stop #2, then work my way around (always support the indies). This is fucking huge!!! My exact thoughts after security. Sunday was the smart decision, especially after talking to artists / vendors. Navigation / walking around: Made a major mistake here, didn't download the app / plan ahead. Seriously, you will want to do both especially if attending on Sunday. Maps were present throughout event with one drawback: No "You are here" reference point. Layout of Javits Center is confusing, especially if it is your first time.
Technical Layout, especially vendors / Artist Alley / Autographs: This section was very large to say the least. I loved the way it was done, Autographs / celebrities / food on perimeter. Eliminating gridlock and placing focus on vendors / artists. Overall event layout: Excellent. Sunday, a lot of room to relax / take a break. Each aspect had a section (panels, vendors, etc.) with food / beverages spread out over entire event.
I have to point out one thing here: Play NYC. Playcrafting usually does a separate event. 2024, they had a section at Anime NYC. Adding a wider variety to the overall event. Presenting indie tabletop / video game designers entering the Games section. Kind of catching you off guard / seriously grabbing your attention. Believe me, you might spend more time here than planned. Trying out a variety of games while learning from developers.
Speaking of Games section, grew up in the 80's (I know, definitely a dinosaur), going to arcades. Nothing like dropping the quarters, getting finger blisters to play games you love. Walking through Play NYC, ARCADE! Didn't have time to play any, still loved this aspect.
Security: A top priority for Anime NYC. Walking in, you go through a metal detector / bag search. Cosplay? props check. Security team / staff / NYC and State Police easily visible. They did intrude on anyone's experience / fun. Basically, I didn't give it a thought about safety.
Honestly, when you attend Anime NYC, plan an entire day here. Best bet: Friday or Saturday. You have to deal with a larger crowd, open longer hours. 2025: I am already planning on 2 days due to everything I could not experience (panels / stages and more).
Wrapping it up: I missed several aspects of Anime NYC this year. Not planning in advance added a perfect element of surprise which I needed. A little over 6 hours, Anime NYC made my top 3 events for 2025. Security, staff, variety, event size, layout and more contribute to this one. Covering several Cons including now 2 major ones, the review / recommendation is hard earned. With a few, mentioned, exceptions was blown away. 3 days later still get a rush thinking about Anime NYC. This will easily be worth your time / money. Not into Anime? Take the kids, find out much fun you will have and learn.
Review part 1 (on location)
Review part 2 (on location)
overall video review
photos (end to walking in)
short tour and video clips
Walking into Javits (approx. 10:20 a.m.)
After security checkpoint / main area
Looking down on 1st floor / crowd
Short tour while heading to gaming area
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