Fish Out of Water

Anime fans congregate in Boston

Anime -- the Japanese word for animation -- is more than just a cult phenomenon here in the United States. For many of us, even grownups like my wife and me, it's part of a lifestyle. And part of that lifestyle is expressing yourself at annual get-togethers like Anime Boston, a big show which ran at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston over Easter weekend. We joined about 14,000 kindred spirits to watch anime, buy merchandise and hang out.

That sound like a lot, and it is, but would you be surprised to find out that Anime Boston is only about the fifth-biggest anime convention in North America? An annual event in southern California, Anime Expo, draws more than 40,000 attendees each year.

A big part of this event is "cosplay." Like a lot of Japanese words, it's a contraction of two existing words, "costume" and "play." It's a lot like Halloween, without the candy: Many of Anime Boston's attendees show up dressed from head to toe like their favorite characters. Although my wife and I abstained, I'd be lying if I told you that other adults weren't dressed up (many in outfits to complement their kids).

So what to 14,000 anime and manga enthusiasts do for three days? We watch videos. We sit in on panels headed up by industry experts, talking about new trends in the business. We rub elbows with the celebrities that voice our favorite anime shows. We visit an exhibit hall full of vendors selling imported Japanese videos, music, magazines, books and merchandise. We view the works of artists who are inspired by anime, or who create their own anime.

But mostly we recognize that we're in a place with other people who "get it." Who are on our same wavelength. 

I can't quite put my finger on what it is about anime and manga that creates such strong interest and enthusiasm. The story telling and artistic style are unique, for sure. And contrary to popular belief, anime isn't just about ninja-fighting superheros, talking kitties or giant robots, either. There's an anime and manga genre for just about every conceivable interest, from sci fi and fantasy to romance to historical fiction. There's some content specifically for adults. There's some really abstract, unique stuff out there, too.

If you're still convinced that anime and manga are hopelessly nichy things that only a weirdo would like, all you have to do is head over to Barnes and Noble, Borders, FYE or Best Buy. At the bookstores you'll find shelves of manga -- compact, mainly black-and-white comic books. And at Best Buy or FYE you'll find several rows of  anime. And inevitably, there are a few people browsing. And sometimes, one of those people is me. Don't be afraid -- pick up some of the stuff and have a look. You might even find something you like.