Thousands of fans find their way each year to AniNite, the biggest anime and manga convention in Austria. And I joined them in 2024.
- Inclusive atmosphere
- Packed with cosplayers
- Spacious layout
- Plenty of art & merchandise
- See also:
AniNite 2024
(Proof I was there)
Having enjoyed the One Piece live action series on Netflix based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga series, a fan convention around Japanese pop culture felt like a good way to spend a day.
And it was. Even though I was a couple of decades above the average age. Fellow visitors of my 50+ generation were so few that we gave each other nods of respect as we passed.
I spend a lot of time at events where unintentional ageism strikes, and people assume I must have taken a wrong turn out of the subway station. But not at AniNite, where an enlightened atmosphere pervades the place (much like at Comic Con or Vienna COMIX.
Park your judgment at the entrance. This fan convention feels like a space where you can be who you want to be. Whether 56, 26, 16 or 6.
I went on the final Sunday of this 3-day event, knowing this is usually the quietest day at cons. It was busy but not crowded thanks to a very open layout inside the ACV convention centre. And everywhere the contagious energy that comes from people simply enjoying their interests.
Arcades and art
One definite advantage of advanced years is recognising the machines in a retro gaming section.
Just past the entrance, AniNite had a double row of free-to-play arcade games packed with the likes of Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and Mortal Combat.
The games brought back memories and a wince at all the 10 pence pieces wasted in the beer cellars of my youth. What they didn’t bring back was any former proficiency.
Next stop was the artists alley, where numerous booths sold pins, keychains, clothing, ceramics and, of course, art prints inspired by the source material that drives AniNite.
Those with creativity, talent and a willingness to expose their artistic soul to public inspection have my unreserved admiration. I hesitate to highlight individuals, but these artists caught my eye in particular:
- Dragon art by Shadia Illustration and Train’s de Tales
- Watercolours by Mandy Frank (pretty sure I have some fan art from them from another con)
- Textile art by Koiless Artwork
The artist alley also had a separate 18+ section. Special thanks go to the diligent security person who wanted to see proof of my age at the entrance (I’m 56). You made my day year.
(This way to fun)
Cosplay, cafés & collectibles
Talking creativity, a myriad of cosplayers among the visitors reflected the full diversity of anime and manga (along with a few stray characters from other fandoms, like Star Wars).
The quality often proved astounding, as evidenced by crowds gathering around the best costumes to snap photos. As at Comic Con, the cosplay alone justifies a ticket, especially if you’re familiar with all the characters.
The presence of Monkey D. Garp (in his 70s) cosplay gave me renewed hope that I might realistically join in the fun sometime in the future. Main options are otherwise Gandalf or Saruman (or Gollum).
A giant stage also hosted a cosplay show featuring an eclectic mix of costumes. From Dune’s Paul Atreides to the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji.
Streetfood trucks ringed the square in front of the convention centre. And inside a couple of cafés and a bar sold snacks, hot beverages and soft drinks, many with a (literal) Japanese flavour to them, of course.
As such, AniNite might be the only place in Vienna you can see a Japanese demigod munching on a churro. The city is truly cosmopolitan.
And a merchandise section burst with collectibles, figures, costumes, manga series, plush toys, Japanese snacks, and more. I was this close to adding another One Piece figure to a shelf above my desk already heaving with stormtroopers and signed photos.
Will I return next year?
I suffered a little from a lack of familiarity with much of the anime and manga world and didn’t join in with the film showings and many other ancillary events and entertainments that make up the active programme at AniNite.
But I’d like to go back. Frankly, it’s always motivating to wallow in a judgment-free zone with people just living their fandoms.
I might have to buy a few books and stream a few series in the meantime, though.