Anime Impulse held its fifth convention at the Pomona Fairplex Jan. 18-19, giving anime fans in the area a chance to celebrate the animation style on a smaller-than-normal scale.
The two-day event had two expo halls open, one with vendors and special guests and another with an Artist Alley and gaming arcades. Outside of these halls was the main stage where events were held throughout the day.
“As always, entertainment, shopping and food is ever bountiful at Anime Impulse, and 2020 will be no exception,” the official press release said.
(Cheyenne Thomas | The Poly Post)
The main stage outside held larger, community-based events. Cosplay gatherings for shows like “My Hero Academia,” “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure” and “Miraculous Ladybug” were held here.
The main stage also showed musical performances and community contests.
Expo Hall 10 held the Artist Alley and gaming arcade. Artist Alley was five rows of local artists and smaller vendors selling their work.
The work ranged from original artwork to fan art of anime and video games. The gaming arcade had arcade games from Japan, including Dance Dance Revolution and Super Dinner Table Flipping – a game where you must flip a table using the most power.
Along with Artist Alley and the gaming arcade, Expo Hall 10 had its own stage where industry and show-specific panels were held.
There were also a few industry booths, including one from Cal Poly Pomona’s Bronco Esports club.
Bronco Esports was invited by an alum of CPP that works in the gaming division of Anime Impulse.
A booth was available, and Joseph Welch, the president of Bronco Esports, said the club took the opportunity for a chance at networking.
Expo Hall 9 held the vendor hall and special guests’ booths. The vendors were merchandisers selling official anime and video game merchandise like posters, shirts, bags and figurines. At the south end of the hall were autograph booths where attendees could meet some of their favorite cosplayers and voice actors.
Outside of Expo Hall 9 were a few food vendors that are common to Southern California conventions. Convention-goers often see booths that sell meat skewers and yakisoba, among other things, and Anime Impulse did not disappoint.
A Southern California convention favorite that was present was Okamoto Kitchen, a food truck that sells Japanese comfort foods.
Other food selections like Korean barbecue, Asian fusion and Asian American fusion were available to convention-goers as part of Asian American Expo.
Asian American Expo, which took place at the Pomona Fairplex the same weekend, is put on by the same company that puts on Anime Impulse.
Asian American Expo offered its attendees and convention-goers a chance to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rat before the Lunar New Year, which takes place Jan. 25. Attendees were able to go to both events with the purchase of admission to one.
The price of admission for Anime Impulse was $12 for one day or $20 for two days online. At the door, the two-day price rose to $24.
