https://blacknerdproblems.com/nekocon-2024-review/

Oh Neko. This convention was truly the last bit of calm before the electoral storm.

Nekocon 2024 was held in Hampton Roads, Virginia with around 6,000 attendees, this annual convention celebrates Japanese culture with a wide variety of entertainment. With panels, workshops, masquerade, AMV contest, a video game room, and so much more, it’s no wonder many consider this a cozy anime getaway.

It’s been close to ten years since I last had the opportunity to attend Nekocon, so I was beyond grateful to witness glory at this small, but mighty convention.

This was Nekocon’s 26th year, so it was no stranger to the tricks and pitfalls of con-going. Weebs flocked to Hampton Roads Convention Center. Strolling through the sunlight-dappled hallways, there was plenty of space to pursue all the goods and treats in the Artist’s Alley and Dealer’s Room.

Artist’s Alley was my favorite part of the convention. My wallet hated it, but that’s the story for every con I attend. Artist’s Alleys are almost always a hit for me personally, and they didn’t disappoint at Nekocon this year.

This year’s Nekocon was a lovely dip back into the convention scene.

It was not overcrowded. There was plenty of room to scope out the merchandise without feeling rushed. There was also lots of room to stop and ask to take pictures of cosplayers without creating a traffic jam. *Side Note* I do wish more people were wearing masks. It is flu and cold season, so that was a bit of a bummer to see. (The con’s public health policy “encouraged and permitted attendees and staff to wear masks if they choose”, but did not require them.)

It was pretty awesome to see Nekocon choose to implement an author’s alley section of the artist alley. This was the inaugural year where they had newbie authors present their works. They had their table set up. It was pretty awesome being able to talk to each of the authors down a line one right after the other. It was interesting to hear about the work that they had published, and I even went ahead and purchased a volume for myself.

I picked up a copy of Strange Taste: Volume One created by Kaela Peters. Originally launched on Kickstarter, it is a full colored dystopian comic about a future where cannibalism is legal and profitable. The first volume in an ongoing series. The comic first found an audience thanks to Webtoons. The creator Kaela, is a comic creator and illustrator based in Richmond, VA! They graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Communication Arts, and they currently work at VCU and post bi-weekly updates of Strange Taste online. It was so great to not only see the locals creatives but also support them–I am super excited to read their work!

I was only able to attend Nekocon the Saturday of the weekend, but it was clear how beloved this convention is. The staff were helpful and eager to keep the machine well-oiled and running. I was so happy to witness it again. There was so much joy in those hallways, and I am so grateful. I hope to attend again next year. Until then, stay safe weebs!

NekoCon: Annual 3-Day Anime Convention in Hampton, Virginia! Virginia’s Longest Running Anime Convention!

See more on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

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