Don't call it a comeback. The anime boom of the 1990s never left North America. If anything, the love and passion for anime and Japanese culture only grew stronger with each passing year.
Now, the anime industry is dominating the Western market with hit after hit shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, My Hero Academia and so much more. No wonder so many North American companies want to get a piece of the pie with their own anime-inspired shows like Castlevania or Suicide Squad Isekai, or try to compete with anime-themed streaming services like Crunchyroll.
Anime Expo 2024 in Los Angeles, California, made it clear that the popularity of anime, manga, and Japanese-developed video games is here to stay with its jaw-dropping assembly of fans of all ages. The anime revolution is here to stay. This amazing display of cosplayers provided by Doug Kline at Pop Culture Geek Network proves it.
1. Goddess of Victory: Nikke
The free-to-play gacha game, Goddess of Victory: Nikke, has taken the world by storm with its addicting shoot 'em-up gameplay and a stunning cast of trigger-happy ladies. However, the game's larger-than-life mechanical monsters often go overlooked.
The robotic behemoth Chatterbox was brought to life by one talented cosplayer at this year's Anime Expo with amazing detail.
2. Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
Two amazing cosplayers got their game on in this striking cosplay of the main Duelists from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX. The cosplayer on the left is dressed as Chazz Princeton, the egotistical rival of Jaden Yuki, portrayed by the cosplayer on the right.
Both cosplayers capture the contrasting attitude and fashion sense of these loveable Yu-Gi-Oh! characters.
3. Goblin Slayer
The dark fantasy action series Goblin Slayer isn't for the faint of heart, but those who can handle the heavy subject matter are rewarded with an intense and engaging experience. Although the main draw of Goblin Slayer is the titular slayer himself, there's also a wide array of role-playing-inspired companions by his side.
These Anime Expo cosplayers brought the entire party to life in this impressive lineup of colorful warriors, mages, healers and, of course, the helmet-wearing goblin destroyer.
4. Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII)
No one should deny the incredible impact Final Fantasy VII had on the anime and gaming fandom when it launched in 1997 for the PlayStation. The powerful story of love and loss centered around Cloud Strife and his rag-tag team of mercenaries fighting against the evil Sephiroth was one unlike anything at the time.
More importantly, Cloud's unforgettable look and gigantic Buster Sword continue to influence heroic designs in anime and games today. This Anime Expo cosplayer proudly embodies Cloud's courageous spirit with his game-accurate stance and weaponry.
5. The Mask
Forgive the predictable response, but there's no better way to describe this cosplay of The Mask other than “S-ssss-ssss-sssss-smokin'!” Arguably the strongest movie role in Jim Carrey's career, The Mask brilliantly tied the widespread love of Tex Avery cartoons with the physical and comedic chops of Carrey in his prime.
Although The Mask never got an anime series from Japan, an entertaining Saturday morning cartoon from CBS had a crossover with another beloved movie starring Carrey.
6. Street Fighter
Nearly 40 years and still going strong, Street Fighter remains the pinnacle of fighting video games. Street Fighter 6, currently available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC, successfully modernized the franchise for casual players without sacrificing the competitive gameplay loved by longtime die-hards.
This cosplay photo shows the lovely and twisted Juri Han giving Ryu a test of his own medicine with a hilarious rendition of the series' signature attack, the Hadouken.
7. Kirby
There's nothing purer in the gaming world than a loveable pink puffball with an insatiable craving for human flesh. Jokes aside, Kirby is easily the video game equivalent of Hello Kitty. The happy-go-lucky Star Warrior has starred in numerous critically acclaimed games by Nintendo and is featured in countless merchandise and promotional events, such as having his own restaurant in Japan.
The Kirby cosplayer pictured here captures the character's adorable presence but on a much larger scale.
8. Dale Gribble (King of the Hill)
The hilariously mundane world of King of the Hill always lent itself well to viral memes and anime crossovers, but one character that was particularly perfect for the role was the conspiracy nut known as Dale Alvin Gribble. The chain-smoking neighbor of Hank Hill could be a wacky neighbor one minute and a crazed psychopath the next. Despite Dale's absurdities, he was always a loving husband and father to this family.
Although the late Johnny Hardwick has departed this world, it feels like he's alive and ready to open a cold one with the boys in this faithful ordinary cosplay of such an abnormal character.
9. Mobile Suit Gundam
Despite its nearly 50-year history, the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise continues to thrive in today's anime landscape. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom are both perfect examples of how to aim for a new, younger audience without sacrificing the older fans.
Even those alienated by strong political stories can't deny the series' awesome robot designs. The women pictured here gave a fun and alluring twist to Gundam's most iconic mecha soldier.
10. Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
Although the late Akira Toriyama is no longer of this world, his extraordinary legacy lives on through the worldwide love of his beloved series, Dragon Ball Z. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Dragon Ball franchise cemented itself in pop culture with epic battles featuring Goku and the prince of Saiyans, Vegeta.
The Vegeta cosplayer here is based on the character's earlier days as a cold-hearted villain, getting ready to blast his Saiyan rival Goku to smithereens with a powerful energy attack. The way the charged-up energy attack is represented in real life is nothing short of mind-blowing.
11. Rosinante and Doflamingo (One Piece)
If there's an obvious downside to a series as fantastic as One Piece running for over two decades now, is that so many remarkable villains are lost to the sands of time. Kaidou of the Beasts might be all the kids talk about these days given his fight with Geary 5 Luffy, but Donquixote Doflamingo is the one who pushed Monkey D. Luffy to his limits in “The Dressrosa Arc.”
The cosplayer on the right is a jaw-dropping embodiment of the former warlord, possessing the physical and spiritual “swag” of the character. The cosplayer on the left is dressed as Donquixote Rosinante, Dofalmingo's younger brother who shares the same fashion sense as him, but not his crooked morality.
12. Mecha-Inspired Rabbit
Anime cosplays don't limit themselves to dressing up as an already-established character. Cosplays also offer the opportunity for creatives to make marvelous creations of their own.
This wonderful cosplayer is dressed as a mecha-inspired rabbit girl warrior that evokes the stylish look of the enemy robots from Portal, as well as the rabbit hero Rumi Usagiyama from My Hero Academia.
13. Liz-kyun (My Dress-Up Darling)
There's no coming back from the rabbit hole when cosplaying as a cosplayer cosplaying as a popular anime character, but why would anyone want to? The 2022 anime series My Dress-Up Darling showed off the astonishing world of cosplays through the eyes of beautiful high school girl Marin Kitagawa.
The cosplayer pictured here is dressed as Marin, who is cosplaying as the risqué character Liz in the fictionalized manga series SuccuProb (I, A Super-Popular High School Light Novelist, Am Being Harassed By a Succubus Every Night, and It's a Big Problem!) The succubus costume is cute and playfully suggestive in its appearance.
14. Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia)
The My Hero Academia manga will say goodbye in 2024, but the series won't end without one final bang, and who better to deliver an explosive sendoff than Katsuki Bakugo himself? The former rival of Izuku “Deku” Midoriya is anything but subtle, always ready to go headstrong into a fight, whether it's a good idea or not.
Bakugo's bombastic personality appears in this Anime Expo cosplay, which is based on the barbaric attire the young hero wears during the Season 2 ending theme sequence, “Datte Atashi no Hiro,” by LiSA.
15. Yor Forger (Spy x Family)
The beautiful but deadly mother of one is elegantly portrayed in this Spy x Family cosplay at Anime Expo. Although Yor Forger is married to her husband Loid, their marriagewas anything but traditional.
This enchanting cosplay reimagines the “Thorn Princess” on her special day with a killer bridal gown.
16. Katana Man (Chainsaw Man)
Although the look and feel of Chainsaw Man has changed drastically since the Part 2 “School Arc,” the series still retains its awesomely horrific monster designs that only someone like Tatsuki Fujimoto could bring to life. Among the plethora of gruesome devils, Katana Man might be Chainsaw Man's most visually impressive rogue.
The Katana Man cosplayer seen here nails the character's dreadful looks, while hilariously playing up his grudge against Denji with a Chainsaw Man prop that's just begging to be beheaded.
17. FLCL
Not a lot of series can leave a long-lasting impression on pop culture with only a handful of episodes, but the six-episode FLCL anime in 2000/2001 did just that.
The surreal coming-of-age story of a young boy named Naota Nandaba and a gorgeous out-of-this-world woman named Haruko Haruhara tugged on heartstrings, as well as bust of couple of guts with laughter. The woman on the right is dressed as Haruko in her baseball outfit from Episode 4, “Full Swing,” while the two cosplayers beside her dressed as various forms of the loveable TV-head robot Canti.
18. Boa Hanco*ck (One Piece)
In the vast world of One Piece, no one can surpass the ravishing looks of the “Pirate Empress” Boa Hanco*ck. Even real-life hip-hop artist Megan Thee Stallion turned to the enchanted snake woman for the release of her 2024 single, “Boa.” So, it's not surprising to see so many cosplayers dressing themselves up as the Snake Princess.
The Boa cosplayer pictured here does a tremendous job of matching the elegance and beauty of the pirate captain and the giant snake prop beside her is an impressive and well-made accessory for the snake-themed goddess.
19. Monster Hunter
Capcom has hit it out of the park lately with video game hits like Street Fighter 6, the Resident Evil 4 remake and so much more. However, the Monster Hunter franchise is still a juggernaut for the publisher, with critically acclaimed releases like Monster Hunter Rise and the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds.
This Anime Expo cosplayer wears one of the game's most extraordinary armor sets while cooking up a delicious slab of manga monster meat. Be careful! Don't let it overcook!
20. Shadowheart (Baldur's Gate 3)
2023 was a strong year for video games, but no release delivered such an immersive experience than Baldur's Gate 3. Among the many rough-around-the-edges companions, Jenevelle “Shadowheart” Hallowleaf was one of the game's most intriguing characters with her mysterious background and combative attitude. Nonetheless, she's capable of warming up to the players and remaining loyal to them if one makes the right amount of choices to woo her.
This Shadowheart cosplayer is dressed in the character's dazzling black outfit while holding her signature magical staff.
21. Azul Ashengrotto (Disney: Twisted Wonderland)
At this point, there are more interpretations of the classic Disney cartoon characters than the fairy tales they're based on. The anime-like mobile game Disney: Twisted Wonderland gives a fujoshi twist to Disney's most popular animated villains. The cosplayer seen here is dressed as a female version of Azul Ashengrotto, an Overblot monster form based on Ursula the Sea Witch.
The stupendous costume mixes the original and anime-inspired look of Ursula from The Little Mermaid.
22. Elden Ring
Once again, the developers at From Software have stunned the world with the release of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The update to the open-world game continues the fable-like charm of the original while continuing the tough-as-nail battles that made games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne so beloved.
Undoubtedly, Elden Ring wouldn't have become such a fan favorite without its eccentric cast of fantasy characters — who are all brought to life in this superb photo-op. Some of the game's most imaginative characters like the multi-armed Renna are amazingly portrayed in real life. There's also an extremely amusing cosplay of a Tarnished warrior with nothing but a jar on his head, nailing the fun “Fashion Souls” aspects of these games.
23. Gaara (Naruto)
Kids today who only know Naruto Uzumaki as Boruto's dad will one day discover there's an entirely different legacy worth exploring through the 2002 anime series. One of the most fascinating villains of that era was Gaara, who was pretty much a mirrored version of Naruto if he didn't have anyone to share their love with him.
This Naruto cosplayer is a terrific portrayal of Gaara's early days as an antagonist, displaying an intimidating stance with the gigantic Sand Gourd filled with never-ending sand grains.
24. Ryuk (Death Note)
No, that's not Willem Dafoe at Anime Expo. That's an unbelievable cosplay of the death god Ryuk from the Death Note anime series.
This gothic creature isn't easy to portray in live action, but this cosplay did just that by recreating the Shinigami's most recognizable features. It's a haunting and awe-inspiring recreation that's good enough to give Hollywood a run for its money.
