Where can you watch Deadpool wrestle the The Mario Bros.? Only at Animate Florida.
Remember the Pokemon craze? It may not be as widespread as it used to be but in the world of Japanese animation, better known as anime, it sure is. That world comes to life for a weekend Oct. 6-8 during Animate Florida at the Miami Airport Convention Center. If you’re a huge fan or simply just curious and ready to be completely immersed with cosplayers, gamers and yes, even wrestlers, you need to attend. Here’s a guide on what not to miss:
Celebrity Meet & Greets
Autographs and selfies don’t come cheap during these conventions but for this Con they’ve got tips on how to get free autographs, here’s the link. Besides, the stars that attend are seriously cool and love meeting fans. There will be a reunion of actors who voice the “Pokemon” characters including Rachael Lillis and Eric Stuart who have not appeared together in 15 years. You can also meet voice actors from “Naruto,” “Attack on Titan,” “Sword Art Online,” “Overwatch” and “League of Legends.” Check out the entire list to see who is coming.
Fantasy Super Cosplay Wrestling Arena
This is wrestling, with a twist. Head to the ring where you’ll find wrestlers cosplaying as characters from comic books, video games, anime and television shows while they attempt to pin each other on the mat. Expect to see Daredevil, Deadpool, The Mario Bros., Viken and plenty of others. Besides action in the ring, they’ll partake in panels and other activities throughout the three days.
Video game Freeplay and Tournament Area
Whether you like to game solo or are the competitive type to enter tournaments, the video game section is massive and has everything you’re looking for. Unite with fellow gamers and spend endless hours on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and retro gaming systems Sega Genesis, Gamecube and Super Nintendo. Tournament players sign up for Street Fighter V on Playstation 4, Rocket League on PC and Pokken Tournament DX on Switch. Don’t worry, that’s not all of them there are plenty more.
Cosplay Contests
You like to dress up as your favorite character? Then you can either come in cosplay just for the fun of it or if you’re really serious, enter one of many contests. That means, you’ve got to get your sewing game on and perfect your outfit because contest-entering cosplayers are serious. And you can’t forget about the all-important props to accompany your outfit but be aware there are restrictions when it comes to size, shape and sharpness.
Maid Café
Remember to check out a new attraction Café Kira Hoshi (Maid Café) where you can nibble on traditional Japanese snacks and play games. Also, catch performances by Fushu Daiko, a traditional Japanese taiko drumming group. Tickets for the Café are $10 and available at the door.
IF YOU GO:
What: Animate Florida
When: Oct. 6-8
Where: The Miami Airport Convention Center, 711 NW 72nd Ave., Miami
Cost: $15-$125
Info at http://animateflorida.com
This story was originally published October 2, 2017 at 4:10 AM.