From Mediocre To Mega-Popular: The Rise Of The Anime Community 

ORLANDO, Fla. –The atmosphere was electrifying in the blissful, packed convention halls as Trevohnn Garner engaged with his fans, showcasing his viral, iconic phrase that has gained popularity on social media. His powerful, thunderous voice left his fans both shocked and overjoyed to hear him in person. During their exciting conversation, Garner added to his long list of reasons for loving to attend anime conventions.

The anime community has become a mainstream entertainment genre. Major events with live performances and panels featuring icons draw large crowds, highlighting anime’s significant impact on pop culture.

Convention attendance is at an all-time high, powered by social media, increasing appreciation for Japanese culture and multiple streaming platforms that offer a window into the world of anime for a wider audience.

Being part of a constantly growing community is both rewarding and fulfilling for many convention-goers. In this context, being involved in the Megacon community and witnessing its expansion since the beginning is a significant experience for newcomers and veterans alike. 

Megacon 2025, held earlier this month at the Orange County Convention Center, attracted an estimated 160,000 to 180,000 attendees, making it the largest convention in North America, according to organizaers Founded by James Breitbiel, Megacon debuted in 1993 at the Orlando Expo Center and was acquired in 2015 by Informa Connect, the largest producer of comic conventions. Megacon is now one of 15 conventions in the U.S. and one in Canada that are part of the Fan Expo series operated by Fan Expo HQ under Informa Connect. 

“My first Megacon was ‘98 and it was tiny: There was like one room and a window and like seven vendors,” said Bryon Hefford, a local 53-year-old cosplayer dressed as one of the four characters from the movie “Ghostbusters.”

Hefford said that Megacon “went astronomical” and “just blew up” after it got sold to Informa Connect about a decade ago.

“We have been doing Dragoncon, Spooky Empire, and several of the other conventions for a lot of years, but I've never seen anything grow like Megacon has,” he added. “It's just awesome to see and have more people to share it with, that's the fun part.”

As a long-time supporter of Megacon, Hefford hoped to attract newcomers. This hope has become a reality as people from all over the world joined and shared their interests in Megacon.

 “I really like how big it is, and in a sense there is a lot of diverse stuff going on,” said Atina Sutton, a 34-year-old professional cosplayer who was dressed as Phoenix from DC X-Men.

“I’m from New York so I kinda felt like I was in this bubble but going out to Megacon and seeing this whole different group of people, I enjoy it so much, and the weather helps a lot,” added Sutton. 

Fans have consistently fallen in love with the vibe that Megacon has to offer. Megacon devotees say that the confab creates memorable experiences and allows for the creation of lasting friendships.

At the February conference here, Adolfo Wiggens was dressed as Sato Gojo from popular anime “Jujutsu Kaisen,” sporting black clothes, a shock of white hair and an eye mask. As the first-time convention attendee waited for a panel about interactive anime, he said that his first Megacon was bringing him out of his shell. 

“It definitely has made me more sociable and meeting friends or people with connections and similar interests,” Wiggins said. “It does not have to be one series or cosplay from just one anime series you're talking about, it can be multiple conversations of all kinds of different genres.”

For many attendees, preparing for a convention can be just as enjoyable as the event itself, especially for cosplayers. Kai, a 21-year-old professional spider-man cosplayer with more than 11,000 followers on Instagram, said he’s been attending conventions for a decade. “I think my favorite thing to prepare for it is knowing what cosplay I want to wear for it,” he said, “but probably my favorite part is just wearing the costume.”

Not every anime or gaming fan attends conventions, but those who do generally share a common sentiment: the enjoyment of the experience. As interest in these communities grows, the number of convention attendees also rises.  

Sutton points out that the community keeps growing each year because it brings people together and connects them to global culture in a creative and positive way.

“I think of it expanding and more people diving into it,” Sutton said. “It kinda brings people more together on a global level and is more acceptable for everyone [than it was previously]. I think it's beautiful.” 

Her new friend has similar thoughts and contributed some surprising insights.

“Not only is anime such an inclusive and diverse media, but it’s made a massive effort. Not only cinematic achievements but also personal achievement,” said Garner, a 30-year-old anime and gaming influencer dressed as the Marvel Superhero “Gambit.”  Decked in dark green cargo pants with fuchsia and blue body armor covering his chest and neck, his costume also included a long brown trench coat.  

A whole generation, he said, has made professional choices based on characters that inspired them.

“I know people are doctors because they watched Steins;Gate,” said Garner, referring to a revolutionary anime about nursing students stopping a diabolical organization with the help of technology and time travel. “I know people that are firefighters because they fell in love with the Fire Force, when they were teenagers and now they're adults,” he added, referencing a new generational anime with a fantastical storyline about a team of firefighters.

After experiencing Megacon or another mass gathering like Anime NYC, one of the first things people often want to do is invite friends and loved ones to share in the excitement. For this community, introducing others to the world of anime is a priority.  

Jose Núñez Cruz, a 19-year-old first-time convention attendee, said the experience was life-changing. Dressed in a long, open dark green coat closed on his waist that was held by a red sash – which in turn supported the three swords on his side that make clear to those in the know that he is Zoro from One Piece, an extremely popular anime about the adventures of a pirate crew that has been ongoing since 1997 – he said it was sure to be just the beginning for him. 

“I can say I’m proud of it, I’ve gotten a few people into it,” says Núñez Cruz. “When I first showed them it they were like ‘What is this?’ But after that they were like, ‘Show me more, show me more.’ It's great.” 

Alongside individuals sharing their experiences, there is a broader mission to change long-held opinions and break stereotypes about those who are interested in anime. 

“My dad got me into anime, then I got my mom into it as well,” Garner said. “I showed her that anime can be really beautiful and heartbreakingly intense if you just give it a chance and she hasn’t been the same since.”

Enthusiasts say that characters featured in the different anime provide valuable lessons, such as when bad guys redeem themselves.

“I think there's a chance for us to create a positive environment where people who may do bad stuff like that can turn it around because we have shown them a good example,” said  Kai. “I think it’s good to accept bad people as long as you don’t manifest that kind of behavior.”

Following Megacon 2025, the anime and gaming community is still buzzing with excitement – and is already counting down the days to Megacon 2026.