Fake weapons twice the size of the average individual were a common sight, as well as costumes of all styles, colors, lengths and tightness.

Have I mentioned kitten ears and a rainbow of colored wigs?

If you've never been to Anime Expo, North America's largest anime and manga convention, then you probably don't have a clue what I'm writing about.

For someone with only a passing acquaintance with anime, attending a convention of die-hard anime fans is akin to visiting another world - but without leaving the planet.

July 1-4 fans of anime, Japanese animation, descended upon the Los Angeles Convention Center in record numbers. Organizers of the convention reported more than 100,000 attendee visits were recorded during the four-day event.
Both hand-drawn and computer-animated anime are found in television series, films, video games, commercials, and internet-based releases, and represent most, if not all, genres of fiction.

Judging from the average age of the crowds I encountered, if you were born before 1970 you probably aren't very familiar with the art form.

From my experience at the convention it is clear the fans are very devoted. The extravagant costumes, with life-size accessories, were a wonder to behold. All one had to do was to raise a camera and cosplay performers (costume play) would stop, strike a pose and wait for all shutterbugs in the vicinity to finish "getting the shot."

Inside the convention hall at Anime Expo booths selling everything from wigs of every color, costumes, toys, piles of manga (typically black and white comics printed in book form) and DVDs were crowded with eager shoppers.
The most eagerly awaited event of the convention was Masquerade - but frankly, every day was Masquerade.
Also of note was the opening night Anime Music Video contest held at the Nokia Theatre.

The place was packed from 8:30 p.m. until near midnight as attendees voted for their favorite music videos in drama, action/adventure, comedy and AMTV-Pro categories.

Despite the length of the screening it was a fascinating experience. The creators of these videos are true visionaries with "mad skills" and amazing talent.

The world of anime, with titles as diverse as "Inuyasha," "Full Metal Alchemist," "Bleach" and "Ouran High School Host Club," attracts devoted followers - both male and female.

Perhaps that is the magic of anime... there's a character for anyone and everyone.

I can't wait for next year.

For more information visit www.anime-expo.org.