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FanimeCon 2011: Thursday & Friday (TONS of cosplay pictures!)

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting the FanimeCon 2011 anime convention in San Jose, California. I’ve had the pleasure of attending the event twice in the past, and this year’s show proved to be another worthwhile trip. Due to other commitments, I was unable to stay for Fanime’s entire holiday weekend, so I did my best to cram four days of photography into two. Hit the jump when you’re ready to see my collection from Day Zero and Day One of FanimeCon 2011, which contains over 300 images for your viewing pleasure.

THURSDAY

I arrived on Thursday evening and saw a massive crowd of pre-registered attendees eager to pick up their badges. Luckily, the GFBR team was able to bypass it.

A shot showcasing some of things you’d see in Fanime’s pay-to-play arcade.

Purikura photo booths were also available for fans wanting quick and fun souvenirs.

The main attraction of Day Zero was the swap meet. Anyone could get in regardless of whether or not they had a badge and shop for items that appeal to the otaku culture.

Fans of classic and import video gaming like myself felt like we were in paradise.

A Final Fantasy XIII Elixir gift set was another neat collectible waiting for a new home.

I’m not a big Wobbufet fan, but this would still be kind of cool to have for future conventions.

If Kano isn’t careful with that knife, he may end up hanging out with Trevor Goddard.

Robin did a good job of deterring any shoplifting during the swap meet.

Tom Nook hauled his wares all the way from the village.

An attendee sporting a cool Monster Hunter mask.

Dan Hibiki demonstrates how to perform the Gadouken.

As I left, he taunted by signing an autograph, which I got to keep.

I never did see this Lucario costume in action on Friday or Saturday.

As I was about to leave for the night, Pyramid Head blocked the door. Wuh oh!

A Team Rocket member challenges me with her Duskull.

The calm before the afternoon storm.

FRIDAY

Arriving bright and early on Friday, the exterior of the building was still fairly calm.

I soon spotted a Winter Sawsbuck and its master.

Russell, Dug, and Kevin are ready for Pixar to put them in Up 2.

Sub-Zero chilling out with his ice blade.

Even when conventioning, Belle has her nose stuck in a book.

The only Kamen Rider I saw at Fanime, who informed me that his buddies didn’t get their suits in time.

Princess Jasmine visits Velvet in order to learn about Norse culture.

A guy dressed as Poison and another guy as Guy.

Misty teams up with a bug catcher for a Pokemon double battle.

Yoshimitsu from the Tekken 2 era

Following in Tony Stark’s footsteps, Reeve publicly declared that he’s the man behind Cait Sith.

One of the experiments from the Lilo & Stitch TV series.

Dante engages in some swordplay.

A big bad wolf has come to blow down the convention center.

Super Mary-Oh and Princess Peach were seen walking through the halls.

Wolverine threatened to cut my goddamn head off if I didn’t take a good picture.

Misty ditches the water Pokemon for an Umbreon.

Tired of singing and dancing, Hatsune Miku has taken an interest in heavy artillery.

The Great Saiyaman brings his heroism to the convention.

Dr. Who’s latest partner is the vigilante known as Rorschach.

Princess Kitana has numerous fans.

The Wonder Baker and Chef have joined forces with a maid.

A male Chun-Li cosplayer strikes some of her famous poses from various Capcom fighting games.

As you can see, he’s quite limber.

Catching an Eevee on camera makes me feel like Todd from Pokemon Snap.

Blaziken is ready to rumble.

Domo-Kun… what big eyes you have!

Those annoying Digletts were popping up EVERYWHERE!

The witch Charlotte from Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

Rogue lifted up her headgear, noting that the goggles do nothing.

Princess Daisy met up with her colleagues from the Mushroom Kingdom.

Luke Cage and his unbreakable skin were available for hire.

Aha! This collaboration must be why Hideo Kojima visited Infinity Ward several years ago.

A flan/pudding creature roamed around the show looking like a tasty treat.

I was disappointed by my latest results on Brain Age.

Aladdin and Abu feast on some freshly stolen bread.

Sebastian, the demonic star of Black Butler.

Stitch whipped out his extra appendages to fend off his rabid fans.

Flynn Rider tries to charm me with his smouldering good looks.

E. Honda was declared yokozuna of FanimeCon 2011.

Franziska von Karma refused to let me question her latest client, Pac-Man.

A female Pikachu appeared by the walkway.

Sweeney Todd and associates made a stop at Fanime.

I thought she was from Dynasty Warriors, but later realized that none of the Shu females are blond.

Another pose featuring the great Wonder Chef and Baker.

Jessie stopped for a quick photo before disposing of her wig, which was falling apart.

Snow and Sazh from Final Fantasy XIII, which had a fairly limited cosplayer presence at Fanime.

Speed Racer seeks mystical guidance from the genie Mr. Popo.

These deadmau5 masks are becoming a convention staple.

No-Face didn’t offer me any gifts… how rude!

A steampunk archer, who could pass off as a fancy mascot for Peet’s Coffee & Tea.

Skull Kid wears the Skull Mask.

Uh… sorry Goldust, not interested!

Tinker Bell and Peter Pan left their usual outfits in Neverland.

Toad shows us why he’s the Para Para master of the Mushroom Kingdom.

Yun actually ranks higher on skateboarding tier lists than Tony Hawk.

Abel readies a Focus Attack.

Ness has captured Mr. Saturn.

The star of the Bit.Trip series, Commander Video.

A female version of Edward Nigma.

I can’t say that I know the characters, but they were a popular target for photographers.

BB Hood and Proto Man will blow away anyone dissing Capcom.

Ryuhaku Todoh bows his head before showing me the power of Todohryu Aikijutsu.

A man sporting an unusual Japanese mask.

This elf looks familiar, but I can’t recall what she’s from.

One of the special Heartless from Kingdom Hearts.

Q lurches towards his next opponent.

A photograph taken during the Valkyria Chronicles photo op.

To keep Guile out of his personal life, Charlie Nash pretends to be dead.

No, you are teh TV!

I guess Leon didn’t reject Ashley’s advances at the end of Resident Evil 4.

Two Vocaloids join hands.

The Mad Hatter returns for another year of fun at Fanime.

A shot of a Card Captor Sakura cosplayer group.

She had a cool costume, but I don’t know the character.

Spider-Man still looks amazing and spectacular.

An excellent selection of Final Fantasy VII cosplayers.

Sack Boy has a problem with biting his nails.

This was the last image captured on my camera before I was assassinated.

Komamura walks around in the comfort of his mask.

Ragna ready for Rebel One.

Eugene and Rapunzel are still happily married

What time is it? ADVENTURE TIME!

Nurse versions of Stocking and Panty.

A fabulous luchador twirled around gracefully as he walked around the convention center.

Indiana Jones knew better than to throw me the idol. Man, I just wanted a picture with it!

The Metal Gear cast learned that stealth is useless against a Stormtrooper’s blaster.

Here’s another character that I need help identifying.

Several of Hayao Miyazaki’s creations have come together.

This guy sure made a monkey out of me.

Itsa them, Mario Mario and Luigi Mario!

The FanimeCon masseuse had a sign that was definitely catered towards his audience.

An assortment of Marines from One Piece.

Boa Hancock was also standing nearby.

Dhalsim teleported from India to California in the blink of an eye.

Dante doesn’t appreciate photographers.

Johnny Cage, who was scouting the convention for potential actors and actresses.

Masamune Date, the One-Eyed Dragon of Oshu. If only Reuben Langdon had made it to Fanime…

Since there were no Cobra officers at Fanime, this poor trooper was wandering around all alone.

Rocket, Blondie, and Sweat Pea have made their way out of the asylum.

The Tick, who was suffering from antenna problems.

Cheerleader Tsukasa from Lucky Star.

I don’t know the character on the left, but I do know that that’s a Snowtrooper on the right.

Every anime convention has to have at least one cat girl.

Here’s another one that I can’t name, but his blue lights made him look interesting.

Alicia from Valkyria Chronicles.

A very large Meta Knight cosplayer, who didn’t seem to make too many rounds around the con.

Big Bob from Tekken 6 and the upcoming Street Fighter X Tekken.

Lust from Full Metal Alchemist bares her claws.

Here we go again… someone please help me name this group!

Even without her magical powers, Rapunzel is still a force to be reckoned with due to the pan.

Humanoid versions of Entei and Suicine.

These Boos were brave enough to face my camera.

Baby Doll’s latest dance has taken her to the world of FanimeCon.

Relm and Terra from Final Fantasy VI.

A puzzling Rubik’s Cube cosplayer.

Hakumen and his mighty sword.

Ghillie suits can be used to promote proper waste disposal.

Inuyasha’s Sesshomaru and Shippo.

Lt. Surge and his Magneton have setup a makeshift gym in the gaming room.

Team Rocket wants a share of the Pokemon organ harvesting market.

A brawl has broken out near the information desk.

Gumby waves to his fans.

The Mayor from the Nightmare Before Christmas and his two faces.

Mr. Corn gave me a pin as a prize for taking his photo.

Riku and Sora are ready to share a piece of Paopu fruit.

I think she was Zafina from Tekken 6.

You’d think a blond girl with big curls and a bigger axe would be easy to identify. I’ve got nothing!

Jigglypuff is as cheerful as ever.

Speedy and Artemis trade archery tips.

Aqualad and Superboy keep an eye out for trouble.

The rest of the Young Justice crew soon arrive as backup.

A Guilty Gear gathering.

America will remain safe thanks to these brave soldiers.

I was silently monitored by Kotaro Fuma.

Reptile crawled out from the bottom of the Pit.

Zetsu of the Akatsuki.

Miss Martian keeps her eyes on the skies.

Delta Red sent Cammy to Fanime in order to investigate supposed Shadaloo activity.

A crowd gathers for the opening ceremonies.

Ichigo, one of the Prince’s relatives.

Today, El Fuerte would rather wrestle than cook.

Suika Ibuki from the Touhou Project.

Man Misty takes good care of Togepi.

Haruhi donned her bunny girl outfit.

This Sephiroth certainly isn’t Lance Bass.

The angle of the shot hides her weapon, but this is Tira from Soul Calibur.

Skull Kid sets off to play some dirty tricks.

Wicket stayed outdoors since the trees reminds him of Endor.

A group of performers in clown makeup started to build an elaborate circus contraption.

The circus performers warm up before their act begins.

Mario started out by juggling and balancing plungers.

He soon moved on to several tricks involving blocks with pictures of the power-up icons.

The woman was up next, and she began to scale the cloth rope.

She flipped around and performed several balancing acts while up high.

This fellow performed a few break dancing tricks before exiting the stage.

Magikarp dreams of the day she’ll become a Gyarados.

Shredder was disappointed that none of the convention center restaurants served turtle soup.

The evil Black Swan is still alive and on the loose!

The dealer room opened at 2 PM and was jammed with traffic. Sadly, I found it to be lacking in video game vendors yet again.

Kefka smiles for the camera.

Riddler was accompanied by a wild and crazy Joker.

It’s Dee Jay, mon! You’ve gotta love those “MAXIMUM” pants.

The creepy horse people track their quest for world domination on the Internet.

Sonic kicks off his convention tour to promote Sonic Generations.

The armor housing Alphonse Elric.

Out of the way Quail Man! This is a job for Quail Woman.

I’m always amazed by this knight’s intricate costume.

The Artist’s Alley, which was huge compared to Sakura-Con’s.

Pedobear panties were the strangest items on sale in the Artist’s Alley.

Oogie Boogie’s looking to cause some trouble.

Despite Earth’s atmosphere, Shepard decided to wear his helmet.

Taokaka will punch anyone for some food.

Faust and Baiken switch weapons for an epic duel.

I still hope to see Guilty Gear VS BlazBlue in the future.

Franziska is about to give Gumshoe a good beating.

An artist seeking new models for his sketchbook.

Hatsune Miku and Megurine Luka posing near the front entrance.

I’m going with Black Widow or Sidney Savage.

Peach finds comfort in the shade.

Momoi Haruko popped on stage to greet her glow stick-waving fans.

I don’t know what she is, but I thought the creepy shoulder baby was cool.

A savage huntress stalks her prey.

If you need to cool down, ice cream’s always readily available outside of the convention center.

Singer Misa Amane plans on forming a duet with one of the Vocaloids.

Chun-Li and Chris Redfield representing Team Capcom.

Juri shows me her Taekwondo technique.

Coming up in the world of video game crossovers… Mortal Kombat VS Marvel VS Tekken.

King won’t let anyone take his championship belt.

Trigun’s Vash the Stampede.

This plump little Chihuahua must have been frightened by all these costumed characters.

Princess Peach enjoying the sunshine.

Simca from Air Gear kept her company.

Maya from Tenjo Tenge was also part of their group, acting as a bodyguard.

These pirates waved the Jolly Roger to show that they’re superior to all the landlubbers.

Another cat girl, though you can’t really see the ears or tail in this picture.

This Sword of Truth cosplayers sure gets around the convention circuit.

Leon Kennedy’s ready to blast some zombies.

A character from the Stratocracy of Altair. I loved the headpiece with the multiple masks on it!

No thanks, lady. I’m allergic to apples, especially poison ones.

Gen fought Chun-Li instead of teaching her the secret of the Hadouken.

Naruto’s Gaara, Kakashi, and Tsunade.

Deadpool and an Umbrella trooper circled each other before moving in for the kill.

She looks so familiar, but I can’t think of the character’s name.

Quorra and Kevin Flynn decided to drop by Fanime after watching the sunrise.

No, this man is not Char Aznable.

Female versions of Ragna and Jin.

Is this the character roster for Capcom VS SNK 3? If so, good luck to SNK!

Wow, my first photo of a Catherine cosplayer!

A Killer 7 cosplay group.

Kamina LIVES!

Another King cosplayer has issued a challenge.

I’m glad to see that I’m not the only person who remembers Top Cow’s Aphrodite IX!

Several models working at the Cosplay Deviants exhibit.

The psychedelic Cate Archer from No One Lives Forever.

I don’t know what he was, but I wanted a photo.

Fox McCloud left his Arwing docked outside the con.

I wonder how long it took this Na’vi to do his makeup.

Princess Zelda browsing through the goods in the Artist’s Alley.

A crimson and black Yoshimitsu cosplayer.

A great Zero Suit Samus cosplayer.

In real life, Haggar’s not as buff as you’d expect.

In the afternoon, the otaku had arrived in full force and taken over the convention center.

A photograph from the Leijiverse meet-up.

Compared to her colleagues, Rikku was outclassed in the weapons department.

Ryo-Ohki takes a quick rest on the floor.

Arcanine and Epona also decided to lounge around the lobby.

Ward steadies his anchor.

The Morning Rescue team has arrived to quench the thirsts of Fanime cosplayers.

KVWN sent out their top news team to cover FanimeCon.

A Viera elementalist from Final Fantasy.

She was soon joined by Final Fantasy IX’s Vivi.

A mysterious stranger named Satan wanted to play with the boys and girls of FanimeCon.

A cat girl maid shows off her mitts.

Lady Gaga wants to take a ride on your disco stick.

Possibly one of the Vocaloids?

Danbo the cardboard robot.

I believe this is one of the knights from Monty Python.

Since he missed out on Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe, Noob Saibot wants a piece of the goddamn Batman.

These guys put the MAN in “Pokeman”.

I think she’s Orihime from Bleach.

A group photo from the Marvel VS Capcom 3 cosplayer gathering.

A team of characters skilled in the art of ninjutsu.

Snake-Eyes nodded in agreement when I asked for a solo shot.

Make mine Marvel!

A team of Pokemon trainers from Pokemon Black and White.

I don’t know where this cowboy’s from, but I did overhear him saying the character is only an action figure.

Taokaka flashes a toothy grin.

A furry purple fox.

I’m assuming that this is a female Marth from Fire Emblem.

Rainbow Brite grew up to be a raver.

Shinji Ikari models his plug suit.

Regular and Sexy No Jutsu versions of Kakashi.

The exhibit of gPotato, makers of free-to-play MMORPGs lik Flyff.

This Silent Hill nurse’s mask reminds me of Freddy Krueger when you glance at it quickly.

Oops… I interrupted a fight between Cammy and Dhalsim and have to pay the price!

Raptor Jesus can turn water in to Ramune.

Wolverine flew into a berserker rage after I interrupted his plush toy shopping.

No way, Scarecrow! I don’t do drugs.

Pikachu continues to advocate peace.

A trainer calls Haunter out in order to scare me away.

Raven has befriended 2D from the Gorillaz.

Zangief’s eager to show the grappling power of Mother Russia.

Faith, star of Mirror’s Edge.

Vocaloids don their bikinis for an outdoor photo shoot.

Grimmjow, who happens to be a cosplayer going by Living Ichigo.

Kotaro Fuma meets up with Kasuga for some ninja business.

Kiki’s delivery route takes her to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.

Chun-Li assumes a victory pose.

Nakoruru still has that samurai spirit within her.

I loved the coloring of her outfit.

Speaking of pink things, here’s Kirby!

Yukimura Sanada tries to find Masamune Date.

The Super Sentai known as Shinken Red.

A Black Cat crossed my path. Perhaps that’s why I never saw the Transformers cosplayer…

This ain’t your stereotypical dragon lady!

A woman promoting a gaming center called Leeters.

Chii from Chobits.

Riddick isn’t afraid of the dark, especially when he’s in a well-lit room.

Vyse from Sega’s Skies of Arcadia.

The villains Pirotess and Ashram from Record of Lodoss War.

Sailors Neptune and Venus were off on their own adventure away from the other Sailor Scouts.

Very few people were willing to try Dr. Mario’s rectal medication.

Tyranitar tries to summon a sandstorm.

Pedobear tries to make friends from a different age group.

Ashram and Pirotess meet with the heroic coupling of Deedlit and Parn.

Panty enjoys playing with the Hard Gay boys.

Chuck Greene has saved a random civilian from the zombie outbreak.

The Super Mario Pimps have added Chun-Li and Karin to their stable.

I’m not 100% sure, but maybe she’s one of the kitsune girls from Muramasa?

Rocket, Amber, Sweat Pea, and Baby Doll are ready to kick some ass.

Local businesses like Hydration greet Fanime attendees with special signs.

The swap meet was even busier on Friday, making the room hit maximum capacity.

Bleach’s Rangiku Matsumoto.

A set of Daft Punk cosplayers.

The scythe-wielding Celty from Durarara.

The Bride and Gogo Yubari engage in a duel.

Seconds later, my camera was dissolved by acid.

That dude in the background is about to startle the Witch!

Klassic Kano and Sub-Zero.

The Apprentice dual-wields to add even more light to the hallway.

Aeris better watch out for pretty boys with really long swords.

Destro poses with his very own bobblehead.

Zim dances the night away with some furries.

A second No-Face cosplayer appeared in the evening.

Rei and an older Teepo represent Breath of Fire 3.

Pedobear prepares for hibernation.

Beatrix proudly guards one of the swap meet vendors.

The man with the machine gun is Laguna Loire.

Mmmmmmm, Burger King!

Two ladies ready to party at the Friday night dance.

That just about covers Thursday and Friday at FanimeCon 2011. I think that was my longest convention post yet, so thanks for hanging in there. You can expect to see my Saturday FanimeCon 2011 photos in about a day or two, so keep an eye out during the week.