Anime, manga, and comic conventions are regular events in Costa Rica. From small events in cities and provinces to national-level events (with increasingly international touches).
I suppose fantasy and science fiction have a special power to capture people’s imagination and devotion.
In Latin America in the 90s, four anime series changed the paradigm of cartoons. They were Ranma 1/2, Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac in Spanish), Sailor Moon, and Dragon Ball. I remember being fascinated and captivated by the stories, the content, and the narratives—the problems, the complex situations, and the raw and mature events. A very distant alternative to the inconsequential and unimportant plots that American cartoon characters faced.
Furthermore, the quality of the dubbing was simply out of this world. Mexican and Venezuelan artists lent their voices in outstanding performances. Those actors and actresses now regularly travel throughout the continent as guests of honor to these kinds of conventions, becoming true celebrities by having earned a place in the hearts and nostalgia of millions.
Some years ago, I happened to find myself at one of these kinds of events. During the month of October, these are some of the photos I got.
