| This is the best sight that the organizers of a new anime convention can see: a long line of people waiting to register. Three years in the making, Anime Central started when the registration line opened on Friday morning. A crowd arrived to purchase memberships so they could get in. Nearly all of those in line were people who had not registered in advance (the author registered in December). |  |
| This girl-type Ranma was the first cosplayer spotted by the author's camera. She promised that a friend would bring a more spectacular costume during the weekend - of Genma as a panda, around six feet tall. |  |
| This is not a member of hotel security or an officer with the O'Hare airport division of Chicago police, but an Anime Central costumer who made this outfit from an old East German military uniform. It was the right clothing for a cool weekend in Chicagoland. |  |
| Sometimes you get the feeling that you've seen some people again and again at anime conventions - like these costumers spotted in the Anime Central registration like. It's not deja vu, it's reality. |  |
| For example, here's Thomas Cardwell in a rare picture showing him without a Shampoo dress; he said he didn't want to scare the early arrivals. Cardwell was stationed at the desk that took membership applications for the new Neko-Con that takes place in October, strategically located next to the dealer room. |  |
| Richard "Pocky Man" Kim was on hand, working as usual; this time he got to take care of Anime Central's guests of honor. Pocky never gets to just be a fan. |  |
| Representing Otakon was Mitch Hagmaier, also selling memberships for his August convention. Hagmaier was taking a close look at the early arrivals for Anime Central. |  |
Anime Central Day One |
Anime Central Day Two |
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