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This year's anime expo chibi was enjoyable. I enjoyed visiting the artist alley and exhibit hall as both were not very crowded. I like the how the event put local businesses and fan community in the spotlight. My favorite parts are the panels and workshops. I enjoyed the decoden workshop as it is fun to create my own photo frame. The panel on the Socal Anime food and events was informative as it introduced me to some new places like Animetopia. The only gripe I have this year was that it took a long time picking up my wristband. Last year, I received it quick (less than 5 min.). But this year, it took over an hour to pick up my badge. I wish there was an option for mailing the wristband. Or at least increase the amount of pick-up stations in the pick-up area. It is a great event overall. One thing to keep in mind is don't go to this event expecting it will be like the AX in July with the blockbuster panels and guests.
Pretty good first year for this con, but it's to be expected since it's run by AX themselves. Not gonna lie, I was ready to mald since it took over 45 minutes to get parking at the event even though we went around an hour after doors opened. All of the paid parking lots were already full and closed, but no matter! We got free parking in a residential area several blocks away. Not too bad of a walk, but if you're in big bulky cosplay, uncomfortable shoes, or if you've bought a lot, this might not be fun for you...Also have no idea how the locals feel about all of their parking spots being taken and people parking in the red... But that's besides the point! We picked up our RF ID scannable wristband badges on Day 0. It's a fabric wristband and it only pulls one way, so if it's tightened too much or if you lose your wristband, it's a $40 replacement! There were some issues with getting my badge since it was transferred to me via the Showclix site BUT they never sent me a QR code so this took a bit of time to confirm with the person who bought and transferred my badge, both of our IDs, and AX staff checking for us. We did see the dude next to us get kinda screwed over since his registration did not show up on his account, only his friend's and only wondered how fisted getting in would be the next day with all of this confusion... Day 0 is just the Night Market portion, which is the performance stage with music, the Lumica booth selling light sticks or "blade" pen lights, as they call them, the AX official merch booth (KnY, Demon Slayer collabs, apparel, keychains, and a promo for spending a certain amount and getting a shirt, jacket, or hoodie in exchange), a free photobooth, and a couple food trucks (the usual that are always at local events -Okamato Kitchen, Shake Ramen, etc.). There are a couple people in cosplay, but there's not really much to do other than that. The other days are definitely more lively with more cosplayers and people in general. It did get pretty crowded at some points in the Artist Alley & Vendor's/Exhibit Hall. The AA is at a tent outside, but there's AC there and a good amount and variety of artists. Exhibit Hall had a good mix of artists, small local businesses/creators in California, some who have traveled here outside of California (and don't vend often at the smaller SoCal cons), and some industry booths too (Good Smile, Furyu, etc.) which are a great addition, since we don't see that even at larger cons like Fanime & ALA to be honest. I generally view a con as "successful" if I had a good shopping experience and anime expo chibi is a great example of a con that fulfills just that. Definitely more of a shopping and hanging out with friends kinda convention than anything else, since outside of a couple anime movie/episode viewings, the manga lounge (line to get in), Dreamland Maid Cafe (booked completely on Saturday/see my Yelp review on them!), the small arcade, the retro video games, and the one room with workshops, there's not much else to do or see (not the best con if you're someone who is there to go to events or go to panels!). There is also a cosplay photoshoot room where you take your own pics and the sets are all the ones that we're familiar with from AX (tea room, apocalyptic future, classroom, subway station, etc.). Lounge 21 was located outside at a patio attached to the con center and had live DJ's spinning music, heated lamps, seating, and drinks for purchase. Although I didn't find any new merchandise of my husbando, Karna, sadly, I was able to make other satisfying purchases (event limited print of San Bernardino, CA, cute plushies and stickers, and an Emiya Gohan Saber figure that I haven't seen elsewhere in person). And that's enough for me! This year it's mostly Genshin, V tubers, Spy x Family, Demon Slayer, and Chainsaw Man as expected, but that's the trend with these cons. With how fisted OG AX is normally and how poorly run a lot of things are (managing lines, volunteers and staff having no idea where things are, where people are supposed to wait, and horrific overcrowding), this was definitely much better than what I expected and it beat the low expectations I had beforehand. Pretty nostalgic to have it at the Ontario Con Center since I had some great ALA memories there, but either the con center has to get more parking somehow or if AX caps attendees even more (doubt it), it already feels that it's outgrown the venue.
2 years ago
I've been to AX many times and this was the first time I didn't feel burnt out after the con was over. I could actually function and get my chores done when I got home on Monday. I will say, it's probably because we spent two nights across the street at the Delta Hotel and also because it's a lot smaller. We also left our car at the hotel so we didn't have to do deal with the parking lots or parking fees (Although the hotel did bill us for overnight parking). I thought getting our "badges" would take at least two hours and was fully prepared to wait for that, but I literally walked up, scanned my QR code and was handed my...wrist badge. I did not enjoy that because it was a one way tightening bracelet. But we were able to slip it on and off with a little effort. The con started at 9 AM and we got there at 9 AM and after getting our badge we literally walked into the con. No waiting in line! Lets talk security - Kind of all over the place. They sort of checked my bag at check in and by the end of the night they just made sure you had your wrist badge on lol. The event staff was kind of helpful but most were young kids and they looked bored. I wish there were umbrellas or some type of covering during the day in front of the AX stage outside - It was so hot! And then at night it was freezing! Lol but we enjoyed the lineup on Saturday night called "Future Funk" featuring Ken Harada, Englewood and Macross 82-99. It was so cold we couldn't stay for Macross, which was a bummer. There are burners but the one we were by burnt out and staff couldn't fix it. Their Artist Alley is smaller and outside the con in its own tent but there's still over 200 vendors. The dealer room is inside the main building and again, over 200 vendors. During the day there are several events happening in ballrooms A and B and a screening room where anime is constantly being played. There was a retro arcade gaming room, activities for the kids, a spicy ramen challenge, a treasure hunt and a stamp hunt. For food trucks, I think there was a good variety - Okamoto Kitchen, Bearology, Daikokuya Ramen, Pizza Studio, Shin-Sen-Gumi, Takoyaki Yama-Chan, Tokyo Yakisoba, Rice Balls of Fire, Kuramoto Shavery, just to name a few. Overall there weren't as many cosplayers, there were more kids, and way less people. The less people made the con more enjoyable. Although we did miss the big name brands you see at AX, this is something I'd bring my kids to or first timers to to see if they enjoy it. read more
2 years ago
I believe this was the third annual Anime Expo Chibi event. It was hosted at the Ontario Convention Center which is a large venue. The event consisted of lots of cosplay, artist alley, merchandise, food trucks and more! There were rooms with anime sets to take pictures. It was really cool to pretend like you're in an anime with the background. There was a Manga Lounge (it smelled bad...like sweat and B.O. sorry to say), there was a Maid Cafe but we didn't go in as I believe it was for 18 and older. The venue had a lot of security inside and outside checking wristbands and ensuring things didn't get out of hand. Honestly, it was more security than I've seen at the conventions in the past. Overall, we had a good time. I was super excited to take a picture with Joseph Joestar, from JJBA, almost as soon as we entered the venue. Also to take a pic with almost all of season 5 and my favorite character, Anna Sui, from season 6 was really cool! Everyone's cosplays were so good! Some of the costumes looked really expensive! Unfortunately, parking was HORRIBLE! I hope they do better going forward. We spent over an hour trying to get parking. We arrived around 11am and it seems everyone had the same idea and there was a super long line down the block for parking. We got out of the line, not sure we were in the correct line, and tried to go to another convention center entrance. They had around 5 lots, I believe. Lot A, B, C, and I think D and E (not sure on the last two). It was miserable. I almost said forget it and drove home! The parking situation could have been organized much better. Many people didn't know where to go and the parking lot attendants weren't helpful in directing us to the appropriate area. Also parking was $25!!! The parking WAS NOT directly at the Ontario Convention Center as that area was exclusively for the Anime Expo Chibi and the food vendors, rock concert, etc ... The $25 was for a lot across the street which might have been owned by the convention center. Not sure. Also there was a dirt lot not far, adjacent to the convention center and a few lots behind the convention center that were being used for parking. We ended up finding parking a little distance away and parked for free! I was also really disappointed that the artist alley area (inside and outside) had pictures of naked anime girls out in public view. Anime Expo has always been a family friendly event. While I understand that anime culture includes provocatively drawn characters in some animes (and mangas) it was absolutely disgusting seeing naked anime characters like that. If they want to have that "explicit artwork" it should be set aside towards a different area, not mixed in with regular anime drawings. Outside there was literally naked drawings in one area and then nearby, not far away was a jumpy house for kids. I was shocked. Needless to say, we didn't buy any art from the vendors this year. Also, this was our first time at AX Chibi but we've attended Anime Expo in the past. I was surprised they didn't have a bag for us to put our stuff in. They wanted everyone to buy merchandise. We were fortunate that the Helpful Honda table had bags and we could put our stuff in it. All in all, it was an okay experience but I won't go again. Not to Anime Expo Chibi. I'll consider Anime Expo in LA and hope that too much hasn't changed since I last attended. read more
2 years ago
THE MOST PEACEFUL CON! It's a big difference from its big brother Anime Expo in LA, Chibi is relaxed, easy to navigate, and hardly has ANY lines! I'd say the longest line would be for the Maid Café upstairs. I find Chibi to be a refreshing addition to the con circuit and a great appetizer for next year's AX. Chibi has opportunities for attendees to purchase merch they might've missed at the big event. Many of the same vendors from AX attend this con and bring their amazing products. Additionally, the official AX booth is back with new merch each Chibi event! I always love their happi coats and enamel pins. Chibi has an exhibition hall, artist alley, and outdoor market with plenty of options. My current, favorite vendors are Pinjutsu, Tee No Evil, & Lenzations. As for panels, don't expect major anime studios or companies to appear. Aniplex had an industry panel but it wasn't a major event filled with big reveals or sneak peeks. Chibi focuses much more on Japanese culture, shopping & food. Scattered across the Ontario Convention Center you'll find stage performances from local and international j-pop idols, dance groups, singers and DJs. Some of these stages even have cosplay events for teens, late-night parties, and more. I REALLY like this experience as I can stroll all I like without all the stress of buying exclusive merch, finding a seat for a major panel, and waiting in line just for food. It's very laidback here, I can really appreciate the stuff I miss at AX. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
This year's anime expo chibi was enjoyable. I enjoyed visiting the artist alley and exhibit hall as both were not very crowded. I like the how the event put local businesses and fan community in the spotlight. My favorite parts are the panels and workshops. I enjoyed the decoden workshop as it is fun to create my own photo frame. The panel on the Socal Anime food and events was informative as it introduced me to some new places like Animetopia. The only gripe I have this year was that it took a long time picking up my wristband. Last year, I received it quick (less than 5 min.). But this year, it took over an hour to pick up my badge. I wish there was an option for mailing the wristband. Or at least increase the amount of pick-up stations in the pick-up area. It is a great event overall. One thing to keep in mind is don't go to this event expecting it will be like the AX in July with the blockbuster panels and guests. read more
Pretty good first year for this con, but it's to be expected since it's run by AX themselves. Not gonna lie, I was ready to mald since it took over 45 minutes to get parking at the event even though we went around an hour after doors opened. All of the paid parking lots were already full and closed, but no matter! We got free parking in a residential area several blocks away. Not too bad of a walk, but if you're in big bulky cosplay, uncomfortable shoes, or if you've bought a lot, this might not be fun for you...Also have no idea how the locals feel about all of their parking spots being taken and people parking in the red... But that's besides the point! We picked up our RF ID scannable wristband badges on Day 0. It's a fabric wristband and it only pulls one way, so if it's tightened too much or if you lose your wristband, it's a $40 replacement! There were some issues with getting my badge since it was transferred to me via the Showclix site BUT they never sent me a QR code so this took a bit of time to confirm with the person who bought and transferred my badge, both of our IDs, and AX staff checking for us. We did see the dude next to us get kinda screwed over since his registration did not show up on his account, only his friend's and only wondered how fisted getting in would be the next day with all of this confusion... Day 0 is just the Night Market portion, which is the performance stage with music, the Lumica booth selling light sticks or "blade" pen lights, as they call them, the AX official merch booth (KnY, Demon Slayer collabs, apparel, keychains, and a promo for spending a certain amount and getting a shirt, jacket, or hoodie in exchange), a free photobooth, and a couple food trucks (the usual that are always at local events -Okamato Kitchen, Shake Ramen, etc.). There are a couple people in cosplay, but there's not really much to do other than that. The other days are definitely more lively with more cosplayers and people in general. It did get pretty crowded at some points in the Artist Alley & Vendor's/Exhibit Hall. The AA is at a tent outside, but there's AC there and a good amount and variety of artists. Exhibit Hall had a good mix of artists, small local businesses/creators in California, some who have traveled here outside of California (and don't vend often at the smaller SoCal cons), and some industry booths too (Good Smile, Furyu, etc.) which are a great addition, since we don't see that even at larger cons like Fanime & ALA to be honest. I generally view a con as "successful" if I had a good shopping experience and anime expo chibi is a great example of a con that fulfills just that. Definitely more of a shopping and hanging out with friends kinda convention than anything else, since outside of a couple anime movie/episode viewings, the manga lounge (line to get in), Dreamland Maid Cafe (booked completely on Saturday/see my Yelp review on them!), the small arcade, the retro video games, and the one room with workshops, there's not much else to do or see (not the best con if you're someone who is there to go to events or go to panels!). There is also a cosplay photoshoot room where you take your own pics and the sets are all the ones that we're familiar with from AX (tea room, apocalyptic future, classroom, subway station, etc.). Lounge 21 was located outside at a patio attached to the con center and had live DJ's spinning music, heated lamps, seating, and drinks for purchase. Although I didn't find any new merchandise of my husbando, Karna, sadly, I was able to make other satisfying purchases (event limited print of San Bernardino, CA, cute plushies and stickers, and an Emiya Gohan Saber figure that I haven't seen elsewhere in person). And that's enough for me! This year it's mostly Genshin, V tubers, Spy x Family, Demon Slayer, and Chainsaw Man as expected, but that's the trend with these cons. With how fisted OG AX is normally and how poorly run a lot of things are (managing lines, volunteers and staff having no idea where things are, where people are supposed to wait, and horrific overcrowding), this was definitely much better than what I expected and it beat the low expectations I had beforehand. Pretty nostalgic to have it at the Ontario Con Center since I had some great ALA memories there, but either the con center has to get more parking somehow or if AX caps attendees even more (doubt it), it already feels that it's outgrown the venue. read more
4 years ago
So the kiddo is a huge anime fan. I enjoy it as well but I'm from the old school when you had to go to Suncoast Video and get Ninja Scroll or Wicked City on VHS lol. It's unbelievable what used to be niche entertainment in the US is now a juggernaut. When I saw AX was bringing a scaled down version of their Anime Expo 12 miles from my house I knew the kiddo (and me) would want to be there. Luckily I got my tix because this event SOLD OUT. My experience is only for Sunday as work kept me from doing anymore than that. PARKING: Not sure if there was a ton of it but I found a lot close by for $15. Perks of getting there early as when we left that same lot was full. ENTRANCE: We had to go to registration and with the QR code from my email receipt it was an easy process to get our wristbands. Security checks were fairly laid back. All weapons plastic or otherwise were checked before entry. Ontario PD was also present. CONVENTION: The main draws were Artist Alley and the Exhibit Hall. I really didn't see much of a difference between them because I saw them all as small businesses looking to sell you their very cool goods. Pins, stickers, prints, keychains and magnets were all in abundance at AA. I love supporting artists and small businesses so I felt good with every purchase. The exhibit hall was more figures, clothes, cosplay items and collectibles. There were even more small businesses here for me to give them my money. I would ask how sales were and the reactions were positive. Very glad to hear that! We also did some retro gaming, arcade gaming and looked at the cosplay sets. There were screenings, workshops and a room for tabletop gaming if you're bringing your copy of Cthulhu Horror. I wish I had planned better as far as the workshops went. Would have liked for the kiddo to get some origami or calligraphy in. FOOD TRUCKS: A decent selection of food trucks. The exhibit hall has snacks and drinks for purchase but if want something more substantial there's something for you here. COSPLAY: There are some really talented people making their own costumes. No one was inappropriate as far as being scantily clad or simulating tentacle porn or anything like that. There was a Chainsaw Man and an Edward Scissorhands there that were particularly mint. In the end we both had a good time. Really I kind of felt like I paid to get in a larger Frank and Sons store because I didn't take advantage of a lot of the other stuff. I hope AX does a better job with putting out schedules earlier than the day before. Since the event sold out I'm sure they'll be back (AX HQ is in Corona so there's that too) and I'll be here again with the kiddo next year. The anime bug isn't going away anytime soon! read more
