Anyone else planning to dress up as anyone from the Legend Of Zelda video games? I've loved the old Nentendo 64 Zelda game for years, and i wanna crossplay as Link this year. That wouldent be too far off Anime topic would it? I mean it was one of the first few Anime games to get big in america wasnt it? Well anyway reply please! ^_^

We never say you "can't" dress as anything (besides maybe "Naked man" from the famous series "Naked man no kasu", but we do STRONGLY STRONGLY STRONGLY encourage you to dress from an anime series. There are a lot of reasons behind this, but the bulk of it is that we're anime convention that is trying to focus exclusively on anime, rather than all related fandoms. Think of it as a Star Trek convention, rather than a general Sci-fi. Yes, we like the other stuff, and yes we understand that there is an undeniable link between some games and the evolution of anime as a genre, style, and community, but we try to stay focused as directly as possible on anime itself. We request that our fans follow suit and build a more anime specific community at anime punch.
There are a lot of other conventions in both Columbus and Ohio that are open to varrying levels of related fandom, and I would recommend any one of these conventions to someone who was interested in going. They are all very excellent and are a great place to geek out on your video games.


While this may seem like it is needlessly limiting our options, it actually allows us the unique ability to REALLY study the hell out of anime. We have some of the most tallented panelists on the anime-con scene talk at our con, many of which are distinquished schollars and professors. We look at anime directly, historically, conceptually, and even have a number of panels examining specific shows (and sometimes even specific characters). We look at anime academically as an art form, as a historical force, as a cultural icon, and as a culture. We also offer a safe-harbor to anime fans who maybe DON'T have an interest in other stuff. Sometimes I look at the schedule for panels at a convention and between Jpop, Jrock, Jdramas, Dolls, Goth-loli's, Sweet-lolis, Squaresoft lust, internet sensations, American "anime", video games, MMORPG's, card games, etc, and wonder "what about the anime". For fans who just like to watch the stuff, this can mean that conventions these days might not hold much appeal to them, which is tragic because conventions are a lot of fun, totally kick ass, and are an important part of building a common fandom, so I try to do what I can to make sure that fans who don't have ANY related fandom interests still have a place where they can geek-out on their favorite shows, make jokes that no one in the real world will get, and meet/ make friends with people who share an interest with them (an opportunity they might not have elsewhere).

That being said, last year we had at least a few really awesome Zelda cosplayers (including a FANTASTIC SHIEK), and there will always be some people who never read the website, or who don't really care about what our con is trying to do, and will do their own thing anyhow, so there probably will be a few Zelda cosplayers no matter what. I ask though that you strongly consider showing your support of an anime series or character, and for our convention and it's ideals by cosplaying from an anime. If you're not financially capable of this, or if it's the difference between cosplaying and not cosplaying then by all means do Link.

Last, but not least, don't think for a second that the staff of anime punch don't like a lot of that other stuff! We in fact love it! We're not trying to spit on video games (or their fans), rather we're trying to highlight anime, a specific and important part of our own fandom.

P.S. Thank you very much for taking the time to ask about this!

I don't know if he's doing it at Animepunch (I think he's doing it at Ohayocon) but my friend was planning on dressing as Link as well. If he does end up, I might join him and go as Mario XD

Okay, very last question on the subject. If i dress as Link I would still be able to enter the cosplay contest as well right?

Oh definitely, anyone is welcome to enter. ^_^

Okay awsum! ^_^ Thanks everyone for replying!

you know, the website answers all these questions and more!!

Also, remember, that as an anime convention, our judges will be primarily looking at anime cosplays to highlight for awards.

NOTE: Anime Punch does not do #1, #2, #3 type awards for cosplay, rather all awards given simply highlight cosplays that judgest felt were especially awesome. There is no ranking or first, second, third at anime punch.

Well thats alright if i dont get hilighted, it'll still be fun to dress up. Anyway, updates! I got all the meterials for my costume, and I'm working on it. Hopefully i can also wear it to Sugoicon.
Also, My little cousin (Joey) saw me working on it and got really excited. I'm currently trying to talk his mother into letting him go so we can be Adult Link and Child Link at the convention. XD Hes only ten so i think it would work good! What do you guys think? Do you think it would be a good idea?

and so begins the LONG line of cosplayers who "think about it, but decide that they don't give a rats ass about how we feel afterall"

Enjoy your tights, halfling.