The Madman Anime Festival 2019 marked the fourth installment of this much-anticipated annual event in Melbourne. Situated at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Center near the CBD, this year’s venue was notably more spacious, teeming with eager attendees. From demoing games like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot and One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 to participating in events like the One Piece Treasure Hunt, the festival offered a diverse range of activities. Cosplay enthusiasts were out in full force, donning their favorite anime and video game characters with flair.
The festival was a haven for photo opportunities with beloved anime personas. Characters from My Hero Academia, including Midoriya and Bakugo, made vivid appearances throughout the venue.
Madman took things up a notch by introducing an extensive array of figurines and exhibitions. The hall brimmed with displays showcasing the latest releases from renowned Japanese companies like Banpresto and Kotobukiya.
The Dragon Ball figurine display, featuring iconic characters like Goku and Vegeta, with a special nod to Broly, was a standout. Priced at around AUD$30, these figurines offered enthusiasts a good deal for their size.
For transportation, the proximity of Crown Casino, offering all-day parking for approximately AUD$10 before 11 am, was a convenient option. From there, the Melbourne Exhibition Center was within easy walking distance. Although there was a tram stop right outside, it fell outside the free tram zone, requiring a fare.
The festival’s lineup included a diverse range of events and guests, from voice actors like Cherami Leigh, Natsuki Hanae, and Akari Kito to accomplished cosplayers Aza Miyuko and K & A.K Wirru. Attendees could indulge in premiere screenings, world premieres, and various anime exhibitions, including displays for Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, My Hero Academia, Tokyo Ghoul, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
The main hall at the Melbourne Exhibition Center hosted a bustling marketplace, featuring vendors peddling a wealth of anime and pop culture merchandise, from figurines and manga to DVDs and Blu-Rays. The Madman store booth was a hive of activity, though it no longer offered the deals on manga and DVDs/Blu-Rays it once did.
The video games booth garnered long lines for demos of anime-based games like One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 and Dragon Ball: Kakarot, both of which proved enjoyable and well-crafted.
The Ichiban Kuji booth provided an enticing lottery experience, though tickets were pricier compared to those in Japan. Participants vied for coveted prizes, including sought-after figurines and clear files.
In addition to the main hall offerings, attendees could attend screenings and panels featuring insights from industry experts. The festival also showcased anime-decaled cars, though questions about practicality lingered.
All in all, the Madman Anime Festival 2019 was a resounding success, building on previous years’ achievements. Its close proximity to the CBD and vibrant array of activities ensured a memorable experience for attendees. With a thriving marketplace, engaging exhibitions, and dynamic panel discussions, it offered something for every anime enthusiast.
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