"It's been a really busy con:" Cosplay fans flock to Wisconsin's largest anime event

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- If most people believe animation is meant for children, Milwaukee's anime fans beg to differ. Anime is a type of Japanese animation and fans are passionate about the culture.

Anime Milwaukee is Wisconsin's largest anime and Japanese cultural event.

"You'll see a lot of things that you'll never be able to un-see," said Anime Con Press Department Manager, Vic Walter.

In its 8th year, Anime Milwaukee expects to welcome more than 7,500 fans.

When Anime Milwaukee started it was a small club on UWM's campus, but the fan base grew so large they had to move to the Wisconsin Center.

"I think the geek culture thing is kind of more of an escape and or popular thing now-a-days than it was 10-15 years ago," said Walter.

Many of the attendees came to the convention dressed as their favorite anime or video game characters -- it's called 'cosplay.'

Annie Zappie says cosplay is a good way for her to get out of her shell.

"I have a lot of self esteem issues and it's just really boosted my confidence because I see people coming up to me and they say 'oh my god, you look amazing, you look like a little doll' and I'm like, thank you so much I'm going to cry," said Zappie.

Zappie has been involved with anime for 10 years. Her passion has led her to study Japanese culture in college and learn the language.

The entire first floor of the Wisconsin Center was taken over by vendors, artists and local cons provide the change for people to make new friends.

"I just really like how it brings people together," said Zappie.

And a place for anime artists to share their work.

"We're actually out of something and I wasn't expecting that Saturday morning we'd be out of some of our products already. It's been a really busy con," said Lilly Inverse, from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

So come as you are or dress to impress because it's all accepted at Anime Milwaukee.

The event is open to the public with daily entrance fees.

Anime Milwaukee will be open on Sunday, February 15th, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

To register, or for more information about the 2015 Anime Milwaukee event, CLICK HERE.