The 12th Taipei International Comics & Animation Festival kicked off at the Taipei World Trade Center on Thursday, drawing large crowds of eager anime fans.
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Long queues could be seen snaking around the Taipei World Trade Center as anime and manga fans patiently awaited the opening of the 12th Taipei International Comics & Animation Festival. Some fans came from as far as southern Taiwan, carrying suitcases packed with cosplay attire, wearing their fandom on their literal sleeves. Some fans woke up as early as 4 a.m. to get in line, while dressed as characters from the video game Genshin Impact.
Some participants even camped out overnight, eagerly rushing to the ticket booths when the gates opened at 10 AM. These early risers are all hoping to get their hands on limited edition swag bags, costing between NT$7000-NT$10,000 (US$223-US$319).
The event features merchandise from popular anime like Type-Moon's “Fate” series and “Sword Art Online,” such as pillows, curtains, and cardboard cutouts. The RPG "Genshin Impact" was especially popular this year.
The event boasts 110 exhibitors and about 800 booths, a nearly 3.5% increase compared to last year. Organizers predict a record-breaking turnout of around 470,000 visitors, and revenues exceeding NT$200 million (US$6.4 million).
One of the organizers, Mr. Li, even believes that this year’s attendance could exceed 600,000 people. And no anime expo would be complete without a multitude of cosplayers showcasing their creativity and adding to the lively ambiance.