Anime Fest 2024: Fans and Guests say Emotional Goodbyes


Anime Fest 2024 marked the end of an era for many devoted anime fans and esteemed voice actors. The event, held in Dallas, Texas, saw an outpouring of love, nostalgia, and heartfelt goodbyes from those who have cherished this convention for years.

The History of Anime Fest

Anime Fest has been a cornerstone of the anime community since its inception in 1992. For over three decades, it has provided a vibrant space for fans to celebrate their love for anime, manga, and Japanese culture. The convention has hosted numerous panels, workshops, and meet-and-greet sessions, fostering a sense of camaraderie among enthusiasts. Anime Fest has also been a platform for emerging talents in the anime industry, offering them the opportunity to showcase their work and connect with fans.

Heartfelt Goodbyes from Voice Actors

This year’s Anime Fest featured emotional farewells from beloved voice actors, including Greg Ayres, Kiba Walker, Drew Breedlove, Corrine Sudberg, and Rico Fajardo. Each of these actors shared their favorite memories and the profound impact Anime Fest has had on their lives and careers.

Greg Ayres reminisced about his first Anime Fest, expressing gratitude for the friendships and experiences he gained. Kiba Walker highlighted the supportive and passionate community that Anime Fest has nurtured over the years. Drew Breedlove spoke about the joy of interacting with fans and the inspiration he drew from their enthusiasm. Corrine Sudberg and Rico Fajardo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the convention’s role in their professional growth and personal lives.

The Lasting Impact of Anime Fest

As Anime Fest 2024 came to a close, both fans and guests reflected on its enduring legacy. The convention has not only been a hub for anime lovers but also a launchpad for many careers in the industry. Its impact on the anime community is immeasurable, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories and connections.

The final moments of Anime Fest Texas 2024 were filled with gratitude, tears, and a sense of bittersweet celebration. While the event may have come to an end, the spirit of Anime Fest will continue to live on in the hearts of those who attended.

Author: Jeremy

Jeremy was first introduced to anime with heavily edited versions of Mazinger Z (aka Tranzor Z in the US), GoLion (aka Voltron) and Macross (aka Robotech) while growing up in the 1980's. Since then his tastes have evolved into a fairly eclectic mix of anime with a soft-spot for underdog shonen stories, psychological/cyber-punk stories and select love comedies. Jeremy was also the head organizer of Anime Souffle anime club in Los Angeles. It was at an Anime Souffle meeting where he met Michael Huang and eventually was invited to join as a guest co-host for Scattered Cells Podcast episode #6 in February of 2007. Afterwards he became an official part of the Anime Diet crew.

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