A new anime and manga festival has arrived on Brisbane's shores, attracting thousands of fans as well as international guests and plenty of incredible costumes.
Madman Anime Festival launched in Brisbane over the weekend with an estimated 4000 people, many in costume, coming through the gates on Saturday alone.
Madman Entertainment managing director Tim Anderson, who co-founded the event, said the nation-wide festival was started in response to the strengthening market for Japanese anime and manga in Australia.
"The idea behind the festival is to bring fans closer to the content and talent with the inclusion of special international guests, exhibitors, interactives, displays and rare goods on sale," he said.
The festival attracted international anime voice actresses, celebrity cosplayers from overseas and plenty of locals showing off their replica outfits of their favourite characters.
There was even a cosplay dance group, who performed their favourite dance numbers from the cartoons.
"Families from all different backgrounds with plenty of little kids came together at the festival yesterday," Mr Anderson said.
"It makes you feel very lucky to be involved in something that brings so much joy to people."
The inaugural Brisbane event was deemed a success by organisers, with similar events in the United States only attracting 1000 people during their infancy.
However, Mr Anderson believed there was plenty of room for improvement in coming years.
"We would like to bring more Japanese guests next time, build on the popularity of interactive features and the cosplay was so popular that we need to work out ways to build on that," he said.
"Madman very much committed to running these festivals, especially here in Brisbane. Bringing these experiences to people is a very important part of the business."
Madman Anime Festival Brisbane runs until 5pm on Sunday, but this will be followed by the Australian premiere screening of Black Butler: Book Of The Atlantic from 5.30pm - 7.30pm.
This is all happening at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Bank.