If Huntington citizens noticed multiple superheroes, anime characters and people in unique costumes roaming the city, that could only mean that Tsubasacon returns for another year.

Friday through Sunday, the Big Sandy Superstore Arena had its 14th annual convention for fans of anime, video games, comic books and more with events, panels and guests that catered to their desires.

Cosplayers, people who dress up and act out as their favorite characters, surrounded the civic center, draped in clothing which many made and designed themselves.

“Sometimes people have a little anxiety about cosplaying, but, to be honest with you, you’ll never be amongst another group of people who, literally, would be happy to see you cosplay and are encouraging people to cosplay and are very supportive of cosplay,” David Richmond, vice chairman of Tsubasacon, said.

Many Marshall students, like forensic chemistry major Toni Soto, attended the convention. Soto, who cosplayed as a version of the Disney character Elsa with black hair and a black gown called “Dark Elsa,” has cosplayed for five years and has been going to conventions regularly since she was 15.

“I just think it’s a fun way to express myself, and I get to be around people that are like-minded and dress up too,” Soto said.

The event shed focus on Japanese culture with multiple elements: pachinko machines, which is Japanese pinball, kimonos, Japanese music games and anime and anime focused products and panels.

Saturday, the Cosplay Masquerade gave cosplayers a chance to show their designs and abilities to the attendees and staff of the convention. Participants were able to perform skits or just walk across the stage.

Before the Cosplay Masquerade was the In-Character Contest on Friday, where cosplayers competed to accurately and creatively portray their character set to scenarios that could fit or not fit with the character.

Though the convention was inside, fans gathered outside as well, where lightsaber duels and superhero fights were battled and a fire performer performed Saturday night.

Gaming was also offered at the convention, with Tokyo Attack providing Japanese music arcade games, as well as console game playing and tournaments provided by used video game store Rare Drops located in Huntington.

“We wanted to provide fun and entertainment to someone to just come by, sit down, play a game for a little bit,” Evan Mallory, owner of Rare Drops, said.

Landon Mitchell can be contacted at mitchell220@marshall.edu.