To the Organizers of Power Morphicon and Potential Sponsors,

We the undersigned community of long-time anime fans present this petition with a clear and urgent purpose: Throwback anime conventions are long overdue—especially here in Southern California. Having a throwback anime Con is a wake-up call. There are already enough anime cons for current trends. We need a space dedicated to classics—a con free of current trends, a dedicated place where retro anime can shine on its own—with authentic retro cosplay gatherings and the true throwback convention experience we all miss. Nothing against Demon Slayer and other current anime—their success is wonderful—but retro anime enthusiasts need a space for themselves without being overshadowed in the current anime convention scene. We all miss the old con atmosphere—the intimate, passionate, community-driven energy of early SoCal conventions. Oldtakucon would be the only throwback convention in SoCal to bring it back—a true home where the veterans who built this fandom can gather, celebrate, and pass on the traditions that made anime what it is today. We urge you to launch the long-awaited Oldtakucon project (announced in 2021 but never realized, with its channels now primarily promoting other events) sometime after Power Morphicon but before the end of 2026 as a premier, two-day, community-based annual convention at the Pasadena Convention Center campus (including the adjacent Pasadena Civic Auditorium)—a proven, accessible, and cost-effective complex ideal to test the waters for this new retro-focused event, with large exhibit halls, multiple rooms for panels and screenings, performance spaces, nearby photo areas, and the capacity to handle national attendance. If successful, future expansions or venue changes can be considered to grow the con further. This will establish Oldtakucon as a yearly tradition and give SoCal the pure throwback anime con it deserves, focused on the golden eras of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.

Our Philosophy: Celebrating the Tradition and Golden Age of Anime

Oldtakucon is about celebrating the tradition and golden age of anime—for the fans of the throwbacks, a convention born from our collective passion and sustained by our shared commitment to preserving the legacy of classic anime. Oldtakucon will prioritize what current anime conventions don’t anymore: the deep appreciation, spotlight, and celebration of retro classics over fleeting trends. This will be an annual event free of current trends, where every aspect reflects what we, as a community, want to celebrate and experience together: the pure nostalgia, depth, and pioneering spirit of retro anime from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s without modern series dominating the space—an authentic throwback convention experience centered on the classics that defined the medium.

The Problem: A Vision Delayed, A Community Waiting

Does anyone remember the classics? Remember staying up for Toonami to watch Dragon Ball Z, G-Gundam, Gundam Wing, and Yu Yu Hakusho? Remember Saint Seiya and its epic battles? Trading VHS fansubs of Ranma ½? Discovering the cosmic space opera adventure of Outlaw Star or the harem sci-fi comedy of Tenchi Muyo!? Does anyone remember the 80s anime classics Robotech, Macross, Gunbuster, Dirty Pair, Bubblegum Crisis, Akira, and Project A-Ko? Does anyone also remember Ghost Sweeper Mikami, Demon Hunter Yohko, the genre-blending magic of Magic Knight Rayearth, the hilarious fantasy adventures of Slayers—and those legendary Slayers gatherings when AX was in Long Beach?—or the Ranma ½ movie trailers that used to play at the end of Pokémon VHS tapes back in the day? Does anyone remember Pioneer Entertainment’s laserdisc and DVD releases that made so many of these titles accessible in high quality? Does anyone remember the breathtaking beauty of hand-drawn cel animation from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s—the fluid movement, vibrant colors, and sheer artistry that digital techniques can’t quite replicate? Does anyone remember Studio Ghibli masterpieces like Kiki’s Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away? Does anyone remember waking up for Saturday morning cartoons with Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Cardcaptor Sakura (Cardcaptors), and Digimon? Does anyone remember the cherished memories of Anime Expo in Anaheim and Long Beach—the intimate community feel, hotel hallways packed with fans trading tapes and stories, downtown flooded with cosplayers walking around, outdoor photo shoots in perfect SoCal weather, and that magical sense of discovery in a less crowded, more passionate era? These series, along with so many others like Sailor Moon, Trigun, Evangelion, and Cowboy Bebop, weren’t just shows—they were the foundation of anime fandom in the West, especially here in SoCal.

Many of us remember the excitement when Oldtakucon was first announced in 2021 as a dedicated retro anime convention. The con was announced without meaningful input from the retro anime community, and despite teases in locations like Simi Valley and Chatsworth, Oldtakucon never actually happened there or anywhere as its full vision. The convention we dreamed of never materialized, leaving our community without a true home.

This disappointment reflects a broader reality: As of 2026, throwback anime cons remain long overdue, with no major dedicated event in North America—let alone in Southern California, the historic heart of Western anime fandom. SoCal already has thriving throwback gaming cons like the SoCal Gaming Expo, but retro anime fans have no equivalent space. Retro Matsuri in New Hampshire exists but is a very small con. Mainstream conventions have increasingly overshadowed retro enthusiasts, dominating with current trends. There are currently too many anime cons these days that focus on current trends. Legacy anime cosplayers are a minority in today’s anime con scene. Classic cosplay is a minority at today’s anime convention scene. Not every cosplayer and attendee has a place in the current anime con scene anymore. Compared to today’s highly commercialized cosplay scene, the older era is often described as more passion-driven than profit-driven. Passionate retro panelists—like one longtime Sailor Moon fan who pulled her panel from Anime Expo years ago after being offered only a one-day badge for the following year and has never returned since—face disrespect and exclusion. Milestones like Gundam Wing’s 30th anniversary (celebrated at San Diego Comic-Con but completely overlooked at Anime Expo), the Ranma 1/2 reboot, and the ongoing Magic Knight Rayearth revival (with its original now streaming on Netflix) go undercelebrated at big events. In-depth historical panels get rejected or buried, and “Japanimation” culture is treated as a relic.

We have nothing against mainstream anime—its success is wonderful. But we, the “Oldtaku,” are the veterans who supported this medium when it was niche. None of us are getting any younger. Retro anime enthusiasts need a space dedicated to classics without being overshadowed in the current anime convention scene—a con free of current trends that celebrates our history and welcomes back long-time fans who feel left out.

The Demand is National—Fans Will Travel to SoCal

The appeal of a dedicated retro anime convention in Southern California extends nationwide. Cosplayers and long-time fans will travel from across the country for an event unlike any other: a throwback anime con not seen anywhere else, free of current trends, where classic series cosplay shines on major stages and fans reconnect over shared vintage passions. Oldtakucon needs a true convention center space to accommodate this national draw, provide multiple simultaneous programming tracks, and deliver the scale and professional atmosphere our community deserves.

The Solution: Launch Oldtakucon in Pasadena in 2026 as a Yearly Event

The conditions that delayed Oldtakucon in 2021 have changed. The industry is thriving, and demand for community-focused events is clearer than ever—especially with 2026 momentum from classics hitting streaming and reboots on the horizon. We urge you to launch Oldtakucon as a two-day annual event sometime after Power Morphicon but before the end of 2026 at the Pasadena Convention Center campus (including the adjacent Pasadena Civic Auditorium), a proven and accessible venue with space for photos, exhibit halls, performance spaces, and that classic SoCal con energy essential for a premier throwback experience. Starting in Pasadena allows us to test the waters with a manageable, successful launch before considering venue changes or expansions in the future. If Oldtakucon exceeds expectations, it could be opened to a venue change in the future to accommodate even larger attendance and ambition. Let’s secure a weekend that works best and establish Oldtakucon as a recurring yearly tradition on the convention calendar.

The Vision: A Homecoming Celebration in Pasadena

Oldtakucon would be a positive homecoming created by and for retro enthusiasts, consciously recapturing the passionate, community-driven vibes of early SoCal cons—full of discovery, free of current trends. We envision a true fan-led experience:

Every aspect designed with direct fan input, from programming to events, keeping it by and for long-time fans.

A Community Reunited

•  Honoring long-time guests: Invite pioneering directors, legendary voice actors (English and Japanese), and key animators rarely seen today—the place where VAs from those eras gather at one con for reunions, panels, and fan interactions.

•  Longtime cosplay guests: Invite veteran cosplayers who pioneered classic series costumes in the early days of fandom, with photo ops, workshops, and spotlights sharing their stories and techniques from a bygone era. Many longtime veteran cosplayers would host their own panels at Oldtakucon, offering deep insights into craftsmanship, character interpretation, and the evolution of cosplay in retro anime communities.

•  Over 30 cosplay panel: A dedicated panel featuring longtime cosplayers over 30, sharing their journeys, challenges, triumphs, and advice—celebrating the experience and wisdom of legacy cosplayers who have been part of the fandom for decades.

•  Rachael Lillis tribute panel: A heartfelt tribute to the beloved voice actress Rachael Lillis (Misty, Jessie in Pokémon, and many other roles), honoring her contributions to the golden age of anime dubbing with memories, clips, and guest speakers from her era.

•  Retro Cosplay Gatherings: Dedicated meetups and photo shoots for classic series characters, recreating the authentic throwback convention experience with organized gatherings that celebrate the passion and camaraderie of old-school fandom—like the legendary Slayers gatherings from AX’s Long Beach days.

•  Cosplay Wrestling Federation: High-energy blend of sports entertainment and improv in classic anime cosplay, hosted at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium—bringing the fun, theatrical spirit of retro fandom to life.

•  Cosplay legends honored: Special guests and workshops on classic craftsmanship.

•  The classic masquerade returns: A celebration of craftsmanship and passion, featuring hall-of-fame-level cosplay from iconic series and reimaginings, held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for a proper stage and theater experience.

•  Full circle of fandom celebrated: The definitive place to honor originals (like the newly streaming Magic Knight Rayearth) alongside modern reboots and sequels.

•  Industry panels by Discotek Media and AnimEigo: Deep-dive presentations on rescuing, restoring, and re-releasing classic titles, with behind-the-scenes licensing stories and announcements.

•  Open panel submissions: Welcoming retro-focused proposals from fans—deep retrospectives, passion projects (including long-shelved gems like Sailor Moon panels), and historical analyses that mainstream cons often reject—ensuring programming truly reflects community voices on the main stage and compensates for past exclusions.

•  Anniversaries honored: Headline cast reunions and exhibits.

•  Retro gaming & arcade hall thrives: A dedicated social hub with classic cabinets and consoles.

•  Rooms for anime screenings: Dedicated spaces to relive episodes, films, and OVAs together.

•  Dealer’s hall as a treasure trove: A marketplace where vintage cels, laserdiscs, VHS tapes, and model kits are the stars, open until 7 PM on Saturday and 5 PM on Sunday to allow for evening programming and a relaxed teardown.

•  Retro anime swap meet: A dedicated area for fans to buy, sell, and trade vintage anime merchandise—VHS tapes, laserdiscs, cels, figures, posters, and rare collectibles from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s—fostering the community trading spirit of old-school fandom.

A Viable Opportunity for Sponsors

The “Oldtaku” demographic is affluent, loyal, and multi-generational. Power Morphicon’s success is the perfect blueprint. A throwback anime con would be highly beneficial for companies like Discotek Media and AnimEigo, giving them a targeted platform to promote their classic licenses to the exact audience that cherishes them—fans eager for restorations, Blu-rays, and announcements of rescued titles. We envision strong backing—including industry panels—from leaders like Discotek Media, AnimEigo, ALA (Anime Los Angeles), RetroCrush, Gkids, Viz Media, Capcom, Bandai, and others. A national-draw annual event in Pasadena connects legacy with the present and reaches a highly engaged community currently underserved.

Our Pledge

This petition is our collective pledge. We are the panelists, collectors, cosplayers, veterans, and lifelong fans ready to travel, buy tickets, book hotels, and actively support the vendors and sponsors who make this real. The time is now—in 2026, in Pasadena, and every year after. The community is ready. The gap is clear. Let’s work together to finally give SoCal the throwback anime convention it needs—free of current trends—and build the home that classic anime, its legacy, and its most loyal fans deserve. We respectfully urge you to launch Oldtakucon in Pasadena as a yearly event.

Sincerely,

The Retro Anime Community