This year, instead of the usual holiday routine, I decided to do something special: I took my 12-year-old cousin to MomoCon in Atlanta. It was her very first convention, and my first time going with a younger fan. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, but what unfolded was one of the most fun, heartwarming experiences I’ve had in a long time.
Her First Anime Convention Experience
My cousin is a huge anime fan right now—thanks in part to My Hero Academia. As soon as we stepped into the Georgia World Congress Center, her eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. Everywhere we looked, there were people dressed in costumes—some in elaborate armor, others in bright, colorful wigs. She was living her best life, like every scene from her favorite shows had come to life before her eyes.
The Merchandise Hunt: A Mission for Bakugo
Our first stop? The Merch Hall, of course. If you’ve never been to MomoCon, picture a giant convention floor packed with booths selling everything from anime figures and handmade art to plushies, posters, and pins. My cousin had one goal: find a Katsuki Bakugo figurine. Not just any Bakugo—she wanted a specific pose she’d seen online, with that “angry face” she loved.
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We found him. He was beautiful. And, of course, $110. Her face fell when she saw the price—heartbreaking, but she quickly recovered when she spotted a Bakugo plushie for a much more reasonable price. “He’s still angry,” she said, hugging it close. “Just softer.” Sold.
Panels, Cosplay, and New Obsessions
Next, we checked out a few panels. My personal favorite part of conventions is the panels—so many interesting topics and passionate fans. We sat in on a My Hero Academia fan discussion, where fans loudly ranked their favorite characters (Todoroki was a clear favorite). Later, we attended a “How to Get Into Cosplay” panel that was surprisingly inspiring—especially for her.
Walking around the floor, she kept pointing out characters: “That’s Nezuko! That’s Gojo! Wait, I think that’s someone from Spy x Family!” Her ability to recognize cosplayers from across the room at MomoCon was impressive—even to me.
By the end of the day, she turned to me and said, “Next time, I want to cosplay too. Can we plan it together?” I was proud—already mentally browsing wigs and costume ideas on Etsy.
The Arcade: A Perfect Finish
Before heading home, we made a quick stop at the arcade room—a huge space filled with retro arcade machines, rhythm games, and fighting games, all free to play. We spent a lot of time on Dance Dance Revolution (she crushed me, of course) and found a rare Sailor Moon game straight out of the ’90s. She was giddy; I was exhausted. It was perfect.
Why Conventions Matter
Taking my cousin to MomoCon reminded me why I fell in love with conventions in the first place. It’s not just about the merch or panels; it’s about being surrounded by passionate, creative, joyful fans who embrace their fandoms wholeheartedly. Seeing it all through her excited, wide-eyed perspective made the experience even more special.
Looking Ahead
We left with sore feet, a Bakugo plush and a pact to go back next year—and this time, in cosplay, together. She’s thinking Uraraka, and I might go as maybe a Pokémon trainer. Either way, we’re already planning.
Oh, and next year? We’re definitely saving up for that fancy figurine. Because some things are worth the splurge.
In Short: Taking a younger fan to a convention isn’t just about the stuff you buy or the panels you attend; it’s about sharing something you love, seeing it through fresh eyes, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Can’t wait for next year!
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