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Fans all decked out for Anime Boston

Bundled up Hub residents trudging through a punishing combination of sleet and rain did more than a double-take yesterday as they came face-to-face with the scores of anime fans who set out into the wet and windy weather while decked out as their favorite Japanese animation characters.

The unusual scene was all thanks to the annual Anime Boston Convention at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, which draws thousands of anime fans looking to celebrate the popular artform that is characterized by its colorful graphics and fantasy and adventure themes. Many participants said they spend weeks hand-crafting their costumes in anticipation of the event.

Among them was 23-year-old Rae Pagan of Connecticut, who was dressed as Undyne, a character from the popular video game “Undertale.”

“My favorite part is the costumes, to see so many people put in so much effort,” she said. “I’m an art student ... To me, it’s about the art form.”

Erin Patterson, 26, of Holyoke, who dressed up as Magic Brian from “The Adventure Zone” said she’s drawn to anime because of the genre’s unique stories and video games.

“There is diversity in the storytelling,” she said. “I’m a big fan of the art style ... There’s a genre for everyone. You have school anime, fantasy, fighting. No matter what you’re into, you can find something.”