This weekend, don't be alarmed if you're walking around the Inner Harbor and bump up against a character from Bleach, Death Note or other favorites of the anime world. The annual Otakon event is in town, a celebration of Japanese and East Asian pop culture, with an emphasis on music, movies, fashion and, of course, comics.

The gathering, which has been held in Baltimore since 1999, is expected to attract more than 35,000 people, including many costumed as favorite characters. (Pictured here, from the 2006 Otakon, is Countess Camilla of "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.") For more on the three-day event, which begins today, here's a primer from The Baltimore Sun, including info on weaponry, cosplay and personal hygiene for costumed characters.

Baltimore Sun photo by Amy Davis