With any con, there's always cosplay. New York Anime Fest should be one of the shining examples of otaku fashion. In close proximity to the con are SVA, Parsons, FIT, and any number of fashion colleges. So it's a perfect time for fashion majors to go out and show off their talents.

Yet for some reason, the cosplay on this first day wasn't quite what I expected. Things have been really subdued here at New York Anime Fest: cosplayers were fewer and the event felt a bit less excited than most other events I've been to.

Perhaps it's just a different atmosphere here, and most of the excitement comes on Saturday? We'll have to find out. In the meantime, check out our gallery down below for some of the cosplay highlights of the first day of NYAF 09, including such gems as Steampunk Abe Lincoln.