Crunchyroll is taking its global “Ani-May” celebration to the streets of Central London this weekend, launching a free immersive exhibition at the Outernet on Charing Cross Road. Running from Friday, 22 May to Sunday, 24 May 2026, the pop-up event features motion games inspired by heavy-hitting anime properties Blue Lock, My Hero Academia, and Solo Leveling.
The timing is far from coincidental. With MCM Comic Con London dominating the ExCeL Centre over the exact same three days, this Outernet activation positions Crunchyroll squarely in the path of hundreds of thousands of commuting anime fans. For those travelling across the city, the exhibition serves as a highly visible, unticketed pre-show or post-con stopover right in the heart of the West End.
It sounds like the upcoming exhibition is going to be quite an experience! With the promise of free goodies and fun activities like a claw machine, it’s definitely something to look forward to. However, it’s good to keep in mind that the Outernet can get very busy, especially with so many people expected for MCM. Be prepared for some long lines at the claw machine and photo booths, as there’s no ticketing system in place. Just a little patience, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the offerings!
The Outernet complex is known for its impressive 23,000 square feet of stunning 16K floor-to-ceiling screens. However, it’s not entirely clear how interactive elements will fit into this grand setup. We’re left wondering if the new motion games based on Solo Leveling and Blue Lock will be featured on those massive wrap-around displays or if they’ll be more limited, tucked away in smaller kiosks within the Now Trending area. It’ll be exciting to see how it all comes together!
There’s plenty of buzz for Ani-May. As previously reported, retailers are adopting divergent strategies to capture fan spending this month; Forbidden Planet has anchored its physical London stores with an exclusive new range of Chainsaw Man apparel and collectables, including bespoke “Blood & Gore” t-shirts and enamel pins. In stark contrast, online-first competitor Zavvi is countering the allure of these high-street exclusives with digital discounts, rolling out 26% price drops on in-stock figures and merchandise from many of the same core anime franchises.
The exhibition runs in the Outernet’s Now Trending space on Friday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Fans can find more details at the official Crunchyroll Ani-May hub.
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