by Lorie Lewis Ham

Last month we attended Ani-Me Con in Fresno and it was a blast. The person responsible for putting that Con on was Rick Thor Phoeung, who is also the CEO of TVN Sports & Collectibles, which opened in 1996. Recently we chatted with Rick about the store and Ani-Me Con.

KRL: What made you decide to open this sort of store?

Rick: I was always interested in the collectibles business. Started off as a hobby and became a business.

KRL: How has it changed over the years?

Rick: We have been adding more inventory as far as trading card games, anime, video games, sports cards, and more.

KRL: What all do you carry?

Rick: Sports cards, anime cards, trading cards, anime, and figures.

KRL: For those like mystery who are especially interested in any anime/Japanese items you might carry, can you tell us what you have?

Rick: Plushies, wall scrolls, figures, Funko pops, posters, and more.

KRL: Are you originally from Fresno?

Rick: Yes from Fresno

KRL: Are you the founder of the Ani-Me Con?

Rick: Yes.

KRL: What inspired you to start one? And when did you have the first one?

Rick: The first one was in 2013 with a group of friends who wanted to do a fun event for the community.

KRL: How has the event changed over the years?

Rick: We have been adding more guests, vendors, artists, events line-up.

KRL: Do you have dates set for next year’s con?

Rick: March 18 – 19, 2023.

KRL: Are you personally an anime fan? If so, what are some of your favorites?

Rick: I am old school. I like Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, Macross, Tenchi Muyo, Berserk, and more

KRL: Do you do any other events during the year at your store?

Rick: Not at my store, but at different bigger venues in Fresno.

KRL: Anything special coming up?

Rick: Asian Fest with Fresno City College on April 30, 2022.

KRL: Where can people find you online?

Rick: www.ani-me.com and on the store’s Facebook page.

KRL: Where is your store located and what are the hours?

Rick: 2727 W. Clinton, Fresno, CA 93705, Monday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

KRL: Anything else you would like to add?

Rick: I really am blessed and proud to be part of this Central Valley Community. The fans here have always been very supportive of our store and our events throughout the years. We do it for the people here in the Central Valley and beyond and we will hope to continue to bring entertainment for this generations and future generations here.

Thanks so much for chatting with us Rick, I can’t wait for next year’s Ani-Me Con!

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!