Rather than taking the shape of a ghastly figure with a scythe, the anime's version of the Grim Reaper is more of a mist-like aura that enshrouds a person who is fated to die within a month’s time.

The highlight of the event, however, was Sunday’s cosplay contest, which featured superheroes, princesses and anime characters but the Grim Reaper stole the show. Quinn, 21, stepped onto the ...