The 2023 Renton City Retro video game expo made a triumphant return May 13-14, thanks to the addition of a nerdy burlesque show and a reunion of the cast of “Cowboy Bebop” for the iconic anime’s 25th anniversary.

Fans of all things nerdy from all over the Pacific Northwest made their way to the Renton Pavillion Center Saturday and Sunday, many with the hopes of getting to meet and take pictures with renowned “Cowboy Bebop” voice actors Steve Blum (Spike), Melissa Fahn (Radical Edward), Beau Bellingslea (Jet) and Mary-Elizabeth McGlynn (Julia).

“It’s a huge ‘90s nostalgia,” said Renton City Retro Events Director Emilio Morales of the wildly popular voice cast. “The last time they were together was 2016 so it’s such a big deal to have them here.”

Along with photo ops and autographs, the voice actors had a Sunday panel at the Renton Civic Theatre, hosted by “Halo 4” animator Randall Ng, where they discussed working in the voice acting industry and 25 years of “Cowboy Bebop.”

Saturday evening, the Renton Civic Theatre hosted the Big D-Pad Energy Burlesque Show where burlesque dancers put on nerdy performances inspired by video games, board games, comic books and movies like “The Legend of Zelda,” “Pac-Man,” “She-Ra” and “Indiana Jones.”

The line-up included Merlot Loren, Lulu Lalune, Actin’ Up, Scarlet O’Hairdye, Paris Original, Scandal From Bohemia, Fayden Sparkle and Miss Elaine Yes as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

As always, the convention had artist alleys, vendors, cosplayers, video game tournaments, a pinball tournament and gaming panels.

“This is our ninth year — our fourth year in Renton — and 2019 was our highest attendance, which we just doubled this year,” said Brandon Conelly, who does marketing and sponsors for Renton City Retro. “We have people here from California, Portland, Utah, Canada and all of the hotels are packed. We try to keep it local and show that Renton is the hub.”

Follow “Renton City Retro” on social media to keep up with future conventions.