Anime Conji 2011 in San Diego - Mar. 25th to 27th.
As it becomes no big shock this is 2011 & the spring/summer events are quickly approaching. Unfortunately without my associate, PieBear-, some conventions aren't really the same or worth while going to. One of them is the one that has passed this past weekend, Anime Conji 2011 in San Diego. From this being its 1st year event to now its 2nd & hopefully more to come, I was able to go for Sunday to catch all the aftermath of the past two days.
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A recap: Conji last year was held over in a smaller facility unaware of the large turn out. Its reason & purpose to cater to a focused media that folks enjoy & love, particularly, anime & everything else in-between. Moving from the small hotel accommodations, this 2nd of Anime Conji is held over at Town & Country. Larger facility in hopes to cater to more folks since their unexpected overfill of last year was overwhelming. This year was another hope for this convention event to only grow.
Now for the personal insight inquiry of the whole convention lifestyle, what is this exactly & why have I found myself here? Well, Anime Conji is a 3 day event of Anime, Video Games & Panels for all anime lover & goers alike. With vendors, artists & what not, for it being a small convention, regardless still takes a larger toll with the staff. For all their hard work & efforts, for them to put this event together is not only commendable but memorable. In all honestly this is a nice gathering of folks with common interests to flock, gather & network all in the same. Cosplayers, otakus & game players gallore, for this being its 2nd year and looking at between 1,000 to 1,500 attendees projected, this sure looks to be another promising year for a growing convention.
Corresponding comments from AnimeGamer found on MegaTokyo & SDCosplayers forum boards. The outcome of the 3 day gathering seemed to surpass the 1,000 - 1,500 projected attendance record. Folks were into it, the fun & most importantly the energy is there. Also, another comment, yet not confirmed of San Diego Comic Con supporting this growing group, calling it in their magazines, 'the Anime of Comic Con'.
The events, ongoings & everything as followed during the convention, AMV contest, Artist Events, Cosplay Gatherings, Fashion Show, Gaming, Karaoke, Last Comic Standing, Lolita Day, Masquerade Ball (imo a must have), Mochi Maid Cafe, Musical Performances, Model Building Contests, Pirate Rum Party & a Swap Meet.
Plenty to do & part of me wishes I was here for the 3 day event to take part of all the events that were held. Talking with AnimeGamer, I had learned that the Last Comic Standing event was quite intense with folks getting into it. As for all other events, there were a lot I imagine of repeating events that were held last year that were done again w/ the exception of the Last Comic Standing, Lolita Day & so forth. Not to forget there were also guests stars, musical performances & appearances by folks who took time out of their schedule to participate.
I personally, after going to panels before have become more of a panel person in pursuing knowledge, factoids & fun have been going to more & more of them. With Sunday's panel being pretty much laid back, I managed to catch two of them, a discussion on Disgruntled Otakus & Sailor Moon.
First off, the first panel I went to. The discussion on Otakus was okay but nothing spectacular. The arguments were a bit round about & the convention & charisma of presenting his argument weren't really there. It almost felt like it was just a larger presentation of an essay that was wrote in college that was given a good grade. Either way, admirable effort.
The 2nd panel was about Sailor Moon. The Sailor Moon panel drew a larger crowd with a lot of folks reminiscing & giving credit of where their start of anime beginning with this series. After analyzing the facts, reminiscing what was then & watching dubbed clips given by someone dressed as Mistress Nine. The news of Sailor Moon was to my liking, finding out that Kodanashi (sp pro'ally on the publisher) will be re-releasing Sailor Moon manga, along with Sailor V (never released in North America) with TBA of who has the rights to broadcast all 200+ episodes & movies of Sailor Moon. This is all because of Sailor Moon's 20yr anniversary coming & they're looking to re-release this world wide. The speculations of who will have the permission rights to air all 200+ episodes & movies is still to be announced, but like many fans (including myself) we will sit & wait until the official word comes from a reputable source. Either way, pro'ally my more favorite panels that I attended.
Ending off the day with Karaoke ~ chatting with AnimeGamer about how Anime Conji went. Overall the experience was fun & memorable. Unfortunately with time restraints, lack of sleep & other priorities I wasn't able to attend the closing ceremonies. With this convention coming to a close, depending where I will be a year from now, I look forward to coming to this event again, whether its to hopefully volunteer or who knows, possibly representing any vendors or selling my own stuff. Many thanks to not only those who did attention & support, the photographers who took lovely shots of all the cosplayers, the staff, guests & volunteers who had put it the time & effort.
Now...obviously I couldn't possibly cover everything & discuss everything lengthy detail. For all those who are interested & want to read more info about Anime Conji 2011, the guests, the events & the pics. I of course will be listing them down.
Link: Anime Conji 2011
Contributing photos (I DO NOT TAKE CREDIT FOR THE FOLLOWING PICS IN BLOG! Linking & accrediting the following.) -
If I missed any (and any I mean that one photo Dx;!!), my sincerest apologies!
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