Anime-Cons

[Yusuke Urameshi]

So..Has anyone actually ever been to an anime con?

Are they dumb or actullay worth the time to go to?

[CottonSwab]

So..Has anyone actually ever been to an anime con?

Are they dumb or actullay worth the time to go to?

I have been to a few and plan on going to ones in NY, MA, Las Vegas and CA this year and next year. I have been to conventions where all it is is speaches and signings by "special guests", which were usualy limited to voice actors and or producers from various anime series, those ones are usualy boring. But I have also been to ones where they would preview up & coming anime's, hold games and give out prizes, serve lunch & dinner and sell merchendise, so different kinds of con's offer different kinds of things. It's a good way to meet other anime fans and to really get a feel for being around other "otaku's", but I would definatly reccoment going and checking it out for yourself. Which one are you thinking of attending?

[Yusuke Urameshi]

Wasnt really thinking of attending one tbh, just wanted to know if they are boring or not.

A lot of what I've seen is people dressing up as anime characters and running around a lot lol.

[Zeonic Freak]

Wasnt really thinking of attending one tbh, just wanted to know if they are boring or not.

A lot of what I've seen is people dressing up as anime characters and running around a lot lol.

Oh yea, you can make fun of those people and laugh how a fat chubby 25 year old woman thinks she looks good in a Sailor Mars outfit. Ive seen it, and I belted out laughing... it was great!!! :)

Ill probably go to animazement again this year, making it my 3 year in a row.

I just go now for me to have an excuse to see people and buy anime crap that would be higher on ebay. I can get import games though, like the Cowboy Bebop game for PSX, which.... you dont want. They got other stuff, so ill bring some dough with me (more than last year).

I still need to get my weekend pass, since that alone will be cheaper than going for one day.

Oh yea, depending on where your going, there pretty cool. Otacon and the other "major" anime cons are probably your best bet, so check them out...

[Yusuke Urameshi]

Do you have to cosplay to go an anime con?

or could you just walk in there with normal clothing?

[GWOtaku]

Do you have to cosplay to go an anime con?

or could you just walk in there with normal clothing?

You can. I've always worn normal clothes when going to them.

My most fun memories of cons are the early ones, since I didn't know nearly as much back then and so the general experience had a lot to offer. I still find them useful for getting hard-to-find goods and getting a feel for what's good out there, as well as being exposed to the occasional obscure title that I wouldn't know about otherwise.

Panels can be fun, although the ones purely run by fans don't do much for me. But mileage definitely varies on that one.

[CottonSwab]

Do you have to cosplay to go an anime con?

or could you just walk in there with normal clothing?

I just go in jeans and a t-shirt, or whatever the weather calls for. I have seen some people dress up, but that isn't for me. I remember one time I went to one and this smokin' hot girl (who looked to be about 19 or 20) was dressed in an anime outfit (I don't remember the character), and she was accepting tips from visitors for showing more and more skin, it was kind of cool to see. And Zeonic Freak is right about fat girls dressing up in "hot" anime outfits and thinking they are looking sexy, it makes you wince and say, "She is out of her mind if she thinks people are looking at her in any other way than amusement.", but it's all in fun.

[Temple Fugate]

I've been to a couple Otakons, and had more fun than I expected to. Be careful though, because you are going to be exposed to all types of fandom, good and bad. And it can get VERY bad.

[Ishtar]

I only started going to Anime cons back in 2007. Anime Next was my 1st one, and I went again last year. I will also be at Anime Next this year in June. Last September I went to NYAF, and I also went to NYCC this year (but that barely counts since it wasn't really an Anime con). I will also be going to Anime Boston this year, which will be the 1st time I've gone. Overall, they have been pretty fun. My favorite part is getting to meet all the Voice Actors, and I've already met quite a few and want to meet even more now. But besides that, just interacting with other fans like myself and having a good time is great too. I also like going to a bunch of panels, mainly the guest Q&A ones and the Industry panels.

[CottonSwab]

I only started going to Anime cons back in 2007. Anime Next was my 1st one, and I went again last year. I will also be at Anime Next this year in June. Last September I went to NYAF, and I also went to NYCC this year (but that barely counts since it wasn't really an Anime con). I will also be going to Anime Boston this year, which will be the 1st time I've gone. Overall, they have been pretty fun. My favorite part is getting to meet all the Voice Actors, and I've already met quite a few and want to meet even more now. But besides that, just interacting with other fans like myself and having a good time is great too. I also like going to a bunch of panels, mainly the guest Q&A ones and the Industry panels.

Hey Ishtar, I'll be at Anime Boston this year which I believe is being held at the Hynes Convention Center, me and a buddy ate taking the long ride and may be getting a hotel within the area. Ive been to NYAF as well, fun times! If you see someone with a Toon Zone hat and a Sasuke shirt on at AB, it's most likely me.

[Kevin]

I've been to Anime Weekend Atlanta twice, and will be going again this year. I think Anime Cons in general are a lot of fun, and I always have some memories after I go to them. I'm hoping to meet up with some friends of mine this year if they can come.

[Speedy Boris]

Haven't been to one yet. Actually, I believe the only con I've ever been to was the 2006 Screenwriter's Convention in L.A. That was pretty cool, though, because I got to see Brad Bird AND Oliver Stone guest speak.

[defunctzombie]

I would love to go to one, but I don't know of any here in PA. Otakon/Boston is a little too far for me.

[FUNiOP]

I went to my first anime con, Bakuretsu Con, a small con in Vermont, last October, and even though it was such a small one, it was still well worth the time and money, and not dumb at all, so I can't wait to see what Anime Boston, one of the biggest anime conventions in North America, will be like when I go there this year.

[Ishtar]

I would love to go to one, but I don't know of any here in PA. Otakon/Boston is a little too far for me.
There's a con in PA this weekend, actually:
http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/1624

Check the site for more cons that might be close enough for you.

[Zeonic Freak]

I just go in jeans and a t-shirt, or whatever the weather calls for. I have seen some people dress up, but that isn't for me. I remember one time I went to one and this smokin' hot girl (who looked to be about 19 or 20) was dressed in an anime outfit (I don't remember the character), and she was accepting tips from visitors for showing more and more skin, it was kind of cool to see. And Zeonic Freak is right about fat girls dressing up in "hot" anime outfits and thinking they are looking sexy, it makes you wince and say, "She is out of her mind if she thinks people are looking at her in any other way than amusement.", but it's all in fun.

Shoot, thats not even half of it, theres the fat chicks who wear corsets to push all the fat in their gut up to their breast to make them look "more attractive" prehaps? But, its funny and disgusting at the same time.

Accually some girl (who was pretty hot) just wore a silk robe and lingere (bra/panites/legwarms), i guess she was cosplay as a hentai char? who knows.

Im accually surprised that almost half the girls that go are pretty attractive, but, if your under 17, it can work for you. So anyone above 18, well, keep the story to yourself (it happend to FidoMcokeFend, because he told me).

Just bring cash, a camera, and a happy heart, and your fine...:D

[clipeuh]

My first con was Otakuthon which took place last summer. I plan to go back this year. It was pretty fun. Panels are interesting and there's a lot of anime goodies/DVD and fan arts. I need to bring more money this time. :sweat:

[defunctzombie]

There's a con in PA this weekend, actually:
http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/1624

Check the site for more cons that might be close enough for you.
Damn, if I had more than a day's notice I would go! I'll have to plan for next year.

[Ickis]

I've been to a couple Otakons, and had more fun than I expected to. Be careful though, because you are going to be exposed to all types of fandom, good and bad. And it can get VERY bad. With a name like "Otakon" whaddya expect? The three first letters are the same as Otaku which is not a good were to call ones-self. I was thinking about dressing up as the Big Cheese and going to a con but an anime specific just isn't for me if it'll feture mostly newer animes. A friend of mine went though, he spent over $40 dollars on a One Piece shoulder bag and Chopper Plushie! I bet that they were cheaper in Japan as these cons give me a "High chargin' Ringleader" feel, and me typing "con" so much is starting to make me feel like William Shatner!

[Kitschensyngk]

Three weeks ago I attended Naka-Kon in Kansas City for the first time since it was on the KU campus in 2006.

One thing I like to do is observe the cosplayers and try and guess what series their costumes are from. Most of them were from Naruto, but I also found some from Haruhi Suzumiya, a group dressed as characterd from Ouran High School Host Club, and even one cosplayer dressed as Robin from Witch Hunter Robin.

(Shouldn't this be in the anime forum?)

[Karl Olson]

Over the past 6 years I've probably attended atleast two dozen cons. It's good fun, you can meet some cool people and the dealer's room can have some sweet deals. Also, at the cons with an industry presence, you can end up with some sweet swag if you have insightful questions to ask at panels and/or you know anime trivia. I ended up with a few DVD boxsets out of that stuff.

Besides, as you attend con regularly, you make con friends you get catch up with when you see them at cons. It's kinda cool really.

[Yusuke Urameshi]

Is the merchandise at anime cons usually expensive?

[Karl Olson]

Is the merchandise at anime cons usually expensive?

Depends on what you're looking for, but there are times when you can pull some great deals, especially if you're willing to work in cash. I've gotten recent boxsets for half off MSRP at points. There are often some really unique items you'll find for pretty reasonable costs, especially since you're not waiting for shipping and customs.

Main thing is to make mental notes of the stuff you want.

[J!!!]

I've been to Anime Weekend Atlanta twice, and will be going again this year. I think Anime Cons in general are a lot of fun, and I always have some memories after I go to them. I'm hoping to meet up with some friends of mine this year if they can come.
Holy crud we have them in Georgia:eek: I'm going next time most definatly!

[Mynd Hed]

Im accually surprised that almost half the girls that go are pretty attractive, but, if your under 17, it can work for you. So anyone above 18, well, keep the story to yourself (it happend to FidoMcokeFend, because he told me).

Heh, the only time I've ever gotten hit on in a bar by a girl was at a hotel bar during an anime con. And, yes, I was cosplaying at the time.

But yes, if you happen to be over 18, keep in mind that they're probably younger than they claim. (-:

Is the merchandise at anime cons usually expensive?

It's not the best place to buy manga or DVDs-- you can find some deals, but mostly just on bargain-bin stuff that you could probably find cheap on eBay anyway. 'Course, on eBay you have to watch out for bootlegs and it's tough to spot them because you don't have a physical object in your hand to look at. Bootlegs can be a problem at anime cons, too, but you can usually spot them by the packaging.

It's a great place to shop for plushies, keychains, messenger bags, wallets, and that sort of merchandise, though. Some of it can be pretty pricey, but as Karl said, when you figure in the shipping cost if you were to order it from Japan, you're likely to get a better deal at a con. (The dealers can get a better deal since they get it shipped in bulk.) And every once in a while you can find some really screamin' deals.

Two things to be aware of: more popular and recent series have more merch on the floor, so if you're not a fan of the shows that happen to be hot with the otaku crowd right now, it can be slim pickings. For example, I'm always on the lookout for anything Big O, Berserk, Gantz, or Escaflowne-related, and over the course of six or seven cons over the last few years, I've found exactly one Berserk plushie, one Escaflowne doujin, and one Big O toy (and not even the really nice one (http://img192.exs.cx/img192/8011/bigo11ii.jpg)). 'Course, if you're down with copious amounts of Naruto, Bleach, and FF7 crap, well, you're set. (-:

Also, timing can be crucial. Some vendors will slash their prices toward the end of a con to try and get rid of their stock, so you can find some real deals that way, but it's risky, because all the good stuff might be gone by then. My advice is to make a sweep through the vendor room as early as possible and buy anything you absolutely can't live without before it all gets snapped up, and make note of other interesting stuff to check on later to see if it's still around if/when prices drop.

[DemonLordShugo]

Holy crud we have them in Georgia:eek: I'm going next time most definatly!


If I ever decide to go to AWA next year, I might run into you, if you see a tall skinny guy cosplaying as Ranma Saotome (boy-type) (http://www.skate.org/charlotte/ranma-male1.jpg), that's me

[Zeonic Freak]

Heh, the only time I've ever gotten hit on in a bar by a girl was at a hotel bar during an anime con. And, yes, I was cosplaying at the time.

But yes, if you happen to be over 18, keep in mind that they're probably younger than they claim. (-:



Heh, that last i "think" i was getting hit on was some middle school chicks saying "hey baby" over and over to me and the 2 friends i went to see Watchman. They... annoyed me, but its attention regardless.

I try to talk to girls at cons, but then for some unknown reason, 20 of their friends show up and your just standing there, and she doesnt care anymore.

Yea, that doesnt happen to me very often, though i wish it did ( i know im not the only one)...:sad:

[Weatherman]

Wow ZF, you're kind of a....TX unfriendly word aren't you?

Yeah, they're a lot of fun. It kind of depends on what you're looking for, which convention it is as some specialize in different aspects of fandom and how much you're willing to put in to the experience. an anime con is very much a world unto itself where some of the rules that govern the world outside the walls don't always apply, like dress codes...note, you still nead to wear something, but it can be very little of something.

Merch deal are very possible. Most dealer's rooms are huge and a lot of merchants will negotiate with you under the right circumstances. I also highly encourage checking out any panel that seems even mildly interesting. They're a ton of fun.

[Shirubie]

I only went to two anime cons, both in Montreal. The first was a combination Sci-fi, Comics and Anime event and I had a lot of fun, I cosplayed as Miroku from Inuyasha and met some of my online friends in person for the first time. The dealer's room was huge! Saw Stormtroopers, found an Astro Boy plushie, I had a blast.

The second con I went was the first edition of Otakuthon and I have to admit I was dissapointed by the experience. It was held in a university building and was too small for the size of the crowd, we kept getting lost because panels were held on four different floors. Dealer's room was just a hallway with a couple of tables, I could barely see the merchandise and kept stepping on other people's toes.

Otakuthon as since moved to a large convention center but I live too far away now to attend. I tried to go on the second year, but the friend who was supossed to go with me stood me up. Waited an hour and a half at the subway station, then I gave up and went home.

[Rae78]

Im accually surprised that almost half the girls that go are pretty attractive, but, if your under 17, it can work for you. So anyone above 18, well, keep the story to yourself (it happend to FidoMcokeFend, because he told me).

Just bring cash, a camera, and a happy heart, and your fine...:D

Um...anyone under 17 should not be dressing that way. Frankly, no one should display his/her low self esteem at all. Well, there are booth babes--but they're being paid (very well, I hope). As often as the scanty costumes happen at cons, it's sick and sad, and these girls can attract dirty old men which can result in less than legal scenarios. It's insane and cons need to be closely monitored for this stuff.

[Dudley]

I went to the Tokyo International Anime Fair three years in a row. And it was fantastic.

The first anime con I went to in the States was Otakon. It wasn't as cool as TIAF, but I mostly went there for the Artist's Alley. There was a heck of a lot of cosplay there compared to the one in Japan. I was one of the few people there not wearing costume.
I hope to get a table at the Artist Alley in the future.

[Zeonic Freak]

Wow ZF, you're kind of a....TX unfriendly word aren't you?


Ah sorry, i need to save that for the "woe is me" relationship thread.

Um...anyone under 17 should not be dressing that way. Frankly, no one should display his/her low self esteem at all. Well, there are booth babes--but they're being paid (very well, I hope). As often as the scanty costumes happen at cons, it's sick and sad, and these girls can attract dirty old men which can result in less than legal scenarios. It's insane and cons need to be closely monitored for this stuff.

Dude, its cosplay... anything goes.

Id need to check out getting import games the last day. I dont wanna pay 50 bucks for Typing of the Dead and the Dreamcast Keyboard (its cheaper on ebay). That goes with this guy and his import games as well: http://stores.ebay.com/Mad-Gear-Import-Video-Games_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsxQ3asstQQtZkm

Yea, everyone goes by the "we charge double than what ebay does, because your a sucker" pricing and people buy into it. I laugh at people who get the wooden cosplay katanas and stuff, there like "OMG IM SO COOL BECAUSE I GOT A FLIMSY WOODEN KATANA (this is wooden sheth and blade) FOR 40 BUCKS, NOW I CAN KILL SOME PEOPLE IN COSPLAY BATTLES BBBBBWWWWWAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"

See, even your chuckling at the idea as well...

[NewcomerDC]

I've been to a couple Otakons, and had more fun than I expected to. Be careful though, because you are going to be exposed to all types of fandom, good and bad. And it can get VERY bad.
How bad are we talking about since I've been to Otakon a few times with the first experience back in 2006? I mean I remember reading about some woman showing off her breasts at one time. I think it was just to get someone's autiograph or getting some new anime DVDs. I don't know if that brings up anyone's memories about that Otakon.

BTW, I still need to get my weekend pass. As for hotel stays, I wish I had the cash to stay in one so I could get to know more of the people who were going there.

[G1Ravage]

I went to NYAF the year prior to last, and it was an awesome experience.

[Weatherman]

How bad are we talking about since I've been to Otakon a few times with the first experience back in 2006? I mean I remember reading about some woman showing off her breasts at one time. I think it was just to get someone's autiograph or getting some new anime DVDs. I don't know if that brings up anyone's memories about that Otakon.

BTW, I still need to get my weekend pass. As for hotel stays, I wish I had the cash to stay in one so I could get to know more of the people who were going there.

I'm fairly certain all of the male, and possibly some of the female VAs as well, have been asked to sign someone breasts. No indecent exposure, just the tops from what I understand of what happened. Think of an anime con as a rock concert with less open alcohol consumption.

[TripleS]

I actually have been a little curious about cosplaying myself. XD;; But I've at least noted that any character choices should at least be someone I can... ya know, work with. I'm thinking Rena from Higurashi could work, since all I'd have to do is dye my hair dirty blonde again and then get a costume... somehow...

I've never went to one, although I'm a tad curious. XD

[Rae78]

Dude, its cosplay... anything goes.

The law doesn't stop at the entrance to a con. I've seen security tell scantily clad girls to "go put some clothes on" and the creepy guys stalking them to "go find something better to do with your time." It's just sad that girls denigrate themselves like that. They want attention, but they aren't going always going to attract the kind of attention they want.

[Mynd Hed]

The law doesn't stop at the entrance to a con. I've seen security tell scantily clad girls to "go put some clothes on" and the creepy guys stalking them to "go find something better to do with your time." It's just sad that girls denigrate themselves like that. They want attention, but they aren't going always going to attract the kind of attention they want.

While I've definitely heard some stories, from personal experience you can see more skin at the swimming pool or the beach any day of the week four months out of the year than you can at any of the cons I've gone to. I'd hardly call it "denigrating." I've also never noticed anyone being suspiciously creepy: just like at the beach, every once in a while someone's gaze might linger a little too long, but that's about it.

When I say "skin," by the way, I'm talking male, too. There's a pretty regular guy on the con scene 'round here who always dresses up as Franky from One Piece. And he's, well, not in the best shape for it, let's say. No offense to him, I'm not in much better shape myself, but then, I'm not dressed up as Franky from One Piece. (-:

http://img1.cdn.crunchyroll.com/i/spire3/08012008/3/2/4/8/32486e714c7a80_full.png

[Yusuke Urameshi]

^

Lol, I think only buff people should be able to cosplay as franky..

[RSNaco]

I've not only been to cons, but i've worked at Otakon for going on three years, currently in the gaming hall. It is the highlight of my summer. Also, i've tried cosplaying, but any attempts I make at creating my own costume have failed. I'm buying a pre-made costume this time around, Black Star from Soul Eater in particular.