At least three reasons...

Convention review
by David Tapia

If you have any interest in Japanese animation (aka anime), comics (manga), Asian cinema and videogames for every platform imaginable, Fanime Con is the place to be. Returning to the San Jose Convention Center this past Memorial Day Weekend, Fanime  is my favorite convention to attend every year (yes, even more than Wondercon or even -- dare I say it? -- Comic-Con). It’s not so much about getting the latest news about upcoming movies or collecting as much free swag as your grubby little arms can hold. Instead, Fanime is more about being with fans and expressing your inner geek.

So just in case you missed any or all days of Fanime Con 2009, here’s ten key reasons (along with a lot of pictures) why it was the place to be.

1. Parents - Parents of young teens, I have to applaud you.  I witnessed at Fanime lots of parents that were fully aware and concerned for what their kids got involved with.  Of course, if we’re talking about a 16 year old that’s a different story, but what I’m talking about is the pre to early teens (10 – 13). I noticed on more than one occasion either one or both parents walking around getting a good sense of what Fanime had to offer their kids and at the same time getting to know what their kids like and being able to share a moment with them.  It’s good to know that even parents can enjoy Fanime.

2.  Passes - This year presented a marked improvement over last in the area of getting passes to the event. I can only expect things to keep getting better in the years to come. No chaos to be seen and besides a few little hiccups (with networks and printers) things went by smoothly.  My thanks go out to Milton and his crew for handling the press accreditations flawlessly.

3.  Dance/Rave – For all you partiers, the dance room was open till 4am everyday of the convention. For anyone over 21 this really wouldn’t matter much, but for everyone else this was a way to experience something only people of age get to see. As far as I can tell, this was in every way, shape, and form a mini-rave.  Colorful glow sticks were being waved around like someone trying to signal an incoming plane, while zombie-like kids danced in circles. A very cool place if you wanted to groove to some pulsating electronica. By the way, this was the same location used for “free” ballroom dancing lessons. A brilliant move by Fanime to help the otherwise socially handicapped a way to break out of their shell.

4.  Films - Fanime 2009 presented a very good selection of both animated and live action films that ran all night long. It also provided a nice dark room to go and relax in and enjoy a little bit of everything. I caught a little of both and was also able to check out the Hentai as well. The Hentai (animated pornographic films) is such a crowd pleaser with lines of both sexes waiting to get in, but adults only please (ID’s are checked before entering this 18+ area). Oh, and don’t forget to play along with the group clapping. ‘Nuff Said.

5. Cosplay -  One of the best features of an anime convention are the wild costumes on display. Everything from the latest popular anime TV shows, to classic anime, to video game characters, and random movie characters. Hello Indy? Well this is where a bulk of my picture taking took place. If you ever wondered what a live-action anime character would look like… well, this is the place to find them. With a vast array of designer level costumes to simple ones bought off the rack (maybe from the dealer’s hall), you get your fill of Halloween every day of the Con.

Cosplay Fan Gatherings are also held outside the convention center entrance, near the fountains. This is a place were similarly dressed attendants can meet up and take group photos. A very fun element coordinated through Fanime but really driven by the fans, cosplay gatherings are great.  I was there for the Capcom themed meet-up (see slideshow) which included a strong, Street Fighter presence. If you have a strong turn out, then it becomes a great spectacle. Plus it’s a place to compare and share your passion for any particular anime/game/character.

The Cosplay Spectacular, hosted by Ric Meyers (a very enjoyable Santa Claus type host with Chinese attire) is a Masquerade talent competition held across the street at the Civic Auditorium.  This was a change from the previous years where the event was held at the Center for Performing Arts. This new venue allowed a much closer feel for the audience, really letting them to be part of the show. I enjoyed all the brave and sometimes talented individuals that appeared on that stage for everyone’s enjoyment. Bravo!!! We are grooming the next America’s Got Talent competitors in our own back yard.

6.  Music – Popular Japanese singer/voice actor Halko Momoi made an appearance. I was not able to attend the actual show but did go to the Q&A she had the first day of the con. She was a star that you would imagine a live action anime would be like, and the people who lined up to ask her questions treated her as such. Good Job, Fanime, for booking her. My one complaint, and this might be minor, is the lack of late night live music (like they had a few years ago).  Besides providing people with a dance venue every night, maybe one of the nights could have been live bands. This could have possibly provided the younger kids their first experience hearing live bands perform on stage, but alas, it was only in the form of a large concert. Maybe next year. Oh, and bring back Mechanical Panda…. please.

7. Events - There are several events that are available to attendants throughout the convention. One such room allows all the wannabe American Idol contestants to try out  anime-inspired Karaoke. This was more a late night event, but if you wanted a place to share your vocal skills, this was the place to be. One of the larger events held during the con is actually held at the Fairmont down the street. That is the Black and White Ball. With a strict dress code being enforced the Fairmont was the place to be to do a little hobnobbing with all your friends. I overheard someone dub it “Nerd Prom”, so you can catch the drift.  This is one convention you can feel free to let your Nerd flag fly out. 

8. Panels - The panels here are quite different from Comic-Con, meaning that there is no really large room where everyone “must” be at. Instead you have a wide variety of panels that are more intimate and really intended for people who are interested in the topics. One panel/presentation I attended was a documentary on popular Nintendo game, The Legend of Zelda, a little seen doc that was shot back in 2003 covering all the Zelda games and some of the history behind it. Very cool. There were also very specific panels on how to design your own armor, how to start a web-comic, and creating your own manga. Some really cool panels were, “How to talk to girls”, “Nerd Courting” and “Intro to Lolita & Fashion Show”.  With tons of panels for your enjoyment., you’ll be sure to find something that suits your likes…. Ahem! “How to talk to girls”.

9.  The Dojo – Something new to the Con this year, the Dojo is run by the FanimeCon Bushido Department. The Dojo had workshops on martial arts, weapon training, to basic self-defense for women. Great move, Fanime, we know kids are going to want to wave their swords around. Why not show them the proper way to do it? Love it!

10.  Dealers/Artist Halls -  To sum up, a collection of all things anime related. You can pick up rare manga from vendors or a piece of gothic clothing for those occasions that attire like that is called for, to artists that will sell you custom commissioned drawings. Both Halls are very cool places to come in, and spend some hard earned cash. This is also the place where people that don’t have any costumes can purchase them, for future Fanime Cons.

So there you have it, ten reasons why Fanime 2009 was a fantastic way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend.  Where else can you walk around all hours of the day and find kindred spirits? Great for fans of all ages and if you are over 18 then Fanime even has what I like to call, “Fanime after Dark.” Be sure to check that one out!

One last note, if you are from out-of-town, getting a hotel room at either the Hilton or the Marriot is a must. Book early and hopefully I’ll see you next year.