2009 in Review

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Another end to a great year. 2009 flew by sooner than expected and with a few promises I made to myself and the blog that were fulfilled for the year in 2008.

Otaku Habits

I don’t think I’ve watched enough Anime this year, even after getting hyped for the new Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood series, Valkyria Chronicles, K-ON!, and the remake of Dragonball Z, Dragonball Kai.

The best Anime series I’ve seen this year (but not made in 2009) was ZZ Gundam. However, as of writing, I have yet to finish it (it’s on my ‘09-’10 to-watch list). Watching this for the first time inspired me teach the ways of Gundam to other Anime fans of Boogie BAM Anime Jam.

My problem with Anime goes the same for Manga. Looking at my bookshelf, I realized that I’ve only brought a few volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist, while the cash that could have went towards catching up went to AWA. I don’t feel too bad about missing out about it-as reading too much of the stuff often leads me to withdrawal.

Anime Club

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I’ve been attending the meetings of Chattanooga’s first Anime club that is held every week at Books-a-Million, which has been an interesting experience after finding clubs living in Illinois that seemed to be close-knit, so to speak…

While an Anime club watches Anime at a meeting or two, Boogie BAM Anime Jam, whose awesome name was voted on unanimously by the members in the second meeting, is located in the manga section of the store. (Reading is fine as long as you buy something!)

Thanks to the Chattanooga Bicentennial Library’s monthly Anime @ The Library screenings, we get the chance to see new and fan favorite Anime series as a group, as well as a way to recruit new members. ^^

Boogie BAM Anime Jam is a pretty laid back group, and attracts members from all demographics: as in hardcore cosplayers, artists, J-Pop radio hosts, K-Pop fans, learners of Japanese, and bloggers.

Conventions

For 2009, I’ve managed to attend the biggest Anime convention in the South: Anime Weekend Atlanta. I had a blast, despite the lack of sleep and catching a cold after the trip home. I was to attend JAMPcon this year, but it was postponed due to economic difficulties… which was a good idea.

For 2010…

My plans for 2010 remains pretty much the same as 2009, with the exception of (finally) landing a job as a [part-time] freelancer. The good thing about freelancing is that I would still have the time to post when the time comes (and gives me a piece of mind with my creativity). ^_^

The biggest thing for me in 2010 is the launch of AniBroad, which is just about done and ready for private testing before it’s open to the public. 2010 also marks the beginning of a career in the Anime convention industry as I will be on staff to run a panel at JAMPcon in May.

In ending: I hope everybody had a great 2009, and I look forward to hearing about their plans for the New Year! Thank you for reading and supporting CEN.TAKU.ME! ^_^