Photo Credit: Cria-Cow

January is coming to an end… That means it’s getting close to the start of the convention season! It seems there are more conventions this year than in recent years. One in particular that I’m excited about I will explain shortly. I’ve been attending anime conventions since 2003. The my first con was Anime Reactor. Then, I went to Anime Central in 2004. I’ve been to ACEN for three consecutive years, except last year, since I couldn’t afford it and it was a day’s drive away since we relocated in Tennessee. I also expect to Cosplay more this year. I have a few ideas for characters, such as the long desire to dress as Iruka from Naruto, but there are many more choices this year.

This is a small list of conventions I may attend this year. I should note that the conventions covered in this post are held in the Southeastern region of the US. For those who are looking for convention near you, there is a way to find out at the end of the post. If you’re thinking of traveling to the South this year, please take a look at what the South has to offer for Southern anime fans.

MomoCon

– March 15-16, 2008 – Atlanta, GA

Here’s a convention that’s free of charge! I was unable to attend this convention last year (I assume it’s hard to go to a convention in the South?), but then maybe it was a good thing I didn’t go. On the last day of the convention, someone set off fireworks in a stairwell, calling off the convention. Fortunately, no one was injured. At last year’s MomoCon, they showed an indie movie that was all about geekdom. I forget the name. A sort of a mockumentary, you could say. This year, they are showing “Miyuki”, which looks like a combination of the “Ju-On: The Grudge” and “Ringu”–though I haven’t seen the original Japanese versions, yet. It looks interesting, and a nice treat for a free convention. ^_^

I don’t think I’ll be able to make it this year, unless I win a free all expense paid trip to Atlanta. I wish those who are attending, good luck.. I hope they found the moron who set off the fireworks and banned him from coming back.

JAMPcon

– March 28-30, 2008 – Chattanooga, TN

JAMPcon (Japanese Anime & Manga Paradise) is the first anime convention in Chattanooga, TN. I’m so glad a convention is coming to the Scenic City–and in due time! I already pre-registered, and right now, it’s $25 for pre-registration until January 31st, 2008! JAMPcon will be the first convention I’ll attend for all three days. The theme this year is based on “Final Fantasy VII”. The volunteers are going to be cosplaying as FFVII characters, including a few Kingdom Hearts characters. There’s also going to be a Final Fantasy Tactics Battle, which will be similar to the famous Cosplay Chess events held at many conventions…but with Final Fantasy characters! There will also be a DS party, a few gaming tournaments, and two dance parties. I am really looking forward to this convention! ^_^

Middle Tennessee Anime Convention

– April 25-27, 2008 – Nashville, TN

The Middle Tennessee Anime Convention (or “MTAC” for short) is held in the heart of Nashville, TN, at the Sheraton Music City Hotel. 2008 will mark their 9th year, and the new home of MTAC at the Sheraton. I have been wanting to go to MTAC since 2005, but the same problem surfaced: It was a day away (from Chicago, at the time), and the lack of funds. That’s not a problem, anymore since I live an hour–or two–away from Nashville. Now, all I need is money. I may not make it since it’s a full month away from JAMPcon, and I’ll won’t have enough money after spending it in March…Unless I stop buying manga between March and April–or maybe right now! Oh, woe is me for being an Otaku. D;
This year’s convention has many musical performances from indie Visual Kei bands, such as Peelander Z. Concerts at a convention is fun! The first J-Rock band I saw perform was The Pillows at Anime Central in 2005. I’m looking forward to some of the concerts—all of them, if humanly possible! ^_^

Anime Weekend Atlanta

– September 19-21 2008 – Atlanta, GA

Anime Weekend Atlanta–or AWA–is the oldest, and biggest anime convention in the South. 2008 will be their 14th year!

This is another convention I want to go to really bad. I made plans to travel to Atlanta last year to attended, but unfortunately, there was a last minute cancellation due to lack of transportation. Last year, The Captains, an indie Visual Kei band, preformed in front of thousands of American Otaku. The concert was a success. Too bad I couldn’t make it to see them preform. :’(
Right now, there is only a handful of guests announced. Usually, the guests of the previous year would be announced immediately right after the end of the convention, such as Vic Mignogna and Monica Rial, who have been attending AWA for 3+ years in a row. Luckily, I met Vic at ACEN ’05 during the viewing of “Fullmetal Fantasy”. It was the first time meeting someone in the anime industry. He’s really awesome. I also have his autograph, and a photo of us together–which is only available for viewing on my personal MySpace page. There’s no word of either Vic, Monica, or the The Captains returning this year. I hope The Captains return for an encore performance. They have been touring in the States for a while, and so far, the bands’ popularity has soared, especially after AWA.

Cosplay Ideas

I’m making preparations for the characters I may go as. Many of these costumes I’m buying, as I don’t have the time to make a costume. I would really like to make a costume, and I have been excited about it ever since I took interest in Cosplay (and after reading Genshiken. Thanks alot, Tanaka). However, the only time I made something for an anime character was a yellow bandanna for Pan from Dragonball GT. I kind of rushed it, but it was worth it–though I didn’t get any photo opprutunities. Apparently, there was more than one Pan at ACEN ’04, as another Pan was part of the masquerade event on Saturday…

• Rukia – Shinigami/Soul Reaper Version (Bleach)
• Iruka (Naruto)
• Kakashi (Naruto)
• L (Death Note)
• Vash the Stampede (Trigun)
• Edward Elric – “Shambala” Version (Fullmetal Alchemist)
• Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist)
• Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist)
• Auron (Final Fantasy X)

Actually, I cosplayed as Vash at Anime Central ’06, and got a few photo-ops! One of the photographers who was in charge of the photos section on the ACEN website took a picture of me, as Vash. Although I didn’t see my picture later on after the con. I guess I was out of character (holding the program book, smiling…without the gun). I still honored to have my photo taken though, no matter where it ended up…

For those who are looking for anime conventions in your area, check out AnimeCons.com. It’s how I found out about JAMPcon and MomoCon. For cosplay fans, there’s Cosplay.com. The best site for cosplay! The members provide helpful tips on prop making and additions for your costume, such as Angel Wings and Auto-Mail. And finally, there’s A Fans View, with reports and tons and tons of photos of anime conventions dating back to 1998.

I hope to see everyone at any of the conventions I may attend. Happy traveling!