Zenkaikon 2012

The Zenkaikon Convention returned to the Philadelphia area for their 6th year providing all the wonders and fun of the anime world. This was my fourth time attending the event and I can honestly say that each year it gets better (and the crowds get bigger). In 2011 over three thousand attendees were present. Clearly this is a show that is in high demand. This year the two day event was held on May 11th and 12th at the Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, Pa.  

I have had unique experiences when attending this show. The first two times I participated as a fan who was excited that there was finally a local anime convention. Last year I was a guest on  behalf of actor Vic Mignoga who insisted I enjoy all the festivities after hosting a dinner party for him and his fans. This year I attended as a member of the press with my Blog photographer Brian and my gal pal Alisha. First Id like to say how impressed I was with the staff. They were very pleasant and helpful and also did a wonderful job with crowd control. As many of us know, the anime crowds can become a  bit too hyper. That wasnt the case at all. It was a very pleasant and safe environment. The room reserved for LARPING was especially a stroke of genius (Im not a fan of it and felt relieved I wouldnt have to worry about someone invading my personal space).

Many vendors sold imported items from Japan as well as talented artist selling their original work. Guest in attendance including voice actors Sonny Strait and Michele Knotz, comedian Uncle Yo, bands Platform One, The Asterplace and my personal favorite, a performace by Kyo Daiko. I attended the show as my original "Hatsune Loves Rainbow Dash" cosplay while Alisha was Shutterfly from "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic". I met up with other friends and we had a great time shopping (my splurge was an original Rainbow Dash hat). In closing here are my favorite pictures from the show featuring cosplayers and items on display. My thanks to the staff at the Zenkaikon convention. I look forward to next years show! 

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Reflections on Dragoncon 2012

Id like to begin by acknowledging that this post is long overdue. My apologies. That little thing called life got in the way of writing about my experience about my first Dragoncon convention. This year was the 26th show held in Atlanta, Georgia and had over 52,000 people attendance. The show took place Labor Day weekend August 31st-September 3rd. Known as the best costume show in the United States, I was thrilled to be going to the shangri la of the cosplay world.

In addition to being excited about Dragoncon I must admit, I was also a bit nervous. Not only are the best costumers in the world present but people are known for dieting and training for months to assure that they are at their very best. No pressure, right? Luckily my nerves quickly dissolved after remembering that Im 100% satisfied with my costumes and I am a confident individual. I took part in many shoots including the Gotham City shoot, Young Justice, the DCU, Celebrity Cosplay as well as two private shoots. I only stayed at the DC shoot long enough for the Young Justice group because I wasnt feeling well and chose to retire to my room. On Friday I was the modern day Catwoman for most of the day before changing into the 1950s Catwoman for the Gotham shoot. For the Young Justice and DCU on Saturday I was Zatanna then switched to Lois Lane for my session with Dustin Dorough. I then changed into Angelina Jolie for the Celebrity Cosplay. On Sunday I was Belle then made a wardrobe change for my fashion  session with Grace Moss.  Sunday night a friend and I ran into actor Lee Arenberg, who plays Grumpy on the television show Once Upon A Time. I also attended a panel for artist George Perez and the Once Upon A Time panel with actors Lee Arenberg, Raphael Sbarge and Tony Amendola.

The costumes that I saw were most impressive and surpass anything Ive seen before at previous shows. Meeting with friends was the highlight of the event for me as well as making new ones. I have to say that this was my favorite show I have ever attended. The atmosphere was laid back and the show is about the love of costuming. Hollywood has successfully invaded comic and costume shows which isnt necessarily a bad thing. Im not suggesting that Hollywood actors and writers have no business being there. They are a welcome addition but Hollywood has seem to have taken over. Events like the San Diego Comic Con are more focused on television and movies rather than comics, collecting and costumes. Dragoncon was a breath of fresh air from all of the industry crap. I greatly enjoyed it and look forward to returning next year. Up next: the New York Comic Con taking place October 11th-14th.

                              For the full gallery, be sure to check out my Facebook Fanpage.

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