Gundam, K-On, & Elementhunters Mashup

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An Anime Convention in my own Backyard – Anime North 2010

Well more like one about 8 hours away from where I live. Hilarious how Anime Boston is closer to me and it's out of the country. Anyway, Anime North is Canada's largest anime convention. Somewhere on twitter after it all I saw someone say that there was total attendance of about 18, 500. Which, when I really think about it, that's pretty darn good considering last year it did seem a little smaller (about 16,000 I think). Anime North was my first anime con and that was last year. So really I'm kinda still a con goer noob but either way I find them fun. It was interesting going back again this year knowing what to expect a little more.

We decided to go in late Thursday night from Quebec, Canada and make our way to Toronto. We drove all through the night which worked out to be the best option for us because during the day would have sucked with all of the crazy traffic, let alone all the weird construction randomly spread out through the highways. It's always good getting there a day before or early the day of so you can relax a bit before a super busy weekend. Like in Boston I have friends in Toronto so we stayed with them for the weekend. It was great being with them for the entire weekend (and Monday) especially since these friends are into anime too and came with us to the con. All pictures in this post were taken by my friend. ^_^" I have no issues with Toronto except the crazy traffic that turns a 10 minute drive into a 30 minute one but at least the drivers around us weren't crazy.

Unlike many other con's where it's all in one building, Anime North is spread out between about 4-5 different buildings and there just happens to be very busy roads in the way of each, not to mention the highway it's self. It was A LOT of walking and I'm not made for walking sadly because of my back problems so it was highly inconvenient to attempt to go anywhere other than the double tree hotel and the main hall where all the big events / dealers were. Friday night (because during the day we got there late and mainly just wondered around looking at cosplayers) we did manage to get across the highway (likely because I had a lot to drink and I feel less back pain when in that state...) We checked out some gaming rooms and the Nominoichi, basically a huge garage sale but for anime stuff. I didn't find anything I liked there because we got there late. Generally you show up for those kind of things right when doors open to see all the stuff and get first dibs. After that we made our way back to the main area.

Otakubaloo = The Parking Lot Rave. It was basically a small enclosed patio taken over by a dj booth. My boyfriend was booked to play at this the following night so we decided to check it out Friday as well. Right beside this stage, indoors, there was the Friday Night J-Rave and I gotta say outside was WAY better. The stage set up indoors was to say the least lackluster. They had so much fog in there you couldn't even see the stage unless you were like 3 meters away. The lighting sucked and I'm pretty sure the "DJ's" that were in there were just playing tracks off of winamp... It was ungodly hot in there as well. Would it have really hurt to put some large industrial fans in there? After some night shenanigans in the hentai rooms we went back home.

Saturday of every con is generally the day everyone shows up fully in their cosplay. There was easily thousands of new people to look and take pictures of. I love just walking around (or sitting in a heavy traffic spot) just to see the cosplayers. Laugh at really bad ones and stare in awe at some amazing ones. For the rest of the day we popped in and out of The Double Tree's panels and sat through The 404s. They are comedy improve from all across Canada that preform every year at Anime North. I find them to be quite funny and they have many shows throughout the weekend. My favourite is the 18+ showing at night in one of the huge stage rooms. There are generally more "sexual" jokes and a lack of pants for this performance. Highly amusing. My bf had to leave early during their late performance to go and preform at Otakubaloo. We joined him a little later to see a nice crowd dancing away to what he was playing. One thing I really liked about Otakubaloo on Saturday was that a lot more of my friends showed up to see my bf play. The promoter had put this really cool video projector on the side of the buildings wall showing a lovely mix of anime shots that was maybe 30 minutes or slightly longer. It was fun trying to pick out who came from what anime.

After Otakubaloo we made our way back into some hentai panels. These were highly amusing because people were generally in there just to make fun of it. There were of course a lot of people just sleeping in there and I'm pretty sure there was one dude jerking off  in one of the corners. lol... Nothing really beats one guy getting pissed off at everyone when they were laughing during Bible Black. He kept going on and on about how the story was SO good and that's why he was in there. Yeah ok there buddy! XD The best part during one of these shows was when the guy was getting a blow job from this chick and just before he came she switched to using her hands and there was this dramatic dodge she did while his sperm sprinkled past her face... LOL the room erupted with laughter for a good 5+ minutes afterwards. After we had our fill of hentai giggles we wandered on home, stopped to get some food along the way. One thing I noticed is that Toronto has sweet potato fries everywhere. Certainly makes up for their lack of good poutine.

Sunday was a slow day for us and there wasn't anything interesting going on anyway so we arrived late. We checked out the dealers room to see if anyone had anything good to offer but for the most part there was nothing interesting. My boyfriend did get something he's been waiting so long to get. He bought a Cactar from Final Fantasy. It was slightly over priced in my opinion but well worth all the joy that little guy has brought us since then. We were going to get the Tonberry as well but we thought one silly purchase was enough for the weekend.

Overall this con is fun but very unorganized. I enjoy it because it's in Canada and I get to see a lot of my Ottawa and Toronto friends in one place. The lack of anyone really interesting from the industry was a little disappointing but not overly concerning to me. I look at this con more so to see friends, cosplayers, and enjoy music more than anything else. It really drives me crazy how everything is so separated too. I was spoiled with Anime Boston having everything in once large building. The volunteers again this year were very rude. Do NOT get kids of volunteer if they aren't mature enough to handle a situation with a lot of people around. I do not need to get yelled at by some kid because I wandered through an out door even though that door was NOT labeled as an out door and the 10's of people in front of me were doing the same. If you want to do crowd control think it through properly damn-it.

Anyway good con and lots of good times were had. Of course I shall return next year. Here is a thread on the forum site for Anime North with a lot more pictures from the con.^__^

365 Days of Anime Characters: Day 157/365 Stella

Day 157/365

From the anime Interstella 5555 - The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem, Stella plays the bass guitar in The Crecendolls band. She is clearly romantically involved with Shep because well you'll see! She along with a lot of others get kidnapped by the evil Ear de Darkwood for his evil plan of world domination. Who will save her?!

Why I like her: She's a character right out of Captain Harlock. (I will finish it someday >.>) Her slender body and beautiful hair. It is clear which anime that Daft Punk got their inspiration from for making this.

Why I hate her: Silly damsel in distress!

Overall: Daft Punk has always been one of my favourite electronic bands and this little movie has furthered my fandom. It's like one huge music video with an amazing story! Even though it's "old" I'll still watch this, listen, and enjoy every moment. Picture above made by Brenda Boschma.

365 Days of Anime Characters: Day 156/365 Nadya

Day 156/365

From the anime First Squad, Nadya is a 14 year old Russian girl caught in WWII. Russian Military Intelligence discovers that this girl has a gift and they wish to use it against their German enemies.

Why I like her: She's a little girl with a huge sword. Fighting along side men in a powerful war. That is amazing.

Why I hate her: No hate here.

Overall: This music video sung by Russian rap artist Ligalize was a great introduction for the Studio 4°C film First Squad: The Moment Of Truth.

365 Days of Anime Characters: Day 155/365 Hamster

Day 155/365

From the anime Egao, Hamster is brought home one day by a lovely young girl to live with her and keep her company.

Why I like him: Nothing is cuter than an owner and their pet. There is so much love there.

Why I hate him: I don't really like hamster's... They smell bad. I wish it was a cat instead.

Overall: I'm not sure how a hamster makes this girl think of a boyfriend she use to have... Honestly that's a little weird. But it's a cute music video none the less. Video directed by Makoto Shinkai, one that many have come to love.

365 Days of Anime Characters: Day 154/365 Mommy Robot

Day 154/365

From the anime Extra, Mommy Robot is just one of many crazy homicidal beings in this odd futuristic world where only the strong survive. Kill or be killed.

Why I like her: She looks weird and walks around with a knife and an umbrella! While holding a baby! LOL

Why I hate her: When she dies her baby dies. Poor baby.

Overall: From the amazing minds of Studio 4°C and the amazing musical talents of Ken Ishii we get this little almost 4 minute music video that shows us that deep down we are all just looking out for ourselves in this world.

365 Days of Anime Characters: Day 153/365 Sue

Day 153/365

From the anime Clover, Sue is a special child known as "Clover". Children that have this nickname are known to be able to manipulate technology in a magical way. Sue ends up being the most power Clover they have discovered so they brand her with 4 leaves in tattoo form. She lives in exile much to her sadness. All she wants is to be free to do as she wishes.

Why I like her: Her futuristic world is very fascinating and makes me want it to be real. I think she is a very pretty girl and I love her wings.

Why I hate her: I've never overly enjoyed the damsel in distress act. She has awesome powers! Use them!

Overall: Another wonderful music video from CLAMP. Also another one that I believe would made a lovely 30 minute ova or longer. Check out the manga too because it is very beautiful.

365 Days of Anime Characters: Day 152/365 A Young Girl

Day 152/365

From the anime Portable Kuukou, A Young Girl waits patiently until she gets a pass to use the "Portable Airport". Follow her as she wanders around it and looks at all the interesting people who are also using this unique airport.

Why I like her: I find her to be very stylish. I like the futuristic feel she gives off. It makes you wish you were right there along side for her adventures.

Why I hate her: No hate here.

Overall: This music video is one of 3 in this series about A Young Girl going on amazing futuristic adventures. Check the other 2 out as well, Space Station No. 9 (my favourite) and Soratobu Toshi Keikaku. Band group named Capsule made the music for these videos and they were produced by Studio Kajino, which is run by Studio Ghibli's president Toshio Suzuki.

Macross Touhou Tribute

Basara's singing just got a whole lot more listenable! Thanks ExecutiveOtaku for pointing it out to me

Nodame Cantabile: Finale OP

One of my favourite parts of the series has been the OP's and ED's. And this one is my favourite of them all. I simply love the visuals and the song is too cute.

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