Anime Central

This post is a bit overdue, but I thought I'd attempt to recap on the amazing experience that was Anime Central. As you might have read in our previous post on C2E2, we're new to this stuff, and I for one was completely unprepared for the spectacle we were about to witness. Where else but an anime convention can you see scantily clad women in varying degrees of body paint, men dressed as Sailor Moon, and giant robots all wandering the streets in droves. Well, besides the Gay Pride Festival, anyways.

I never imagined I could fall prey to the urge, but I have to admit I found myself longing for some bad ass platform boots, shiny leggings, and a cape. Not a hero's cape, mind you. I've already decided that if I were to suddenly wake up with super powers, I would be joining the dark side. Super villain extraordinaire. Unfortunately, Paul would be the valiant hero; the shining white knight; and I would be forced to send him to his doom.

Anyways.. where was I? Ah yes, Anime Central. One thing we learned, very important, is that you MUST buy your tickets in advance, unless you wish to stand in line for upwards of 2 hours. In the case that you have no choice but to purchase your tickets the day of, always stand in the CASH line. It doesn't matter what the well meaning (or 'secretly chuckling into his hand') line attendant tells you, the credit card line is NEVER the faster line.

Although the journey of Getting To the event is interesting enough in itself for all the eye candy, once inside the gates it just got better. Personally, my favorite part of a convention is the panels. Paul likes the shwag. There was plenty of both to be had of course, and we were both glad to be wearing comfortable shoes as we covered miles of ground viewing adorable asian toys, clothes, and artwork. My favorite panel was a hilarious look at Japanese Western animes. We took an in-depth and tragically hilarious view of the various "stereo-typical Americans" as seen through the eyes of the East, such as the rude and ego-centric cowboy who has no regard for social rules and claims his own authority; the busty blonde whore. And the brunette one; the care-free college bi-sexual; the meat-head jock; and the womanizer who always wins in the end. What was really funny were the crowds of scandalized and perfectly upright Japanese citizens ever present in the background, shaking their heads in disbelief at our American ways.

The night wrapped up with a half and half audience participation comedy show. It was half 'laugh until I cried', and half awkward creepy silence. Paul convinced me to get up and share one of our favorite jokes, which was a sure crowd pleaser. "What is something 9 out of 10 people enjoy?" "Gang rape." ... At least, this crowd found it entertaining. ;)

We would have liked to go on to a few of the X-rated anime events, but with my usual finesse, I once again had left my ID at home, and we were forced to call it quits with the kiddies.

All in all a fun experience. Looking forward to the next one!