Ripped Straight from the Forums! Here we come, Chicago Comic-Con Wizard World!

CHICAGO COMIC-CON DEBUTS ANIME CENTRAL’S ACEN AFTERSHOCK!

With the flash-bulbs and excitement barely fading from the 12th annual Anime Central show this past spring, Chicago Comic-Con will be the only place to experience the first ever Anime Central Aftershock!

Chicago Comic-Con Producer Gareb Shamus announces, “I am thrilled to be working with our friends in the Anime community for the first time at our event. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to bring even more excitement to all our fans in Chicago.”

Anime Central (ACen) is the annual convention of the Midwest Animetion Promotion Society, Chicago's largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention. Chicago Comic-Con runs from August 6-9, 2009 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. It is a national pop culture convention, connecting attendees with celebrity guests, artists, writers and other industry professionals.

ACen Aftershock! offers a taste of anime and manga fandom with exhibitors, artists, anime showings, panel events, cosplay, contests, and a host of other exciting events normally found only at the yearly Anime Central show. This is the first time ever that ACen has offered programming to fans outside of their annual event. Attendees are encouraged to show up in anime costume.

Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.wizardworld.com and 877-402-3748.

“We’re excited to be working with Chicago Comic-Con on this venture," said Rosa Halcomb, the chair for Anime Central 2009 and 2010. "This is an amazing opportunity for fans to get a taste of Chicago Comic-Con and Anime Central at the same time. It’s going to be so much fun!"

The Midwest Animation Promotion Society will present the premiere ACenAftershock! at Chicago Comic-Con August 6-9 with programming at both the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

GET CHICAGO COMIC-CON TICKETS NOW!

Blast from the past...

Pulled this from Youtube... a vid from Masquerade past!





Make sure to check out the vid itself on youtube, there's a lot of folks that went into this! And it showed!

Press release, attendance news, and more!

June 16, 2009 – Prospect Heights, Illinois – Anime Central is pleased to announce the attendance figures for its 12th annual convention. ACen had 15,463 paid attendees and 1,786 industry, staff, guest, presenter, and other no-cost memberships for a total aggregate attendance of 17,249. 2009 attendance demonstrates a 3,349 attendee (24%) increase over 2008 totals. Increase figures may not be exact due to application issues in 2008 which forced a manual count.

ACen 12 introduced new sights and events such as the Khaotic Kouture fashion show, cosplay chess and the Battletech™ room. These were in addition to the 2009 installment of many perennial favorites: Underground Groove and Soap Bubble (dances), The Robotech World Tour hosted by Robotech.com, the Masquerade, Anime Hell, Midnight Madness and many others. This year’s convention featured highly attended concerts by M.O.V.E, The Slants, Mark Hildreth, Vic Mignogna (with a surprise appearance by M.O.V.E) and the Spoony Bards.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet and speak with many guests of honor including international guests Aoi Kidokoro, Rhea Silvan, Chiaki Takahashi, and Shinichi Watanabe. Our American guests were Yamila Abraham, JL Anderson, Robert Axelrod, Matt Boyd, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Josh Elder, Dr. Kerry Freedman, August Hahn, Mark Hildreth, Carl Horn, Caitlin Glass, Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield, Bruce Lewis, Russell Lissau, Vic Mignogna, Fred Perry, Studio Capsule, Misako Rocks and Steve Yun. Acen 12 also offered musical sets by Da/Le , DJ Chucky , DJ Comet, REDALiCE, DJ HeavyGrinder, and many others, the Anime Car Show, the largest Artist’s Alley in the Midwest, over 180 live panel events and much more!

Anime Central would like to thank all the special guests, attendees, industry, DJs, media, artists and staff for their help and support in making 2009 an incredible year.

Dates and location for Anime Central 13, or “ACen the 13th” have been finalized. The 2010 event will occur May 14th – 16th 2010, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Memberships for 2010 will be available at Anime Central Road Show events throughout the remainder of 2009, beginning with Chicago Comic-Con, August 6-9th, 2009. Online registration for 2010 is set to open in September, 2009. Road Show locations, pricing and other information will be available in July at www.acen.org.

About Anime Central:
Anime Central is Chicago's largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention. The convention is currently held in Rosemont, IL which is less than 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. The convention location is less than five minutes from O'Hare International Airport and only 35 minutes from Midway International Airport. Detailed information about ACen can be found at www.acen.org.

Know Thy Cosplayer - Jia*Jem

Say hi to Jia*Jem. She was kind enough to do a quick Q&A with her about her experiences cosplaying and at Anime Central. Funny thing is I've actually taken her picture before too, I just didn't know it was her. Go figure!


So what did she have to say?

1. How long have you been cosplaying?

Anime Central 2003 was the first convention I cosplayed at, so going on 7 years now!

2. What was your first con? How did you like it?

Anime Central 2001. I had a very bad first impression of anime conventions. I didn't know what to expect, and it was beyond my worst nightmare. I didn't even know what cosplay was and was horrified to see it. I couldn't believe that people wasted so much time and money to make costumes no one outside a single event would recognize. Then of course there was the stench, the long lines, the hyper socially backwards people randomly touching me. I spent the whole day making fun of everyone with my friends, and swore to never go back to the land of crazies again.

3. How many times have you been to Anime Central?
LOL.... every year since 2003. My, how opinions change!

5. Fave cosplay you ever did?

Probably my favorite costume is my most simple costume, and not even Japanese-related - Lola from the german movie Run Lola Run. I just have such an affinity for her character. My hair was bright red for 6 years because of my obsession with that movie!

6. Have you ever completed a costume, had an "oh crap" moment and had to completely redo it?

Not yet! But I have many "oh crap" moments along the way of pretty much every costume, such as sewing sleeves on upside down/inside out, sewing zippers on backwards, not buying enough fabric, et cetera. I'm not an expert by any means; I'm just tenacious and never give up.

7. Are you recognized outside of cosplay?

Not at all, except by friends.

8. What was your first cosplay?

Technically, before I knew the word cosplay, I made a Misty costume when the first movie came out. It was halloween, and a friend gave me a poster from the theatre. I threw together a quick Misty costume from my closet to pass out candy to the kiddies to. Thank goodness there are no pictures of that!

9. What factors in more when choosing a cosplay, the outfit or the character?
I choose characters that I know and love. My only example of choosing based on design alone is Ritz from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. I tried playing the game but I hate tactics games. The character design spoke to me so I just had to do it! Big fat poser, I know. Some I've done just to be part of a group, such as Yuna from Final Fantasy X-2 or Freya from Chobits. I'm not fond of either character, but know the series' and bowed to my friends' cosplay demands. All my other cosplays I know and love the characters.

10. What kind of outfits catch your eye more?
Bodysuits, crazy colors, vinyl, 80's inspired getups. I'm definitely not into frou frou ballgowns or delicate flowy dresses!

11. What kinds of characters do you like to play?

Redheads. Something about them intriques me. They're usually spunky, headstrong and fiery. I heart them.

12. Do you act like your characters when cosplaying? Or are you more for posing for pictures?
When I start getting into costume, I definitely start "becoming the character" in my mind as well. It helps to be in a similar mindset because then posing comes much more naturally. When people quote the series to me, I do respond in character, but other than that I'm just my usual self. As far as being rude, acting carelessly, or believing I'm actually the character, absolutely not.

13. How did it feel the first time you had your picture taken? The first time you saw your picture in a media outlet (website, magazine, internet)?
I'm not gonna lie - it's pretty awesome. I still remember the first day I cosplayed and it felt weird to have people take my photo that weren't my relatives! I was instantly hooked. It's like being a mini-celebrity for a few hours. But unlike real celebrities, you can take your costume off and just be yourself whenever you want. It's the best of both worlds.

14. Do you ever have trouble explaining to people why you are dressing up in costume when it's not Halloween?
I'd like to think most people think it's kind of neat, but I'm probably fooling myself. They're smiling at me while I'm explaining, thinking "this girl is loony". But that's okay. I just gave them something to talk about at the dinner table.

15. 5 years, do you see yourself having stopped cosplaying?

No. As a matter of fact, I have a list of old characters that I'm waiting to age into. Of course, since they are all over 30 years old, this means they are all wise old sages with beards down to their ankles. Gotta start working on that beard now!

16. Any weird stories related to your cosplay experiences you can share? (fanboys, etc.)
The weirdest stories have to do with foot fetishists. I have gotten approached by a few; not even at conventions, but online and at cosplay photoshoots in Chicago and Los Angeles. I got a footrub in an alley (my friends were there - I just let him do it because I thought it was amusing), requests to step on some guy's throat in high heels, and two invitations to have my toes sucked. I don't have particularly lovely or petite feet, so I guess they have a certain je ne sais quoi?

17. Describe the what can make a poorly thought out cosplay, in your opinion.

I don't think there's such a thing. Everyone has a different reason for what they're wearing, and on some level thought it was a good idea. I'm not there to pass judgement. Some don't try too hard because they're just getting in the spirit of a convention, and it's not fair to judge them because accuracy or looks may have been the farthest thing from their mind.

18. Do you still get "con withdrawal" when the weekend is over?
No, that's "con high" time. Con withdrawal happens when I haven't been to a convention for three or four months.

19. What do you do when not designing costumes or going to conventions?

I am a full-time student getting my masters degree in Accounting. I will have to work for a very liberal firm, lol. Wait 'till they see those Nazi Hellsing pictures! ...actually, I should probably seriously think about that.

20. Planning on coming back to ACen next year?

Absolutely! I wouldn't miss it!

21. Give a random piece of advice. Any subject, free for all.

Never say Never. I said it about cosplay... and look at me now, 40+ costumes later!

Thanks, Jia! See you next time, cosplayer :)

All-in-one!

Best of the pics I've taken over the past 5 years, all here!


http://picasaweb.google.com/ACen.VasTheStampede

Know Thy Cosplayer - HezaChan!

Say hi to HezaChan! I contacted her through the Anime Central forums to send her a pic of her Puma Twins cosplay. She was kind enough to do a little Q&A for this here blog as well as a pic of her Cutie Honey cosplay. Funny enough, it wasn't until after she wrote me back that I realized I'd seen her before and actually took a pic of her back at ACen 2008.

How long have you been cosplaying?
Since 2001.

What was your first con?
SugoiCon 2001

Was this your first ACen?
Nope! My first year at ACen was 2008.

How did you like it?
It was bigger than any con I had been to previously so it was pretty overwhelming at first, but I quickly got used to it.

Fave cosplay?
That is a really tough decision for me to make since I love almost all my costumes, but if I had to pick only one I'd have to go with my Yoko cosplay.

Besides Felicia, what others have you made other versions of?
I've cosplayed many versions of Komugi from Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Majikarte. She's like my favorite character from any series.

Are you recognized outside of cosplay?
I would say kind of. It's not too common that someone will recognize me out of cosplay though...

What was your first cosplay?
Lime from Saber Marionette J.

What factors in more when choosing a cosplay, the outfit or the character?
It usually is the character first. If I love them enough I'll go beyond my comfort zone just because I love that character so much.

What kind of outfits catch your eye more?
Something colorful and playful! I don't tend to do costumes that resemble normal clothing that everyday people would wear. I like costumes that stand out from the norm.

What kinds of characters do you like to play as?
Moe, cutesy, and playful characters. I dunno they just appeal to me and my personality even if I don't usually fit the bodytype.

Do you act like your characters when cosplaying? Or are you more for posing for pictures?
I used to act like my character more when I was younger than I do now. I usually just pose in character for photos or if I'm entering the masq. I will act like my character then. Also if I'm asked to say or do something the character does in the anime/manga then I'll do it.

How did it feel the first time you had your picture taken? The first time you saw your picture in a media outlet (website, magazine, internet)?
It feels pretty good to know that someone recognizes the character you are cosplaying and/or appreciates your work. When I first discovered pictures of my Felicia and Rabi~en~Rose cosplays in Animerica I was so surprised! I never thought in a million years that my picture would make it in a magazine.

Do you ever have trouble explaining to people why you are dressing up in costume when it's not Halloween?
Na, I don't really make excuses either like "it's a school project". I just tell them flat out what it is and if they don't know what anime/cosplay is and they ask I'll explain. But I usually do add that I do it to compete, that way it doesn't sound too weird.

5 years, do you see yourself having stopped cosplaying?
Probably not. I'm a very stubborn person.

Any weird stories related to your cosplay experiences you can share? (fanboys, etc.)
I have had an internet stalker who says I have a "beautiful cheast" and claims he's met me at a Georgia con when I've never even been to Georgia for a convention before. It gets weirder but I rather not get into that right now... ^^;

Describe the worst cosplay you've seen.
Normally I try not to look at costumes and go "OMG that's horrible!" because everyone has a starting point and has to learn from experience. But the worst cosplay I've seen has to be this one L cosplayer who obviously didn't try. I guess that having that notebook makes it an "instant cosplay"!

And on that bombshell, I bid you adieu. Thanks, Hezachan! (Yes, I'm not putting her name out there. You want it? Get to know her!)

Did you see them in the Exhibit Hall?

In case you were wandering around, I've pulled this from the Anime Central forum (http://acen.org/forums):

Courtesy of the Artist Alley/Exhibit Hall DH for 2009, Phil, a list of the vendors that showed up for ACen 2009!

• Odyssey Anime
• Science Fiction Continuum
• SG Imports
• ANIME DEPOT/ KING ROACHENTERPRISES, INC
• Asylum Anime
• Discotek Media
• Ravenwing Wearable Art
• Anime Remix
• Anime Palace
• AnimeStuffStore.com
• Punch Brand
• MAD-GEAR
• MADQUEEN STUDIO
• Modondi
• Anime Pavilion
• J and J Enterprises
• Best Anime Shop
• IT Cosplay
• Anime Gift
• Love Zutto
• Sticker Booth
• Windmill Game Co.
• Game Replica
• Killer Toys
• The Comic Cellar
• Off World Designs
• Collectors Universe and Anime
• Swords & Comics
• Mr Weekends Posters
• Boshi-Basiik LLC
• Gozer Games, LLC
• Wizzywig Inc
• Anime Sekai LLC
• Video Games New York
• Anime V
• White Wolf Toys
• Global Anime
• Cartoon Passion
• Sun Anime
• Pegasus Publishing
• J Pop House
• Timeless Trends
• JPNToys
• Kingdom Arts
• Orgxiii.org
• Antarctic Press
• Greentea Design
• Nintendo
• Far East Emporium
• Toys Logic
• Westwood College - DuPage Campus
• Kinokuniya Bookstores of America
• Aardvark Tees
• Digital Discs
• Crimson Chain
• Angelicstar.net
• 88 Dragon Trading
• Wizards Wagon
• Pawstar
• Twilight Creations INC.
• Funanimation
• Reprograhics
• Eagle Anime
• Monkey Design USA
• Fast Food Anime
• Wolfhome Adventuring Outfitters
• Be Kyoot
• Swords And More
• The Illinois Institute of Art- Shaumburg
• Light it Up and The Grand Illumination
• Dragon Song Swords
• Sasugu Japanese Bookstore
• Happy Japan
• Art Toons
• Anime Fan Zone
• Fanciful Faces
• Gimme Anime
• Chibi Buddies
• Hen Da Ne
• Altertimes
• Lady Heather's Fashions
• Media Blasters
• White Wizard Toys
• JP Gift

Gotta catch'em all?