This is certainly going to betray my reputation as a mature reporter who covers important and major articles, but the fact of the matter is, when I’m not being the less heroic side of Peter Parker, I can be a little… nerdy (as I’m sure you have all guessed with that Spiderman reference I just made).
That side of myself is something I tend to keep quiet. Most casual acquaintances would know me as a little shy and generally quiet. I’m not the type to scream like I’m charging a special attack in the middle of a room of people, or start frothing at the mouth as I mash buttons on a game controller, trying to guide my robotic superstar singer.
Except that’s exactly what I did a few weekends ago.
Allow me to explain. I am interested in many things, but one of those things is a Japanese style of animation known as anime. It covers a variety of genres and storylines not seen in typical Western cartoons. Whereas here, animated television and movies are seen as “kids’ stuff,” in Japan, it’s a medium that all ages can enjoy.
If you’ve heard of anime, it’s probably thanks to extremely popular classics, such as Pokemon, Sailor Moon, or the Miyazaki films such as My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away. But there’s much more to the style, and thus, there are conventions around the world that celebrate the medium every year. One of these is Ai-kon in Winnipeg, the one I attended.
Ai-kon is a three-day event that has a huge amount to offer anime fans, from the casual viewer to the extremely addicted. The convention (or ‘con’ as it’s lovingly referred to) has panels for discussing anime’s different features, a dance, gaming tournaments, a marketplace, contests, and, of course, tons of enthusiastic fans. I did my best to experience all of it, but there’s so much there that it’s impossible to see it all. For that reason, I’m just going to cover some of the highlights.
I started off the convention by visiting the marketplace. I told myself that in theory, I would visit it early, purchase gifts for friends and the occasional treat for myself, and then not have to visit it for the rest of the weekend. In practice… I think the posters covering my wall, the ridiculous hat perched on my head, and the pile of plush toys in my arms (one crocheted animal, Keroberos from Cardcaptor Sakura, is now proudly placed at the front of my desk) prove how good my self-control was. I spent the drive home reminding myself that this only happens once a year, so it’s okay for me to splurge slightly. Besides, my sister adored the goodies I brought her.
A popular pastime for serious fans who want to show their pride for their favourite characters is dressing up in costume, known as cosplay. It’s a perfect hobby for those who think they need far less free time and spare change than they currently have. I now dedicate a moment of silence for all the cash my friend Ryan spent creating the outfit he wore. At least he was the belle of the ball, and I have the pictures to prove it, even if the cosplay contest judges didn’t award him anything. Though, to be honest, who was going to choose him over the adorable two-year-old who dressed as a magical girl?
Probably the best part of the convention though, at least in my opinion, are the special guests, or notable ‘stars’ involved with anime invited to the event. Over the years, I’ve met several voice actors who provide voices when anime is localized. This year, I might have met my new favourite.
Bryce Papenbrook provides the voices for several popular characters. You’ve actually probably heard his voice too, as he has several bit parts in movies in North America, such as Warm Bodies. He’s kind of famous. And I can say with certainty that he is a ray of sunshine personified.
I met him early during the convention, during a photo shoot. When I met him, he quickly pointed out my bag, which displayed a photo of one of his characters, Rin Okumura from Blue Exorcist. “Oh my god!” he cried. “Have you heard that they’re going to make a second season?” I was pretty shocked, because a lot of voice actors I’ve met before usually don’t pay attention to anime news until they’re directly involved in it, and the new season won’t be dubbed for at least a year. But I nodded and explained that I knew a bit of the story, at which point he covered his ears and insisted I don’t spoil the end for him.
I was so disappointed when I missed his autograph signing, but thankfully, I made it to his panel. Expecting a barely planned Q-and-A session, I was shocked when he pulled out a slideshow. He actually taught the audience how to make reaction noises, such as grunts, laughs, and sighs, for voiceover work. And after the panel, he brought out a marker without my even asking, taking my bag from me and asking for my name. His autograph was addressed ‘To Schayla,’ and seeing that never fails to make me smile.
I think that is what’s most important to me about the convention. In the end, it’s just a great event meant to connect people, let them make friends and happy memories. So as nerdy as I may seem, I think it’s pretty normal to just want to meet some friends; albeit friends who like television about giant robots and magical warrior princesses.
