Report of Ani-magic 03

This was to be Sana-chan and I's first visit to Ani-magic. We heard a lot from various cosplaying friends how Ani-magic is relaxing, small, and a great place for cosplay gatherings.

Little did I know what to expect...

My sister and I arrived late Friday evening and immediately thought, "Why the heck are we here?" The location was so remote and ghetto that I had to wonder if this was a con in the "true" sense.

But as soon as we entered, we realized the cosplay "revue" show was going on, and everything seemed right at home. Cosplayers everywhere, taking pictures, being photographed; the coolest thing was seeing people decorate their hotel windows with gunblades, Initial D, dot.hack, and more! I never realized there was a window decorating contest. 0_o

I saw K_Valentine and Nadeshiko on stage in their Lupin gear being oh so cute! ^_^ We ran into Alaria, Lionel, BustaJonesGavin, and eventually caught up with Ashley, whom we were rooming with, saw Juri in a beautiful Chi outfit, laughed silly at DarkVision being in Nuriko, and remained confused to the "Where's my game?" going on between Sana and Skye.

Won't even try to explain that, but continuing forward:

Friday evening I was cosplaying a "Ghetto Kaoru." The only Yahiko at the con knew what I was, which was even more freakier! 0_o I love my yukata, but seriously, I'd rather wear a kimono that Kaoru actually wears, or at least get a pink bow for my hair and dye it black next time.

Saturday was an "interesting" day, and really defined the con for me. We woke up early to continental breakfast and then headed over to get our badges. I was dressed as Yukino Miyazawa from Kare kano and I loves me Ashley for letting me garb it! Eurobeat King met up with us and took some pictures of us all before making the rounds with other cosplayers!

The dealers room was small, granted, I only bought a badge so I could get some extra posters to fill my dorm room. (Yeah I know, wasted 35 bucks for that?) After perusing the dealers room I left to check out other cosplayers, and take their pictures. I mostly sat around the pool though, waiting for my group to get back so I could change into my Freya costume.

At the suggestion of Sana-chan, I wore Ashley's Freya instead of my own to match with Juri's Chi outfit (They both had trains). I enjoyed being in that costume immensely! Molesting Freya and Chi pics were the highlight, and the Chobits Gathering was a lot of fun to stand for 20 minutes and take pictures! We were in the Japanese gardens and the setting was just perfect!

Juri and I immediately hightailed it to the cosplay.com gathering. Pretty much everyone showed up and I was excited to see Adella's pretty cosplay.com banner (made of felts no less).

After dispersing I changed back into Yukino and followed my sis and Ashely around as they doing shoots for Magic Knight Rayearth. As Kyle was taking pictures of them. I snapped a few shots with my own camera too.

One particular shot was the death of me. I wanted a wide angle shot so I backed up a bit to get them full body. I backed up too far and fell...yes fell into the pool.

 While I was thinking inwardly how I felt relieved from the heat of the desert (yes I had been sweltering before hand), I freaked out because my entire purse, digital camera and film camera, wallet, EVERYTHING fell in with me.

And on top of that I got Ashley's costume all sopping wet!

Being the self-conscious freak that I am, I was really upset. Everyone was worrying if I was alright and so I was dragged back by my sister to the room to take a shower.

The rest of the con I was bummed that my cameras got completely shot. Thankfully my 2nd roll of film survived but I was obviously not able to use the latter half of film...what a waste. The digital card from the digital cam survived but not the cam itself.

But at the time I feared they didn't survive and so I was depressed about all the work I did to take them, and the fact I wouldn't be able to take any more pictures.

But moping as I was, I did change into Electra for the Cowboy Bebop gathering. That did lift my spirits a little, the keyboard typing Eds were so cute! XD

After being condoled by Adella and Yuna, I changed into my Kingdom Hearts Riku. I found Gavin and Adella to take pictures with, and I was happy cuz I didn't have pics from Kyle's camera for my Riku costume.

After perusing around, got glomped by a Yu Yu Hakusho character, and finally ran into Kusanagi and friend, I headed back to get some grub: cup o noodle style. I shared with Skye and Sana.

I wasn't sure whether or not to attend the masquerade but I did anyway; I mean, it's tradition right? We sat with ZiggyB, AJ and moo, had fun conversations and enjoyed watching the masquerade for what it was worth.

It was an "ok" masquerade. I guess I can't complain considering I've been spoiled by AX's masquerades. The skits were funny, lot of cute ones, but after the last Sera Myu performance, we didn't stick around to hear the winners.

Sunday was less exciting for me. I didn't cosplay at all. I guess I could've worn my original Freya that I didn't wear, but I was cosplayed out. I went into the dealers room, met up with Doremi-chan, and got my posters for my walls.

 Basically Sunday was just a regular hang out day. Did get to talk with Tetsugyu, Lord Masamune, Bri and KT. I was sad I didn't get to talk to FlameSniper Rei nor L to the 3rd this much at the con.

Needless to say I wasn't nearly as excited when I left, nor wishing I could stay longer. I was actually looking forward to getting back.

But does that mean I won't go to Ani-Magic next year? Of course not! I'll go, if anything, I loved the homey atmosphere of this convention a lot. I practically knew everyone and if I didn't, well then they were just new friends to meet! In all honesty though I think it was a waste to buy the badge, I didn't even go to panels nor the gaming room that required it! Then again it did support the con and I hear it will be at a different hotel.

Just as long as its not surrounded by a pool next time, all will be good! ^_^