After a good night of sleep, I woke up bright and early to get ready for the convention. I decided to cosplay as Kokoro from Dead or Alive 4. Friday was supposedly the fighting game cosplay gathering. After having a light breakfast, I went downstairs to get my press credentials cleared. What was unique about Anime Central's press department was the fact they had a press room where journalists and bloggers can interview guests of honor. Anime Central was very kind to offer two interview conferences for press to attend.

By noon, there were plenty of cosplayers already getting together.

Registration seemed to go pretty smooth from what I have observed. Anime Central is also one of the few anime conventions to mail your badge in advance.

The dealer's hall opened at 10AM. This is where most people seemed to congregate. The dealer's room was adjacent to registration, the art show, artist alley, a few panel rooms, and the amptguard area. This all took place at the Donald Stephens Convention Center which was right across the street from the Hyatt, Double Tree, and Embassy Suites.

There were plenty of interesting finds in the dealer's hall. Like I mentioned in the 2008 and 2007 report, it is very easy to find cosplay supplies whether if it's a pre-made costume, make up, wigs, shoes, socks, etc. The dealer's hall also sold raver wear, gothic lolita wear, traditional Japanese attire, and corsets. I was able to find a wig dealer that I have had my eyes on for a while. Arda Wigs was there as a vendor. I needed a longer wig for Kokoro and another wig for an Anime Expo project. Because I have a mocha skin tone, party colors are very hit and miss for me. The girls at Kingdom Arts were able to help me to pick which shade of red would look best on my skin. The nice thing about purchasing costume pieces and accessories was I did not have have to pay the messy shipping fees either. The price you see if what you get it for.

The dealer's hall also had a few familliar faces that I see at most major events. He Da Ne Inc had their infamous Yaoi Guy selling boys love themed doujinshi. Though it was rather amusing seeing him yell, "Get your red hot yaoi!" as a neighboring booth was playing The Village People. I also ran into another convention buddy, Yaya Han. She was sellling her usual stock of cat ears and wings.

Friday was already in full swing. People were already flocking to the dealer's hall to score some anime merchindise. Meanwhile, I was thumbing through a Dead or Alive 4 strategy guide to refresh myself on Kokoro fighting poses.

I read about Sailor Moon Squares on the Anime Central forums. I decided to check it out for the sake of nostalgia since I grew up watching Sailor Moon in middle school. I went back to my room to wear the new wig I bought and then headed to the game show. Sailor Moon Squares was much like Hollywood Squares, but with Sailor Moon trivia from the anime, manga, live action series, and musicals. Perhaps the highlight of the show was when the girls played the infamous Toon Makers rendition of an American live action Sailor Moon (sometimes known as "Saban Moon"). The game show was tons of fun and I just happend to walk in as my hotelmates were in the hot seat! Shortly afterwards, there was a small Sailor Moon cosplay gathering. Many thanks to Alcera for the free Sailor Mars cosplay accessories.

I went back to the dealer's hall just to kill some time before the fighting game gathering. I found a few more cosplayers to take pictures of.

Unfortunately, I could not find the fighting game gathering. It was listed for the East Outdoor Wall area where the flagpoles stood outside the Hyatt, but all I found was the Hetalia gathering. No fighting game gathering for Kokoro.

l ran into a few of my MidWest friends; Soy Sauce and Brianna (plus daughter). While most of my MidWest cosplay group has been disbanded, it was really nice seeing MidWest people again. My only let down was not hanging out with people longer, or running into Troppy, one of my buddies from my ACen 2001-2003 days.

Unexpectedly, I ran into Old Man Mike (Conpix). It was surreal seeing another Californian press person at the event. Both of us admitted to doing double takes on each other. Old Man Mike was in town for a work related conference and his daughter informed him about Anime Central. Unfortunately, he could only do Friday, but he was able to snap some documentation that I cosplayed as Kokoro at Anime Central. It always helps to have a friend to take single shots for your reference.

Another unique side to Anime Central is that they have a children's programming room. This is specfically for kids ages 1-14. It is almost set up like a preschool classroom and daycare center. There are plenty of activities for young fans to do whether if it is coloring Pokemon pictures or watching children's anime. They also had other activities like Trick or Treating and making crafts. This was a brilliant idea on Anime Central's part since otaku are breeding new fans for a new generation.

Pictures are copyright by Scarlet Rhapsody . If I took your picture, feel free to use it on your site or cosplay gallery. While you're here, do sign the guestbook. This site was brought to you by the font Nosferatu. Many thanks to Chaz Boston Baden for the image resizing and watermarking program.