It’s been awhile since I had to write a convention review and that is why I chose to do an editorial section instead. I don’t see the point in writing a review when I am so rusty at doing reviews. That being said, I’d like to begin by giving my thanks to Nick and Stacey for providing us with transport while we stayed in Seattle. We had a great time on Thursday seeing the sights of Seattle. However, I wish I had done more on Day Zero, but resting up after a long flight is more important. I have also decided that from now on I will take jerky to every con as my primary survival ration. I almost bought some jerky and didn’t, a decision I regretted for the remainder of the con.

As for the con I had a great time, just as I did last year. This is easily the best of the West coast cons. One of the most standout features of this con is the AMV room. A good AMV room is a sure sign of a good con. It provides a place to hang out, it provides creators with a place to show off, and it provides a central location for the contest. That being said, I think the inclusion of three AMV contest showings is a bit stupid. It allows for people to “vote early and often” which could have an effect on the results. I believe it is better to have one contest showing for fans to vote, with repeats through the con for those who missed it or want to see parts of the contest again. Allowing people to show up three times to vote does not seem fair to me, then again who has the time to do that during a con?

As a cosplayer and novice cosplay photographer I am always happy with Sakura Con. There were many great video game themed cosplays this year and it made me wish I had brought more of the video game characters in my repertoire. Beyond that it makes me want to add more to my queue. My hands were pretty busy at the con as I took nearly 200 pictures this con, a record for me, but many of them were marred by my unsteady hands when I was sick and a low battery during the end of day one. This was a good learning experience for a photography novice such as myself and despite some minor problems I was still able to have many great photos from this con.

This was the second con that I was a panelist. My horror panel had a great second run and I can’t wait to do it again. It was far more organized this time because I was running everything by myself. The great flaw to this is my lack of knowledge on J-horror. No real excuse, I just haven’t watched that much of it, I just happen to watch American B-horror more often. This will hopefully be fixed by the next time I do my panel. I was also featured as “the new guy” at the AMV panel. It is nice to sit with some editors I respect (and one not so much). There were some very funny moments and a highly amusing commentary typed out by the AMV room staff. I was told one of the best lines was the commentary on my answer to why I make AMVs. The commentary goes as follows: “to escape… into the basement?” not my fault I use AMVs to escape from real life. Overall it was a great atmosphere to be a panelist.

Like with most cons coming home is the worst part of the con; with the exception of two cons wherein the con is the worst part of the con. After a nice three-day adventure looking at sexy PVC figures, taking cute pictures under the sakura blossoms, and walking around quoting Army of Darkness it is difficult to want to return to real life. I have a feeling of homesickness being away from Sakura Con, Seattle, and my lady. The only good part about coming back to SoCal is that I stumbled upon some Type-Moon artbook scans that gave me the measurements of several members of the female cast from Melty Blood and Fate/Stay Night. However, this does not really make up for the monotony of real life.

I look forward to my next venture into the Emerald City and until then at least I have my memories, my pictures, and my usual list.

1. I’m an idiot… it’s Ciel.
2. To the guy in the lab coat with the video camera: “hi.”
3. Sigh… I spilled on my notes.
4. Horror Panel: Great Success.
5. What? Matt was there?
6. Note to Self: If you plan on waiting to Day 3 to make a purchasing decision remember to hit the booth you want to buy stuff from before you leave the con.
7. I want a 30 minute spotlight next time.
8. For the last time, I am not Michael Ingersoll.
9. The heat is on in Saigon!
10. I want more cosplays that require weapons.
11. Organization is key to success.
12. I hope the girls enjoyed their trip to Seattle.
13. Next Video: Keith Burgess to “Big Black Man.”
14. You’d think Todd would be used to my way of doing things, but he is not, too bad for him.
15. I already told you, I didn’t bring Walter.
16. Damn, I should have brought James.
17. Third wheels… sigh…
18. Good, Bad… I’m the guy with the gun!
19. I want a new sword so I can cosplay from Highlander.
20. I like suspenders.
21. Favorite song from Wicked: “Sympathy for the Devil.”
22. I finally have my own section!
23. Those you respect and those you hate can change so quickly.
24. The History Channel, making flights better.
25. Sometimes I don’t know when to stop.
26. Do the Necronomicon!
27. Met some California people, not wholly unexpected.
28. I find that experience is the best teacher.
29. If you don’t want advice, then don’t speak as if you are asking for it.
30. I’m back in SoCal, but I’m not home.
31. My lucky number is a prime number, but do you know which one?

Pictures are copyright by Scarlet Rhapsody (formerly Traveling Valentine). 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 Wicked Queen. Many thanks to Chaz Boston Baden for the image resizing and watermarking program.