Another Anime Convention was a pretty fun convention. For a small event that has been running for several years, I really feel that the convention knows its audience and knows how to keep attendees happy and busy. Out of all the conventions I attended, this has to be some of the best programming I have seen in a while. As mentioned before, there are events that run from AM to PM. There are lots of things for kids to do in the daytime – arts, crafts, voice actor panels, Pokémon tournaments, etc. I was quite envious because there was a DIY Parasol workshop where you can paint Japanese parasols. Unfortunately, I only brought costumes, not anything that’s craft work friendly. When I say this convention is fun for all ages, I do mean all ages. There are a lot of things to do in the evening hours. Most anime conventions often get flack for not having enough nightlife. Not even New York Comic Con or Anime Expo provided nightlife programming. Not to say that they’re horrible events, but Another Anime Convention had panels to entertain cosplayers (Cosplay Truth or Dare) and a few to satisfy the 21+ mature crowd (Dragons Den). I wish I took some time to check out the Dragons Den and compare it to Anime Expo’s 21+ lounge, but from what I can tell, the Dragons Den was a larger venue and was a nightly thing, rather than a lounge that was open all day. There was always something fun to do provided by the convention. Of course, people make their own fun. This also seemed like a pretty good room party con. I stopped by Cosplay Nation’s room party just to meet some of the producers behind the documentary. The hotel did have security peruse the floors in the wee AM hours, but as far as I can tell, people generally behaved and followed the rules. The location was well loved by the attendees and long time AAC patrons. While this is my first time at AAC, I did enjoy the location. I loved the front part of the Radisson because you could take plenty of epic autumn shots. It's perfect for slice of life themed photoshoots. Another Anime Convention is also a pretty good hangout con. There's plenty of places to sit down and relax. The Curriers room had tables and chairs to sit back and chill. Even if there was a Pokemon tournament or a Lolita swap meet, you could still claim a table and catch up with friends. Even so, there was plenty to do at this event. If you enjoy panel hopping, this is the con for you. There was always an interesting panel listed on the schedule. Unfortunately, I could not make it all of the panels I wanted to hit, but the con gave you something to do to make the weekend badge price worth it. Moon Prism Poptarts had a pretty good east coast debut. We had a handful of people while the panel was up against Cosplay Chess. I do have to thank the staff for trying to figure out how to connect this Dell to the projector. I am really glad a lot of people enjoyed it. Sunday was the big nostalgia hit day. I thoroughly enjoyed Fandom Abridged and Memoirs of a Cosplayer because those panels brought back a lot of memories and things American otaku take for granted. Though my cosplays (Heart Catch Pretty Cure and Idolm@ster) seemed esoteric for this event, I still had fun. There were a lot of pony's and trolls wandering around the halls. AAC provided the most fun I had in a while. Many thanks to Anime Jam Session for helping me out with hotel accomodations. Also, thanks to Cosplayer Nation for letting me pimp out Scarlet Rhapsody and Bizarro World of Sports. Overall, the convention was fun. I highly reccomend it for New England locals looking for a way to get away and close off the year. Prepare yourselves, Anime Boston is coming. 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 Poornut. Many thanks to Dream Host, Adobe Bridge, MS Photodraw, Picasa, and Dreamweaver for making this site design possible. |