In many ways this year’s Anime Boston felt like a blur. It seemed like I was always running somewhere and always doing something, which is one of the few things I hope for at an event. Boredom is one of the worst things that can happen at a convention because if there is nothing to do then why should you even go to the event. With that being said Anime Boston had a few bumps, but overall was an enjoyable event.
This year was also held at the Hynes Convention Center, which is easy to get to from just about anywhere in the Boston area. However, the layout is not that great and it is easy to get lost when trying to find a specific room or location. That isn’t the fault of the event, it is more of a warning for those who are attending for the first time. This year I was better acquainted with the venue, but I still had some issues navigating until day two. On the good side there were nice electronic signs for the rooms and they were updated so that you could always find out what was going on even if you are just panel hopping without a schedule.
Programming was, once again, hit and miss this year. While there were some great fan and industry panels, I did find that there were moments when no panels caught my interest. Thankfully, I could use that time for lunch or exploring the rest of the event. The best part of programming this year was the inclusion of the Foundations of Anime track, which my Lupin panel was part of during the convention. I would love to do more panels for that track, but it would be nice if it wasn’t hidden away on the fifth floor of the hotel. The worst part about programming this year was the odd times for some panels. There seemed to be no real time when 18+ panels would occur, which seemed very odd. In addition to that, it seemed like there were more video game panels this year than anime themed panels which seems odd when this is an anime convention.
This year I was only able to attend one cosplay event and that was the Cosplay Couples Game. It was a fun new addition to the lineup that played out like the classic Newlywed Game. It was a nice show and I’d love to be involved with it next year due to the fun you can have trying to match answers while also staying in character. Beyond that the convention still has a strong and large Dealer Hall which had a great mix of merch for just about every popular series (and a few less popular series). The artist alley was also well done and featured interesting names for the different aisles which was a very nice touch.
The theme this year was well done with ruined buildings for Kaiju or mecha pictures in addition to an Attack on Titan wall, a NERV parody door, and even the cafeteria had themed some food to the event as well. Beyond that several guests were brought in that tied into the theme as well. I really appreciate how much effort they put into the theme. As for the attendee vibe was mixed as it tends to be with larger events. Some people were friendly and talkative while others pushed people out of the way to get where they are going. While there is some attitude it isn’t enough to bring down the vibe of the event.
Before the convention I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wasn’t excited about Anime Boston, nor was I dreading it. If anything I began this event feeling rather indifferent. However, during the event I did enjoy myself despite a few gripes. As I look back on my experience I generally have a positive feeling about the convention. I know others enjoyed themselves more than I did and others were not as fond of this year. I think this year was average, but average for Anime Boston tends to be better than many other similar sized events across the country. Anime Boston has a long way to go before it can compete with an Otakon or Anime Central, but it is far better than a Fanime or Sakura Con. I can highly recommend this event for everyone on the East Coast, but for those further away this might not be worth the trip unless there is something or someone you really want to see.
This year was better than I expected and I’m looking forward to next year and all the adventures that will come with a Field Day at Anime Boston. Until next time I’d like to give some thanks and recognition to those who made my event as good as it was. Thank you to the Anime Boston staff, the friendly security crew, Bart, Scarlet, the Lupin fans, the Jojo peeps, anyone who gave me candy, the Lyft drivers, Everyone who attended our panels, the people who found my phone, the gals from the Tales of panel, those RPG guys, street passers, and the random people in the mall who took our pictures. Until next time I’ll leave you with the usual list and remind you that if you have any comments or questions feel free to not send me an e-mail. I am curious to see how next year will roll, but until then give my love to the Fleet Girls.
THE LIST
1. Smarch Weather
2. Ora, Ora, ORAAA!!!
3. Nice to meet some JRPG fans
4. I’m Priceless
5. Broken Bow
6. Sandwiches and Salads
7. Team Mecha!
8. Three panels? I could have done more
9. RE 8: but I really shouldn't push myself that much
10. I want to do that Couples Game
11. No, I’m out of power
12. Panels were successful!
13. Crowds….
14. I did love those chocolate drinks
15. Next Cosplay: Gijinka Dodgers
16. There were Fire Emblem figures?!
17. For the price of one Jojo…
18. I have cookies!
19. Migraine, fun
20. Showed off two new costumes
21. Lost
22. Found
23. Turned Around
24. Note to Self: Remember the layout
25. Panel hopping
26. Missed the game room
27. Looking forward to next year
28. Average is not bad
29. Running late…
30. Did I mention the drinks?
31. Field Day…. Hmm…..
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