Anime Boston 2015 was a pretty fun con. I do admit having much more fun in previous years. However, the build up to Anime Boston was pretty stressful. It had nothing to do with the con itself, but long story short, my sewing machine broke down and I could not find a place that would be willing to repair a newer Brother machine that had decent customer service. I did manage to get a new machine prior to the con, but due to nearly being scammed, the machine did not arrive until days before the convention. Anyone can relate to pre-con stress. Normally, I don't get stressed before a con - a con is like my escape into nerd paradise; I don't get to see much of "my kind" every day. However, this did damper some planning. However, I did not let it get the best of me.

Anime Boston 2015 had a lot to offer if you identify as an anime fan. I also feel that the casual otaku can get a lot from it. One of my favorite additions from this event was the Foundations of Anime panel series. I had no idea that our History of Lupin III panel was accepted as part of that track. However, I felt that finding the room for the track was pretty hard. You had to go to the fifth floor of the Sheraton to get there. Yowza! I felt this panel series could have done well at the Hynes. I do like the Public Garden room - it would make for a nice area for a con suite or a maid cafe (hint hint!).

As I mentioned on the report, I don't like how cosplay photoshoots are handled. I really do feel now that Anime Boston is a large con attracting multiple fandoms, staff needs to take over moderating the cosplay photoshoots list. I would like to avoid double booking areas. Though Love Live had the area first, it was really unfair to us that no one checked in the forums to see if the location was double booked. While I know fan meet ups are fan run, it's next to impossible finding an alternate location once we had to leave without causing issue with security.

Overall, I liked what events I did attend. I'm always entertained by the cosplay events. This is the side of cosplay that we don't normally see on social media or what mainstream media sites cover. In an age were cosplay is associated with whomever has the most popularity, Anime Boston embraces a "cosplay is for everyone" atmosphere. While you do have to pass a screening and wear anime cosplay to be involved in the cosplay games, it is well worth being a part of. It's fun to see fellow fans be the characters they love and to be put in silly situations. Cosplay Dating Game, Cosplay Chess, and masquerade were just some of my favorite events this weekend. While these were games, you can really see that everyone was having fun - no one was in it for fame and fortune, but rather, just to celebrate the spirit of fandom. I really want to try Chess and the Dating Game next year!

Anime Boston never fails to impress me. The guest list is always robust and there's always something to check out. I'm not really into con raves, so the lack of one does not really bother me. I do like the mix of industry and fan panels; there was an even mix for a large event like this. The dealers room had a lot to look at and I did not leave empty handed. Convention security was friendly and they didn't seem to mind that I brought outside food for lunch. Tip: Head over to Trader Joe's across the street for salads - it's healthier and cheaper than convention center food.

In conclusion, if you are local to the New England area, Anime Boston is worth checking out even for the casual anime fan. This is easily in my top five favorite anime conventions ever. Keep up the great work and I look forward to next year. I'm already plotting some Utena cosplay...fencing is a sport right?

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