I like to keep an open mind when it comes to first year events. With that said, I was willing to give Comikaze a shot. I came in with low expectations. I really did not know what to expect. Originally, Comikaze was billed as "Los Angeles Comic Con." Given that Los Angeles is the heart and soul of the entertainment business, I knew this convention had something to deliver. I was originally going to attend just for one day, but since I had so much left to do, might as well go both days.

I was very impressed by the size of the dealer's room. I was also surprised that the event took place in a former parking lot on the basement level of South Hall. I thought that the event would take place in Tom Bradley hall since the dealer's room for Anime Expo and exhibit hall for E3 is typically held there. The down points to the location and logistics is that the area has poor accoustics. Panel rooms were curtained off. Though I enjoyed the panels that I attended, it was difficult hearing the panlists because of cheering from the next panel room. Hopefully, Comikaze can afford to get the panel rooms at the LA convention center. As a location, I have no issues with the LA convention center. If you do go to Comikaze, save up for parking ($12-$15) and get there early. It can take up to 20 minutes to find good parking.

The masquerade was a fine show, but I am sure that the organizers knew they could have pulled off a better event if they had the right enviroment to do so. The audience had to stand up to watch the cosplay runaway style contest. Costumes strutted down a makeshift catwalk as photographers stood by the sidelines for photo ops. I hope that next year that the masquerade will have a stage and an appropriate area for photographers to take photos. Otherwise, I really did enjoy the contest.

Another common issue is that there were no program guides. It would have been nice to have a paper program guide on hand so I know what panels are being offered and who is hosting them. A few cosplayers asked me when and where the Mark Hamill panel was being held. Another issue is that there were no souvenir badges. For two day attendees, it would have been nice to have a first year souvenir badge commerating the first Comikaze.

However, I did enjoy myself at this event. I was happy to find comics that I have been looking for; Madame Mirage and Fables. It was nice seeing famillar faces again. I have not seen Brad Keston (Charlie Brown's voice actor) and Kathy Steinberg (Sally Brown's voice actress) since Long Beach Comic Con 2009. If you are ever at a convention, be sure to say "hi" to these people. They're the most down to earth people you'll ever meet at a convention. I also did see Chase Masterson again; it was a name I have not heard of since SiliCon 2008. I also did get to meet Virginia Hey (The Living Daylights) who introduced me to her couture line. She was selling scented soap and candles. I just had to pick up a few!

It was also nice seeing Scuttlebutt Ink. Thank you for the fanart drawings of Jack Harkness! Speaking of fan artists, thanks to Purple Top Hat for getting that commission of myself dressed as Rarity. Likewise, it was nice seeing friends again: Stephen Weese, Luck in Spades, Yaya Han, V3 Cosplay Syndicate, and Chocolate Covered Cosplay.

Otherwise, if you claim to be nerd of anything whether it be anime (there were a ton of you anime cosplayers! Kudos to all of you for representin'!), video games, comics, movies, Steampunk, Lolita, books, science fiction, horror, or anything else from childhood, you have found your home away from home. Just be prepared for wall-to-wall crowds. The crowds can bottlebeck in areas that have popular booths (ie: Stan Lee, Elvira). I have much faith that Comikaze will only continue to grow and bring in guests that everyone can enjoy. With that said, much luck to Comikaze Expo's future. It looks like a bright one!

Pictures are copyright by Scarlet Rapsody. If we took your picture, feel free to use it on your cosplay gallery. While you're here, do sign the guest book. The site was brought to you by the font Batman. This website was made possible by Dreamhost, Picasa, Photodraw, and Dreamwaver. Sprites are from Sailor Energy.