ConnectiCon really keeps you on your toes. It was non stop panel hopping! Unlike larger events like San Diego Comic Con, you can see everything you want and don't have to wait in too much long of a line. As Doug Walker said on his videos, "Half your childhood is there!" So much programming was stacked up on top of each other, it's really hard at times to pick and choose which ones to attend first. Saturday had a ton of events going on. Later in the evening, we were entertained by fireworks.

 

Cosplay Death Match by Jared
If masquerade is not competitive enough for you then there is always the deathmatch where heroes may fall and the oddest characters may rise to glory. The cosplay death match puts various popular characters into battle for the audience to judge who is the best. Two characters come up on stage and the audience cheers to decide the winner. This year we saw a new, unexpected champion: Bill Nye the Science Guy. It was great to see the battles play out and the whole audience had a great time cheering for teir favorite characters to win the battle.

 

That Guy with the Glasses Q&A by Scarlet
Last year, Doug Walker answered fan questions about his "Nostalgia Critic" series. This highly acclaimed review show is a hit with 20somethings and 30somethings at the con. While the main events room was not filled to capacity, the line for questions was fairly long. Highlights included the typical "say this line" requests. There was even a rep from New York who wanted Doug Walker to be a part from a legitimate Adventure Time series. This year, Rob Walker also joined the Q&A session. Because the name of the panel was titled "That Guy With the Glasses" some people thought this would also include the Nostalgia Chick and Todd in the Shadows since they did appear in the online media guests row, but it was much more focused on Doug and Rob fielding questions from the fans.

 

Cartoon Nostalgia with Signal Crash by Jared
Some cartoons from the 80s are remembered by everyone like GI Joe, My Little Pony, and Transformers, but there are some that have fallen to the wayside over the years. We got treated to clips from Thundarr the Barbarian, Defenders of the Earth, and Dino Saucers. The team from Signal Crash also showed off some of their sketch videos and gave away prizes for trivia. It was a fun panel and it was great to sing a long with classic cartoon theme songs. If you have the chance to hit a Signal Crash panel do so, you will have a fun time.

 

Gender Identity in Anime and Convention Culture by Scarlet
I'm usually quite curious about social issues and how certain issues are portrayed in media. After attending a few panels at Arisia 2013 that delved into how social issues tie into fandom, I thought I'd give this panel a chance. The panel was hosted by a trans-woman that covered the basics of gender identity. This panel originally had a few other speakers to provide perspective on the topic. I was hoping to hear insight about trans characters and / or gender queer character in anime and media. The panel did touch upon negative portrayals in Rupaul's Drag Race, Glee, and Orange is the New Black, but I would have liked to have discussed said portrayals and how they impact the community in greater detail.

 

ConnectiCon Cabaret by Scarlet
ConnectiCon has a pretty happening nightlife. Many people hit the rave at the Marriott. Because the convention center closes at midnight, everyone is pushed over to the Marriott side. We couldn't enter the rave because of our bag (they have a no bags allowed rule) and we couldn't go to the 21+ lounge because it was full. The only thing to really do on Saturday night around the Marriott was the CTCon Cabaret. We sat in for a while to see what this was all about. The first act was a Choose Your Own Adventure type of thing where actors were asked to improvise. Other acts were open mic accoustic performances. It was around this time we started feeling tired and went back to the hotel for pizza and a good night sleep.

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