AWA Pics and Links
I'm baaaaaack... with pics!
(the AWA 2008 event book and badge)
AWA 2008 was a blast. I just wish I really did have Cylon clones, because there were so many things going on at the same time that I did miss a slew of things I would have loved to see. I don't regret the choices I made, though (well, except for being at the hentai showings for that atrocity they showed second... but I got some churchin' the next morning, courtesy of Vic, so I was cleansed (g)). I'm still dead tired, and I'm only up because I said I would upload my few pics tonight. I didn't have a lot of memory on my crappy camera, so I basically only took pics there of my group in our cosplay, and of the guests. My friends took more pics (and some videos - well, Travis shot some video with Tama's camera, because it was accidentally recording during the autograph session, and it's a blast).
On Friday, the Mabudachi Trio were spotted wandering around the dealer's room. Sadly, Shigure didn't see any of his novels there, but Ayame found some wonderful inspirations for new outfits for Yuki. Hatori was not amused by their antics, but still happy to be there.
(From left to right, me as Sohma Hatori, K'Lani as Sohma Shigure, and Aliya as Sohma Ayame, all from Fruits Basket, and, no, none of that happened or was serious.)
On Saturday, Yagami Light, Amane Misa, and L were spotted in line waiting to (attempt to) see L: Change the World. L narrowly escaped having his name written in Misa's Death Note, as Misa knew L's middle name. However, Misa had to stay out of jail, as she was the driver. Also, Light was inexplicably asked for hugs four times that day.
(From left to right, me as Light, K'Lani as Misa, and Aliya as L. Now, this stuff really did happen, although part of the problem was getting Aliya's middle name right. (g) Also, thankfully, I was not glomped - the folks who wanted hugs all asked first, and got them. I also said attempted to see the movie, as while we did get in to the first showing, we were all the way in the back, so it was hard to read the subs. The movie was fun, and definitely made for the L fangirls. Warning: if you see this with a typical L fangirl, be prepared for a LOT of "aaawwwwws". A LOT.)
As a side, here's a closer glimpse at Light's Death Note, although it needs repairing now. It ended up getting a little beaten up:
"Ahh, Sempai, why is this picture of me so blurry? How will I reel in some fine catches with that?"
"Shut up, perverted turtle! I can't help it if your camera sucks!"
(From Sunday, me as Urataros-Ryoutarou from Kamen Rider Den-O. Two people actually stopped me as I passed by that day, calling out "Urataros!" I'm really peeved that I missed seeing the person cosplaying as Kintaros-Ryoutarou the day before! I heard that cosplay was excellent! Poo. Anyway, if Tama doesn't mind, I'll put up her picture of me as U-Ryoutarou when she sends it to me, as it will be better.)
Some fine members of The Shinigami Women's Association pose for a picture. Unfortunately for all pictures from that day, the flash/lighting/camera just sucked, so everything's too dark.
(From Sunday as well, from left to right, Aliya as Shihouin Yoruichi, Tama as Kuchiki Rukia, and K'Lani as Soi Fong, all from Bleach.)
"Saa, so many fine ladies... but my proof of my fishing skills came out blurry and too dark both times again, Sempai!"
(All of us together on Sunday - man, my camera just sucks. Then again, I got it for free, so you get what you pay for.)
Travis Willingham (aka Roy Mustang in FMA) is way too tall. He also claimed not to be on any sugar on Friday. I think he lied, because he was seriously hyper. Maybe he was just really excited to be there. (shrugs) Considering he managed not to die laughing after the most interestingly worded question during his and Monica's (and Illich's, but Illich just decided to join in, I guess, with the panel) "unplugged" panel... The question, btw, and the emphasis on the best part is mine, was "On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being kittens, how would you feel about being raped by a clown?" That gives you an idea about how that panel went. (g)
Travis's "nemesis", my Leader (as I am a Risembool Ranger, albeit a lurker), Vic Mignogna (aka Ed Elric in FMA). A highlight of AWA was going to his Sunday Reflections/service, and hearing his preaching (I don't want to call it that, really, since it wasn't preachy at all, but that's the only word I can think of). I may not and will never be a Christian, but he really is one in the truest sense, and his message of how whatever you want to call divinity loves us unconditionally is one for every one.
Go, Speed Racer! On the left is Peter Fernandez, a legend in the industry and best known to all as the voice of Speed Racer. On the right is Corinne Orr, also a legend, and best known as Trixie in Speed Racer (although both have a ton of other credits). Corinne also was the voice of Snuggle the Bear (for the fabric softener of the same name) for many years, and a hysterical moment during the Women of Anime panel was, by request, saying "I will kill you in your sleep" in the Snuggle voice. (g)
Amy Howard Wilson is best known as the voice of Nova from Star Blazers, but she's also proof that love can be found at a con - she met her husband at AWA 10 years ago. Awwww!
Illich Guardiola, aka Sha Gojyo in (Gensoumaden) Saiyuki. Fun fact: Illich was born in Honduras! He also loves pecan pie and chocolate cake (and the special orange juice the VAs were drinking during the unplugged panel, if you know what I mean, and I think you do - they all loved that, as shown by the amount of hangovers during closing ceremonies - Illich and Robert DeJesus both admitted to it, while Emily DeJesus was declared the winner of the drinking contest.). Yes, panel questions can be interesting even when tame. (g)
Monica Rial, aka Sakura in Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, is just adorable, even if people joked that she sounds like she's six. However, in her on-going drinking contest with Travis, she's winning. (g)
GIR!!!! Actually, I had heard of Rikki Simons through his art first, since I was a Slave Labor Graphics fan, thanks to the works of Jhonen Vasquez and Roman Dirge. Most people there probably just knew of him as the voice of GIR on Invader Zim, which I actually watched because Jhonen created it.
Fred Perry is a talented comic book artist - you can somewhat see his work below with his autograph:
Fred's is on the left, and Rikki's is on the right. Speaking of autographs:
Clockwise from upper-left, Peter's, Vic's, Corinne's, and Illich's autographs. Side note: when I got that picture with Peter and Corinne, Peter asked if the creature sticking out of my pocket was friendly. Since Hatori-chan (my seahorse plushie, so named because he looks like Hatori in his seahorse/"baby dragon" form, and thus was part of my Hatori cosplay) is friendly, I told Peter that he was, and that he was a seahorse. Peter agreed that seahorses are friendly. (g)
Monica's autograph is on the left, while Amy's is on the right.
Travis gets to have his autograph all by itself. That's what happens when you're that tall. (ducks)
Peelander-Z! They're a J-Rock band. They're also crazy! They were there promoting two concerts they had in the area that weekend. Sadly, I didn't get to either of them.
OK, these aren't celebrities, but I just had to get a picture of these Blue and Red Rangers. It's your call - I would now think Zyurangers first, but most people still think of the original Power Rangers instead. Side note: I actually got to see some Power Rangers Zeo, as the Engine Sentai Go-Onger DVD mysteriously vanished when it was time for the misnamed sentai marathon (as it was really a tokusatsu marathon - we got to see some Tomica Heroes Rescue Force, Kamen Rider Kiva, Gekiranger v. Boukenger, the live action Cutie Honey, and GARO as well - and Tama finally found a sentai she liked! She liked Rescue Force.), and they needed a little bit of filler before the live action Gegege no Kitaro movie aired (which I loved as well).
So, I spent a ton of money as well...
...but the first thing I'm showing here was actually a freebie from FUNimation, this cool Afro Samurai poster. I got a ton of little promo cards as well. I think I'll put up the Alucard one at work. (g) Speaking of Alucard...
... I now probably officially have the creepiest bedroom wall among my friends, between my Death Note and Hellsing posters. Only the Creepy Jesus paint-by-numbers Mom did as a kid, which is still at my grandmother's house, could possibly add to this, but that we want to hang over Sarah's head instead.
Bleach merch rules. I finally found an anime t-shirt I can wear on casual Fridays at work, plus that Urahara wall scroll... aw, yeah.
Hi, I'm Jenn, and I'm an Inu/Kai fangirl, to the point that I will by Inu/Kai doujinshi that I can't understand. (g) My thoughts on the plushies:
Kaidou: Sempai, why are you looking at me that way?
Inui: (evil chuckle)
Kaidou just knows that Inui is having interesting/perverted thoughts about how Kaidou looks in traditional clothes, even when Kaidou is his usual disgruntled/grumpy self. (g)
This is what $20 will get you in Japanese snacks. These will be very carefully hoarded and slowly eaten.
Yes, I bought a some CDs. In the first picture are Happee Mania by Peelander-Z. Seventh Heaven by T. M. Revolution, and Goover by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR. The second picture has the two CDs by Vic that I got - If These Walls Could Talk, which he autographed (I tried to get a closeup of that in the third pic), and The Gospel of John. Yes, the book of the New Testament. Vic read an version written in contemporary English, so it is accessible, over original piano music (also by him). He's giving these out for free at cons, but it can also be downloaded at the Rangers site.
My big purchases - the first 26 episodes of FUNi Piece, and all of Princess Princess D, imported for Malaysia, but there are English subs as well. Hee. (drools over Takeru, Yuichi, and KenKen on the Puri Puri D cover)
I'm tired, like I said, but before I go to bed, I need to share a few links of stuff seen at AWA. I did get to go to the Awesomely Bad Japanese Music Video panel, and a few just stood out:
Spiderman by DJ Ozma - because, really, what says Spiderman more than guys jumping around in thongs and Spidey-ish masks/makeup? (Probably not worksafe, to be on the safe side.)
Young Man by Razor Ramon HG (Hard Gay) - yes, that's the performer's professional name/character. This is a cover of YMCA, and... well, the performer's name says it all, really. (Oh, I would say not work safe, as HG does some interesting pelvic thrusting... but, then again, it's HG.)
Oh My Juliet by Fujii Takashi - a story of high school love, and how a geek can get the girl from the cool guy, featuring really goofy outfits, visual effects, and dancing. Plus, just watch the teacher in the background. (g)
Fish Fight by Yaen - this video, shown at a similar panel at Otakon, inspired the one at AWA. OMG. It's worksafe, but it's on crack. Seriously. Many drugs must have been involved in the making of this video. That's the only explanation for it.
Jingisukan (Dschinghis Khan) by Berryz Koubou - besides the general goofiness, this cracked me up solely because, while it's a cover of a German disco song, I know it as a Chassidic Jewish song (in Yiddish). The version I knew has totally different lyrics, but it turns out that the tune was stolen from the German disco song. So, I was singing along to this with the Yiddish version. (g)
Some other vids:
The end credits of Himitsu no Akko-chan - this was shown during Anime Time Machine. Spot the movie references! Seriously, if you don't recognize them, something's wrong. The Beverly Hills Cop one got the most laughter out of people, especially when she showed the gun.
Part 1 of The Ringing Bell of Chirin - another one from the Time Machine. The whole thing's up there, and I need to watch it, because who doesn't want to watch a movie about an orphaned sheep who gets raised by a wolf and turns into a deranged killer monster (that looks more goatlike, frankly)? I just saw clips, so maybe it makes more sense, but probably not.
Here Comes... DR. TRAN! So very not worksafe, but so damn funny, and now a staple of Anime Hell. Seriously, watch Dr. Tran. You will die laughing. It was a blast at Anime Hell, as practically the entire audience was joining in on the best lines.
OK, off to bed now... I'll tag this properly later... especially since this post took two hours to write, eek...
(the AWA 2008 event book and badge)
AWA 2008 was a blast. I just wish I really did have Cylon clones, because there were so many things going on at the same time that I did miss a slew of things I would have loved to see. I don't regret the choices I made, though (well, except for being at the hentai showings for that atrocity they showed second... but I got some churchin' the next morning, courtesy of Vic, so I was cleansed (g)). I'm still dead tired, and I'm only up because I said I would upload my few pics tonight. I didn't have a lot of memory on my crappy camera, so I basically only took pics there of my group in our cosplay, and of the guests. My friends took more pics (and some videos - well, Travis shot some video with Tama's camera, because it was accidentally recording during the autograph session, and it's a blast).
On Friday, the Mabudachi Trio were spotted wandering around the dealer's room. Sadly, Shigure didn't see any of his novels there, but Ayame found some wonderful inspirations for new outfits for Yuki. Hatori was not amused by their antics, but still happy to be there.
(From left to right, me as Sohma Hatori, K'Lani as Sohma Shigure, and Aliya as Sohma Ayame, all from Fruits Basket, and, no, none of that happened or was serious.)
On Saturday, Yagami Light, Amane Misa, and L were spotted in line waiting to (attempt to) see L: Change the World. L narrowly escaped having his name written in Misa's Death Note, as Misa knew L's middle name. However, Misa had to stay out of jail, as she was the driver. Also, Light was inexplicably asked for hugs four times that day.
(From left to right, me as Light, K'Lani as Misa, and Aliya as L. Now, this stuff really did happen, although part of the problem was getting Aliya's middle name right. (g) Also, thankfully, I was not glomped - the folks who wanted hugs all asked first, and got them. I also said attempted to see the movie, as while we did get in to the first showing, we were all the way in the back, so it was hard to read the subs. The movie was fun, and definitely made for the L fangirls. Warning: if you see this with a typical L fangirl, be prepared for a LOT of "aaawwwwws". A LOT.)
As a side, here's a closer glimpse at Light's Death Note, although it needs repairing now. It ended up getting a little beaten up:
"Ahh, Sempai, why is this picture of me so blurry? How will I reel in some fine catches with that?"
"Shut up, perverted turtle! I can't help it if your camera sucks!"
(From Sunday, me as Urataros-Ryoutarou from Kamen Rider Den-O. Two people actually stopped me as I passed by that day, calling out "Urataros!" I'm really peeved that I missed seeing the person cosplaying as Kintaros-Ryoutarou the day before! I heard that cosplay was excellent! Poo. Anyway, if Tama doesn't mind, I'll put up her picture of me as U-Ryoutarou when she sends it to me, as it will be better.)
Some fine members of The Shinigami Women's Association pose for a picture. Unfortunately for all pictures from that day, the flash/lighting/camera just sucked, so everything's too dark.
(From Sunday as well, from left to right, Aliya as Shihouin Yoruichi, Tama as Kuchiki Rukia, and K'Lani as Soi Fong, all from Bleach.)
"Saa, so many fine ladies... but my proof of my fishing skills came out blurry and too dark both times again, Sempai!"
(All of us together on Sunday - man, my camera just sucks. Then again, I got it for free, so you get what you pay for.)
Travis Willingham (aka Roy Mustang in FMA) is way too tall. He also claimed not to be on any sugar on Friday. I think he lied, because he was seriously hyper. Maybe he was just really excited to be there. (shrugs) Considering he managed not to die laughing after the most interestingly worded question during his and Monica's (and Illich's, but Illich just decided to join in, I guess, with the panel) "unplugged" panel... The question, btw, and the emphasis on the best part is mine, was "On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being kittens, how would you feel about being raped by a clown?" That gives you an idea about how that panel went. (g)
Travis's "nemesis", my Leader (as I am a Risembool Ranger, albeit a lurker), Vic Mignogna (aka Ed Elric in FMA). A highlight of AWA was going to his Sunday Reflections/service, and hearing his preaching (I don't want to call it that, really, since it wasn't preachy at all, but that's the only word I can think of). I may not and will never be a Christian, but he really is one in the truest sense, and his message of how whatever you want to call divinity loves us unconditionally is one for every one.
Go, Speed Racer! On the left is Peter Fernandez, a legend in the industry and best known to all as the voice of Speed Racer. On the right is Corinne Orr, also a legend, and best known as Trixie in Speed Racer (although both have a ton of other credits). Corinne also was the voice of Snuggle the Bear (for the fabric softener of the same name) for many years, and a hysterical moment during the Women of Anime panel was, by request, saying "I will kill you in your sleep" in the Snuggle voice. (g)
Amy Howard Wilson is best known as the voice of Nova from Star Blazers, but she's also proof that love can be found at a con - she met her husband at AWA 10 years ago. Awwww!
Illich Guardiola, aka Sha Gojyo in (Gensoumaden) Saiyuki. Fun fact: Illich was born in Honduras! He also loves pecan pie and chocolate cake (and the special orange juice the VAs were drinking during the unplugged panel, if you know what I mean, and I think you do - they all loved that, as shown by the amount of hangovers during closing ceremonies - Illich and Robert DeJesus both admitted to it, while Emily DeJesus was declared the winner of the drinking contest.). Yes, panel questions can be interesting even when tame. (g)
Monica Rial, aka Sakura in Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, is just adorable, even if people joked that she sounds like she's six. However, in her on-going drinking contest with Travis, she's winning. (g)
GIR!!!! Actually, I had heard of Rikki Simons through his art first, since I was a Slave Labor Graphics fan, thanks to the works of Jhonen Vasquez and Roman Dirge. Most people there probably just knew of him as the voice of GIR on Invader Zim, which I actually watched because Jhonen created it.
Fred Perry is a talented comic book artist - you can somewhat see his work below with his autograph:
Fred's is on the left, and Rikki's is on the right. Speaking of autographs:
Clockwise from upper-left, Peter's, Vic's, Corinne's, and Illich's autographs. Side note: when I got that picture with Peter and Corinne, Peter asked if the creature sticking out of my pocket was friendly. Since Hatori-chan (my seahorse plushie, so named because he looks like Hatori in his seahorse/"baby dragon" form, and thus was part of my Hatori cosplay) is friendly, I told Peter that he was, and that he was a seahorse. Peter agreed that seahorses are friendly. (g)
Monica's autograph is on the left, while Amy's is on the right.
Travis gets to have his autograph all by itself. That's what happens when you're that tall. (ducks)
Peelander-Z! They're a J-Rock band. They're also crazy! They were there promoting two concerts they had in the area that weekend. Sadly, I didn't get to either of them.
OK, these aren't celebrities, but I just had to get a picture of these Blue and Red Rangers. It's your call - I would now think Zyurangers first, but most people still think of the original Power Rangers instead. Side note: I actually got to see some Power Rangers Zeo, as the Engine Sentai Go-Onger DVD mysteriously vanished when it was time for the misnamed sentai marathon (as it was really a tokusatsu marathon - we got to see some Tomica Heroes Rescue Force, Kamen Rider Kiva, Gekiranger v. Boukenger, the live action Cutie Honey, and GARO as well - and Tama finally found a sentai she liked! She liked Rescue Force.), and they needed a little bit of filler before the live action Gegege no Kitaro movie aired (which I loved as well).
So, I spent a ton of money as well...
...but the first thing I'm showing here was actually a freebie from FUNimation, this cool Afro Samurai poster. I got a ton of little promo cards as well. I think I'll put up the Alucard one at work. (g) Speaking of Alucard...
... I now probably officially have the creepiest bedroom wall among my friends, between my Death Note and Hellsing posters. Only the Creepy Jesus paint-by-numbers Mom did as a kid, which is still at my grandmother's house, could possibly add to this, but that we want to hang over Sarah's head instead.
Bleach merch rules. I finally found an anime t-shirt I can wear on casual Fridays at work, plus that Urahara wall scroll... aw, yeah.
Hi, I'm Jenn, and I'm an Inu/Kai fangirl, to the point that I will by Inu/Kai doujinshi that I can't understand. (g) My thoughts on the plushies:
Kaidou: Sempai, why are you looking at me that way?
Inui: (evil chuckle)
Kaidou just knows that Inui is having interesting/perverted thoughts about how Kaidou looks in traditional clothes, even when Kaidou is his usual disgruntled/grumpy self. (g)
This is what $20 will get you in Japanese snacks. These will be very carefully hoarded and slowly eaten.
Yes, I bought a some CDs. In the first picture are Happee Mania by Peelander-Z. Seventh Heaven by T. M. Revolution, and Goover by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR. The second picture has the two CDs by Vic that I got - If These Walls Could Talk, which he autographed (I tried to get a closeup of that in the third pic), and The Gospel of John. Yes, the book of the New Testament. Vic read an version written in contemporary English, so it is accessible, over original piano music (also by him). He's giving these out for free at cons, but it can also be downloaded at the Rangers site.
My big purchases - the first 26 episodes of FUNi Piece, and all of Princess Princess D, imported for Malaysia, but there are English subs as well. Hee. (drools over Takeru, Yuichi, and KenKen on the Puri Puri D cover)
I'm tired, like I said, but before I go to bed, I need to share a few links of stuff seen at AWA. I did get to go to the Awesomely Bad Japanese Music Video panel, and a few just stood out:
Spiderman by DJ Ozma - because, really, what says Spiderman more than guys jumping around in thongs and Spidey-ish masks/makeup? (Probably not worksafe, to be on the safe side.)
Young Man by Razor Ramon HG (Hard Gay) - yes, that's the performer's professional name/character. This is a cover of YMCA, and... well, the performer's name says it all, really. (Oh, I would say not work safe, as HG does some interesting pelvic thrusting... but, then again, it's HG.)
Oh My Juliet by Fujii Takashi - a story of high school love, and how a geek can get the girl from the cool guy, featuring really goofy outfits, visual effects, and dancing. Plus, just watch the teacher in the background. (g)
Fish Fight by Yaen - this video, shown at a similar panel at Otakon, inspired the one at AWA. OMG. It's worksafe, but it's on crack. Seriously. Many drugs must have been involved in the making of this video. That's the only explanation for it.
Jingisukan (Dschinghis Khan) by Berryz Koubou - besides the general goofiness, this cracked me up solely because, while it's a cover of a German disco song, I know it as a Chassidic Jewish song (in Yiddish). The version I knew has totally different lyrics, but it turns out that the tune was stolen from the German disco song. So, I was singing along to this with the Yiddish version. (g)
Some other vids:
The end credits of Himitsu no Akko-chan - this was shown during Anime Time Machine. Spot the movie references! Seriously, if you don't recognize them, something's wrong. The Beverly Hills Cop one got the most laughter out of people, especially when she showed the gun.
Part 1 of The Ringing Bell of Chirin - another one from the Time Machine. The whole thing's up there, and I need to watch it, because who doesn't want to watch a movie about an orphaned sheep who gets raised by a wolf and turns into a deranged killer monster (that looks more goatlike, frankly)? I just saw clips, so maybe it makes more sense, but probably not.
Here Comes... DR. TRAN! So very not worksafe, but so damn funny, and now a staple of Anime Hell. Seriously, watch Dr. Tran. You will die laughing. It was a blast at Anime Hell, as practically the entire audience was joining in on the best lines.
OK, off to bed now... I'll tag this properly later... especially since this post took two hours to write, eek...