Taking place
Memorial Weekend (5/27-2/30), Fanime (short for FanimeCon)
has always been a personal favorite anime convention
of mine. It was where I got my first tatste of the convention
world and I would not mind it being my last convention.
But that may never come to pass as long as I have a
good camera by my side, a stiff drink in my hands, and
good company providing the convention with something
to talk about.
This year's
Fanime experience was rather truncated due to several
commitments crossing each other. The biggest issue before
the convention was how Fanime decided to hold both the
Black & White Ball and the Cosplay Spectacular masquerade
on Sunday night. I was so used to enjoying Masquerade
on Saturday night and dancing the night away on Sunday
night throughout the years and now I would have to actually
prioritize between my two highlights. At that rate I
would have to drop the ball since I had an offer to
participate in Masquerade with a sketch from a series
I always wanted to cosplay.
But the
whole thing became moot when Yomi and I noticed a cahnce
to see Usher in concert in San Jose. Given how Fanime
was going to happen every year--provided the staff don't
run it into the ground--compared to how rare usher performs
in the area, Usher took priority. I figure if I'm going
to watch someone who may become the next Michael Jackson
in terms of music and performace charisma, I'd rather
watch him while he's still sane.
So Sunday
was devoted to Usher and his VIP pre-party--Yomi and
I simply had to go VIP at least once in our lives--but
luckily Michael covered Masquerade. And Friday was spent
mainly checking in with the Press Room awaiting the
interviews with Guests of Honor--rather good guests
this year--throughout the day as well as waiting for
Yomi to arrive at Fanime. But with the Dealers, the
Fanimaid Cafe, Arist Alley, Stage Zero, a few video
rooms, and photographing the various costumes, my plate
was already full with the convention. Now if only there
were some program guides I could flip through to help
choreograph my intended panel schedule...
