Author: D&A Anime Blog

OG Founder: The Anime Community Just Doesn’t Hit The Same…

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So…how do ya’ll wanna do this?

Growing up as an anime fan came with a lot of joy, and pain. Whether it was reaching breakneck speeds to get to your TV after school to watch the latest DBZ episode, or crashing out because Francis decided to tear up your rare Pokemon and Yugioh cards in front of you; while all the girls laughed in the process. There’s one thing that made it all worth while. A place you can go to talk about all the greatest moments from your favorite anime. A place where debates didn’t turn into full-on warzones filled with toxicity, doxxing, and death threats. A place that…ok, let’s not beat around it. The Anime Community.

Being a part of this community really gave you a sense of belonging, especially if you were considered an outcast by the rest of society. Its a place where anime fans can talk about their favorite shows without judgment or prejudice (you’ll see what I mean about the second one). Now in the year of 2025; you’ve got ‘fans’ sending death threats to anime creators, because they didn’t make their headcannon ‘official’. (Lookin’ at chu MHA!) You’ve got Twitter X activists cosplaying as anime fans trying to inject political agendas into well-established fandoms; followed by the incels online who go to war with said activists. If you’re a Black or Brown (BIPOC) cosplayer, you’ve got ‘fans’ telling you your skin is too dark to cosplay anime characters with a much lighter complexion, or skin tone. Yeah, racism is here too, who’d thought…

So, I want to look at some aspects of the anime community that have changed in the last couple of decades. Let’s start with the obvious one; anime becoming mainstream.

[ANIME BECOMING MAINSTREAM]

This goes back to growing up during your childhood, and watching some your favorite shows. Back in the 90s you had Pokemon, Sailor Moon, and of course Dragon Ball Z. There were many other shows that were around during this era, but back then these were ones that made it out the trenches. It was also during the time where anime clubs started to form in school, of course I never joined any of them because I didn’t know about them at the time. With the Shonen genre of anime on the rise from the late 90s to the 2000s, it led to the trifecta of shows that many still call the greatest era of anime history; The Big 3! (Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece.)

These shows had a stronghold on the anime community, as they were the only shows that were being talked about at the time. Yes, you still had Gundam fans. Yes, Pokemon was still kickin’. Yes, Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon was still holding it down, however those shows walked so the others could ‘Naruto Run’. The anime community had grown from just a few nerds talking around the school lunch table, to large-scale clubs that eventually became the anime conventions that we see today. However its not all sunshine and Skittles, as the reason anime became mainstream…is the same reason most OG anime fans don’t watch (or enjoy) modern anime. To them, classic anime did it better; from storylines, plots, and character development. They’ll make acceptations, but most of the time, they don’t want to be caught in the ‘Peak vs. Mid’ debate. Which leads into the second aspect…

[ANIME DEBATES]

What can I say about them that hasn’t already been said, eh? Anime debates have changed drastically over the last 20 years. I remember growing up we used to have debates about which Pokemon could beat which Digimon in a fight, then laughed about it afterwards. Nowadays if you say Goku could solo the Marvel or DC Universe, best believe you’re getting flamed in the comment section! If you say you don’t like a certain character or the main character and give a reason why, you’re getting flamed in the comment section (especially from AOT fans). I blame social media and the division that its caused among the anime community, because it was never this deep when I was growing up. And DON’T GET ME STARTED ON THE SUB VS DUB DEBATE! I’ve already explained it before, so I’m not doing it again. We have both versions available…and yet we still complain. Legally vs Piracy is another one, as many fans are frustrated with how Crunchyroll is doing business. (Which is ironic because they used to be on the other side.)

From Waifu Wars to Anime’s โ€œMe Tooโ€ Arc, these debates have split the anime community down the middle. The drama from these debates have destoryed friendships, relationships, and tainted the integrity of the anime community as a whole. (As well as well-known fandoms.) This is also why a lot of fans have completely left the anime community and don’t tell anyone else that they watch anime, because they don’t want to be associated with that drama. I myself was also on the way out, but I had my own reasons for coming back…

[NEW GEN & 2020 ANIME FANS]

With anime being mainstream, it also brought something that made the modern anime community what it is today; New Gen fans. From 2020-2022 (aka The Covid Anime Fan Era) there was a massive spike in anime viewership from streaming companies like Netflix and Hulu, as well as Crunchyroll. Both 2020 anime fans and new gen fans flooded the anime community, as the medium itself now became socially accepted in society. At the same time, this influx of fans also brought a lot of drama. Keep in mind a lot of these people didn’t start watching anime until Covid hit, plus these are the same people that didn’t watch anime…until it got popular.

I also hear the word โ€œgatekeepโ€ being thrown around whenever this topic is discussed among OG and hardcore anime fans, because of how many times mainstream fandoms have gone down the trash because ‘normies’ and ‘cringey fans’ invaded said fandoms. ‘Twitter X Activists’ have also invaded these fandoms as well and, well…ya’ll know how that story goes.

[APPRECIATION VS APPROPRIATION]

If you were born in the 80s and 90s, then you know anime used to be called ‘Japanimation’, because it came from Japan. It was originally marketed towards adolescent Japanese audiences; until it found its way to the West, got dubbed, and Western adolescent audiences started watching it. As it rose to fame in the 90s and 2000s…wait, I already said that! Y’know what? Screw it, I’m gonna get right to it!

Anime fans both appreciate and appropriate cultural aspects of Japan. Some want to visit Japan so they could see and appreciate the history of the land; from historical places, events, food, and nightlife. While select others follow the Weeaboo path and think Japan IS anime! This can also be said about fanart and cosplayโ€”especially if you’re a minority! I’ve seen some of the most racist comments under Black and Brown female cosplayers, whenever they cosplay characters of a lighter complexion. (Even though most of the characters are Japanese, and not Caucasian.) Some are well aware of the Twitter X controversy that happened, when a black female artist drew fanart of the main characters from Dandadan (Ken Takakura and Momo Ayase), and made them Black. While some people said that there was no harm done (and that art is subjective), that didn’t stop racist fans from coming for this girl’s throat in the comments. It got so bad that the Voice Actor for one of the main characters in Dandadan (A.J. Beckles as Ken Takakura), came to the artist’s defense of her fanart, and they came gunnin’ for him too.

That just shows you where we are with the anime community, and why some people actually hate it. I guess that why so many fans wish that the anime community could go back to the way it used to be. Back then we were chopping it up about our favorite shows and having silly versus debates at the school lunch table. Now the community is crawling wit racists, elitists, weeaboos, lolis, twitter activists, cringey fans, and mainstream normies. I guess that’s why I say…the anime community just doesn’t hit the same.

So…what do you do?

One, start your own anime community. Two, ignore and block people on social media who don’t know you or care about you. Three, watch what you love on your own merits and don’t engage with the online (or offline) fandom if you don’t want (or have) to. Four, stop caring about what other people think if you’re a Black or Brown cosplayer, and cosplay what you love! Five, establish ground rules when you have anime debates, especially the ‘spicy ones’. Six, leave miserable people where they are and don’t engage, because misery loves company. Seven, don’t feel pressured to watch mainstream anime just because someone else said you should. (Follow number three for extra assurance.) Eight, appreciate Japan and its culture and don’t go there just because you think it’s ALL anime. Nine, make sure you keep one foot in reality and go outside, and breathe clean airโ€”if there’s any. Finally number ten, don’t make anime your entire personality. There’s more to life then toxic debates, cringe fanbases, and weeb wars.

I don’t know how I’ll feel about the anime community in the next five or ten years, but the sooner we acknowledge that its got modern problems, then we’re sure to come up with modern solutions.

OG Founder!

Out!

OG Founder: Don’t Call It A Comeback!

Aside D&A Anime Blog Uncategorized

So…in the words of Cody Rhodes…

I’m pretty sure I don’t really need an introduction, as judging by the tone of my writing style, you guys already know who this is. While I’ve been away, I’ve been keeping tabs on the anime community as well as the anime industry. And so far…things have been great in a few areas, while absolute trash in others (based on the rants I’ve seen on social media). Now, I don’t wanna get anybody’s hopes up of a comeback, but just like the title of this post says, don’t call it a comeback!

When I look back at January 11, 2016 I feel like Aaron and I have done a lot in terms of our vision for D&A Anime Blog, and where we want to take it. I’ll admit, there were a few bumps in the road, as well as a couple times where we wanted to jump ship. However we hung in there during those rough times, and we’re still going strong today!

So, with that being said, I want to let you all know where I stand with D&A going forward.

[Once in a Blue Moon Drop-Ins]

While I may have stepped down as ‘CEO’ of D&A, I’ll drop in with an article or two once in a blue moon. There will be no timetable of when the drop will happen, but like an RKO, they’ll come outta nowhere!

The topics won’t be all anime, all the time. They’ll be things that I feel like talking about whenever I feel like talking about them. Again, this is not a full-time comeback, this is more of a ‘drop-in’. This also includes the “Nerdz of the Decade” podcasts, where we have guests on the show; from VAs to content creators.

[Select Anime Reviews]

I don’t really write anime reviews that much anymore, but I feel like I don’t have to since that’s covered. If there’s a series that pulls me in (like New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt), then I miiiiiiiiiiight drop a series review on it. No timetable of when it drops, it drops whenever I feel like it. Y’know? Also, there won’t be any lengthy, meaty posts (unless its a review on a show I like) from me. And consistency? Yeaaaaaaah, probably not that much.

Also, there’s something I wanted to get off my chest, that’s been scratching at it for awhile…

When I “left” D&A December 18, 2023 I was in a rough season of my life. I needed to vanish to save my friendship and my sanity, and while I was gone I had a revelation. I wanted to find my identity outside of D&A, as I didn’t want the blog and the Youtube channel, to be the ONLY thing I’m known for. That’s why on July 1, 2023 I created Club BASSMODE (BASSMODE: Nerdz Nite Out at the time), a DJ & Cosplay Party Promotion I could call my own. Its not to say that I don’t like you guys or anything, but I just didn’t like where I was at the time. Now almost two years later; I’m in a much better headspace than I was before thanks to Club BASSMODE, and Aaron and I have returned to cons. (The caveat being that they’re local, or I get booked to DJ their rave/afterparty.)

I did get to DJ Colossalcon East, so check that out here!

I’m gonna wrap this up with this.

I’m still a part of D&A even if I’m away. I don’t regret for a second about creating this platform, as its done a lot for us even though the expectations we had for it were a bit out there. Yes, Aaron and I have “split” but not in the way you’re thinking. We’re still collabing even though we’re not on the same brand. (He shouts-out Club BASSMODE, and I shout-out D&A.)

I’m not coming back full-time, but I’ll circle the area some of the time.

With that said…

OG Founder, out!

A Founder’s Thoughts with D.J. Lewis: Naruto 220…

Aside D&A Anime Blog Anime, Anime Conventions, Blog Updates, Filler Posts

Time. It’s the one thing we don’t get enough of, and the one thing we always wish we had more of. For many of us we feel like if we had more time to do the things we like, we would feel a greater sense of joy and less stress in our daily lives. However life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it, and now you have to make adjustments in the time you spend to those things you like to do. There’s one other thing about time that secretly scares many of us; it always moves forward. This post isn’t really about time, but its more like…its time to move on.

If you’ve noticed by the title, I indeed do have a Naruto episode reference that talks about the 220th episode of the first half of the series. That is the series finale where Naruto leaves the Hidden Leaf with Jiraiya for about 2 years and 6 months. Well…as for me and D&A, let’s just say I’m on that ‘Naruto 220 Type Beat’.

In 2016 Aaron and I made the decision to go on this crazy ride, to become one of the best anime blog/websites out there in the U.S. and the world. Our first anime convention was Animore in Baltimore, MD during its first year on January 11, 2016. From there we would go to various other conventions; such as Zenkaikon, Otakon (our original convention), SaikuCon, and Thy Geekdom Con. Just this year we made appearances at Stellar Con, PuchiCon, and Ocean City Comic Con. Around January 2020 we were receiving reports of the first few cases of coronavirus in the U.S., however it didn’t really start hitting close to home until March of that year. We spent the next two years with no in-person conventions, so we made a podcast on Youtube called “Nerdz of the Decade”, to help us keep our sanity while also nerding out about anime and video games.

It was also around this time that we wanted to take what we do seriously, and start a business. I’ll admit, at first I was a bit confused due to the fact that when we started this, we really didn’t have any intention of it going as far as it did. So adjustments were made and we backed away from the convention circuit until Fall 2023; when we made our return to cons through Stellar Con, PuchiCon, and Ocean City Comic Con. Even though a part of me was happy being back on the circuit…it didn’t really feel the same. Although I was among cosplayers and other anime fans, the ambiance was a little different. Maybe it could be with conventions marketing and targeting a younger demographic, old heads like myself have either stopped going to those “family-friendly” cons, or just went to some of the afterparties held offsite from some of the semi-major/major cons.

Maybe that’s where I’m at. Maybe its time to chill from the con circuit for awhile. Maybe its time to acknowledge that fact that I’m having a “Naruto 220” moment, and depart for a new chapter in my life as an anime nerd. If it means I gotta peace out from D&A, then that’s what I’ll have to do. I know last time was really a hiatus to get my head together, but this time is much different. Aaron and I are still friends, and he’ll always have my back no matter where I go or end up on this new chapter. The blog and business will still be here, it’ll just be under new management. For those who want to become contributors, you can still hit up our “Contact Us” page.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you guys for making this journey with D&A a fun one. Perhaps somewhere down the line we may cross paths again. I may be out the door, but make sure you support Aaron as he goes on his new venture in making D&A one of the best businesses out there. This is D.J. Lewis on his “Naruto 220” saying thank you, and stay nerdy!

Convention Reviews with D.J. Lewis: Ocean City Comic-Con!

Aside D&A Anime Blog Anime Conventions, Con Appearances, D&A Studios, Filler Posts

In the fifteen years that I’ve been attending anime and gaming conventions; a lot has changed in terms of demographic, atmosphere, quality, and structure. I think about the time I went to Otakon in 2008, and how much the convention scene has changed since then. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that there are more conventions now than ever that fans can go to; thanks to anime being among the mainstream ranks (even to the point where we now have Luffy alongside Goku, in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade). However a part of me misses those ‘grass roots’ fundamentals that conventions used to have; where there was a greater emphasis on the art, passion, fandom, and creativity found in the medium itself. Basically, a part of me misses the days when conventions used to be about the ‘Art’, and less about the ‘Celebrity’!

One thing I’ve noticed since the pandemic ended (sort of), is the rise of more traditional anime and comic conventions. Back in 2022 I had the opportunity to attend Stellar Con in Bel-Air, MD. It reminded me so much of comic conventions back in the early 2000’s; with a more chill out and laxed vibe compared to modern conventions. I returned again in 2023 alongside my D&A partner, Aaron Goldman, and with a little bit of networking, I suddenly found myself on the road to another convention located in Ocean City, Maryland. This…was Ocean City Comic Con.

Ocean City Comic Con 2023

The last time I was here in Ocean City, “Who Let The Dogs Out?!” was the hit of the Summer! I had a small feeling that if there was a small population of nerds in the Eastern Shore, they would probably be in Ocean City. (And somehow I was right!) We were able to make our first appearance as Press for this convention thanks to being invited by the convention chair/owner, and I gotta say, we had an amazing time! It really felt like Baltimore Comic-Con with a bit of a modern-retro twist; meaning that there was a mixture of old school and new school fans across all fandoms.

Of course when it comes to conventions being held at convention centers, one of the biggest gripes fans have is ‘Line-Con’. This ‘convention’ comes with the territory so there’s no way of absolutely avoiding it (unless you’re Press or VIP), but with OCCC (Ocean City Comic Con) they really had the line structure well put together. I wish there was a better way to explain that, but let’s just say they did a great job keeping the line moving, while making sure everyone got in safely.

There were vendors, guests, and artists galore! There really wasn’t a dull moment found inside this con at all. In fact I’d say that I got the same feeling from this convention, as I did when I attended Stellar Con – only magnified! Fans from all ages and fandoms were in attendance (with anime rep only coming in second to Marvel and DC), as the staff was really cool and laid back.ย 

So, What Else About Ocean City Comic-Con?

After touring through the Dealer’s Room/Artist Alley, we found ourselves in a couple of panels. The programming of the panels was actually pretty good and had variety, so whether you were a Star Wars geek or an anime nerd, there was always something going on for you to check out. If there was one gripe I have about Ocean City Comic Con, I wish it was longer than just one day, but it looks like my prayers have been answered, because 2024’s convention will now be 2 days long!

I never really thought about Maryland’s Eastern Shore being a nerd culture destination, but with Ocean City having both an anime convention (as well as its very own comic-con), it allows ‘The Bay’ to wave its own flag and embrace its nerdy side. I’m a bit excited to see where this convention goes now that its growing into a two-day venture, and somewhere in the mix we hope to be a part of that journey.

All in all, this is a convention that you’re going to love!

Until next post, stay nerdy! ๐Ÿ˜‰ย  ย 

D&A’s Checkpoint Check-In (November 30, 2024)!

Aside D&A Anime Blog Anime Conventions, Blog Updates, Blogging, Con Appearances, Filler Posts, Uncategorized

Well, December starts tomorrow; meaning that there’s only 31 days of 2023 left. Here we are in between holidays once again like we were last year…and the many, many years before. Next week will be our last convention of 2023; Ocean City Comic-Con in Ocean City, Maryland, and we’re hopeful that we’ll be able to stack con appearances for 2024 while meeting a few con runners there. Lately we’ve been doing our best to remain transparent about our needs in regards to the future of D&A, and where we want to go from here as a nerd multimedia brand. Somewhere down the line we’ll be making D&A Studios Entertainment as our primary brand, and having D&A Anime Blog as well as our Nerdz of the Decade Youtube podcast, as subsidiaries. (Since BASSMODE: Nerdz Nite Out is an independent event promotion, that’s financially powered by D&A Studios Entertainment, it will not be considered as a subsidiary.)

We’re looking for new ways for this project to make revenue in order to keep operating, of course due to the after effects of the pandemic, its been a slow climb. We’re thankful that we got the opportunity to return to the con circuit after a three-year hiatus, however with where we are on the financial side of things, we’ve decided to stay local; in terms of the anime and gaming conventions that we make appearances at. You probably won’t see us at your Anime Expo’s or Galaxycon’s or any of the major cons right now (not say we won’t attend in the future), but if you live in DMV (D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania), then you’ll run into us at those cons.

If we haven’t said it before, we want to thank all of our fans and fellow anibloggers, for all of your support you’ve given us over the years since the start of this project. We’re hoping we can continue to grow our brand, and be the best version of ourselves in the process.

Until next post, stay nerdy! ๐Ÿ˜‰

A Founder’s Thoughts with D.J. Lewis: 2024!

Aside D&A Anime Blog Anime Conventions, Blog Updates, Blogging, Con Appearances, Filler Posts

November is here if you haven’t already noticed, and with that comes two of the biggest holidays that involve food and money; Thanksgiving, and Christmas. During this final quarter of 2023, we had the opportunity to go to two conventions with a third on the way; Stellar Con in Bel Air, MD, and PuchiCon in Tannersville, PA. I’m just happy that after three years we’re finally back on the con circuit, although a lot has changed within the convention scene since our last convention in January of 2020. So with 2024 approaching, what will Aaron and I be doing with this project going forward?

Us at PuchiCon 2023

You guys should already be familiar with the story; we started back in January 2016 and made our convention debut at AniMore, then went to other cons in 2017 while meeting and chatting with voice actors, then spent the next three years building our brand and reputation in the anime community. Suddenly Covid hit and sidelined us for about 2 1/2 years, we created a podcast called “Nerdz of the Decade”, had voice actors and content creators on the show to build our rep even more, and finally returned to the con circuit this year.

With all of that said, what’s next for D&A? While I’m still cautiously optimistic about the future of this project, I’m still very much involved with D&A; despite the fact that I quit due to the outside stress of life, only to come back three months later. As far as what conventions we’ll be making appearances at, we’re most likely going to stay local and just attend the ones in Maryland and Pennsylvania. (Maybe New York and New Jersey, but we’ll see.) Although its still in its infancy as a brand, BASSMODE: Nerdz Nite Out is starting to pick up a little steam. If you don’t know what BASSMODE is, allow me to tell you.

BASSMODE: Nerdz Nite Out is a promotion that celebrates anime, cosplay, gaming, music, and nerd culture through ‘afterparty’ social events. I am both the founder and head promoter of it. It is an event promotion that promotes positivity throughout the nerd community, as well as the culture that its apart of. We kick off our debut event on March 30th next year, and hope to bring BASSMODE events to conventions. I also see this promotion as a way to help DJs gain experience playing in front of crowds, because I’ve noticed that a lot of them became ‘Bedroom DJs’ during the pandemic. (I did too!)

Like I said before, I’m still cautiously optimistic about the future of D&A, but I believe we’re taking steps in the right direction in terms of our growth, and connections we’ve made along the way. Never would I thought that in the 7-going-on-8 years we’ve been active, that we would reach this point with D&A. With enough time, patience, and grinding, we can be one of the best anime blog/multimedia brands out there. For me, if you have a dream and a passion to do something, don’t sit at the window and think about it – DO IT! We never thought we’d get this far, but we kept at it. I don’t know what the next few years are going to be like when it comes to this project, but we’re making great progress, and that’s all that matters to me now.

Until next post.

A Founder’s Review with D.J. Lewis: PuchiCon 2023!

Aside D&A Anime Blog Anime, Anime Con Tips, Anime Conventions, Con Appearances, D&A Studios

Its hard to believe that January 2020 was the last time I’ve been to an anime convention. A lot has changed in the convention scene since I was first introduced to it back in July 2008. Before Aaron and I formed D&A Anime Blog / D&A Studios Entertainment, one of the biggest local Baltimore, MD anime conventions we’ve gone to, was Otakon. We didn’t really know much about small/mid-sized conventions until 2016; when AniMore made its debut in Baltimore just as Otakon announced that it was moving to Washington, D.C. that same year.

From 2017-2020, Aaron and I have had the chance to check out other conventions besides Otakon; like Zenkaikon, Anime USA, Thy Geekdom Con, and Katsucon. Now, after a three-year drought (thanks to covid), we find ourselves attending an anime convention in Pennsylvania that was new to us. Located at the Camelback Ski Resort in Tannersville, PA in the Pocono Mountains, we had the honor of going to PuchiCon for its 2023 event.

PuchiCon 2023: The Convention

After a three-hour drive from Baltimore to Tannersville, we arrived at the convention held at the Camelback Resort. If you’re familiar with the Kalahari Resort, Camelback is pretty much like that…but a bit smaller. One of the coolest things I like about smaller conventions is that the registration line is a lot shorter than average conventions. After checking in to the hotel we made our way to the fourth floor where the convention was held. Hosting the convention here at Camelback does give the con goers a lot to do besides just going to panels and playing video games; you can also swim in the wave pool, slide down the waterslides, and hit up the arcade on the first floor.

Once we got to the fourth floor, Aaron and I got the same feeling we got when we went to AniMore for the first time – and it was great! It was also convenient because we were on the same floor as the con itself. With everything being on one floor, it actually makes everything convenient for the con goer while reducing travel from one side of the venue, to the other. This year (as this is our first time attending this convention), the con split its panels and events into two buildings; with a shuttle that you can take to get to the other building, and bring you back to the main building. I like that, because they took into account where the venue was located, and made accommodations based on the fact. At first I was a bit worried, because it would be a bad idea if they made convention goers have to walk from the hotel venue, to the second building.

Mainly because we’re in the mountains, and when it gets dark…its not safe for anyone.

PuchiCon 2023: The Panels, Artist Alley & Dealer’s Room

Once Aaron and I made it to the Dealer’s Room/Artist Alley, we were blown away! There were so many vendors that were both local and out of state (mainly from New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore). This is like the main attraction for anime conventions, because this is the area where con goers can find great deals on figures, keychains, art, limited addition items, and so much more. This is also the area where you can buy prints and even get them signed by your favorite voice actors, in fact we even got a print signed by Paul St. Peter; who did the voice of Leomon from the OG Digimon. We even had the chance to check out some of the snack vendors that were there as well.

Now for the panels. This ties into how convenient PuchiCon has made it for con goers to see all of their favorite panels, while exploring some new ones. One of the biggest pet peeves I have with conventions (next to ‘B.O. issues’) is when panels overlap, but with this convention they were well spaced out. I like that about this convention, because it gives con goers some breathing room to get to the next panel after the previous one is finished, and not feel rushed because it starts immediately after the one they’ve just left.

The variety of the panels is also nice because you get some that are game shows, some that are interactive, and some that are informative. In the other building they had Frontier Pro Wrestling along with a panel about the wrestling industry, and sadly we didn’t get the chance to go, but I thought it was pretty cool that the convention added that in their program. There aren’t too many conventions that I know of that also incorporate professional wrestling content in their program. Once sundown hit, we made our way to the 18+ panels as well as the PuchiCon Pool Party featuring DJ Kyon. I’d say the highlight of the night was the Cards Against Humanity panel, and the pool party. (Maybe Avidd Minddset might make a DJ guest appearance one day.)

PuchiCon 2023: The Conclusion

To top everything off, PuchiCon is a great convention to check out if you want to go to a con that doesn’t feel overwhelming. For every large mainstream convention, there’s a bunch of smaller more laid back ones that don’t feel to stressful. After being out of the con circuit for three years, we were excited about going to this convention. Even though it was only two days long, there was a lot to do and see, and hopefully if (and when) they do become a three-day convention, that PuchiCon keeps that ‘community sense’ about itself.

Once anime/gaming conventions reach a point where they’re along the levels of Anime Expo or San Diego Comic-Con, they lose that ‘community sense’ that was once a core part of their identity; and it becomes about profit rather than people. Along with community sense is public safety; which should be a #1 priority for every convention regardless of how big, or small your convention is. Finally, convention management is one of the things that can make, or break a convention. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard around the anime convention community, about the way certain conventions treat their guests and staff, but I’m not gonna get into that.

We’ve had the opportunity to meet and chat with the founder and CEO of PuchiCon, Jennifer Perez. She’s one of the coolest and nicest people that we’ve ever met, and we can proudly say, she knows how to throw a great con! PuchiCon is one of the coolest small conventions that we’ve gone to, that has left a big impression on us. I’d say without a doubt, this is a convention that you don’t wanna miss!

Until next post, stay nerdy my friends!

D&A’s Checkpoint Check-In: October 2023

Aside D&A Anime Blog Uncategorized

Alright geeks n’ nerds. It’s been awhile since we’ve done one of these, so we figured we’d bring it back. Its time for another ‘checkpoint check-in’, cuz’ we’re in the final quarter of 2023. A lot has happened in the anime industry; from new shows debuting this season, to a prime staple (RightStuf) of the anime community closing its doors. This month is not just ‘Spooky Month’, its also the month where ya boys FINALLY return to the anime convention circuit after a three-year hiatus! This weekend we’ll be at StellarCon in Bel Air, MD, and then two weeks later we make a road trip to The Camelback Ski Resort in the Pocono Mountains in PA for PuchiCon. Our convention content has been quite dry since 2020, so we’re hoping we can fix that with these two conventions.

Also as a side note; D&A’s founding member D.J. Lewis is on an occasional appearance schedule both with D&A Anime Blog, and D&A Studios Entertainment’s Youtube channel. This means you won’t see him every week on Youtube or posting on the blog, but he’ll make select appearances (and posts) throughout every month via “Nerdz of the Decade”. In the case of this month, you’ll see him on Youtube more often because we’ve got two conventions instead of one. We’ll keep you posted on when the ‘big guy’ drops by.

That’s it for this check-in. Until next post, stay nerdy! ๐Ÿ˜‰ย 

End of an Era: RightStuf Closes its Doors October 10th…

Aside D&A Anime Blog Anime, Blog Updates, Blogging

Wow…if you haven’t heard the news, this one’s gonna hit you hard if you’re an anime fan. Breaking around 11am this morning from Anime News Network, RightStuf has been acquired by Crunchyroll, and thus will now close down on October 10th, 2023. There’s more information coming out about it, but if you’re looking for the brunt of it, we have the link from ANN themselves down below. We kinda weren’t really expecting this, but with how large Crunchyroll has gotten since being bought by Sony, this was going to come eventually – just not this soon. We don’t know how the rest of the anime community is feeling, but for the time that we were affiliated with (and bought stuff from) RightStuf, those guys n’ gals were awesome. Farewell old friend, you will be missed…

Link: ANN On RightStuf Closure & Crunchyroll Acquisitionย ย 

R.I.P. RightStuf…

D&A’s D.J. Lewis Returns to YouTube For D&A’s “Spooktober” Event!

Aside D&A Anime Blog Anime Conventions, Blog Updates, Channel Updates, Con Appearances, D&A Studios, Filler Posts, Halloween

We’re three-and-a-half weeks away from “spooky season”, so we’re proud to announce that the ‘Big Guy’ himself, D.J. Lewis, is making special occasional appearances on Youtube in an October special called “Nerdz of the Decade: Spooktober Edition”. Also during the month of October, we’ll be traveling to Pocono Mountains, PA for PuchiCon on October 21-22. If you live in PA and want to see us live, check out the convention and drop by to say ‘hi’. With that said, here are the days you’ll find both D&A founders on Youtube for the ‘Spooktober’ special:

October 4, 2023 – Nerdz of the Decade: Spooktober Edition Episode

October 13, 2023 – Nerdz of the Decade: PuchiCon 2023 Pre-Convention Special

October 18, 2023 – Nerdz of the Decade: Spooktober Edition Episode

October 25, 2023 – Nerdz of the Decade: PuchiCon 2023 Post-Convention Recap

It’ll be exciting to have both founders back on the road to anime conventions, as well as on Youtube! That will do it for this special announcement, so until next post, stay nerdy! ๐Ÿ˜‰