Anime conventions. The cornerstone of the otaku lifestyle. Some people say that these types of events are like one big anime meetup group; where hundreds of thousands of anime and manga fans fellowship and mingle with one another. (Kinda like a mixer; only with anime, manga, K-pop, J-pop, and Vocaloid fans.) Aside from meeting up with your fellow otaku and taking some pictures of cosplayers, an anime convention wouldn’t be anything without fan-produced (and fan-run) panels!

Panels at conventions can range from being seminar-like in nature, to being more interactive and fan-driven. One of the coolest things about going to one, is that you get to learn certain aspects about the anime industry you never knew before. (Like finding out how the dubbing process works in anime for FUNimation and its voice actors.) The content found in anime convention panels is like a mixed bag; meaning that it can range from a Walt Disney-style rating, to something that you’d find after midnight on HBO or Cinemax. (We’ll cover ‘those’ panels in Part 2 of this filler post.)

Without further delay, let’s begin! 🙂

At Number 10: Ask an Anime Character Panel!

We’ll admit, we’ve seen this panel on Youtube at various cons across the U.S. but never been to one in real life. A. Goldman and I can only imagine how much fangirls “Squeeee!” whenever they see Todd Haberkorn’s character on Sgt. Frog, or how excited we get when we see Alucard or Piccolo on screen. Needless to say that this is one of the many panels that we recommend going to see if you have some questions you’d like to ask your favorite anime character. Hopefully one day D&A will get the chance to host it. (*fingers crossed*)

Coming up at Number 9: Cosplay 101 Panel!

This one can come up at various anime cons and is one of the coolest fan-run panels that we ever had the chance to go to. It’s great for beginners who are trying to figure out how to get Kakashi’s hairstyle just right, or how much mascara to add for Stocking’s makeup. This panel even show you some DYI tricks to pull off the look you’re looking for, for less. Be sure to stop by this panel if you ever find yourself at a con!

Number 8: The Crunchyroll Panel!

This panel (we believe) is only found at certain anime conventions that take place at a convention center or a huge arena. (And even Crunchyroll’s own convention.) If you’re a subscriber to their streaming site then this is a must see panel to go to! They’ll show you their seasonal lineup of all new series, movies, and OVA’s for your own enjoyment as well as your friends (if they love anime as much as you do). If you’ve never gone to their panel, go! You won’t regret it! (And if you do, then we’ll let the titans eat us. T.T)

Number 7 is…Greggo’s Game Show Panel!

These panels are actually pretty fun! You get to play games like Password, Press Your Luck, and many others. If you’re a fan of game shows then you’re definitely gonna love this panel!

Number 6: The Gundam Panel!

This one’s for all you Gundam fans! If you wanna learn the history behind this franchise then we urge you to check out this panel, ASAP! 😉

At Number 5: The Autograph Panel!

Well it’s not necessarily a panel, but more like a line that you stand in while Monica Rial or J. Micheal Tatum signs some anime memorabilia that you saved up and bought from Amazon. (Or Layaway if you’re goin’ old school.) Make sure you get to this line at least 90 minutes early, because depending on which voice actor or guest it is, you may or may not get in at all. (And that would be a crying shame. T-T)

Number 4 brings us…Music and Band Panels!

Okay, these are not ‘panels’ actually, these are more like daytime (or nighttime) concerts that you go to if you wanna hear your favorite band or singer sing your favorite anime opening to your favorite show. (Who doesn’t wanna see TM Revolution perform the hit opening to Soul Eater, right?!)

Number 3: The AMV Showdown Panel!

If you’re looking for some of the best fan-produced AMV’s from Youtube, then you’re gonna wanna check out this anime convention panel! It’s a battle to see which AMV has what it takes to make it to the finals, and eventually which AMV creator wins a trip to Japan. Even if you’re not there to compete it’s still a fun panel you get to go to.

Number 2: The History of Anime Panel!

In order to figure out how all of your favorite shows came to be, you’d have to go back several decades (even as far back as WWII). It’s like the old saying goes; “Those who don’t know their history, are doomed to repeat it. However those who know their anime history, are blessed to conserve its legacy!” (Okay the last part is just an add-on but you know what we mean, right?)

And Finally Number 1: The Voice Actor Q&A Panels!

You already know that this is our number one reason for going to anime conventions, and we’re hoping its yours as well! Who doesn’t like hearing J. Micheal Tatum talk about his octopus story, or about hilarious booth moments from Kyle Herbert, Jamie Marchi, and Crispin Freeman. (We’re pretty sure they got some stories.) All-in-all, you get to talk to and ask your favorite voice actors about their character(s), what ADR means, and what their favorite line from the show is. (Just make sure you don’t ask them anything too personal.)

Well that’s it from us for now! Next time we’ll do a filler post on our Top 5 18+ anime convention panels. Stick around for that post comin’ up! 🙂

As a fan of anime and manga, you know how excited you get when the date for an upcoming anime convention arrives. You’ll get the chance to go to panels, workshops, see your favorite voice actors and actresses from your most beloved shows, and of course the biggest reason of all; cosplayers. These are the kind of fans who bring your favorite character, waifu, or husbando to life through some well designed costume planning, and some serious skills behind a sewing machine.

Going to anime cons and seeing cosplayers dressed as anime characters like Hestia, Soul Evans, or even Moka Akashia, is like stepping into the anime wonderland that you’ve always dreamed of going to. Of course whenever you see cosplayers at cons you’re bound to ask them for a picture, so we at D&A Anime Blog are going to show you the rules of Cosplay Consent through our eyes.

The “Do’s” of Cosplayer Consent!

As we mentioned before, it’s fun when you get to take pictures of the person who is cosplaying as your favorite anime or manga character. However there are some rules and guidelines that every anime convention has whenever you take cosplay pictures. Many of those rules are listed in the guidebook that they give you, but we’re gonna break them down for you guys right here on the good ol’ blog! 🙂

DO: Ask the cosplayer for permission to take their picture. You can ask them to do a character pose or a general one with you if you wish.

DO: (If you’re a cosplay photographer and want to market yourself) After taking the cosplayer’s picture, make sure you ask for their permission to post the picture on your blog or album website. Don’t forget to give them a business card.

It’s nice to remember these rules whenever you head off to an anime convention. There may be some cosplayers that may say “no” when you ask for their permission to take a picture of them, but 95% of the time they’ll say “yes”. Never be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about what to do when taking cosplay pictures at cons, cuz’ it’ll help you big time in the long run! 😉

The Don’ts of Cosplayer Consent!

Now it’s time for the opposite. These are some of the things that you should NOT do, when asking a cosplayer’s permission to take their picture. Not only can these things throw a monkey wrench in the overall experience of the con, but in some serious cases it can even get you removed or banned.

DON’T: Ask for any pose that’s going to make the cosplayer feel uncomfortable. This also means keeping your hands to yourself, you baka! (We’re kidding, we love you guys. We just don’t want you turning into perverts.)

DON’T: Take the picture in the middle of on-coming con traffic. (Unless you want a flattened Death the Kid as your featured image.)

DON’T: Sneak a picture of a cosplayer after they already said “no” upon your first attempt at asking for their permission. You may think you won’t get caught but trust me, ‘karma’ knows where you live…

DON’T: Ask for the cosplayer’s phone number and try to get a date out of them. (Nine times outta ten they already have a girlfriend or boyfriend…most of the time.)

DON’T: Chase the cosplayer around the whole freakin’ con if you missed them the first time. Just wait until the opportunity comes around when the two of you will meet either after a panel, or before the end of the night to get their picture.

Remembering these rules of cosplay consent help keep us con goers and cosplayers safe while continuing to make the overall experience enjoyable. If you notice something out of the norm at an anime convention that you don’t like, don’t be afraid to ask a staff member to investigate the situation. Don’t forget about the con-buddy system because it’ll help ease most of the strain and tension that comes with con drama.

Oh, and one more thing…HAVE FUN!!! Cuz’ at the end of the weekend, that’s what going to anime cons is all about! 😉

Just to let you guys know, this post is for anyone who has never EVER been to an anime convention before. If you’re a con veteran like us then we beg you to share this post with anyone who’s never been to a con before. With all that being said, let’s get started with the basics!

Rule #1: Do your Homework! (In other words: RE-search!)

Make sure that this is the number one thing that you do before proceeding to the next few rules that we have for you. Homework can be a pain in the butt; especially when you’re in grade school, but for something of this magnitude you’re gonna have to get on your boogie board (or surf board) and surf the web, daddy-o! Finding out where and when an anime convention starts will put you on the path to success when it comes to preparing for your first time. (Relax, we’re not talking about sex…yet.)

Rule #2: Book the Hotel, ASAP!!!

One of the worst things that can ever happen to a con goer is waiting until the week of the con to book a hotel. Remember, you’re not the only one going to the anime convention, you’re going to be there with at least 10,000+ other people who are just as enthusiastic about anime and manga as you are. That also means beating the hotel traffic in order to make sure that you and your anime-lovin’ friends, get the first discount-rated room that becomes available. As for when to book your room, make sure that you do it at least 3-4 months before the actual month that the con is scheduled to start. That way it’ll give you enough time to save up the money because depending on the con and its location, the hotel prices can be a little bit up there. ($150-$275 a night isn’t bad as long as you’ve got two or three friends o split the bill.)

Rule #3: Take What You Need, and not what you Don’t!

Over-packing can be the bane of anyone who’s going on vacation for the first time, so treat this as a vacation from reality and the rest of the world. Pack soaps, toothbrushes, deodorant, you know, the basic items for basic hygiene. No one wants to take a picture with you if your breath smells worst than Togami’s butt. (If you can guess where we got that reference from, then kudos my friend! ^.^) Technology-wise just bring your camera and/or video camera, just in case you decide that you might wanna document your first experience at a con. Finally, take some extra cash if you plan on buying some wall scrolls or other anime merchandise while you’re there.

Rule #4: Need a Ride? Let Uber, Lyft, or your friends be your Guide!

Okay, not this part can be a little bit tricky, but no worries we’ve got you covered! Depending on where the convention is located, you’re going to need one of the three methods of transportation that we’ve mentioned in this rule. If you’ve got friends who happen to have cars then you’re in good shape, because this will save you the trouble of asking mom and dad for a ride. (Of course with friends you won’t have to chip in that much for gas as opposed to your parents.) If you and your friends don’t have a car, then you can grab the Uber or Lyft app on your iPhone or Android (if you have one), and tell em’ to pick you up. (Make sure you get UberX because that’s the least expensive.) If your convention is less than 10 miles from your house, then mom and dad shouldn’t mind too much. (You’re still gonna have to pay them for gas though.)

Rule #5: Raid the Con! (Actually, don’t do that. Just walk around and check out the awesome atmosphere!)

When going to your first anime convention it is easy to get lost when you’ve never been inside the actual con before. After you’ve paid for your con badge make sure that the con staff has given you a map/schedule of the con, because this will cut down a lot of the hassle that comes with being an anime convention virgin. (Minus the sex. Sorry, sorry! T.T) If there are no panels going on during the first two hours of the con, take that time to plan out which panels you and your friends want to go to. Establish a meeting place if you and your friends decide to go to different panels, and don’t forget to make time to eat too! If you make sure that all of the conditions of the first four rules have been met, then you should be all set! 😉

FINALLY, just have fun! Take pictures with other fans who are cosplaying as your favorite characters from your favorite series. Go see your favorite voice actors. Head down to the con’s rave party and dance the night away while listening to a progressive house remix of Sailor Moon. (The DJs at these cons are pretty good, of course Yours Truly plans on throwing his hat into that ring pretty soon.)

Well, I hope that this filler post helped you out. If this is your first time going to an anime con and you don’t know what to do, just look back on this post and relax.

HAVE FUN!! 🙂

If you’re a hardcore anime fan who loves anime almost more than life itself, but never been to an anime convention before, then the information from this post is gonna be quite beneficial to you. A. Goldman and Yours Truly have been going to anime conventions for over eight years, and let me tell you, the things we’ve seen happen while we’ve been a part of them, are memories that no one in the ‘real world’ can take away from you. So to help you enjoy the full experience of an anime convention (cosplay, merch, voice actors, etc.), we’re gonna unlock the vault containing the biggest secrets on how to successfully plan for an anime convention!

Tip #1: Find the Con!

Everyone’s gotta start somewhere, right? So why not start by surfing through the web. If you google up anime conventions you’re bound to find hundreds of different ones all across the U.S. as well as the UK, South America, and even Africa (which I didn’t even know they had). If you’ve gotten past this step then the next is to find a con that’s either in your area or state and head to its website. Check out the con’s history and see what events they have there, and if they’re to your liking (and we’re pretty sure they are), then look for the convention’s hotel tab and book it, Dano!** 😛

(**Make sure you take some friends who love anime and cosplay with you if you plan on going to your con. Hotels can be expensive depending on where you stay, but if you got a buddy or two to split the cost with, then you’ll be alright!)

Tip #2: Prepare for the Con!

You’ve booked it, so now you have to prepare for it! Going to an anime con is just like planning for a vacation; you got to pack your clothes, your toothbrush, your electronic gaming system (in this case a 3DS or any other handheld gaming device will do, trust me, you can leave the PS4, Xbox One, or whatever gaming brand console you’re into at home, cuz’ you’re not gonna be in the room that much anyway), and anything else that you think you may or may not need.

The next step after doing that is finding a way to the hotel/convention. Nine times outta ten your mom or dad might be happy enough to take you and your friends to your hotel (convention), but that all depends on these three things: location, location, LOCATION!

If your hotel or anime convention is no more than 45 minutes away from where you live, then your parents shouldn’t have a problem taking you there. (Unless you’re over 16 and got your own car, then you can cut mommy n’ daddy out of the equation.) However if your hotel is either 2-3 hours away or even in another state, mom and dad might say you’re shitzu-outta-luck. Not to worry though, because thanks to the advancements of technology, we’ve got Uber and Lyft!

Just make sure you’ve got some extra money saved up to cover the cost. Heck, you can even divide who pays going to the hotel/con and who pays coming back. (Like we just did for Zenkaikon.)

Tip #3: Set Some Ground Rules

We all know the old saying; “It’s all fun and games until someone ends up in the corner crying–or something to that effect!” In other words just lay down some ground rules on what goes on while inside your hotel room. We’ve heard a lot about con drama happening at almost every anime convention, and when it happens, it can (sometimes) kill the whole happy vibe that you been having while at the con. I’m not trying to sound like your parents/guardian(s) but setting these ground rules can help you enjoy the full extent of the con without having any tense moments.

Those rules can range from the sleeping arrangements to if your roommate/friend decides to indulge in some after con hours activity (i.e. drinking or sex with his/her girlfriend/boyfriend/best friend, though we won’t judge about that last part). Remember, it is better to be safe at a con, then sorry on the way back home.

Also, if you plan on going to the convention’s rave party (or shindig), keep an eye on how long you stay out at night. I dunno what it is about midnight, but bad things always happen after midnight. (Unless the convention is inside the hotel itself, then in this case party on you party animal! ^.^)

Tip #4: Let The Map Be Your Guide

There is never going to be an anime convention that doesn’t give you a map on how to find a Q&A panel for Sonny Strait, or where the next showing of Dragon Ball Super is. If you’re traveling in a group then this tip is going to be quite crucial for you, especially if the events or panels you want to check out might not be the same ones that your friends wanna check out.

For this tip it would be in your best interest to mark the panels and workshops that you want to check out while at the con in advance. This tip also refers back to Tip #1, so if you and your friends already have a good idea of which voice actor(s) you want to see or which panel you want to go to, then you should be a-okay! Also as an add-on to this tip; make sure you set up a meeting place on where you should meet up, should you and your friends take off in different directions for different panels. (Don’t forget to put in some time for food, cuz’ otaku can have a Broly-sized appetite.)

Finally, just have fun! Make new friends and awesome geeky memories that will last a lifetime. Who says you only have to go to just one anime con a year, go to multiple ones so you can enjoy that happy con feeling over, and over, and over again! As long as you follow these tips that we’ve given you, you’ll know what to do if you plan on going to an anime con; whether you’ve been going to them as long as we have, or you’re just stepping out to one for the very first time.