Are you a dedicated gamer with dreams of turning your love for video games into a rewarding career? The gaming industry offers a plethora of opportunities for those who are passionate and determined. This article, courtesy of D&A Anime Blog, will guide you through a series of practical steps for embarking on your journey to a successful career in the world of video games.
Forge Connections at Industry Events
Establish connections with industry professionals by attending gaming conventions, conferences, and meetups. These events provide a unique platform to interact with people who share your passion.
Engage in meaningful conversations, share your enthusiasm, and exchange contact information to build a valuable network. Remember that networking is a powerful tool in the gaming industry, and the connections you forge can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Elevate Your Game Design Skills
You must constantly hone your skills to excel in the gaming industry. Learn coding languages relevant to game development. These technical skills will make you a more versatile and valuable asset to potential employers.
By staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, you can ensure your skill set remains in high demand. Click here for more information on skill development and industry competitiveness.
Explore Opportunities in Game Development
Regularly browse job boards, websites, and forums for game development job openings. Each position may have unique requirements, so tailor your resume and portfolio to match the specific roles you’re interested in. Highlighting your skills and experiences that align with the job’s demands will significantly increase your chances of securing a position in the industry.
Design Your Unique Logo
In the competitive world of video games, standing out from the crowd is essential. Crafting a unique text logo is one way to do just that.
Your logo represents your personal brand, so invest time in creating one that is visually appealing and memorable. Fortunately, free online logo makers are available to help you design a logo that reflects your identity and sets you apart.
Dive into Game Testing
Game testing is an excellent entry point into the industry. You can gain valuable industry experience by working as a game tester for game studios.
During this process, you’ll become intimately familiar with the game development pipeline, identify flaws, and provide constructive feedback. The firsthand experience is invaluable and can open doors to various roles within the gaming world.
Craft Winning Projects for Competitions
Developing your gaming projects is one way to showcase your talent and gain recognition. Whether it’s mobile apps, console games, or other gaming-related endeavors, these projects are your portfolio.
Participate in game development competitions, such as The Game Development World Championship, to put your work on display. Winning or not, these contests offer exposure and a chance to demonstrate your skills to a broader audience.
Pursue Freelance Ventures
Consider freelancing in the video game development sphere. Opportunities abound, from game design and graphics to audio work.
Freelancing allows you to build a portfolio and establish your reputation in the industry. It’s a way to gain valuable experience, make connections, and potentially transition into full-time employment in the gaming world.
Research Video Game Design Scholarships
If you want to further your game design and development education, researching available scholarships and grants is a smart move. Financial aid can ease the burden of educational costs and allow you to focus on your passion. Many institutions and organizations offer scholarships specifically tailored to aspiring game designers and developers.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your love for video games into a fulfilling career is achievable and highly rewarding. By forging connections, creating a unique brand, acquiring essential skills, and actively seeking opportunities, you can embark on a journey that leads to a successful and satisfying career in the dynamic world of video game development.
Start taking these steps and level up your career aspirations in the gaming industry. Your dedication and passion could be the keys to unlocking a bright future in this exciting field.
Would you like to read more helpful content or connect with other gamers? Visit the DA Anime Blog today!
An interesting fact about Ren Amaki fromย Shield Hero: he’s a pretty obvious expy of Kirito, the main protagonist ofย Sword Art Online. AKA, one of the stories that made isekai a popular genre from the 2010s onwards. People know Kirito as either this lone-wolf gamer with a heart of gold or a sword-wielding badass. The anime makes it all the more apparent with Ren sharing the same seiyuu, or voice actor, as Ren in the native Japanese. Unlike Kirito, though, Ren is more of someone who wants to be a badass yet fails miserably when it counts. Case in point, this episode ofย Shield Heroย shows Ren’s mindset before getting summoned and how he ended up the way he is now.
Kicking off with a flashback to Ren’s life before the present day, fans see how much of a contradiction the young man is. On the one hand, he likes being the strongest or being seen as the strongest and having others sing his praises. On the other hand, though, he’s a lone wolf who is unsure how to interact with his peers, and thus fails to understand the value of the teamwork. As a result, when he got isekai’d, his whole party only fed his ego, exacerbating the problem. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Ren kept thinking he was all his party needed, and neglected their own growth. Which came back to bite him tragically when his party got slaughtered by the Spirit Tortoise.
Then, in a move surprisingย no oneย but himself, Witch robbed him of his gear and money. After that, the same guys who attacked Naofumi’s party try to kill him, only he’s got no party to help him; no deus ex machine like S’yne; and none of the townspeople want to help him. He’s all alone. And that leads him to activate not one, butย two, cursed series for his Cardinal Sword and become a bandit leader.
The difference between Ren and Kirito is that, while Kirito started out as a lone wolf, he managed to grow out of it. He opened himself up to others, made friends, and even got a girlfriend. Ren was never willing to take that first step, though, despite dying saving someone else’s life. He never had the kind of people that Naofumi found, which only served to reinforce these negative qualities. All of these things ultimately drove Ren to the point where Naofumi finds him. Wearing a tuxedo mask, fighting Motoyasu, and corrupted by the curses of gluttony and greed.ย
Ren Gets a Reality Check
Clearly, Ren is in need of a reality check, and where Naofumi fails, his friend, Eclair, steps up. And, since we skipped out on the second season, Eclair is the daughter of the Lord that ruled the land that Lulorona Village’s a part of. When he died, she hunted down the slavers who kidnapped the villagers, only to get imprisoned by the Three Heroes Church until Naofumi brought them down.
The fight between Ren and Eclair is short but important for two reasons. Firstly, despite him being a Cardinal Hero, Ren gets his butt kicked by Eclair, showing him how weak he is. It’s even implied that Eclair wasn’t fighting him seriously, to boot, driving the point home further. Secondly, Eclair cuts to the root of Ren’s problems: he doesn’t know what he wants beyond the role he was given. He lacks the resolve needed to point his strength towards something worthwhile, stagnated from that, and hates himself for it, since it means he got his party killed.
That is the power of the “fight no jutsu” and “talk no jutsu” at work in tandem.
With the main conflict now resolved, the episode wraps up with the two assassin’s from before attack the group while they’re recovering. However, Motoyasu kills them both in two seconds thanks to taking Naofumi’s training advice, and Raphtalia kills their souls so they can’t come back. One less problem to deal with, and two of the Cardinal Heroes now willing to listen to Naofumi.
This wasn’t one of the most exciting episodes of the season, but nonetheless, it was an enjoyable one. We got to see inside Ren’s mindset and learn why he is who he is. Furthermore, getting to watch him see reason was very satisfying. With six episodes left in the season, the only hero left to find is Itsuki. Fingers crossed, Naofumi finds him before he can get hurt or cause too much trouble.
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.
Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2ย Review
Ten years ago,ย Attack on Titanย rocked the world with one of the darkest and most morally complicated stories in anime history. Now, more than two years since the final chapter of the manga, the anime has come to a close in a movie-length event so hotly anticipated, it broke the Crunchyroll website.ย
Of those who managed to watch it right when it appeared, they had nothing but praise for it on social media. As one of the people who read the manga, my expectations for the finale were very high. And while knowing what would happen did dampen my excitement a little, the animation was so amazing, I couldn’t help but get excited to see how it all ended. What’s more, series mangaka Hajime Isayama listened to fan criticisms about things ended and actively took steps to improve on it. He even apologized to Studio MAPPA for making them do extra legwork.
Like Something Out of a Triple-A Video Game
Picking up right where the first part left off, the anime wastes no time diving into the Scout’s and Titan Shifters final, desperate battle to stop the Rumbling. They pull out all the stops to keep Eren from destroying what’s left of the world, and it shows. Gone are the green rookies that got thrust headfirst into the fight against the Titans. In their place are some of the best soldiers and warriors in the world, and they give everything they have against Eren. While some people might complain about the fact that none of the remaining protagonist’s died and call it plot armor, I don’t think it’s entirely that. It’s more of a testament of how well they’re able to work together. This is in spite of the fact that just a few days ago, both groups were trying to kill each other. War makes for strange bedfellows, it seems.
The entire film (it deserves to be called such) plays out like the final battle of a triple-A video game in the vein ofย Kingdom Heartsย orย Final Fantasy. Much like those series, interspersed between all the action are scenes that provide emotional depth to most of the main characters. The best of these scenes, though, are the ones between Armin and Zeke, and later, Eren. Getting to see Armin talk Zeke out of his nihistilic views on life and how it has meaning beyond survival is a major highlight for the former. It shows how, even after everything he’s gone through, Armin strives to see the best in humanity. The world needs more people like him.ย
The action itself was, of course, jaw-droppingly good. From the appearance of Falco’s Jaw Titan to Mikasa dealing the final blow to Eren, it was clear that Studio Mappa didn’t hold anything back. No wonder Hajime apologized for making them work so hard.
Hajime Isayama Improved the Ending
When it first came out two years ago, a lot of fans didn’t like the way Attack on Titan ended, and made sure Isayama knew this. It got so bad that some people even started a rewrite for the finale called AoT no Requiem. Isayama himself stated he’d also come to have problems with how he ended things, so he took the criticism to heart. Thus, the anime’s finale was his chance to change things for the better. While the ending as a whole remained the same, he did add more depth to certain moments to make it better.
More to Say Between Eren and Armin
First, there’s that infamous scene between Eren and Armin. Eren breaks down and starts crying over the fact that he won’t get to live out his life with Armin and Mikasa. I never had a problem with this, because I took it as proof that the cold-hearted facade he’d been putting on since the timeskip was an act. A coping mechanism to deal with the chaos he would one day unleash and alienate himself from his friends so they wouldn’t feel bad once he died. Not everyone saw it that way, though.
The anime extends that scene in the hopes of better explaining Eren’s rationale behind everything. To summarize, he was disgusted with what he had to do as everyone else was. He didn’t want to do it; no sane person would! However, due to the hand that the world had dealt him, and his own, future actions, he had no other choice. He was forced into this role by himself and those around him, something that Armin even acknowledges and accepts that he’s partially guilty of allowing. It was horrific, but to save the world from the Titans, Eren was forced to become a sacrifice.
The reason why I never had a problem with this ending is because I had already seen a similar one happen in another great anime, Code Geass. In that story, the main protagonist conquered the world and became its sole dictator to unite everyone in opposition against him. Once that was done, he had his best friend fake his death and then assassinate him to erase all that hatred, letting the world move on in peace. That’s more or less what Eren did here: he set himself up as the enemy of the world to be taken down by his friends. They’d become heroes, their home would be spared for centuries, and the power of the Titans would vanish from the world for a long time. It wasn’t a wholly happy ending, but it was the best one they got with the cards they had.
Paradis Got to Thrive For a Long Time
Another key thing that got improved was the epilogue for the series. After the release of the final chapter, Isayama made an extended version that showed the future of the world of Attack on Titan. Mikasa got to live out her life in peace before dying in old age, her new family burying her next to Eren under their tree. Time then flashes forward and shows Paradis becoming a modern metropolis before getting destroyed in another war.
Some fans saw this as a way of saying that everything Eren sacrificed had been for nothing. Thus, Isayama and Studio Mappa changed the images seen in the end credits to provide better context. Rather than lasting for a few generations after the story’s events, the anime clarifies that this war likely occurred hundreds of years later. More than enough time for Paradis to live and thrive in peace like Eren wanted, and enough time for the rest of the world to start recovering. It might seem unfair that Paradis still got destroyed, but it was going to happen. For all we know, it might have been due to a completely different reason besides the Rumbling. In addition, the sight of the boy entering Eren’s tree means that the Eldian people weren’t wiped out.
As for the power of the Titans, it’s still not clear if it would return in the distant future. However, if it does, I’d like to think mankind will have learned not to use it as they did in the past. Or, at the least, they’ll have progressed to the point where it won’t be so big of a threat.
Still an Amazing Ending for Attack on Titan
Regardless of my own opinions, one cannot deny the fact that the finale to Attack on Titan was epic. Everyone working on it brought their A-game, and it showed in the acting, animation, and music. Speaking of music, there were several instrumental remixes to some of the best songs in the anime peppered throughout the anime. What’s more, the anime also dives into a little more detail about what happened to the secondary characters who survived the ending. Each of them is doing their best to live their lives and rebuild the world, even Yelena. It’s not much, but it’s nice to see what happened to the secondary cast.
The only regret I do have is that this was never released in theaters as the movie it deserves to be called.
I Give “Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2” a 5/5
There seems to be a recurring trend inย Shield Hero. Whenever things start looking good for Naofumi, life throws him a curveball or two. First there was the thing with Witch (that’s what Malty shall be henceforth called). Then he went on the run from the Three Heroes Church. The attack of the Spirit Tortoise and traveling to Glass’ world. Now, the universe throws Naofumi another curve ball. Not only are there more world’s than his, Raphtalia’s, and Glass’, but more people want him dead.ย
After giving up on the nowย full-blown Filocon that is Motoyasu, Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Filo are hoofing it back to Lulorona Village. Without Filo’s beloved carriage, to boot. Suddenly, they’re ambushed by a pair of arrogant, yet powerful, men in black hoods. Much like the surprise, scripted boss fight in a JRPG, their attackers prove too dangerous to fight in their current state. One of them even drops a meteor on them like they’re Sephiroth or Madara Uchiha! Thankfully, they’re beaten thanks to their own hubris and the intervention of S’yne.ย
As S’yne reveals once they’re back in Lulorona Village, she’s not from their world. She was the Vassal Hero from a world that was destroyed by the people their assailants work for. Emphasis on the ‘work’, as despite killing them, S’yne states that they will return. It’s like the equivalent of respawning in a video game after dying. While it may seem like a lazy way to bring back enemies, Shield Hero seems to use it to emphasise how dangerous this mystery group is. If they’re powerful enough to invade other worlds and destroy them, then Naofumi should heed S’yne’s words.
Some good does come out of this skirmish, though. While Naofumi still doesn’t trust her, he lets S’yne stay in Lulorona Village. The downside to having her come back after a single episode, though, is that it renders the sight of her leaving seem pointless. On the upside, though, the debuff’s their attackers used on Naofumi’s party managed to get rid of the curse they got at the end of last season.ย
Despite this unexpected event, things continue to go well for Naofumi and his allies. They’re getting stronger training in armed combat and the Hengen Musou martial art courtesy of Old Lady Elrasla. So much so that Naofumi’s able to take a number of them to get a class upgrade. Again, another example of RPG elements that work well in this story. Now, all they need is someone to test their prowess against. As fate would have it, Eclair knows the perfect targets.
Ren Has Become a Chuni Edgelord
A group of bandits has been attacking stray adventurers and travelers on the roads nearby, prompting Naofumi to take a group to hunt them down. However, when he finds their leader, he’s surprised to learn who it is: it’s Ren, fighting Motoyasu.
You don’t need to have read the light novels to connect the dots here. Witch burned Ren like she did Naofumi and Motoyasu, and now he’s gone all in on his edgelord persona, complete with black armor and a mask that, honestly, looks dumb on him. As for Motoyasu, he likely only found Ren because he was looking for Filo, to her dismay.
I’ve never fully read the light novels, so I don’t know what exactly happens, but it seems like the anime’s trying to condense a lot of important details. However, given the fact that this season only has 12 episodes, it feels necessary. And the end result remains the same by showing viewers the most important parts of what’s happening. Plus, while it was lighter on the action, the episode does demonstrate the new enemy that Naofumi has. We should expect to see them again soon.
Also, Motoyasu now deserves to be on the FBI’s list of lolicon’s.
Hate sink is a trope in which a character’s deliberately designed to elicit a negative reaction from the people reading or viewing the story. More importantly, seeing them suffer invokes a feeling of joy from most people. Anime has a lot of hate sink characters in it, but few are as vile and disgusting as Bitch fromย Shield Hero, formerly known as Malty Melromarc. She ruined Naofumi’s reputation on day one for the heck of it, and remained a repeated headache in his life since. Then she got her just desserts with her Mom stripping her of her royalty status. She even got her named changed to ‘Bitch’ at Naofumi’s suggestion, and her alias to ‘Whore.’ Alas, this was not enough to bring the menace of Bitch to heel, as this episode sees her back to her manipulative ways. And it makes Naofumi’s job of uniting the Cardinal Heroes a lot harder.
Who is S’yne? I Should Apologize for That
First, I would like to apologize for a mistake I made in my review of episode two. The “Killer Clown” that Naofumi’s party fought was not, in fact, Fohl, but an entirely different character. This is S’yne, a completely different character, and one I had to actually look up. S’yne is powerful in her own right, but also mysterious and enigmatic. Thus, when she shows up and asks to join Naofumi’s village, he refuses to let her. Thus, she winds up going off on her own, but will likely return in the future.
The strangest thing of all about S’yne, though, is how she talks. I had to double-check my earbuds, because her voice kept getting cutting off by static. This wasn’t a glitch, though. This was a deliberate act on the show’s part. I don’t entirely understand what it means, but it looks like it’s going to be something important.
Again, my bad!
Motoyasu Has Hit Rock Bottom, and it’s Pathetic.
Mysterious characters aside, Naofumi’s next task is to find the missing Cardinal Heroes, and the Queen of Melromarc has already located Motoyasu. He and Naofumi have been at odds from the getgo due to Motoyasu’s lazy, womanizing ways and for falling for Bitch’s lies. However, after failing to kill the Spirit Tortoise on his own, his party/harem abandoned him, and he’s left destitute. When Naofumi’s party finds him, he’s begging one of his former party members to come back, only for her to coldly tell him to “get lost.”
Motoyasu has never been a good person or someone worthy of being called a hero. However, seeing how far he’s fallen makes even Naofumi feel a little bad for him. And it’s only going to get worse.
In the meantime, Naofumi manages to run into Ren, who’s even worse off than Motoyasu. Whereas Motoyasu’s party abandoned him, Ren’s died at the hands of the Spirit Tortoise. Despite being traumatized, Ren refuses to blame himself for his failures, something that disgusts Naofumi. Still, he manages to make some progress with him…until Bitch shows up.
Bitch Turns into a Witch
Having fled from the Spear Hero’s party, Bitch is now effectively a fugitive, and she has refused to learn her lesson. Instead, in the latest act of petty evil, she pulls the exact same stunt she did with Naofumi on Motoyasu. She lies to Ren and says that Motoyasu forced himself on her and Naofumi freed the Spirit Tortoise, and somehow, her slave crest doesn’t call her out for her. And then Ren loses it and starts swinging his sword at Naofumi before bailing with Bitch in tow. And, to rub salt in the wound, when Motoyasu begs Bitch to come back, she uses the same akanbe taunt she used on Naofumi, and it breaks him altogether.
It’s at this point that the anime glosses over something important from the light novels. In the light novels, as Naofumi’s watching these events unfold, his hatred for Bitch reaches a new high. He even stops calling her a Bitch; in his eyes, she’s a full-blown Witch. The worst possible kind of Witch. She’s the most evil and disgusting person that Naofumi’s ever met, and will likely remain his greatest enemy until one of them dies.
Motoyasu Gets Cursed
The episode ends with Motoyasu undergoing a complete 180 in personality. Instead of being a womanizing skirt-chaser who hates Naofumi, he now treats Naofumi with the utmost respect and is ready to listen to whatever he says. That’s the good news. The rest, however, is all bad news.
Firstly, Motoyasu’s trauma with women has led him to unlock his own Cursed Series for his Legendary Spear, the Lust Spear. The anime doesn’t make it too clear, but it’s revealed in the Light Novel that he now hates almost women. Worse, his mental state’s so bad, he now regards all women as pigs; literal, talking pigs.ย
It gets worse, though. Out of sheer kindness, Filo tries to cheer Motoyasu up by being nice to him. As a result, she becomes the sole exception to his curse, causing him to becomeย obsessedย with Filo in the worst way possible. He even starts calling Naofumi “Father” and begs him to let him have Filo. In no universe is this okay!
Overall, the episode does a good job of demonstrating how bad things have gotten for the other Cardinal Heroes. However, it fails to go the extra mile by diving into the psychological aspects of their suffering thanks to Bitch/Witch. In addition, Motoyasu’s left in a mental state that would get the FBI called on him back home. Yet, at least Naofumi now has one of the Cardinal Heroes willing to work with him, so it evens out. Plus, Filo can always kick him if he tries anything.
I Give “The Operation to Capture the Spear Hero” a 4/5
Anime conventions captivate audiences far and wide, offering a unique blend of culture, community, and creativity. The challenge, however, lies in navigating these complex, multifaceted events to extract maximum enjoyment. From the minute details of cosplay to the practical aspects of getting around, a well-thought-out approach can transform your convention experience from ordinary to extraordinary. This comprehensive guide, presented by D&A Anime Blog, aims to provide you with the roadmap you need.
Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Event
Preparation is a cornerstone of any successful endeavor, and anime conventions are no exception. Securing your tickets well in advance eliminates the stress of last-minute arrangements. Accommodation planning is equally important, providing not just a place to rest, but a strategic base for your activities. Budgeting should also not be an afterthought; a well-planned budget will guide your spending decisions and ensure a stress-free experience. Finally, remember that traveling will require you to make arrangements with work; if youโre an entrepreneur and will be doing business on the trip, you can write off some of your expenses, but keep in mind that these write-offs can typically only be made if youโll be gone longer than a day.
Crafting an Unforgettable Cosplay
Cosplay serves as a vibrant form of expression, allowing you to inhabit the universe of your favorite characters. Selecting a character that deeply resonates with you is the first essential step. Sourcing quality materials not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your confidence. An equally important aspect is the maintenance of your costume; small repairs and proper storage can prolong its life. Also, keep in mind that conventions often host themed events, and aligning your costume with these can elevate your entire experience.
Navigating the Terrain Skillfully
Amid the whirlwind of activity, effective time management is critical. Arriving early provides benefits such as shorter queues and a general lay of the land. Mastery of crowd navigation frees you to focus on what truly matters: the convention experience itself. Keep in mind that your choice of footwear, quick snacks, and a portable power source can spell the difference between fatigue and sustained enthusiasm, so pack smart. Navigational aids like event maps or dedicated apps streamline your movement, giving you more time to enjoy what you love.
Engaging with a Diverse Crowd
These events are welcoming hubs that attract a variety of people. The rich tapestry of attendees includes not only fans but also professionals who may find potential business advantages. For instance, small business owners can explore synergies between their venture and the convention, perhaps scouting for merchandise or meeting potential partners.
Elevate the Experience
While attractions are aplenty, strategic choices must be made to get the most out of your time. Prioritize panels or workshops that genuinely interest you for a fulfilling experience. Networking can yield unexpected rewards, from expert advice to new friendships. Merchandise shopping should be approached with care; a predetermined budget and a little negotiation prowess can go a long way. Lastly, participative events like cosplay competitions offer not just a platform for showcasing your talents but also for enjoying others’.
Keeping the Momentum Going
The end of the convention doesn’t spell the end of your experience. Documenting your adventure, whether through photographs or journaling, serves to prolong the joy. Social media platforms and blogs offer an avenue for sharing your experiences and tips, thereby enriching the community. Similarly, active participation in online forums and local clubs keeps the excitement alive, even when the convention halls have emptied.
Planning for the Road Ahead
Your post-convention activities should include research on upcoming events, keeping your enthusiasm perpetually stoked. Secure your attendance at future conventions by watching out for ticket releases and making early reservations, ensuring that you remain in the loop and ahead of the game. Additionally, subscribing to newsletters or following key social media accounts can provide you with timely updates, further aiding in your planning for future events.
Anime conventions offer a sensory feast for those willing to immerse themselves fully. With meticulous preparation, targeted involvement, and a proactive approach to community engagement, your convention experience can transcend the ordinary. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to attend but to unlock the full spectrum of what these incredible events have to offer.Need to get in touch with the team at D&A Anime Blog? Reach out today via the contact form!
Hey guys! We wanna welcome our newest contributor to D&A Anime Blog, Virginia Cooper, as she contributed this amazing post!
RJ Writing Ink’s Picks for Terrifying Monsters in Anime
Halloween is the time of year where people embrace the macabre and monstrous, and anime is filled with some of the biggest monsters in all of fiction. From demons pulled straight from myths and legends worldwide to conventional monsters like vampires and zombies, anime has them all. In the spirit of Halloween, it seems appropriate to talk about the monsters of anime that will give everyday people nightmares.
I’m RJ Writing Ink with D&A Anime, and here are my picks for some of the most terrifying monsters to be found in anime.
Titans, Attack on Titan Franchise
Woe to those who see one of the Titans approaching them, for they are almost always harbingers of death. Created when a certain group of people are injected with their spinal fluids, Titans are hulking, near-mindless monsters. Their only goal in existence is to find one of the nine people with the power to shift in and out of Titan form and devour them so they can regain human form. Thus, they chase down any human they see in the hopes of eating them. In the Attack on Titan universe, the number of deaths they’ve caused is enough to kill the world’s population three times over.
What makes the Titans so horrifying is that, unlike many fictional monsters, they usually appear distinctly human. Seeing a group of giant, naked, grotesque caricatures of human beings running towards is the stuff of nightmares. Is it any wonder people inย Attack on Titanย are so afraid of them?
Demons,ย Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
While Demons are not a new thing in works of anime, the Demons in Demon Slayer are unlike anything fans have seen before. Craving human blood, vulnerable to the sun, and capable of turning more humans into them, they have more in common with vampires than that of classical Demons. However, that doesn’t really matter, though, considering that they’re still horrifying.
What makes the Demons in Demon Slayer even more dangerous is the many and varied powers they can possess, ranging from super-strength to being able to rewrite the world around them on a whim. Worst of all, their progenitor, Muzan, is so monstrous that he’s compared to a force of nature. Is it any wonder why the Demon Slayer Corps is constantly struggling to wipe them out?
The one positive trait about them is that they’re not entirely devoid of humanity, as proven by Nezuko.
Devils,ย Chainsaw Man
Imagine a world where the thing that you’re afraid of, the very concept of it, could take physical form and threaten you. That’s the kind of world that serves as the setting for Chainsaw Man. In this alternate version of Earth, Devils are real, and they are the phsyical manifestations of the things that mankind fears. And the more humans fear them, the stronger they become. No matter how silly or absurd it may be, if someone is afraid of it, there’s likely a Devil for it.
What makes the Devils of Chainsaw Man truly horrifying is that there are things that almost every living thing is genetically programmed to be afraid of. Falling from great heights, darkness, and even death itself are things that all life instinctively fears. Imagine how powerful their Devils are. No wonder why the only people who choose to become Devil Hunters have a few screws loose.
Shinigami,ย Death Note
Death is already a scary concept by itself, but what if there were extra-dimensional beings capable of killing you with a pen and a notebook. If that sounds terrifying, then the Shinigami of Death Note are the stuff of nightmares. Grotesque in appearance and residing in an alternate plane of reality, the Shinigami have only one purpose in life: to end the lives of others. To that end, they use the power of their Death Notes to end the lives of humans living on Earth and use them to extend their own lifespans.
The scariest part about the Shinigami, besides their appearance, is their almost universal apathy regarding humanity. At worst, they view humans as sources of food for themselves; at best, they’re sources of entertainment. Even Ryuk, the one who gave Light Yagami the Death Note that let him become Kira, abandons Light when he finally gets cornered. They don’t care about mankind, and they never will.
Cursed Spirits,ย Jujutsu Kaisen
In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, feeling too many negative emotions isn’t just bad for your mental health; it can lead to the creation of supernatural monsters. Cursed Spirits are beings that manifest from the collective cursed energy that leaks out of humans whenever they’re feeling negative emotions. Much like the Devils in Chainsaw Man, they’re the embodiments of mankind’s fears and anxities, and thus can take many forms that range from the simple to the truly demonic.
While they can be scary-looking, most Cursed Spirits are capable of being dealt with by the Jujutsu Sorceror’s that protect society from the shadows. That is, however, except for Sukuna, the King of Curses. The amount of black air force energy he has in him is so powerful that he managed to persist a thousand years after he died. The only hope the Jujutsu Sorceror’s had of finally being rid of him was by gathering all his cursed energy into his host, Yuji Itadori, and then finally killing him. As of now, that still has yet to work out.
So, does everyone agree with my picks. I am well aware that there are plenty of monsters in anime that are just as terrifying as the examples I came up with. However, if I tried to mention them all, we’d be here all night. Feel free to let us know any other scary monsters in anime that you think should be on this list.ย
Anime that Make for Perfect Binge Sessions for Halloween
Every year for Halloween, it’s a tradition of mine to watch at least one Halloween special or scary movie every night in the month of October. While I haven’t always met this self-mandated quota, the process has led me to broaden my horizons into the horror genre, which is something that I normally want nothing to do with. As it turns out, the world of anime is filled to the brim with plenty of scary shows, movies, and OVA’s meant to have people sleeping with one eye open. In addition to serving as inspiration for amazing costumes, horror anime can also serve as ideal binging material to get one into the spirit of the holiday.
I’m RJ Writing Ink with D&A Anime blog, and in honor of Halloween, I’m sharing some of my top picks for anime to binge for All Hallow’s Eve. Some of these I’ve even managed to cover on the blog, so if they interest you, then go check out my reviews for shows like Chainsaw Man and Demon Slayer.
You can rarely talk about the horror genre without mentioning vampires, and anime has them for days. While some of them depict vampires as waifu’s and husbandos, there are those that play them straight, with the Hellsing franchise standing near the very top. The series follows the exploits of Alucard, the strongest vampire in the world, as he serves the Hellsing Organization in their mission to protect Britain from supernatural threats. On its own, Hellsing Ultimate is a violent, bloody, and dark story where main characters can drop like flies.
Then, we haveย Hellsing Ultimate: Abridgedย by TeamFourStar, which is even better than the official series. The once stoic and perfectionist Alucard is now a goofy, bloodthirsty, over-the-top wearer of black air forces voiced by the talented Takahata101. TeamFourStar balances the genuine horror of facing an army ofย Nazi vampiresย with their own brand of humor, and the result is a masterpiece. Compare the moment when Alucard returns to London in the official release with what TeamFourStar does and tell me which doesn’t get you more hyped up.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is among the most famous anime in the world, and for good reason; it gave us some of the most terrifying monsters the world has ever seen. When it first came out, Attack on Titan looked to be a post-apocalyptic horror anime telling the story of mankind’s desperate fight for survival against an anime that didn’t just want them dead but to eat them. However, as time went on, the series expanded its ideas of what can be considered horror. From the realization that the enemy they had fought for so long had an unsettling connection to them to looking at the psychological toll war can have on everyone, Attack on Titan painted a bleak picture of mankind. And fans have eaten it up.
At the time that this is being published, fans are eagerly awaiting for the series finale to air on Crunchyroll on November 5th, 2023. Given the hype surrounding the ending to the manga, fans are going to be discussing what happens in Attack on Titan for years to come. Fear the Titans.
Chainsaw Man
It may be a newcomer in the world of Shonen anime, butย Chainsaw Manย has already garnered a massive following. Set in an alternate 1990s Japan,ย Chainsaw Manย follows the story of Denji, a teenage boy who hunts down Devils for a living. After his Yakuza handlers betray and kill him, Denji’s reborn as the titular Chainsaw Man, capable of cutting up anyone dumb enough to fight him into bloody,ย bloodyย chunks. Instead of being motivated to help others or do good, Denji wants to live a good life. That, and to get a girlfriend. The man has his priorities straight.
The first season of the anime might not have fully capitalized on the over-the-top violence fans were expecting. However, there’s no denying thatย Chainsaw Manย is a good Shonen-Horror anime. The main antagonists of the series are the physical manifestations of everything that mankind fears. And once the violence gets started in earnest, no one will be safe from dying horrifically. This is one of the darkest of the new wave of Shonen hits, and it’s likely to be one that people will talk about for years.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Yet another example of the recent trend of dark Shonen anime, Jujutsu Kaisen operates on a similar premise to Chainsaw Man. In a Japan where sorceror’s secretly battle against monsters called Cursed Spirits, Yuji Itadori’s a seemingly ordinary kid. Until, that is, the day he becomes the unwitting host for the most dangerous Cursed Spirit in history. Thus, he’s forced to become a Jujutsu Sorceror and gather the other fragments of said Cursed Spirit in the hopes that when he dies, he can take this threat with him to his grave.
JuJutsu Kaisen is part of the next generation of Shonen anime, and it has already garnered a massive following. The premise of people fighting against the supernatural embodiment of negative feelings is an interesting take on the usual Shonen formula, but it doesn’t make it any less awesome. In addition to the horror factor, the show’s also gotten a lot of praise for its sense of humor. From Yuji’s Dub VA creating that iconic shout-out to Mega Thee Stallion to Gojo being a full-on rizz god, Jujustu Kaisen is super entertaining to watch. Don’t let the humor fool you, though. It knows when to get dark and serious.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
When Demon Slayer cooks, the whole world eats well. Set in Meji-era Japan, Demon Slayer follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who’s entire family is slaughtered by the Demon, Muzan, and his sister, Nezuko, turned into a Demon herself. Against almost everyone’s objections, Tanjiro refuses to let Nezuko die, vowing to kill Muzan and return his sister to human form. Thus, he embarks on the life of a Demon Slayer.
Demon Slayer has become legendary for how amazing the animation is, but it also stands up well in the horror genre. The members of the Demon Slayer Corps are constantly forced to fight against Demons that range from normal in appearance to outright abominations, and are usually considered the underdogs doing it. What really makes Demon Slayer great, though, is what the story represents on a thematic level. If Demons represent the worst of humanity, then the Demon Slayer Corps indomitable will against overwhelming odds represents its best. That alone is worth giving it a shot.
High School of the Dead
Zombie Apocalypse’s can be as commonplace in anime as they are in western media, but few are as notorious as the unfinished High School of the Dead. When a zombie pandemic strikes without warning around the world and society collapses, a group of largely high school students bands together to do their best to survive. At the same time, though, they’re dealing with a threat just as dangerous: their own hormones and how that can affect their relationships.
I will be blunt about this: if you’re looking for something that’s thought-provoking and deep, then Hight School of the Dead is not for you. It’s an anime that focuses almost as much time on the fanservice from the beautiful girls as it does on the sheer blood and gore and trying to be edgy. However, it also knows what it is and makes no attempts to hide that from the viewers. If you’re looking for a show filled Evil Dead levels of ridiculous violence, then this might be worth your time.
Or…you can watch this instead.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
A show that came out this year, Zom 100 is essentially the anti-High School of the Dead. Like HOTD, the world falls victim to a zombie apocalypse that leaves everyone struggling to survive. Whereas HOTD seems cynical and jaded about the whole thing, the main characters of Zom 100 treat it like the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Considering how miserable they were in their lives before it happened, though, they all agree that this is much better.
I’ve already talked about this show extensively in my reviews of each episode, so I won’t explain much of why I think it’s binge-worthy for Halloween here. However, I must warn you that the first season is currently on hiatus due to production issues. If anything, you should still watch it and show the studios that we want it to continue!
Soul Eater
Lastly, we have the supernatural dark fantasy, Soul Eater. Set in a world filled with witches and other supernatural entities, Soul Eater follows the exploits of three teams from the Death Weapon Meister Academy, a school headed by Death himself to protect the world from evil. To do this, some groups of people can transform themselves into living weapons capable of being wielded by their partners called Meisters. If they grow strong enough, they can become a weapon capable of being wielded by Death.
Soul Eaterย is, for all intents and purposes, what would happen if Tim Burton were to create his own anime. In fact, Tim Burton is often cited as a major source of inspiration for the gothic style and tone ofย Soul Eater, with critics and fans making positive comparisons to his works likeย The Nightmare Before Christmas. Given that film’s status as a classic Halloween/Christmas film, it’s only fitting that this anime be watched around Halloween. Not to mention there is aย Soul Eaterย AMV that runs to a cover of “This is Halloween” on YouTube.
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!
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