Con Review: Another Anime Convention 2011

Before the winter freeze sets in, cosplayers from all over New England flock to Nashua, New Hampshire to celebrate, for many, the end of the convention season until April’s Anime Boston. Though word on the grapevine is the con will be changing locations, Another Anime Convention boasts some of the best scenery in the con circuit. The hotel grounds and the building itself are the perfect backdrop for a variety of series. While its dealer room and artist alley are nothing spectacular, the photoshoot backdrops, masquerade, and the chance to once more relax and see friends new and old alike before the snow falls is more than reason enough to make the journey.

While some events led to utter chaos at the beginning of the weekend, the rest of the days were spent enjoying all the con had to offer. After having enjoyed seeing Michael J. Tatum live at Portcon, I decided to take my chances and sit in on the Voice Actor Q&A and Shenanigans panels to see Quinton Flynn. Well known for his roles as Axel from Kingdom Hearts and Raiden from Metal Gear Solid, Flynn has an amazing sense of humor that plays well into his snarky starring roles. A native of the Midwest, this was Flynn’s first time in New England and I do hope he plans to come back and entertain with more of his industry and convention tales.

Not usually one for panels, there are two events I can say tend to be enjoyable experiences in the three years I’ve attended the con. Staff did a wonderful job getting the formal ball off to a smooth and timely start and the decorations and lighting made for a great atmosphere to the event. Though I think one of the highlights of this year’s AAC was indeed its masquerade which had some amazing skits and well-crafted walk-ons. Any who attended can hope to see a pair from Bleach who followed up their breathtaking 2009 performance with another this year. The choreography and precision in their act is unrivaled and they received an award for their hard work at the end. The host of the masquerade, even without the infamous DeathnotePad to help them along, is a never-ending fountain of quips and entertainment. A high recommendation to any who can sit through the two-hour long show.

Those of legal age, take some time to tuck in the minors and sit in on at the 18+ dating game. A first-timer sitting with some veterans, I had hoped the show would live up to its name and it certainly did. Before the game even begins the hilarity ensued, both the host and contestants provided endless entertainment cracking up the crowd at any chance. Fabulous statements from the wildest of crossovers possible had me rolling in laughter, making a panel that is only watched from the floor surprisingly engaging. A high recommendation to anyone of legal age who can attend this panel, a good time can be almost guarenteed. However, such the same cannot be made to the security staff who handled the changing between the dating game and Hentai Dubbing. The manner in which they handled the situation was offensive not only to the contestants but those attending and many people were displeased with the rudeness of the staffer’s attitude. Security still leaves much to be desired.

What makes a con is not necessarily the panels one attends but the people that one surrounds themselves with. Another Anime Con provides some of the best backdrops of the New England con circuit; its lake and fountain and the basement halls set the stage for absolutely beautiful photos. Fledgling and seasoned photographers alike will undoubtedly find themselves enraptured by the scenery and their models or subjects will love the pictures to come. Most definitely a great con for the blossoming photographer to get shots for their portfolios and webpages and for friends to bond.

All around, Another Anime Con is worth its modest price and the hours it takes to get there. The chance to see friends, snap some beautiful photos, and sit in on some quality entertainment is always worth the pricetag. A great time was certainly had and I hope those who have not attended the con who read this article take serious consideration into attending.

*****

Pictures are the property of Even Makara

[nggallery id=38]