Arisia 2012: Review of one of New England’s Best Sci-Fi Conventions

In the short time I’ve been attending conventions (not even a year actually) it’s become clearer the type of crowd these events draw in with versatile themes and fairly similarly grouped vendors. This past Saturday, the crowd was slightly more introverted, but the amenities were abundant at Arisia held in Boston, MA at the Westin Waterfront Hotel which was oddly enough located adjacent to and dwarfed in size by the New England International Auto Show. We trekked from the shared overflow parking lot through the cold and passed some Auto Show attendees who threw some confused glances towards my group consisting of Deadpool, a randomly accessorized Cyan suit Man and me as Jill Valentine from the video game Resident Evil 3.

At previous events, it was typical to see hints of the approaching con location with sprinklings of cosplayers walking around its general vicinity; the frigid temperatures had people avoiding the outdoors surrounding the area and for a short moment my group actually doubted the existence of Arisia. That is, until we spotted a Storm Trooper in a lower level window of the hotel, but more on that later…

A definite Thumbs Up to Arisia for allowing a discounted admission price for guests with student IDs; an unexpected surprise that I feel should be implemented at larger conventions considering this was a fairly small one. A staff member made mention that Saturday is typically their busiest day, but I was delighted to see the turnout never causing an overcrowded feeling, unlike that of the narrow venue halls of Super Megafest back in November.

Another Arisia perk on this bright wintry day was free coat check downstairs handled by a courteous staff with merely a humble tip jar positioned at their window. Back upstairs in the lobby with surprisingly adequate seating mingled the scent of Starbucks coffee and in typical convention form dwelled most of the Con-goers. The room boasted a nearly 3 story high and twice as long slate-stacked wall, adorned by a wooden eave hanging from the ceiling and leafless trees (a nod to the season) at the wall’s base. My group remained here for a while for customary photo opportunities and I’m delighted to report we weren’t hassled for the routine weapons check performed (understandably) at almost every Con.

Back downstairs towards the Dealers Room and Artist Gallery was the next generous act from the Con; a complimentary concession area providing fruits, veggie platters, chips, cheese and homemade breads, coffee, tea and juices and free water stands located throughout the room. This ultimately made me feel I was getting more bang for my buck at Arisia compared to other conventions because I’ve yet to see a Con giving away free food.

After replenishing ourselves and ogling over some absolutely unique merchandise – a fair amount of which homemade – on a guided tour by Henchman 24 through the Dealers Room I noticed a long line winding its way out the room’s entrance. Now remember that Storm Trooper I mentioned earlier? Upon asking a gentleman waiting in line, my eyes widened to the size of dinner plates to hear that the Storm Trooper was actually a cake and they were handing out slices! Come on now people; where else can one get a slice of Storm Trooper cake? Though, the Jedi Mind trick probably wouldn’t help in getting seconds.

Skipping the Artist’s Gallery, back in the lobby, random photo opportunities continued including but not limited to exquisite Steam Punk and Marvin the Martian. Moderately priced pints, pub munchies and good conversation ended the day for my group plus Logan from X-Men Origins at the hotel’s restaurant MJ O’Conners. But it was hard to accept that the day was nearing its end and though it’s safe to say Arisia certainly wasn’t one of the more diverse conventions Cosplay wise, it certainly had a charm all its own. A charm that was certainly appreciated from the standpoint that although it’s always a great time with the company I keep, for once my slightly skeptical expectations were exceeded by the Con itself.

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All pictures in this article were taken and belong to Eminence Rain. Eminence Rain is a great freelance illustrator and photographer in New England. If you want to get in contact with the photographer or see more pictures, check out the Deviantart page here!