Anime Fest 2015 Aftermath

by Gaby

A Tina fan and I

Anime Fest this year was pretty good as usual.  It has actually become my favorite convention that I've attended so far, there is great organization by the staff and the panel variety is great with a huge array of voice over panels, artists panels, and a good amount of workshops.

On Day , 1 Friday Sept 4th, I arrived in the morning with a lot of energy, mostly there was a lot of cosplay viewing and taking pictures of people with their fresh cosplay ready for the con. I wore my Tina Belcher from Bob's Burger's outfit as you see in the previous blog post, I got some pretty good feedback on it actually. 
The first panels didn't begin until around 1pm so there was mostly cosplay and people watching.   In my opinion Friday and early Saturday would be the best times for taking pictures because people tend to wear their cosplays more on those days. Because they are excited to show them off and they are fresh off the press, not been stained or messed up or have fallen apart yet.

For Lunch a friend and I walked to a place called Tanoshii Ramen in Deep Ellum, only a 20 minute walk but it was way worth it!
Around 5:30  I went to the Ani-Idol auditions where I auditioned to sing. I was very nervous since last year I competed and placed Third in the traditional singing competition, this year I was told I had to compete in the Advanced competition.  So I sang "I Am" the 2nd opening of InuYasha.
The other panel I went to was a 'how to' panel put on my Vitamin H a pair of professional panelists showing people how to do a panel.  It was quite informative actually.
The Friday night dance was so, so, and I didn't stay for long.

Me as Bulma

On Day 2, Saturday Sept 5th.  Woke up to have breakfast at the Plaza of the Americas where I successfully managed to spill milk all over my MLP shirt, very sad times. Anyway on Saturday I decided to wear my DragonBall Bulma outfit because I had advanced to the second round of Ani-Idol and I wanted to use my cosplay as my visual prop to sing the song. "Romantic Ageru
Yo" the original ending to the DragonBall series.  I mostly hung out with friends until my performance at 3:30 of Ani-Idol.  There were some real good performers on stage, so good in fact that I did not make the cut for the 3rd round.

Saturday DJ

After Ani-Idol I helped demonstrate with the Eks-D ParaPara Workshop, where participants learned a couple of popular ParaPara dances.  The workshop ran a bit long but after I basically rushed to the Semi-Formal Ball.

Rilakkuma and I

The Ball was great! The music was actually pretty decent, and the atmosphere was lovely.  I actually ended dancing with some people trying to save a friend and just used the opportunity for networking.
After the Ball I went to the Healthy Otaku panel where they discussed ways to
stay healthy and in shape in order to feel great and look great in cosplay and all year round! I wanted to go to Hot Dad's of Anime but I was so hungry from running around that I had to take a dinner break. I went to the dance Saturday night as well but someone was flailing too much and I got smacked so I left before I got hit again.

Kristen McGuire and Morgan Berry

On Day 3, Sunday Sept 6th. I woke up late but managed to get down to Voice Over Idol where Grant George and Jessica Gee-George judged contestants on their ability to interpret scripts. It was very interesting actually. I was going to cosplay my Luffy/Bulma outfit but I had a wardrobe malfunction and decided to just re-do Tina Belcher.
What I noticed here is that on Friday, I had a load of people stop me to take a picture, and on Sunday..yeah not so much.  I think people where already tired of taking cosplay pictures by Sunday, and people are already starting to get worn out.
The Voice Actor Roulette was completely filled up so I did not manage to go to that panel, but I did make it to the Breaking Into Voice Acting panel with Kristen McGuire and Morgan Berry. They discussed their experiences about how they got into voice acting and gave people advice on how they could also get into the voice acting industry. It was very honest and they were great ladies to speak with.
After this myself and Jenny checked out the Panda Werk Dance Workshop, we saw some pretty intense Kpop dance moves.  They really should have made more room or had more room in the panel because it was very crowded.
My friends wanted to watch Rocky Horror Picture Show, so we had our own private viewing in our hotel room and that was pretty fun, I had actually never seen it so I enjoyed.
The dance on Sunday was probably the best one in my opinion, the music was recognizable and it wasn't overcrowded to where you were afraid to get smacked by someone.  We even got hit on, but of course I used it as a networking opportunity, hehehe.   Then Jenny and I went to the arcade and hung
out there until they closed. Managed to wow a couple of people with my mad Dance Dance Revolution skills.

Day 4, Monday Sept 7th.  Basically the cleanup day, bought anything that needed to be bought at the Dealers Room, did a final walk through, checked out of the hotel and then stopped at Daiso Japan on the way home.

Good Con was good.

I look forward to another great Anime Fest next year

Enjoy my gallery of pictures below. 

Anime Fest in Dallas Day 1

Day 1 has been pretty good so far, I cosplayed as Tina Belcher from Bob's Burgers and I had a lot of people recognized me and wanted pictures so yay!

I did manage to take pics of some cool cosplayers I saw today I've pretty much been live tweeting and updating the facebook as I go.

Check it out on Facebook and Twitter guys!

Baymax Cosplay Adventure

Post by: Jenny


At many conventions it is fun to see all the people dressed as characters from anime, movies, etc. I wanted to give mascot cosplay a try and decided to make Baymax from Big Hero 6. Most cosplayers have used PVC-based white sumo suits to make their Baymax. But when I saw how huggable the character is in the movie, I wanted to make my cosplay huggable too. This Baymax will be made out of felt so it will make a great winter cosplay.

I started with the inside of the cosplay as the base. It only consists of a long sleeve top and pants. If you plan to use something soft like pillows for the arms then a short sleeve shirt may be more comfortable. In case of cosplay malfunctions I decided to make the clothes white too.

The outside of the cosplay is designed like a humongous plush. All of the pieces were sown together by machine and then flipped inside out. I used Baymax plushie guides to figure out the general design for my cosplay. Here is a link to one of my favorites: How to make Baymax Plush

The cosplay was divided into sections to make it easier to stuff and move around in later. The pieces were grouped as follows:

• Mask and helmet (Top)
• Arms, abdomen, and shirt (Middle)
• Legs and pants (Bottom)

I've heard stories about heating up in a suit so to be safe I decided to make the head as airy and hollow as possible. I sowed together 6 eye shaped pieces with two that were modified. One had a slit for the head opening and the other had Bayma's face (which was covered in black mesh material). After turning the mask inside out I glued white foam onto the inside of the mask to provide shape.

The arms were designed to be oval shaped with openings to make the sleeves and hands. For the hands I simply left two openings on each hand; one for the fingers and one for the thumb. I plan to use white mittens to keep the design consistent. The sleeves were designed based on a fabric pattern

and it was sowed onto the abdomen. The middle was made with the design of the video mentioned above. One big modification was the inclusion of a large zipper on the back for easy stuffing.

To make the bottom, I combined the pants and legs and attached overalls. The limbs were rectangular with a bit of a U-shape at the end. This was tucked along the bottom of the pants and hemmed in place. The top of the legs were left with a gap to allow stuffing. I sowed buttons along the top edge of each leg and used overalls straps to secure the Baymax legs to the rest of the body.

Finally, I sowed on the accessories on the outside of the suit and used a combination of pillows and air packets to make the stuffing.

My Crossover Cosplay

by Gaby

So I had seen an image of this figure floating around the internet, it was a collectible figure of Bulma dressed in One Piece Luffy's outfit. 
Turns out this is part of a somewhat rare figure collection of crossovers with One Piece and Dragonball Z. 


I decided I was gonna go ahead and do the crossover cosplay, I was Bulma a few months ago for the A-Kon convention, so this was going to be super simple, as all I had to do was get Luffy clothes. 

And it turns out that Luffy clothes are really easy to obtain!

• -I cut some jeans and rolled them up
• -I found a red button up shirt and cut off the sleeves and folded the fabric so that it resembles a V neckline.  (don't forget the yellow buttons)
• - I found a straw hat at the dollar store and added red ribbon around it.

and Voila, easy cosplay! 




Now just to add the blue hair and a Dragonball hanging from a belt loop for reference for those who might not get it. 

My final look on my cosplay.

Con Survival Guide!

So I decided to make a video about this subject. So Those who are new to anime or comic conventions can check this out, or if you just want a general reminder if you  haven't been to cons in a while.


I have written down the tips as well, the video will go further into detail.

1.       Plan ahead:

a.       Work out your budget for everything including

                                                               i.      Hotel

                                                             ii.      Badge cost

                                                            iii.      Food

                                                           iv.      Dealers room

2.       Plan Your Company:

a.       Who are you going to the con with?

b.      If you are new to cons, go with people you know first, do not go with strangers.

3.       Cosplay Ready?

a.       If you are building or ordering your cosplay make sure you have plenty of time.

b.      Fitting

c.       Props

4.       Scheduling:

a.       Ask off work, plan if you have school.

b.      Familiarize yourself with the floorplan

c.       Look at any schedules of events if they are available

5.       Packing:

a.       Make a list of everything you need to pack for the con

b.      Make sure you pack your cosplay

c.       Pack your money

d.      Confirm your rides and hotels

e.      Pack food.  The restaurants near the con are usually pricey.

6.       Convention etiquette.

a.       Be nice and courteous around the convention with other guests and with staff

b.      Be kind to the “normals” who aren’t there for the con.

c.       Do not trash the hotel. Leave a good impression so that the hotel allows the con there again.

d.      Make sure you practice cleanliness. As in take a shower and wear deodorant.

e.      Do not take a cosplayer’s picture without their permission.

f.        Arrive to your panels early because they will most likely get full.

7.       Plan for Emergencies.

a.       Have a way to contact everyone in your parties.

b.      Know all of your emergency contacts

c.       Have a first aid kit in your room in case of small emergencies

d.      The con usually has a medic area in case or emergencies.

e.      Stay hydrated. You do not want to faint from dehydration.

8.       Have Fun!

Cosplay Blog: Tina Belcher from Bob's Burgers

By Gaby

I look like Tina?

I honestly wasn't even thinking about doing Bob's Burgers cosplay but since I recently got my hair cut, I was trying to live with this awful short hair that doesn't even reach my shoulders.  So one day I was hanging out with some friends and they had the idea that I kind of looked like Tina Belcher from Bob's Burgers.  Well I decided to give it a try.   I already had a light blue workout shirt in my closet and dark blue Soffee skirt in my closet, so I figured that that would be good enough to pull off Tina's main ensemble of a baby blue shirt and a dark blue skirt.  I dug u p some black sneakers went to the dollar store to find some crew socks, and bough a yellow barrette.

Making the book

I already wear the glasses and have the awful haircut so all that I needed was to make a composition book into an Erotic Friend Fiction book. 

The outfit

I found a pink composition book and put a blank white photo paper on it and wrote on it "Erotic Friend Fiction" and "Buttloose" from the episiode "Bad Tina" when she shares out loud the story about the zombies touching butts. 
So I basically had everything I needed to become Tina.  
I also decided to go with an additional prop.  Since she likes Unicorns and horses, I decided to try and win a unicorn out of a claw machine, so I could use it as an additional prop.  Can't wait to parade around as Tina at the upcoming Anime Fest in Dallas coming up on Labor Day Weekend! All I gotta do now is perfect the "Uhhhhhh..."

Me as Tina Belcher from Bob's Burgers

 

Assassination Classroom!!!

Review by Gaby

Promotional Poster for Assassination Classroom

Another series that has been rising in popularity here in the states this summer is Assassination Classroom.  Recently just finished airing in Japan on June 20th, 2015 with 22 episodes.
This story is not your average high school comedy, its comedy, mixed with assassination plots, mixed with sci-fi, and just a bunch of good stuff all meshed into one anime.
Korosensei is the yellow octopus looking tentacle alien in the image above...well he blows up the moon and basically tells everyone that he will destroy the Earth in one year unless the delinquent class 3-E can assasinate him, hence the Assassination Classroom title.

Korosensei turns colors depending on his moods

 So basically these kids in Junior High are now under pressure to assassinate this alien creature. And the twist is that this alien creature will also be their teacher that teaches them in a secluded area where no one else knows that this is going on.

Not too shabby at the teaching thing

He's actually a pretty good teacher though, actually manages to teach the students while they at the same time try to come up with ways to kill him.

He's so fast he clones himself

Korosensei, is actually extremely fast, being able to travel at Mach 20 speeds is always able to evade attacks from the students, and is actually so fast that he can pretty much clone himself and be able to help all the students at once (quite a hilarious scene).


So yes this is Assassination Classrrom. Expect many cosplayers this summer.  Especially since the series is already a live action series that was just released on March 21, 2015.

Scene from Live Action Assassination Classroom

Anime Opening Theme:

#1: "Seishun Satsubatsuron" (青春サツバツ論; Youth Savage Theory) by 3-nen E-Gumi Utatan (eps 1-17)

#2: "Jiriki Hongan Revolution" (自力本願レボリューション; Self-Reliance Revolution) by 3-Nen E-gumi Utatan (eps 18-)

Anime Ending Theme:

"Hello, shooting-star" by moumoon

LADYBABY!!! When Metal mixes with Jpop schoolgirls!

by Gaby

The members of LADYBABY are Rie Kaneko, Rei Kuromiya and the lovely Ladybeard

So this video has been going around all day today concerning one of Japan's newest out of the ordinary idol group LADYBABY.   This group proves that you don't have to look or sound like Ayumi Hamasaki to be an idol, but they have been winning over audiences with their adorable yet rockin' awesome style and music.

Here take a look at their first single "Nippon Manju" video just got released July 4th, 2015.  This song basically tells you to enjoy all the awesome things that Japan has to offer, the perfect travel guide video if I do say so myself!   And be sure to keep an eye out for more great hits by LADYBABY, with their album, 『ニッポン饅頭 / ULTRA☆LUCKY』, to be released on July 29th, 2015.

Will LADYBABY be the next BABYMETAL rival?

Check out their webpage and YouTube for more updates!

Official LADYBABY Webpage

LADYBABY YouTube Page

Blood Blockade Battlefront Review

Review by: Jenny

Blood Blockade Battlefront

Directed by: Rie Matsumoto
Studio: Bones
Licensed by: Madman Entertainment, Funimation
Manga: Yasuhiro Nightow

After a nearly catastrophic event, New York City becomes a melting pot of creatures and humans in what is now called Harlem's Lot. The story centers around Libra, an organization of unique members who use their skills to stop crime in the city. Despite everything being so strange, Leonardo's normal behavior may be the strangest thing of all.

The anime has a roaring 20s feel to it. and it's not just because of the fun ending credits. There are themes addressed throughout the anime that people during that time may have experienced. It is as if the monsters are an allegory for the immigrants who were slowly merging with the American culture. In this case it is the slow progression of coexistence among humans and monsters.

This anime is meant for people who like to focus more on the story line than the fan service. There are some funny ecchi moments, but they tend to accentuate the humor. (Kinda like the cherry on top of the anime ice cream sundae.) People who have enjoyed anime such as Full Metal Alchemist and Coyboy Bebop must see this series. Newer otakus may also enjoy Black Blood Brothers. 

Recognize this little guy? ;3

It is important to mention that the mangaka Yasuhiro Nightow is also the creator of Trigun. For those who can't remember, Trigun follows the journeys of Vash, a supposed criminal mastermind who has a $$60 billion bounty on his head. Some Easter Eggs can be found throughout the series so have fun hunting. The anime series concludes soon so keep your godly eyes peeled. 

Opening Theme: "Hello World!" by Bump of Chicken

Closing Theme: "Sugar Song to Bitter Step" by Unison Square Garden

SHIMONETA: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Excist.

Review by: Gaby

In a world where dirty words, sexy magazines, and anything considered obscene is illegal.  One organization named SOX (Anti-Societal Organization), stands to put an end to all the censorship and let the world know that ecchi feelings are totally natural!

All right so I was browsing through current simulcasts and bumped into this little gem, sounds absolutely  hilarious so I had to watch it.   It starts off with some guys sneaking some dirty magazines in a secret place, when one of them says a dirty word, a device on their neck lights up and the decency patrol gets alerted, so right from the beginning you can see where this is going to go.
Its like the opposite of Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" where indecency is encouraged, in this world, you can't even say a bad word without getting arrested.
It was just released in Japan on July4th, 2015 so its the perfect time to get started with a new series,
you can catch this one weekly on the Funimation Simulcasts.

I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys utopian/dystopian anime or enjoys ecchi.  Although the society itself is against anything ecchi, the main female character Ayame Kajo and her forcefully recruited Tanukichi Okuma are sure to concoct some indecent hilarity to try to bring cencorship to a halt in this society.

Opening Theme:

"B Chiku Sentai SOX" (B地区戦隊SOX; B-District Squadron SOX) by SOX

Ending Theme:

"Inner Urge" by Sumire Uesaka