COM2300--Fall 2010 Semester

Katie Burke wrote the semester's best event story; read it below.

Anime Convention
By Katherine Burke

Anime USA, an annual three day convention, attracted thousands of visitors to the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, Va., this weekend.

The convention features many events and activities including a massive dealer’s room, artist showcase, live music, dances, movie screenings, contests and more. Now in its 11th year, Anime USA brings in guests from across the U.S. and beyond.

“I've been saving up the money to come home because I'm currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan,” said Heather Nagel, 21, of Glen Burnie, Md. “Now that I don't live in the states, and all of the conventions are on mainland Japan rather than Okinawa, it's been about a year since my last convention.”

One of the things the convention is best known for are the hundreds of outrageously dressed “cosplayers.” Cosplay is short for costume play. Fans spend many months and in some cases a lot of money preparing costumes of their favorite characters from Japanese cartoons, comic books and movies.

“Yeah, it’s a lot of money, but you can’t put a price on that feeling you get when someone stops you and asks for your picture,” said 21-year-old Abishai Israel of Waldorf, Md.
Some convention-goers noticed a few strange looks and side-ways glances from locals in the area.

“I'm really used to people seeing me in costume and I just stare back when they stare,” said Crystal Nguyen, 19, of Frederick, Md.

However, most cosplayers said they received positive reactions to their extreme costumes.

“A little girl asked to take a picture with me,” said Latoya Johnson of Richmond, Va., who was wearing a neon green wig, home-made dress and furry accessories. “Most people were just curious more than anything. I really don’t think we offended anybody or made anyone feel uncomfortable.”

It seems that most guests were able to leave the convention with positive experiences in hand. However, 19-year-old Ken Kohlhof of Rocky Point, N.Y., reported bringing back more than just good memories. “We had three stink bugs in our room,” he said. “When we got home from the convention we found one in our car too.”
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