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davemerrillHere's the LOWDOWN on the TOP SECRET SHENANIGANS that ONLY THE INNER CIRCLE of HIGH PROFILE WIZARDS experienced two weeks ago at the seventeenth annual ANIME WEEKEND ATLANTA!!
Overall the show went really well, and I know I say that every year, but the convention was smoother than ever. We tried a lot of new events, we re-calibrated some old ones, we had new guests and old favorites, we filled the hotel and the Galleria with anime fans, and nobody got hit by cars or lost any digits this year. So I say it was a success, and the amazingly gorgeous, clear, cool weather was a bonus. Personally all my events went off as scheduled and managed to entertain lots of people. I caught up with many friends I hadn't seen in a long time, and had some really enlightening discussions with upper-level staffers as to what the convention's been up to since I've been away, and I stand by my conviction that the show is doing great without my sweaty lunch hooks messing everything up for everybody.
Wednesday before the show I flew from Toronto to Chicago to Atlanta on a succession of tiny, overstuffed jets. This was actually the first time in a long time I'd flown without checking a bag and I was pleased I'd managed to not overpack, and that the TSA could care less about what I was hauling. Thursday the family got together for breakfast and then Jason and I went over to the hotel to get our convention on. I borrowed his car and made an airport run and a visit to the Target for snacks and copy paper for Daric. By the time I got Ed and Ryan from Hartsfield it was time to get the SHFS under way!
This is our third year doing the Super Happy Fun Sell - the SHFS - and probably the first one where the attendance really matched what I always felt it could be. We sold more tables than we had (so we had more brought in) and the room was approaching danger levels of crowding shoppers. Suddenly it was 10 and time for me to go do Dave's Old School Classroom. I wasn't going to do it this year, usually it's been a late night Saturday thing, but doing a late night Saturday panel was too much on top of everything else going on Saturday nights. So I was persuaded to do it Thursday night, and while the room never got anywhere near even half full, the audience seemed to enjoy seeing crazy clips from forgotten cartoons and listening to Guy Woodruff heckle us. Mostly Ishinomori stuff was screened though I did wind up running an entire Prince Planet episode and a Princess Knight episode that involved a sexy cat dance.
Friday I had my traditional pre-convention breakfast of a Chick Fil A biscuit and a giant coffee which I managed to spill most of on the table in the Cumberland Mall food court. Then suddenly it was time for opening ceremonies! I threw candy to the multitudes and welcomed them to the show. Then I mingled with the STARS BACKSTAGE who were dressed in STUNNING EVENING WEAR!!
The glamorous life of a convention insider; sometimes I don't know where the glitter ends and reality begins. Anyway, Friday, what did I do... a fast supply run courtesy Elizabeth Christian for "supplies", and a visit to the dealers room of course.
Here the glamorous world of failed American anime zines is displayed in all its out of business glory. Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair!
Ditched the con for a quick dinner with Steve out at Fuddruckers, which I was pleased to learn was still in the same location it was the last time I was there, in 1998. Wandered down to the Formal Ball and caught up with some high school pals who now work AWA's photography department. I think the last time I saw one of those guys we were both getting thrown out of the Waverly. Soon enough it was time to saunter down for Anime Hell. Neil had a packed crowd for his Totally Lame Anime, and when it ended there was some shuffling as people left and were replaced by more people.
(fake panorama of the crowd anticipating Hell)
Two screens on each side of the room gave every seat in the house a perfect view of Anime Hell, and I know I say this every year, but this was the best Hell yet, in my opinion.
Even Steve, Neil, and Ryan were blurry with laughter and amazement.
All too soon Hell ended and it was time to go upstairs and visit Carl Horn's party, a room filled with Cuba Libres and films projected upon Ikea decorative wall hangings. Sometime in the wee hours I called it a night.
Saturday my sister came to the show to let Nephew Oliver witness the spectacle for himself. We thought he might get freaked out by all the crazy costumes but he took it all in stride. Even the spectacle of his uncle Jason in a home-made Pokemon themed hoody couldn't take away his funtime.
Saturday at 7pm I had to do a panel about pre-Mazinger Z super robots that we were calling "Stone Age Mecha", so before that happened we had some Ted Turner bison burgers and yet another speedy supply run to Kroger, where Guy and I came to the aid of a yaoi furry in distress. YOU MAY NOW BEGIN WRITING FANFIC. At some point I recorded a podcast with Guy about Lensman, with Steve Harrison adding color commentary. It may very well be the most boring podcast ever unless you're into the Lensman. But I suggest you listen to it anyway. The Stone Age Mecha panel went great with the aid of Rob Fenelon, who shocked the crowd when he revealed that one of his favorite mecha shows is "Jushin Liger". Round about 8pm we got into the Party Suite and got the Yamato Party started, which basically means we strung up a bunch of stupid lights and put all the vodka in the punchbowl. I got hammered and started hollering that Vertical should release Hideko Mizuno's HONEY HONEY manga because '"THE CAT ATE THE RING!!", that's why. Had a swell time with Dave, Amy, Tim and his magical box of Yamato design art from the new show, Matt, CB, Elizabeth, Melanie, Parker, Matt, Rick, Walter, Rob, Basil, Ed, Shauna, Emma, Sarah, Sandro, jeepers, so many people in that tiny loud room. Another party started up next door just to take some of the pressure off. I think Steve Harrison was having a pretty good time, actually.
Sunday: panel at 1 about the Atlanta anime con scene with Momocon and Seishuncon reps, which went very well, I always enjoy showing those sad bastards from Florida that anime conventions can happily co-exist with each other. Panel at 3pm with Richard and Drew about the forgotten robot shows that make up the Super Robot D-List, and then zip over to do a panel about Shigeru Mizuki and spooky manga and anime of the 60s and 70s. I didn't know how many people would be interested in spooky old anime. Turns out the room filled up!
The spooky anime panel was the last one for me, and so it was time for Closing Ceremonies. But first, pix.
Steve, Tim, Sarah, Emma, and Rob share a moment.
This is pretty much the same pose Neil was in on Friday afternoon, which leads many to suspect he never attends AWA, we just prop up a life size photo.
Look what I bought in the dealers room! It was a bargain! No, seriously, it's the Newest Goggans: here's proof.
And here's some more Gogganses. Devil stick not included.
Sometimes Ivy wears a tiny hat.
Tiny Hats: now open Sundays.
Karaoke master Ed and Columbia SC escapee Shauna:
And after that Jason and I hauled Steve along to a family dinner at Scalini's, where the garlic rolls ensure your good health throughout a tough convention weekend. And then it was back to the hotel for late night consumption of leftover food and drink and discussion of the filmic works of Larry Cohen. Monday morning my folks picked me up and we had a Waffle House breakfast and then I got on a plane and flew to Chicago and then to Toronto and then I was home!!
FINAL THOUGHTS: Apparently nobody went to the skit event.
THE "LENSMAN" PODCAST IS HERE: http://deephurting.wordpress.com/ Listen to it NOW!!!!!
Overall the show went really well, and I know I say that every year, but the convention was smoother than ever. We tried a lot of new events, we re-calibrated some old ones, we had new guests and old favorites, we filled the hotel and the Galleria with anime fans, and nobody got hit by cars or lost any digits this year. So I say it was a success, and the amazingly gorgeous, clear, cool weather was a bonus. Personally all my events went off as scheduled and managed to entertain lots of people. I caught up with many friends I hadn't seen in a long time, and had some really enlightening discussions with upper-level staffers as to what the convention's been up to since I've been away, and I stand by my conviction that the show is doing great without my sweaty lunch hooks messing everything up for everybody.
Wednesday before the show I flew from Toronto to Chicago to Atlanta on a succession of tiny, overstuffed jets. This was actually the first time in a long time I'd flown without checking a bag and I was pleased I'd managed to not overpack, and that the TSA could care less about what I was hauling. Thursday the family got together for breakfast and then Jason and I went over to the hotel to get our convention on. I borrowed his car and made an airport run and a visit to the Target for snacks and copy paper for Daric. By the time I got Ed and Ryan from Hartsfield it was time to get the SHFS under way!
This is our third year doing the Super Happy Fun Sell - the SHFS - and probably the first one where the attendance really matched what I always felt it could be. We sold more tables than we had (so we had more brought in) and the room was approaching danger levels of crowding shoppers. Suddenly it was 10 and time for me to go do Dave's Old School Classroom. I wasn't going to do it this year, usually it's been a late night Saturday thing, but doing a late night Saturday panel was too much on top of everything else going on Saturday nights. So I was persuaded to do it Thursday night, and while the room never got anywhere near even half full, the audience seemed to enjoy seeing crazy clips from forgotten cartoons and listening to Guy Woodruff heckle us. Mostly Ishinomori stuff was screened though I did wind up running an entire Prince Planet episode and a Princess Knight episode that involved a sexy cat dance.
Friday I had my traditional pre-convention breakfast of a Chick Fil A biscuit and a giant coffee which I managed to spill most of on the table in the Cumberland Mall food court. Then suddenly it was time for opening ceremonies! I threw candy to the multitudes and welcomed them to the show. Then I mingled with the STARS BACKSTAGE who were dressed in STUNNING EVENING WEAR!!
The glamorous life of a convention insider; sometimes I don't know where the glitter ends and reality begins. Anyway, Friday, what did I do... a fast supply run courtesy Elizabeth Christian for "supplies", and a visit to the dealers room of course.
Here the glamorous world of failed American anime zines is displayed in all its out of business glory. Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair!
Ditched the con for a quick dinner with Steve out at Fuddruckers, which I was pleased to learn was still in the same location it was the last time I was there, in 1998. Wandered down to the Formal Ball and caught up with some high school pals who now work AWA's photography department. I think the last time I saw one of those guys we were both getting thrown out of the Waverly. Soon enough it was time to saunter down for Anime Hell. Neil had a packed crowd for his Totally Lame Anime, and when it ended there was some shuffling as people left and were replaced by more people.
(fake panorama of the crowd anticipating Hell)
Two screens on each side of the room gave every seat in the house a perfect view of Anime Hell, and I know I say this every year, but this was the best Hell yet, in my opinion.
Even Steve, Neil, and Ryan were blurry with laughter and amazement.
All too soon Hell ended and it was time to go upstairs and visit Carl Horn's party, a room filled with Cuba Libres and films projected upon Ikea decorative wall hangings. Sometime in the wee hours I called it a night.
Saturday my sister came to the show to let Nephew Oliver witness the spectacle for himself. We thought he might get freaked out by all the crazy costumes but he took it all in stride. Even the spectacle of his uncle Jason in a home-made Pokemon themed hoody couldn't take away his funtime.
Saturday at 7pm I had to do a panel about pre-Mazinger Z super robots that we were calling "Stone Age Mecha", so before that happened we had some Ted Turner bison burgers and yet another speedy supply run to Kroger, where Guy and I came to the aid of a yaoi furry in distress. YOU MAY NOW BEGIN WRITING FANFIC. At some point I recorded a podcast with Guy about Lensman, with Steve Harrison adding color commentary. It may very well be the most boring podcast ever unless you're into the Lensman. But I suggest you listen to it anyway. The Stone Age Mecha panel went great with the aid of Rob Fenelon, who shocked the crowd when he revealed that one of his favorite mecha shows is "Jushin Liger". Round about 8pm we got into the Party Suite and got the Yamato Party started, which basically means we strung up a bunch of stupid lights and put all the vodka in the punchbowl. I got hammered and started hollering that Vertical should release Hideko Mizuno's HONEY HONEY manga because '"THE CAT ATE THE RING!!", that's why. Had a swell time with Dave, Amy, Tim and his magical box of Yamato design art from the new show, Matt, CB, Elizabeth, Melanie, Parker, Matt, Rick, Walter, Rob, Basil, Ed, Shauna, Emma, Sarah, Sandro, jeepers, so many people in that tiny loud room. Another party started up next door just to take some of the pressure off. I think Steve Harrison was having a pretty good time, actually.
Sunday: panel at 1 about the Atlanta anime con scene with Momocon and Seishuncon reps, which went very well, I always enjoy showing those sad bastards from Florida that anime conventions can happily co-exist with each other. Panel at 3pm with Richard and Drew about the forgotten robot shows that make up the Super Robot D-List, and then zip over to do a panel about Shigeru Mizuki and spooky manga and anime of the 60s and 70s. I didn't know how many people would be interested in spooky old anime. Turns out the room filled up!
The spooky anime panel was the last one for me, and so it was time for Closing Ceremonies. But first, pix.
Steve, Tim, Sarah, Emma, and Rob share a moment.
This is pretty much the same pose Neil was in on Friday afternoon, which leads many to suspect he never attends AWA, we just prop up a life size photo.
Look what I bought in the dealers room! It was a bargain! No, seriously, it's the Newest Goggans: here's proof.
And here's some more Gogganses. Devil stick not included.
Sometimes Ivy wears a tiny hat.
Tiny Hats: now open Sundays.
Karaoke master Ed and Columbia SC escapee Shauna:
And after that Jason and I hauled Steve along to a family dinner at Scalini's, where the garlic rolls ensure your good health throughout a tough convention weekend. And then it was back to the hotel for late night consumption of leftover food and drink and discussion of the filmic works of Larry Cohen. Monday morning my folks picked me up and we had a Waffle House breakfast and then I got on a plane and flew to Chicago and then to Toronto and then I was home!!
FINAL THOUGHTS: Apparently nobody went to the skit event.
THE "LENSMAN" PODCAST IS HERE: http://deephurting.wordpress.com/ Listen to it NOW!!!!!
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no subject
Date: 2011-10-12 02:48 am (UTC)I miss you guys.
no subject
Date: 2011-10-12 04:35 am (UTC)"the most boring podcast ever" might just replace "a 3rd tier anime podcast." on the site. Maybe I can use both.
I've been going to cons off and on since about 1996 but this was my absolute favorite thus far. I'm definitely going to try to make it next year and drag more internet people along.
no subject
Date: 2011-10-12 04:52 am (UTC)You need a visit to Ted's Montana Grill. That's some good food there.
no subject
Date: 2011-10-12 06:28 am (UTC)http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150298575290666&set=pu.84299390665&type=1&theater
no subject
Date: 2011-10-12 01:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-10-12 01:24 pm (UTC)Boy did we get off track, though. Ramblin' men we are!
no subject
Date: 2011-10-17 03:02 am (UTC)I have already floated the idea to my mother of her babysitting Sheena and Janet next year. Unfortunately that means she has a year to think up a way to get out of it.
Baby Daniel G WAS quite adorable.
no subject
Date: 2011-10-17 05:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-10-18 06:00 am (UTC)Who could have guessed that result!? Oh my!