Detroit's { Anime / Manga / Gaming / J-Music } Experience
Always had questions about a certain part of our fandom that you always wanted to talk with other on? Interested in checking out something new that you've never heard of before? Our wide variety of panels from talks with our guests to discussions about your favorite series might just be what you've been looking for.
You've all seen them around conventions: those overpriced, disturbingly realistic yet terribly alluring ball-jointed dolls. But what are they, and why are they so popular? We plan to give you a brief but informative overview of what these dolls are all about, and do our best to answer any burning questions you may have. So drop by and see what's up in this hobby that's growing by the minute!
This panel will discuss how anime series are physically created. We have an in-depth presentation that discusses the various processes. We invite collectors to bring their cels and share them. We also invite anyone who is interested in beginning this intriguing hobby, or who would simply like to know more about the process of creating the shows we've all grown to love.
BAR-1 provides a crash course in how to draw anatomically correct heads, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes). The big honkin' eyes, where a catgirl's tail would actually attatch to the spine, and other body parts will be touched on.
Come hear a panel of 'experts' bluff their way through descriptions of anime and anime related elements, as we invite the audience to pitch us anime and manga titles, as we try to pretend that we actually know what it's about.
Manga means more than your favorite character in pose after pose—time to work on telling a story through your art, and BAR-1 is here to help you get started! Panel to panel, scene to scene, and script to screen will be covered.
Join us as we discuss everything from the horrible dubbing to the mythology...and everything in between! And let's not forget about sharing some of those cosplay/crossplay secrets! In the name of the Moon, show up or be punished!
Learn the history behind the heady early days of video games, as well as details on more modern history.
Hear veterans share some of their best stories from conventions past.
Is this your first time cosplaying, or have you been doing it for years? It doesn't matter what skill level you are, just stop on by this panel and pick up a few pointers. Having trouble with a part of your costume? Want to know what kind of material to use? How to cosplay on a budget? Any questions you ask we will do our best to answer.
Looking to take your cosplay to the next level? Stop by at any time during the workshop for one-on-one, hands-on demos and in-depth tutorials, customized to your own costuming needs. Connect and talk with fellow cosplayers of various levels, learn about new materials and then work with them on hand, gather your experience points and participate in in-depth costume critiques. Find out first hand what cosplay judges look for! Here you'll encounter everything from makeup to materials, wigs to shoes, posing to presenting. Bring your own projects and references to share, or just bring your ideas, and we'll be waiting!
OMGZ, World of Warcraft is the ultimate RPG!!!!1!! Agree? Disagree? Come discuss your opinions with us. Join us as Alliance and Horde put their differences aside for a moment to learn WoW lore from the original Warcraft games, discuss everything Azeroth, and even share stories of Guilds, Raids, Instances and the ultimate accomplishment...surviving Barrens Chat.
An adult panel on how not to write dirty fanfiction, including copious examples. May also feature a contest to come up with the most creative euphemisms.
A one-hour review of the Grand Master's favorites, from the Shaw brothers' classics to thee latest blockbusters. Moy Tung will give commentary on martial arts' cultural, political and artistic relevance in modern media. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers, and the presentation will also feature a preview of his upcoming independent film.
Learn the basics of drawing with Robert DeJesus. He has been a professional manga artist for over 18 years.
Want to know where comics/manga are going? Where they have been? How to get into the industry? Then this is the panel for you.
Fansubs have been around since the days of the VCR, when fans would translate and subtitle anime not yet licensed for the U.S. and send copy after copy to fans. With the advent of the Internet and broadband, fansubs transitioned into digital form, and today, almost every anime series that premieres in Japan is adopted by an English fansub group. Learn about the process that goes on behind-the-scenes in fansubbing, and discuss the concerns of today's fansub world.
A comprehensive look at "Death Note" in all its forms; manga, anime and movies. We will discuss characterization, character relations, ongoing themes of Good vs. Evil and its impact on the masses. Because of the subject manner it is suggested that the attendees be over the age of 13. Spoilers for the series will be prominent.
Join your fellow Gaians for an hour of games, laughs and good times. We'll start off with introductions and then break up into a few groups and play some games such at Catch Phrase, Twister and even Blackjack (no gambling!). Some games will have prizes for the winners, including November 2007 sealed letters!
The act of role playing has been around for a great many years. It means different things to different people, so how do we merge our ideas and visions of gaming and make them workable for everyone? Come and join our panelist as she leads participants in exercises and activities in creativity and interaction, and talks about how to merge writing and acting into your games! If you're looking for a fun and creative time in exploration of world, character, and plot creation, this is the panel for you! If you're looking for the best way to balance numbers and stats for the ultimate powerhouse character, then you may want to look elsewhere—college freshman math was as far as this panelist wanted to go. Come and join us—it'll be a blast!
"Gankutsuou" is a Western story adopted for Eastern storytelling. Laura, Alena and Mark lead discussion of the original novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, père and several other film and television adaptations in comparison to the groundbreaking new anime series. This visual panel includes video clips from anime and film, including rare footage, as well as photographs, quotations, etc. (Spoiler warning for all versions!)
Ever wonder what those board games are that they're playing in all those anime? Then come and learn the intricacies of the world's oldest still-played board game with go. Go can be learned in a few minutes but takes many years to master. Then learn Shougi, the Japanese game similar to chess where the pieces you capture can be turned aginst your enemy.
Here we will be covering everything Gundam. UC, AU, SD, we mean everything, all the way from the original "Mobile Suit Gundam" up until "Gundam 00" (The one after Gundam Seed Destiny for those of you who know not of 00 yet). We will be attempting to make meaningful discussions and informational presentations on all of them, but we're packing plenty of internet goodies to keep us off task from that. So be sure to come and enjoy the show if you're a fan of any Gundam series, being sure to bring earplugs for the shows you haven't seen, and as always, hail Zeon!
Love cosplay? Don't have the time/money/motivation/talent to make a really awesome costume? Neither do we! Duct tape Gunblades, thrift store miniskirts, $5 wigs... It's open discussion about the tricks to passable cosplay, and how we're proud to be the anti-elitists of the cosplay world!
So, I see you are interested in Naruto? Good choice, my friend! If you decide to ninja your way into our panel you will find many other ninjas much like yourself discussing all parts of our favorite series, Gundam! Nah, kidding, Naruto! The panel will be led by the ninja-est of ninja around and we'll talk about everything from the anime and the manga of both the first half and Shippuuden, plus entertain all ideas of theory and fandom! Isn't that great? Of course it is! Plus some guests will ninja their way into the panel for a special Q&A! So grab your kunai and forehead protector and prepare for battle! Come see why ninjas are better than pirates!
Nothing can be gained without sacrificing something. That is the basic rule of alchemy. So, come give us some of your time and in exchange we'll give you the knowledge you desire. We'll discuss the ins and outs of the hit series "Fullmetal Alchemist", from the manga to the anime, from the Japanese to the English. And, get the age-old question answered: Just how tall is Ed?
With the growing popularity of series like "Initial D", street racing—and specifically drifting—have experienced a rising interest both in the US and Japan. This panel will discuss the fine points of drifting, including footage of real cars practicing the art of drift. We'll talk about some of the real cars found in "Initial D" and touch on the series itself. Naturally, there will be time for some questions and answers at the end. "Initial D"...don't miss it!
Roleplaying online is more than just EverQuest and Warcraft. From chatrooms and forums to journals and video games, it seems everything online is used by someone to play an RPG, and many games are based in or inspired by anime. Want to hear about some good resources for roleplaying online? Need some advice on how to deal with those everyday RP troubles and that annoying Sephiroth knock-off? Come on in for some advice.
Follow us down the old bone-eater's well to Feudal Japan where you'll meet everyone's favorite dog-eared hanyou. The anime may have ended, but the manga is still going strong. We'll discuss the series in general, including speculation about what's to come with the series, and compare sub vs. dub and manga vs. anime. Find out what drives Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series and maybe even discover just what Sesshoumaru's fluff really is.
Hyper-Strike from "Who Wants to Be A Superhero" will discuss his time on the show as well as qualities that make a successful superhero character. Excelsior!
Nothing says "Repent, the end is nigh" quite like feathers, broken glass, angsty CLAMP bishonen and a bucketful of sakura petals. Welcome to the "X/1999" panel, where all your questions about the anime and manga series will be answered-- Just what IS Kamui's eye colour? Why is the movie allowed to exist? And will CLAMP ever finish the damn thing?! It's all here, Kotori's disembodied head and all.
Quick—what's the difference between a bakemono and a tengu? Which side were the Shinsengumi on, anyway? Join us for an overview of Japanese folklore often referenced in anime, including bakemono, oni, mononoke, tengu, and more, as well as a quick journey through the most frequently animated historical events and eras. Want to experience more of what you're seeing? Get a deeper level of understanding when you know the cultural references.
Stop by and learn about old and new Japanese rock bands such as Malice Mizer, X Japan, and B'z! Various topics will also be covered such as Japanese fashion trends. Come and enjoy the interesting facts of Japanese culture!
An introduction and overview to many types of Japanese fashion including Gothic Lolita (and its many variations), FRUiTS, Ganguro, and Decora and their impact on Japanese and American culture, as well as some historical information on Harajuku, Shibuya and the 'Gals' that started it all.
Want to know what it's like to work in the industry as an artist? Robert DeJesus of Studio Capsule is and 18 yr veteran. He will show you the ins and out of the industry.
When an extremely obsessive video game otaku is sucked into another world, MÄR Heaven has finally found its hero...right? From his crazy ideas to his hyper and strong personality, he might just be what this fantasy world needs. Come through Monban Pierre's gate and enter into the fairy-tale world of "MÄR" (from the creator of "Flame of Recca")! We will discuss the manga, the anime, the characters, the ARMs, the fairy-tales...anything relating to "MÄR". And, we will take you into the world of its sequel, "MÄR Omega". If you don't come, Toto might be forced to eat you.
Ready for more cosplay? Want to maybe compete? Multiple award winners and judges explain how details make an average costume into an eyecatching one, how to present your costume in the best light, and how to break down costumes into manageable projects. Includes great costumes created for under $50 and more.
Where's the Buffet? cordially invites you to a night of discussion about the ins and outs of yaoi. Come learn more than you thought was possible, as we not only have fun exploring modern yaoi works, but also delve into the history and cultural impact of male homosexuality in Japanese society through the ages. Strictly 18+.
One of the longest running, most popular, and downright coolest manga and anime ever to come from Japan. With the new (and greatly improved) dubs now airing, the "One Piece" fanbase is growing more than ever before. This panel will include character summaries, spoiler free plot analysis, little known facts, and a Q and A section. And we will prove once and for all, pirates are better than ninjas.
Alchemy is the pseudoscience of transmuting one or more things into an even cooler thing or things. Join Caitlin Glass (voice of Winry Rockbell in "Fullmetal Alchemist") as she transmutes ordinary paper into cranes, hats and other funky stuff—not through alchemy, but through the ancient Japanese art of origami. You might even win free stuff! (Band-Aids for paper cuts will be provided.)
ParaPara is a style of dancing born in the nightclubs of Japan nearly 20 years ago. It consists of choreographed arm movements (and minimal leg movement) to Eurobeat music. To this day, in huge clubs like Twinstar, ParaPara lessons are given weekly. There is also an arcade game based on ParaPara called ParaParaParadise.
The beginners' panel is for people unfamiliar with ParaPara. They will be acquainted with Eurobeat music, ParaPara terminology, etc. A dance from the ParaParaParadise arcade will be taught and performed.
The advanced panel is a continuation of the beginners' panel, or for people who already have some knowledge of ParaPara. A more difficult song from the Super Eurobeat series will be taught and performed.
Remember the days when you couldn't download anime and fansub trades were all the rage? Remember when Barnes and Noble only had five volumes of manga, and you were lucky if you found a single Sailor Moon among all of the DBZ? Remember Saturday Morning Anime on the Sci-Fi Channel? Yes? Come reminisce with us. No? Consider yourself pampered and come learn how we had to walk uphill both ways in the snow to get our anime and manga back in the day.
Allow the ladies of Where's the Buffet? to do the impossible as we discuss boys love anime while staying well within the limits of good taste and the limits of what minors are legally allowed to view and learn. We'll explore the cultural and social facets that surround the medium, and discuss the medium itself- all without staining the innocence of the youth! Please note: Although this panel is 100% safe for all ages, it is about art depicting homosexuality, and this should be taken into consideration.
Sit down with the guests in this panel and ask your questions about voice acting and the business in general. Our voice acting guests will be available to answer your questions, but leave your demo tapes and autographables at the door, please.
The spirit world had been visited so many times in anime, and guess what? Here's a panel on another one! "Bleach" is one of the biggest anime/manga titles today, and we will discuss anything from the series - from how Ichigo's able to see spirits to Aizen's transformation into Supe...an evil character without his glasses and slicked back hair. And if anyone tries to leave, they'll have to deal with Kenpachi.
Join a team of professionals as we play survival horror games deep into the night. Bear witness as we beat Resident Evil in under an hour, with no saves and no first aid sprays and get a perfect grade. Stare in awe as we unravel the mysteries of Silent Hill without getting the message "This lock is broken." And be the first-ever humans to witness someone actually play "Alone in the Dark".
Come check out this Q & A session with actors who have worked on "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles".
For the last couple of years, we've discussed Resident Evil and Silent Hill inside and out. This year, come join us as we take a look at the lesser known survival horror games! Haunting Ground, Clock Tower, Rule of Rose, Siren, Alone in the Dark, and even some from the old days of the Dreamcast! Enter the world of survival horror...and come chat with us about about lesser known, but amazing, survival horror games!
1979-2007: Gundam is on the advent of its 30th anniversary with no intention of stopping. In this panel we will cover everything from the original "Gundam", to the "Crossbone Gundam" manga, and the new show "Gundam 00". Look forward to it.
Well, not really. Actually, most of the time, fanfiction is stranger than truth. Come and discuss the ins and outs of writing fanfiction. Find out what works...and what should never have seen the light of day. Whether you write fanfiction, or just enjoy reading it, you'll find something here for you.
A discussion on the world of webcomics, from creating them to publishing them, hosted by three webcomic artists themselves. Come on in and learn just what it takes to start your own.
Welcome to the Black Order. Odds are you won't be leaving again, but let us tell you why. This panel will cover everything you need to know about D.Gray-man, from Exorcists to Akuma, from Kanda Yuu to Krory. We'll weigh the pros and cons of enlisting, chat about everything from why General Cross is out of his mind to speculation on what is to come, and maybe, just maybe, figure out what really goes on in Jerry's kitchen.
An 18+ overview of yuri, including a brief history, media clips and pictures, as well as a short discussion of different types of anime and manga that focus on shoujo-ai and yuri, along with some recommendations for some good materials, and a little extra bit of fun!