Youmacon 2008
October 30–November 2, 2008 Hyatt Regency Dearborn Dearborn, Michigan
Detroit's { Anime / Manga / Gaming / J-Music } Experience
Panels
Always had questions about a certain part of our fandom that you've wanted to talk with others about? 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.
Want to run one yourself? Here's the application.
ABCs of BJDs
A Doll Panel
By now everyone's seen those ball-jointed dolls around conventions, but have you ever wanted to find out more and didn't know where to start? Come join us in our simple, informative panel aimed at newcomers to the hobby where we'll answer your questions and help you get started down the road to finding the perfect doll for you. As always, this panel -is- aimed at those unfamiliar with the hobby, but more seasoned owners are always welcome to joins us and share their experiences (and dolls) as well!
Abnormal Psychology in Anime
Did you ever think that your favorite Anime character might be psychotic, manic, depressed, anorexic, schizophrenic, narcissistic, or suffering from some other abnormal psychological disorder? Let's discuss why you might be right (or wrong).
Acting For Cosplay
One of the most highly anticipated events at any convention is usually the masquerade. We all love to watch the beautifully crafted costumes and see our favorite characters in 3D right in front of us, and on top of all that, there are skits! But, how do the performers utilize their talents and skills in order to create the best possible cosplay skit that is understandable and enjoyable for all? This panel is designed to help cosplayers learn the basics of acting -- projection, gestures, facial expressions, and more -- and also to teach them how to trim down and clean up their material for a fun and watchable performance that will leave fans saying, "Wow!"
All Things Dragonball
We will be discussing the wonderful world of Dragonball from all three series. Characters, plots, likes and dislikes, censorship in the US, fan made videos, fanfiction, and what's with all the filler? And of course we'll have a discussion about the upcoming live-action Dragonball movie.
Animation Art 101
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.
Anime Anatomy
BAR-1 provides a crash course on 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 as well.
Anime Balderdash
Tony and Tom invite you to pitch as many titles to them as you can, and watch as they bluff their way through descriptions of anime and anime related elements. Can you trip up these "experts" with your obscure favorites?
Artes, Fonons and Hymns
A Tales of Panel
Ever felt there were too many “Tales of” games? Can't keep your head on straight of who's who or what's what in each game? Here is a panel that will help! From Phantasia to A New World, spend some time with people who love the series as much as you do. And just as the games always try to teach us; when you're among friends, things are always better...so come on in, die hard fans and casual gamers alike, to discuss and learn about your favorite “Tales of” games!
Asian Horror Movies
If you've ever had an interest in Asian horror movies, this is the panel for you! We'll be going over what Asian horror is, from the classic Japanese monster-films to the more recent scarefests, as well as the difference between Asian and American horror, and the Americanization of Asian horror movies. Tokyo will be destroyed over and over as we discuss our favorites and yours.
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon!
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!
Cosplay 101
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.
Death Note Mafia
Death Note characters take the main roles of this anime-themed interpretation of the popular party game where you must work with a team who could turn against you at any time. For each round, the randomly selected Kira anonymously removes a player, then all remaining players deliberate who should be sacrificed in the hopes of eliminating Kira. The rules will be explained, so prior knowledge of the game and the series is not required. Can the investigators defeat Kira without falling prey to the Death Note?
Dirty, Dirty Fanfiction
Smutty fanfiction has existed since the beginning of fandom. If two popular characters have so much as a single scene together, then there is someone, somewhere, who wants to write them together. Using examples culled from the finest in badly-written bedroom scenes, you'll learn both what to do and what not to do in writing dirty fanfiction. Come join in a celebration of all things perverted, literary, and dirty.
For Great Justice - A Death Note Panel
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.
Gaijin Girl
Life in Japan
What happens when a 20-something otaku from Michigan meets the real Japan? Meet Anne Zaccardelli; a recent college graduate who decided to throw caution to the wind to live and work in Japan for over a year. Through sharing her crazy experiences in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, Anne provides insights into the culture that produces our beloved anime.
The Game Master's Experience
How to Get the Most Out of Your Tabletop RPG
Table top gaming has been around for years. One of the hardest things for game masters is finding ways to pick the right players, create the right worlds, and guide everyone through a fun and enjoyable experience. This panel is designed to help GMs learn techniques for brainstorming and performing in front of their players, as well as talk about the basic elements that create a good game and set up a good recipe for success. If you're looking for numbers and statistics and the best monster manuals, look further -- if you're looking for a good time and want to learn how to wow your players with theatrics and plot turns, come on by!
The Gamer's Experience
How to Get the Most Out of a Tabletop RPG
The act of role playing has been around for 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 character creation and interaction, 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!
Internet RPGs
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.
J-Rock
On The Rise
Have you been a fan of J-rock long? Or maybe you just got into it last week because a friend sent you this really cool song. Well, new and old fans will enjoy this panel, where we will talk about everything in J-rock from the beginnings (X Japan, Luna Sea and more!) to our still up and rising bands (Versailles, D, Alice Nine, S.K.I.N.) and those who have reached stardom and are now breaking out and touring all over the world (Miyavi, Dir en Grey, Blood)! We will watch music videos, discuss many bands, listen to music, and talk about anything relating to this amazing genre!
Japanese Baseball
Ichiro. Godzilla. Dice-K. Fukudome. Many Americans have now heard of these players, but where were they before they came to America, and who might be the next Japanese players to star in the Major Leagues? This panel is an introduction to the world of yakyuu (Japanese baseball), from high school (and the summer Koshien Tournament) to the pros.
Youmacon also has good timing for this panel, as Games 1 and 2 of the Japan Series take place during the con!
Pierce The Convention With Your Fanpanel
A Gurren Lagann Panel
What's all the fuss about you say? Come and join the Dai-Gurren Brigade to find out! This isn't your typical standard anime-fan panel, but an event that will pierce you out of this world! With interactive games, information, trivia and much more, come to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann: the new and biggest thing to hit anime world-wide. We will discuss characters, art forms, themes, rumors of the 4 new movies, terminology, and other important things every fan needs to know about.
Plus Sized Cosplay
Who says that larger people can't cosplay? This panel is here to prove just the opposite and show that plus sized cosplayers can definitely make a costume look good. Tips and tricks will be discussed on construction as well as making a costume look good on its wearer. If you are looking to get into cosplay but have been worried about your size before, this panel just might change your mind.
The World of Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls
Join members of one of the largest BJD clubs in the country for an introductory panel and wide ranging discussion of these amazing resin creatures. Online communities, doll makers, suppliers, costuming and customizing will be covered. Please feel free to bring your own dolls for show and tell, group photos, and a meetup after the panel. If you're curious about these dolls and haven't seen many types, this is a perfect opportunity to see dolls and their owners... or is it the other way around?
Recently Discussed in Our Panels Forum
Gundam / Code Geass panels
I am highly considering running two seperate panels -- one for Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, and one on most probably Gundam 00 and...
Re: Any interest in an "Acting for Cosplay" panel?
That is a super good idea! I remember when we did our skit for Youmacon and I watched it over again. I thought it was good for our first skit but we...
Re: The Dark Hour - A Persona 3 Panel
Well, if they approve it, i'll most gladly accept them!