Now in its 17th year, Alberta’s longest running anime convention has released its preliminary schedule for 2010. Special guests, industry panels and anime screenings will be added frequently. Animethon 17 will be held from August 6 – 8, 2010 at Grant MacEwan University’s City Centre Campus in Edmonton, Alberta.
Special Guests at Animethon 17
Fangirls and fanboys will be able to meet and interact with voice actors and other members of the anime and manga industry. Voice actors Kyle Hebert, Wendy Powell and Chris Cason will participate in panels at which they will talk about their work and field questions from their fans.
Kyle Hebert is known for his work on Super Street Fighter IV (Ryu), Naruto (Kiba), Bleach (Aizen) and Gurren Lagann (Kamina). Wendy Powell of FUNimation has voiced Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood), Ilena (Claymore) and Miss Merry Christmas (One Piece). Chris Cason, also from FUNimation, has lent his voice talents to Gluttony (Fullmetal Alchemist), Jack the Ripper (Soul Eater), as well as Tien Shinhan and Mr. Popo (Dragonball Z).
The L33tStr33t Boys (pronounced “LeetStreet”) will perform at Animethon 17. This anime otaku fantasy band is known for its single and music video “Yuri The Only One.”
Two comedy guests will tickle otakus’ funny bones at the 2010 convention. The 404s, an improv group, has appeared at various anime cons and comic conventions throughout Canada and the US. A new guest, the Synaptic Chaos Theatre (SCT), has appeared on video, podcasts and a semi-live game show. Comprised of some alumnus from The 404s, the SCT also performs at sci-fi conventions, anime conventions and gaming conventions across North America.
Main Events at Animethon 17
The annual Cosplay Contest has been a big draw for cosplayers and audiences alike. Awards will be given out for best costume, best skit, best group and best in show.
The AMV Contest gives fans a venue to show off their film editing and music mixing skills through their anime music videos (AMV’s). Awards will be given out for best romance/sentimental, best drama, best action, best comedy/parody, best upbeat/fun, the judges’ favorite, the audience’s favorite and best “made in Alberta.”
No anime con is complete without JPop and JRock music. Otaku who love to sing their favorite OP and ED theme songs can participate in the Karaoke Open Mike Event or enter the Karaoke Contest.
Exhibitions at Animethon 17
Anime and manga fans can shop for Bleach manga, anime DVD’s, The Best of Soul Eater CD’s, Totoro plushies, Gundam models and more Asian and otaku merchandise in the Exhibition Hall. Shoppers will be able to visit over 80 vendor booths. Vendors are being added regularly.
Dozens of artists in Artist Alley will be available to do on-the-spot commissions. They will also have prints of popular anime characters such as Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass, Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach and Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist. They will also have original artwork for sale.
The Animethon Art Gallery will feature original artwork created with paint, mixed media or clay sculpture. Artwork will be exhibited and auctioned in Animethon’s silent auction.
Going to Animethon 17
Convention goers can stay at MacEwan Residence, which is located beside Grant MacEwan University. Attendees can also book accommodation at The Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel.
There will be ample opportunities throughout Animethon 17 for attendees to photograph cosplayers. Bleach cosplay and Naruto cosplay remain popular themes. Fans planning to cosplay their favorite anime, manga or video game character should read Animethon’s policies carefully regarding weapons, props and replicas.
About Animethon 17
Animethon is organized by the Alberta Society for Asian Popular Arts (ASAPA). In addition to its annual anime convention, ASAPA hosts otaku events such as the Halloween Dance and A Taste of Animethon. The anime convention was originally organized by BAKA, the University of Alberta’s anime club.
Animethon attracts over 4,000 attendees between the ages of six and 90. It is the longest running anime convention in Alberta, followed by Otafest in Calgary.
Convention policies and documents such as registration forms, contest entry forms and volunteer forms are available for download on Animethon’s website. The X-Pass, which grants attendees admission to all three days, VIP access to convention events and convention goodies, is available for $150 if purchased by July 11, 2010. Attendees can also purchase the X-Pass at the door for $175. The regular Event Pass is available for $30 in advance ($40 at the door). Children accompanied by an adult get in for free.
Related Reading:
Animethon 17 Announces New Guests (July 16, 2010).
Rhona-Mae Arca - Rhona-Mae is a Registered Music Teacher. She has an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, B.A. (Music) and ...
