Livin’ the Sweet Anime Life

"Talk about an eye-opening experience! I had one of the most fun days ever … would you believe I walked around a giant, costume-filled convention center in San Antonio at the San Japan Anime Convention? I will say that I knew a teeny-tiny little bit of what anime was all about, but boy, was I surprised! 

"This all started when my eldest child decided, in her best older-teenage wisdom, that she wanted to accompany her buds from school to this anime convention. Granted, she was just at one in The Woodlands. Well, in this momma’s wise decision-making prowess, I said she could go. After rethinking the whole “teens in a car on a long road trip,” I had to re-evaluate the trip. I decided to drive them to the convention myself. Maybe go to it, maybe not, depending on how I felt that day. San Japan, look out!

"Upon arrival at the convention center, I spoke to the “man in charge,” Matt Zeisler, who was able to get me two passes into the convention. He was really nice and made us all feel welcome, especially me, the biggest novice in the group. We walked around, going to the different panel presentations and generally having a ton of fun. Who knew anime geeks could have so much fun?

"In case you don’t know much about anime, I shall now inform you thus. Anime started in Japan around the early ’60s and came into the United States in the late ’70s and early ’80s. These were shows like Gatchaman and Captain Harlock, and then came the shows called Voltron and the creation of “new” series like Robotech. The point of an anime group is to discuss the genre, watch the shows and promote anime in a local setting, and broaden the Japanese cultural understanding. Along those lines, you must know about manga, which is a “comic” series that was created in Japan and conforms to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century. It’s a long, complex prehistory in earlier Japanese art. Kind of “artsy-fartsy,” to some people. Not me, of course. I am anime’s biggest and newest fan!

"In the midst of our walking journey around the anime convention, I got to see all the people dressed in their costumes … this is called “cosplay.” The “actors” decide which character they’d like to portray and find a suitable (and hopefully cheap and similar costume) and then dress as the character. This can range from an entire head-to-toe coverage with makeup to a simple vest, hat or shirt to give the viewer an idea of who they’re portraying. Interesting. Very interesting. I was quite impressed with the thought and care that went into these creations. You can tell that a lot of work went into these “cosplay” costumes.

"On Sunday, we went to an official autograph-signing from some of the most popular characters in anime and gaming. Imagine my surprise when I discovered two voiceover artists had flown in from Seattle and were part of SAG-AFTRA! I was able to meet and hang out with the one and only Ellen McClain and her husband, John Patrick Lowrie, who happens to be the co-president of the Seattle Local. Talk about a surprise! You just never know who you’ll meet (or see) at one of these things. John’s got a book out called Dancing with Eternity and I got to meet some of their fans. Boy, if looks could kill, I’d be a dead duck! I decided, for my own safety, to talk to Ellen and John for only a little while, so the fans could get their pics and books signed. Better safe than sorry!

"In conclusion, I would like to thank the anime world for allowing me into it, if only for a little while. It’s an interesting life and one that I think I’ll look into … occasionally!"

This item was originally featured in the April 2013 local newsletter.