It was 6:30 in the morning when I began my journey. After traveling for many minutes (about 60) I arrived in scenic Baltimore Maryland. After battling some poorly labeled interstate exits (and losing), I finally arrived at the Baltimore Convention Center (BCC). As I drove past the massive structure, I could already see people lining up for the Walk-In Registration. Gloom began to sweep over me. After careful inspection of the surrounding area, I finally found shelter for my trusty steed (my 2005 Saturn Vue) at the Sheraton Inn, After the innkeeper extorted $20 was from me to watch my steed for the day, I left my transportation to head over to the BCC for Registration.
Registration was supposed to begin at 8:30…….. That didn’t happen. It was almost 9:30 by the time I got inside the building and got to the real registration lines. I love Otakon because no matter who are, you’re always the cool kid. Everyone at Otakon is the cook kid. While standing in line, I watched all the people and strange creatures traversing the conference center. I saw some really great costumes, I saw some ok costumes and I saw some vomit-inducing depictions of grown men as Sailor Moon that would the strongest sailor lose his lunch……but I regained my composure and continued on my way.
After registering I went through my goodies bag, which contained some swag for upcoming anime, the convention program and a pocket guide for the con. After pulling out the pocket guide, I placed the rest of the item inside my pack and made my way to the Hilton to attend the Funimation Industry Preview Panel. I got there around 10:00. I should have gotten in line at 9:00. The room was full and there was still a line outside the room. I felt impending doom was over my body.
The Funimation Industry Panel is one of the best industry panels at the Con because they give away really cool stuff and debut all the new IPs coming to states in the next year. Funimation is one of my favorite anime publishers. I tried to stand near the back of the room to watch the presentation on the giant video screen behind the presenters. Apparently I wasn’t allowed to do that. A gumby-esque individual in glasses ushered me to the back of the line. I got annoyed and walked away. I blamed the registration people and their poor time management for missing the first panel.
The next panel I wanted to see didn’t start until 11:45, so I had time to kill. I walked into the next conference room where an event was about to start. The upcoming event was a “fashion show.” I thought cool; I’ll get to see some really good cosplay. Oh man was I wrong. The panel was a Lolita fashion show for nerd girls. The designers appeared to be nothing more than nerds with a sewing machine and a website. They had designers showcasing off Lolita style Victorian dresses (YAWN TIMES 3!). I realized at that moment, that I chose a very poor strategic position to view the event. I was trapped. The sirens were parading up and down the “runway,” and I greatly feared the wrath of their awe-struct disciples. I feared I would be killed if I interrupted their motion capturing ritual. So like the crafty ninja I was, I carefully and covertly made my exit, barely escaping death.
I decided I would make the trek to the glorious and dangerous Dealer's Room. The Dealer’s Room at Otakon is nothing short of a divine experience for the anime geek. The dealer’s room is a convention hall the size of 2 or 3 football fields. Inside are various vendors and industry kiosks from North America and Japan. I had made up my mind before entering that I would not buy any DVDs (from previous quests to this mecca of consumer culture, I learned that DVDs are almost always cheaper online). I made the rounds at Otakon, exploring the various tables. Although I did not purchase any anime or manga, I did pick up a convention t-shirt (as is my custom). I also picked up a few peace offerings (cute little rubber ducks) for She Who Must Be Obeyed (SWMBO). I also picked up some battle supplies (i.e. some oversized dice to amaze and stun my opponents during Magic battles). Then I realized what time it was…….I quickly made my exit from the dealers room and made my way back upstairs for what would turn out to be the best panel of the day…………
……….THE SECRET LIFE OF MEGA MAN!
……to be continued…….in the Legend of Otakon 2009…….PART TWO!
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