Anime Expo 2016 Review

Anime Expo 2016

July 1-4, 2016

Los Angeles Convention Center

July 14, 2016
by James Vallesteros
Photos by jamesvallesteros.com

For most part of the country, Americans spend the Fourth of July weekend with family in their backyards cooking up tasty BBQ items. In a certain part of Los Angeles, thousands of people stockpile the Convention Center on Figueroa Street to celebrate the nation’s largest Anime Convention, Anime Expo. Hitting a record breaking 100,000+ Unique and 305,000 Turnstile attendance, 2016 marked its first year to reach such phenomenal numbers.

Bringing guests from all over the world, Anime Expo, which is organized by the non-profit Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, attracted fans all over the country. Filling up the West and South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center, attendees were treated to a heap of entertainment and cosplays along with the intense Japanese Culture inspired vendors, artists, and exhibitors. In order to accommodate this event’s growth, the Kentia Hall parking garage was converted to the Artist Alley. There was a lot to experience during this extravagant weekend and attendees were able to immerse themselves throughout four days.

@minibobafett as Sora from Disney/Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts 3 Video Game

One of the prominent changes made this year were to stop non-badge holders from entering the South Hall lobby area. In past Anime Expo’s, the lobby area was open to all and only the exhibit floor required badges. With the recent shootings in Orlando and Dallas just weeks prior to AX, it was necessary to enforce it. On a side note, many attendees were standing in zig-zag lines outside of the convention center to pick up their badges on Day 1. Some complained about wasting over two hours in line which could have been used to spend time inside the exhibit floor. Many attendees are open to the idea of having badges sent to their homes prior to the event to save themselves from standing hours in line in the hot July Los Angeles weather.

The Fire Nation was hot at AX 2016.

@petahface as Fire Lord Ozai

@mikumouse21 and @nipahcos as The Banished Prince Zuko

@disneycutiepie as Princess Azula

The enormous growth since the prior year, the staff of AX were equipped with knowledge and were able to maintain a safe environment for all. Staff kindly asked people to not block major common areas that were used to get from one place to another and sustained a level of professionalism in the process. A trait that is rarely seen at other conventions I have attended before.

Anime Expo is directed towards the promotion of Japanese inspired popular culture but all walks of life gathered to showcase their art in the form of cosplay, art and creativity. Cosplayers came out with top tier costumes for all to see and appreciate. Many of the craftsmanship to these costumes clocked in hours and hours of work. The love and inspiration of a certain character really brings out the creativity from someone as seen with their costumes. Attendees, photographers (pro or novice), snapped away with their phones or cameras to take home a piece of memory with them. Children enjoyed the cosplay scenery as most of the characters worn by cosplayers are not commonly seen in theme parks. It is a breath of fresh air to see an animated character come to life.

@disneycutie as Silk, @sabrinaspaceprincess as Sabrina (Pokémon), @princesssunshinee as Xion (Kingdom Hearts 3)

This year saw the world’s first Anisong World Matsuri event that featured an assortment of live music and experiential performances. Electronic pop icon DJ TeddyLoid provided music during AX’s fashion show alongside unforgettable performances from J-Pop band Dempagumi.inc. From premiers such as Makoto Shinkai’s “your name”, exclusive clips of season two of FLCL, and industry top dogs like Shoji Kawamori, Kenji Horikawa, and Nami Sano, Anime Expo provided a place for these creative people to gather and for fans to get a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.

jbnconventions

Read More

Heroes & Villains Fan Fest Review

Heroes & Villains Fan Fest
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
November 21-22, 2015

By James Vallesteros

The inaugural Heroes & Villains Fan Fest emanated at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center on a weekend before the Thanksgiving Holiday. Billed as “It’s not your Dad’s comic con, it’s your Fan Fest”, it stayed true to its moniker. The festivities were built around giving fans an experience like never before. The usual convention scene is mainly made up of the artist alley, vendors, exhibitors, and behind curtains where the celebrities usually conduct their photo-ops and autograph signings. However, the setup took in consideration of the fans who really want to immerse themselves into their favorite fandoms.
The main attraction for the first stop was CW’s Arrow’s Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen) and Willa Holland (Thea Queen). The autograph signing for both of these stars were set up right on the exhibit floor. Even if you weren’t in line for an autograph, fans were able to get a glimpse of their favorite stars. The photo-op section was handled professionally by the volunteer workers who did an outstanding job keeping everything in order. The lines moved along smoothly and most fans agreed that the wait times were decent.

Prices for admission were affordable and most fans were happy with the autograph and photo-op price tags. There were other festivities happening on the floor exhibit as well such zip-lining, bouncy house for the kids, and arts and crafts. So when it was labeled “It’s not your dad’s comic con”, these added elements certainly validated that statement.

The San Jose McEnery Convention Center was a perfect choice for a Northern California stop. There were plenty of parking to accommodate the fans. The Convention Center is not super big like some other buildings, but it played well with the whole “fan experience”. Everything that the event had to offer was in walking distance and didn’t have to hop from one hall to the other.

Heroes & Villains Fan Fest is a unique kind of convention. It’s focus on one single franchise provided fans assurance that they will get what they came for. Much like its sister con, Walker Stalker Con, we see Heroes & Villains Fan Fest to expand to other franchises and the end result will remain to be an unforgettable experience.

jbnconventions 

Read More

Comikaze Expo 2015 Review

Comikaze 2015
Los Angeles Convention Center
October 30 – November 1, 2015

November 7, 2015

by James Vallesteros

If you have never attended a comic convention before, consider attending Stan Lee’s Comikaze. Not only is Stan Lee the iconic man behind the Marvel Universe, but Comikaze is his Convention. But don’t be discourage if you are thinking this convention is mainly for the Marvel Enterprise, it is a massive collection of everything that is labeled “Pop Culture”. 

From Marvel to DC, Video Game Franchises to Anime Hits, Comikaze has become one of the biggest Comic Conventions in the West Coast. Usually scheduled around Halloween, it is a nice rejuvenation from getting drained out from all of the big blockbuster comic movies of the summer. The fall weather makes it a perfect environment for the cosplayers as well. With a wide variety of vendors, exhibitors and special guests, attendees are able to find what they are looking for.

One element that I have happened to enjoy about Comikaze is the implementation of having the panel stage right on the exhibit floor. This gives the fan a unique experience as oppose to having panels in closed doors. The Costume Contest is also performed on this stage and it systematically transform into a concert-like environment with people crowding the floor to see the stage.

The Los Angeles Convention Center accommodates plenty of room for all of the festivities even when another event is being held. There were two separate events going on but Comikaze was still able to deliver just as if they had the whole convention for themselves. The only complaint from attendees is the separation and distance between the two exhibit floors. 

With every year, it seems that more food vendors are parking their truck to feed hungry attendees. There were a variety of food to choose from to “regain” health so-to-say from experiencing all of the spectacular that Comikaze has to offer. Perhaps one suggestion is to have more food vendors inside the convention.

Comikaze is one of the biggest conventions in the west coast during the fall season. Stan Lee and the Comikaze staff have been able to deliver an experience that will last a lifetime year after year. We look forward this event year. The show gets bigger and bigger and we, just like any fan, are ready to immerse ourselves into a 3 day weekend of fun. 

jbnconventions

Read More

Long Beach Comic Con 2015 Review

Long Beach Comic Con 2015

Long Beach Convention Center

September 12-13, 2015

September 19, 2015
by James Vallesteros

When most people think of Long Beach, the obvious image in their head is probably a beach. However, twice a year, this city is invaded by an assortment of superheroes and villains when Long Beach Comic Expo and Con rolls around.

Located just walking distance from the coast, the Long Beach Convention Center serves as the perfect venue for such an event. The large walking space in front of the convention doors was filled with many vehicles from popular fandoms such as Batman, Jurassic Park, and Back to the Future. Attendees are welcomed with these iconic cars before they even step foot in the door.

Inside, the lobby is just a beautiful scenery and provides a spectacular setting for photo-ops with the cosplayers in attendance. The cosplay community in Southern California are approachable and are always willing to take pictures or simply talk about their fandoms. The exhibit floor is located below ground level was like an entrance to a whole different world. From a variety of vendors, exhibitors, and special guests, attendees are able to locate exactly what they are looking for. Whether it be to add a figure to their collection or to fill in the missing issue from their favorite comic book series, there were an abundance of vendors to choose from.

For the last three years, this convention has continued to grow. One might assume that the growth would make the con experience less pleasing, however, the Long Beach Comic Con staff has done an excellent job in keeping it unique and non-stressful. The staff was very helpful in locating certain aspects of the convention. The lines to pick up badges went smooth and attendees were able to go about their business and immerse themselves with the show.

With the list of Conventions our team attends each year, we always look forward for Long Beach Comic Con. It has become a place we see old faces and meet new ones as well. The two-day event is sure to put plenty of value into your admission price. Look out for Long Beach Comic Expo coming in early 2016.

jbnconventions 

Read More

Wizard World Sacramento 2015 Review

Wizard World Sacramento

June 19-21, 2015

Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Convention Center 



By Kyung Kim
July 1, 2015

Twenty six years have gone by with nothing to hold on to, until I stepped foot into Wizard World Comic Con Sacramento.

On my way down to the convention hall, I met some very friendly people who were also on their way to the convention hall. We walked together while sharing many similar interests for anime, comic books, and cosplay. We arrived at the convention center and the group I was with parted, but I think it is safe to say that I made some new friends. I opened the glass door and walked in to a place filled with energy and excitment. The amount of people that was inside the building boggled my mind. I wanted to take pictures of everyone!

As I walked around snapping pictures, I stumbled upon the entrance for the dealer hall. It was lilke a whole new world in there filled with art, props, music and much more. If you have never been to a comic convention, it is basically an esemble of very talented people coming together to showcase their art. It was entertainment every where you go. Wizard World is known to gather the most talented in the industry, whether it be television, movies, artists, or authors, they know how to pick them and provide an experience like no other.

Mad Max: Fury Road Cosplayers

The costume contest was my personal favorite. As a cosplayer myself, it was very awe-aspiring to see everyone's creativity. To showcase it in front of a packed auditorium is another aspect that I find appreciating. It was great to be able to see other individuals' passion.

The winners of the Costume Contest

The Sacramento stop was my first Wizard World. Luckily I don't have to wait too long as the next Wizard World adventure in my neck of the woods will happen on Labor Day weekend in San Jose, CA. They have already created an awesome esemble of special guests. Tickets are now available at wizardworld.com. I will be there and I know you will be, too!

jbnconvention jbnconventions convention convention wizard world wizardworld sacramento madmax

Read More

Long Beach Comic Expo 2015 Review

Long Beach Comic Expo 2015

February 28-March 1, 2015

Long Beach, CA

Long Beach Convention Center

by James Vallesteros

Long Beach Comic Expo is surely becoming the premier convention for the first part of the year. The 2015 edition came early and was held at the Long Beach Convention center on the weekend of February 28-March 1. The move to the rear of the convention provided more room for exhibitors, artists, and vendors. The parking structure is directly in front of the main entrance which was a plus. It made going back and forth an ease especially for attendees buying those delicate prints, they were able to walk back to their vehicle where they are able to keep them safe.

MiniBobaFett guards the main entrance to Long Beach Comic Expo in the new and bigger area.

Although the lobby area of the old location of the convention provided beautiful backdrops when taking pictures of your favorite cosplayers, the new location was just as good. There was an open lobby area complete with a live DJ and plenty of staff to guide you along the way. Getting the badges was a breeze. Staff members were very knowledgeable where to direct attendees as to wherever they need to go.

Conventions are an all-day event and the in-house restaurant gave attendees a place to re-energize with food or a cold soft drink. Several food trucks were parked not too far from the main entrance. Attendees did not have to go far if they needed to get food.

There's lots of fun and entertainment outside and inside the convention.

The showfloor is a gigantic building that is basically rectangular. Booths were clearly marked and it was easy to follow the map that was provided inside the program booklet. It is roughly the same size as the fall show (Long Beach Comic Con). With that being said, attendees should be excited to know that the fall show will now be even bigger. The plan to expand and grow was in the right direction to accommodate the growing number of attendees and the growing number of guests.

MiniBobaFett gets an LBCE Exclusive and limited art print by Tobias Gebhardt in the huge Artist Alley section.

The showfloor was separated in sections so attendees were able to go to a certain section and be able to find what they were looking for. There were a mixture of artists at the artist’s alley. All genres were covered and guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s fandom from original art, funny mash-up, horror, kid-friendly, anime and so on.

Perhaps one of the best part of any convention is seeing the usual faces. Whether it be other con-goers, cosplayers (professional or amateurs), artists, or even celebrities, it is always a great time catching up with familiar faces. Conventions are becoming a place for reunions, a place to see old friends and make new friends. Long Beach Comic Expo/Con is just the perfect event to experience it.

HipHopTrooper and Leeanna Vamp

It is great seeing cosplayers at cons but the one thing that never cease to amaze me are the little ones that come in costumes. How cute is it to see a Little Miss Han Solo right next to a Mini-sized Boba Fett? Or a trio of actual-sized Jawas and the smallest evil Darth Vader force choking random people? We all know Deadpool is a hot commodity in the cosplaying community and it also reaches to the young at heart. And let’s not forget the little Riddler who stayed in character the whole time. Cosplayers are a big part of any convention and it seems that more and more are coming to Long Beach, some local and some as far as coming from Northern California.

All smiles when MiniBobaFett and Chihiro & Chieko are on the showfloor.

The panel rooms were in the lower level of the convention. At first it was a bit confusing but once inside, there were many staff members guiding attendees towards the right direction. The Jean BookNerd team attend the “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Cosplayer” panel featuring Trinity-All Stars, Kids can Cosplay, MiniBobaFett, Chihiro and Chieko, and The Boy Blunder. The panel was in a rather spacious room but it quickly filled up to show support for the little ones. The panel provided important tips for parents and kids as to what type of costumes they should wear, keeping the young ones entertained and well-fed and so on. But perhaps the most entertaining part of the panel were the Q&A with the little ones. Serious questions were asked by adults that were answered with the cutest and darndest responses from MiniBobaFett and twins, Chihiro and Chieko.

Hosted by Kids Can Cosplay, the panel talked about kids cosplaying featuring Trinity All-Stars, The Boy Blunder, MiniBobaFett and Chihiro & Chieko

The 2015 Long Beach Comic Expo was an improvement from last year in every way. Ticket prices are reasonable and you are guaranteed to walk away with memories that will last a lifetime. The fall show, Long Beach Comic Con, is set for September 12-13, 2015 and it is gearing up to be bigger.

For more information, please visit www.longbeachcomiccon.com.

jbnconventions 

Read More

Walker Stalker Con San Francisco 2015 Review

Walker Stalker Con

January 31-February 1, 2015

Fort Mason, San Francisco

February 7, 2015

by Kyung Kim

If you are a fan of the hit AMC television series, The Walking Dead, you will surely love Walker Stalker Con that took place in San Francisco, CA. The convention’s site was at the Fort Mason Center right off the Bay. Being a National Historic Landmark, it was the perfect place for a zombie convention. The buildings at Fort Mason made it feel like a scene from the show and with people dressing up as Walkers and characters from the show, fans were able to immerse themselves into all things that is The Walking Dead.

As you walk the piers of Fort Mason, you are greeted, more like groaned at by fans dressed up as walkers. But fear not, there were plenty of other fans in their best walker-killing garments as Rick, Daryl, Glenn, Maggie, Rosita, Carol, etc. You can tell fans have invested so much into the series that they have altered their appearance to look exactly like a character from the show. There was a Rick Grimes cosplayer that made me look twice just because he looked spot-on like Andrew Lincoln.

Fort Mason, San Francisco

Not only were the actors present to give back to their fans, the con-goers were treated by tremendously by other fans. The cosplay scene at Walker Stalker Con was top-notch. It made the con experience that more fun as you could be standing in line at the food trucks and there could be a Tyrese with a baby Judith, Daryl with his signature crossbow, or Abraham with that manly red mustache in line with you. Everywhere you look had The Walking Dead written all over it. 

Beside the cosplayer, I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful actors from the show. Michael Rooker, Scott Wilson, David Morrissey, Chad Coleman, Laurie Holden, Emily Kinney, and my personal favorite, Steven Yeun. The atmosphere was great. There were plenty of food trucks at the venue to keep your energy going and the beautiful scenery of Fort Mason provided the ultimate backdrop for a zombie apocalypse. One more thing I found quite exceptional was the quality of the Badge. It will go great to my collection. This is my first Walker Stalker Con. I was able to meet and make friends and talk about the show. I am already sold to attend the next time it comes to my neck of the woods. 

Three Phases of Glenn at Walker Stalker Con San Francisco

jbnconventions 

Read More

Walker Stalker Con San Francisco 2015 - Meeting Freddy Krueger

Walker Stalker Con

January 31-February 1, 2015

Fort Mason, San Francisco

February 7, 2015

By Randy Papaia

San Francisco marked the California stop for this amazing cross country convention dedicated to the AMC Television Series, The Walking Dead. Arriving at the Fort Mason Center was something straight out of a zombie film. The environment and old buildings gave the event that ominous feeling that you were in a fight for your life in the undead world. Each building was full of excitement from the many cosplayers recreating their favorite Walking Dead character to the actors themselves who devoted their time to meet and great with the fans. There wasn't a moment of letting up and there was always something to see.

I would have liked to see more artists and vendors but for the ones who were present, every booth and table was packed full of different merchandise from props and replica weapons to undead creatures and toys. At the artists tables there was everything from Doctor who and Star Trek to Walking Dead and A nightmare on Elm Street. All the vendors and artists were friendly and helpful and it was awesome to see all the variety that each artist had to offer.

One legend in particular Robert "Freddy Krueger" England was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. While in line to meet him, he actually skipped his lunch to continue to interact with his fans. You could tell that he appreciates his fans. Every actor at the show was awesome and extremely nice and excited to see people cosplay the characters they have portrayed.

Overall the experience was amazing and I would recommend attending a Walker Stalker Con when it comes to your city.

Freddy Glove and Photo signed by Mr. Robert Englund

jbnconventions walkerstalker walker stalker convention san Francisco the walking dead

Read More

Walker Stalker Con San Francisco 2015 Review

Walker Stalker Con

January 31-February 1, 2015

Fort Mason, San Francisco

February 7, 2015
by James Vallesteros

There are an abundance of conventions every weekend and it is usually a show that features a collection of different universes from comics, movies, and television. For Walker Stalker Con, its main focus is on the hit Television Series on AMC, The Walking Dead. This con differs from the usual con as it is specifically themed and made for The Walking Dead and its legion of dedicated fans.

Cosplayers at WSCSF

Walker Stalker Con is a show that goes on the road all over the United States. For its California stop, the event coordinators chose San Francisco. One would think that it should be in Southern California because of its easy access to the Hollywood elites. However, Fort Mason off the coast line in the San Francisco Bay Area perfectly captured the essence of The Walking Dead. Fans weren’t only immersed by the Celebrity guests such as Steven Yeun, Emily Kinney, Scott Wilson, David Morrissey, and others, the two Piers on which the Herbst and Festival Pavilion sits on Fort Mason embodied the feel and look of an episode of The Walking Dead. The run-down look of the Pavilions and the buildings that surrounded the area provided the perfect opportunity for great looking photo-ops with the Cosplayers on-site. 

The beautiful scene at Fort Mason

The one thing that Walker Stalker Con offered to fans that not many other cons do is the access to meet their favorite characters from the show. Walker Stalker Con San Francisco was headlined by nearly 50 celebrities, mainly from The Walking Dead. San Francisco was also treated by horror icon, Robert Englund, who famously slipped on the four-clawed glove in The Nightmare on Elm Street series. A late announcement also provided Doctor Who fans to meet the eleventh incarnation of the Doctor, Matt Smith, alongside Soothsayer Amy Pond, Karen Gillan.

The Festival Pavilion housed the vendors for the convention. There were plenty of booths to get those hard to find collectibles and also buy one-of-a-kind art. The rear of the Festival Pavilion are autograph booths where fans were able to meet some of the show’s cast. Herbst Pavilion was mainly autograph booths with an immaculate stage at the rear for panels, costume contest, and an exclusive concert featuring Emily Kinney. Before the con opened up, the lines to get into either of the showfloor wrapped around the exterior of the buildings. However, once inside, it didn’t feel crowded and it didn’t take effort to get from one place to another. The lines for the autographs for celebrities were maintained professionally. Fans were able to enhance their experience by purchasing VIP badges. This allowed them to be in a special VIP line, separate from the general admission to see their favorite celebrities.

MiniGlenn with Steven Yeun (Photo-Op)

Walker Stalker Con was a success! It delivered everything it had advertised for. It is a place to show your fandom for a universe that many people have a love for. The combination of shopping at the vendor booths, getting the opportunity to meet celebrities and take pictures with them, and the beautiful atmosphere that Fort Mason and the San Francisco Bay Area brought is an incredible experience like no other. If you are looking for a place to see your favorite actors from the show, as well as showing off your fandom by dressing up as a Walker, Rick Grimes in a dirtied up flannel, Glenn Rhee in his riot gear, or even Carol in a bloody poncho, Walker Stalker Con is definitely the place you will want to be. There are six more stops for 2015 with Chicago in February, followed by Dallas, Orlando, Boston, Atlanta, and New York/New Jersey. If you happen to live near these cities, be sure to check out Walker Stalker Con and be prepared to be entertained.
 

Cosplayers as Daryl, Beth and Glenn.

Laurie Holden (Andrea) casually walks the showfloor.

Fort Mason

Scott Wilson (Hershel) signs MiniGlenn's Pop Vinyl figure

Steven Yeun takes a selfie with MiniGlenn

Michael Rooker (Merle) gives MiniGlenn a button that says "Kill Daryl Already, #TeamRiot"

jbnconventions 

Read More