Last year, I didn’t spend very much time in the Artist Alley which I felt rather unhappy with myself about. So this year I made a point to get down there early and give it a good walk-through. I am exceedingly happy that I did because it ended up being one of the many highlights of Otakon.

In 2011, I wrote about AnimeNEXT’s budding Artist Alley with its increased variety of styles and offerings. I’m pleased to say this trend has extended to Otakon’s alley as well. People’s styles were emerging and more apparent. There was a robust nature to the artwork that made booths pop. There was really so much to see that even when going down an aisle for a second time, I end up stopping some place new or seeing a piece I hadn’t noticed on the previous tour.

And thus I ended up buying more than a few items, so much so that I banned myself from returning after finishing my once through on Saturday morning.

Continue reading →

The sheer amount of panels at Otakon is what I love about it. It is also what makes it feel so very fan-run, so much of the programing is put on by fans for fans. Fan knowledge and ingenuity is king at Otakon and over the years it has made getting to run a panel a premier spot.  That being the case, I think that ends up inspiring a lot more panel feedback and critique than at some other conventions.

I was recently listening to the Otaku Generation con report for Otakon episode and they felt that with anime reviewing rooms being used less and less panel attendance had gone up. They also mentioned that at con feedback there was an unprecedented amount of discussion of panels and a demand for even more panels in general. There were also a good deal of complaining but the message was clear. Convention attendees were talking about panels because it was something they cared about. Otakon is never a convention that had to worry about people attending panels but I have to agree that it seemed like the interest in panels seemed like it was at an all time high.

Some panels and panelists will always draw a crowd. People like Mike Toole and Charles Dunbar always present in front of standing room only crowds as any one who went to Otakon will attest. If you talk about the newest “it show” or mention sexy times you will always have to turn people away. On the other hand there are still panels that are half empty due to either having rough time slots or less popular topics. But overall the number of panels that were not filled to capacity were less and less. Usually I say that expect for a few key panels lining up beforehand is mostly a waste of you time. But it was increasingly clear that might be outdated advice soon.

Continue reading →