The World Anime Party officially made anime and manga eternally a part of New York City culture in just four days. From August 30 to September 2, 2002 Anime fans and companies from the New York tri-state area, the rest of America and abroad converged upon Times Square in droves (Chobits were Everywhere! < ^_^ > ). From sneak peaks, exclusive meet-and-greets to world premiers, the promoters of this convention went all out to make this the best Anime Show this side of the Pacific.

     Co-sponsored by The Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF) and The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation's Anime Expo, The Party (as shall be henceforth called), took place simultaneously in two of New York's largest venues: The Marriot New York and the Virgin Megastore. The sponsors made sure to keep fans entertained with the usual convention favorites like viewing rooms, cosplay contests, dealer room, and autograph sessions. However, the promoters took this convention to another level for the East Coast.

     Fans were able to meet some of the legendary directors behind the anime we love. Here is just a brief list of the large number of industry movers and shakers who graced New York City with their presence:

• Akitaroh Daichi - Director Now and Then Here and Now
• Yoshiro Komada and Taro Maki - Manga-ka Slayer Special and Saber Marionette
• Yoshiyuki Tomino - Director Gundam
• Shinichichiro Watanabe - Director Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, Macross Pluss, and Cowboy Bebop (TV Series)
• Noboru Ishiguro - Director Robotech, Macross, Astroboy

     Also appearing at the convention was the legendary voice actress Mayumi Tanaka whose name you might recognize as Kuririn from the legendary Dragonball Z!

     However, do not stop reading out of jealousy just yet. I have more of The Party to brag about. Attendees (who were lucky enough) got the chance to see the world premiere of the Cowboy Bebop movie and an EXCLUSIVE sneak preview of Millennium Actress, which is being released by Dreamworks next year. Check out the review of Millenium Actress in this month's issue!

     Ok, you can still continue to be jealous, because at 10pm on Saturday, August 30 several hundred anime fans were invited to Planet Hollywood in Times Square for the American world premiere of Inu Yasha! Thanks to Viz, Cartoon Network, AOL/Time Warner Cable, and of course Rumiko Takahashi for creating such a wonderful show, many people got to watch the premiere of Inu Yasha with plenty of food, drink, and prizes for everyone who attended!

     All in all, sorry so many of you missed this convention. However, fear not, another Party is planed for Labor Day Weekend 2003. Information for next year's party can be found at either of the sponsors sites:

     Send comments and questions about this article to Cosmicnerd@ybfree.com.