Kagome, Sesshomaru,
and Inu Yasha
Jigen Lupin III
Gothic Lolita
Fashionistas
Yuki Eiri
Shindou Shuichi
Gravitation
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A happy man was made happier by checking out the latest anime titles in the screening room. Berserk, DNA2, Fruit Baskets and Cowboy Bebop: The Movie were just some of the titles showing in the three video screening rooms that were packed with fans who were either there because they loved the show or were there checking out new titles that they may want to buy in the future. I was happy to see Great Teacher Onizuka: GTO, was also shown, continuing to be a success running well past the usual 26 episodes and still as funny in episode 40 as it was in episode one. If you haven't seen this series yet, it was just announced that Showtime Next will be airing I, starting November 3, or you can just buy it on DVD.
The latest news about GTO being aired on a major cable channel just shows how far anime has come and that was the topic of one panel discussion, which tackled the state of anime today. It was a great panel discussion that held my interest and really opened my eyes on what to expect from anime in the future. These panels, included topics on US animation, voice acting and manga, with knowledgeable guests and experts talking to the fans, were worth the price of admission alone. I felt like I left my discussion a smarter person, satisfied from my education from the experts.
Finally,what is a convention without guests and Anime Next was filled with them. The guest of honor was Tashehiko Ito, the creator and artist behind the Cartoon Network hit Outlaw Star. Ito was making his first ever appearance at a US anime convention. He described what exactly goes into his work and gave guests a little insight into the thought process behind creating such hit shows like Outlaw Star. Other guests included voice actors Moneca Stori, Kagome from Inu Yasha; Wayne Grayson, Joey Wheeler and Shadi from Yu-Gi-Oh! and Michelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Marc Diraison, Guts from Berserk; Bill Timoney, who played various roles in Koko wa Greenwood (Here is Greenwood), Trigun and Outlaw Star and Jamie McGonnigal, the voice of Takeo in Magic Users Club, Sakoma in PatLabor and Crenshaw in Legend of the Dragon Knights.
All in all, I have to say I enjoyed my first Anime Next convention. It was an enlightening experience. I have to say I learned a lot about anime and its fans. The quaint, homely atmosphere and the basic organization allowed me to enjoy more in less time. I think this convention has a lot going for it. There really aren't many recommendations other than the fact that I'd like to see them expand one some ideas such as the unique manga library idea to allow more access to great manga titles. If Anime Next takes the next logical steps in expanding what they already have going for it; the amazing depth of activities to keep fans busy, then I am sure Anime Next 2004, which will be held in New Jersey in June, will continued to be the evolving force it claims to be.
Send comments and questions about this article to JMinners@ybfree.com.
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Kagome, Sesshomaru, | Jigen Lupin III | Gothic Lolita | Yuki Eiri |
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Naruku Inu Yasha | Tsukasa | Aura Clover | Inu Yasha |