It was my 1st time to an Anime convention in Los Angeles. I heard great things about it and I always wanted to go. Some friends and me went to the Anime Expo at the LA convention center. I did not know what to expect but I did know the layout from previous encounters at the LA Auto Show. I got to see everything I wanted to see. A sequel to Full Metal Alchemist was unexpected and Funimation picking up the right to Hellsing, Black Lagoon, and Egro Proxy was a dream come true. I was able to see The new evagelion OVA you are not alone but it was in Japanese( I should learn the language). At least it had English subtitles. It was like the theaters only with anime and a kick-ass surround sound system.





the first thing I did was meet David Hayter , who voices snake and had previous experience in dubbing in anime. He is a cool guy and answered many of his fans questions but sadly when it can time for signatures I was too late ( there was a huge hour line) but i manage to take a picture with him although he was looking away( maybe someone was trying to talk to him). besides the disappointment of not getting a signature by David, everything went smoothly and I had one hell of a great time and can't wait for next year. Also I decided that I would cosplay next year as well. the character I will dress as may be Makoto Shishio from Rurouni Kenshin( Goggle it) but I still debating over it.





Tons of people were dressing as there favorite characters from anime to video games. some were dull and disturbing( even before I entered the convention I saw a full grown man in a school girl uniform, theres limits girl...i mean man) but most were very detailed and outstanding. just look at my gallery when your done reading this to see what I mean. navigating through the convention was some what difficult if you did not plan ahead of time on the anime expo's website but when you buy your tickets( $25 for one day) you get a goodies bag and inside is a free program guide and its helps big time. along with the program guide you get a fan( convenient when it gets hot but the day I went it was pretty cool), anime ads , and you get a badge with your name printed on it with a strap so you can hang it around your neck. next year they should include anime previews on a disc or a T-shirt with the anime expo logo on it. despite many people that attended it was not overly crowded in execption to the line where you could have meet David Hayter. I heard many claims that many at the expo were in dire need of a bath and that the anime expos need to hand out complimentary Pikachu-shaped soap. Know the reference? Well, I went on the second day of the expo and I had little problem with people's odors. maybe once there was one guy who smelled funny but that was it. I sure if you are that put off about smelly otakus but like anime you should come in the first day. people at the convention where very pleasant to be around and
were friendly. many people cosplaying were more then willing to pose for a picture.





there was one hall where people from deviantart.com were present and selling there art for a pretty neat deal ( 10-$25 ) and other halls were devoted to merchandising anime and videogames. There were demos for Soul Caliber 4( which I proud to say was looking good for the xbox 360 and PS3), and for another Narutard videogame( dont get me wrong the anime and manga are good but anime video games aren't exactly known to be outstanding).one room was a full arcade complete with a dance dance revolution machines and a ice hockey table. Oh and if you would like to see the Soul Caliber 4 demo in action check out before its gets posted down by the man

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eqTGIktuSd8





There was a concert and a opening ceremony that I did not attend but hope to next year. If you are a fan of anime and and/or looking for early demos for videogame the Anime expo is a great place to be and at a affordable price who wouldn't.One warning: wear comfortable shoes! I cant stress that enough. after a few hours walking around ,especially if you cosplay, you will feel the burn. Take my advise...I learned the hard way. Live and learn right? hopefully guest stars as big a David Hayter attend next year for otherwise it may not be the same. Anime Expo 09 get ready for another dose of me! hope fully you can get more people to come with you and possibly dress up as well for its alot more fun if you go in a group. See ya at the Anime Expo 09!