Anime Banzai ’08

As some more well-informed nerds know, Anime Banzai took place this last weekend. Being one of Salt Lake’s bigger Conventions, I once again ventured out to see exactly what was going on. So, how was it? Let me say, I don’t think I’ve had that much fun with humans in a long while.

Anime Banzai is a prime example of fan getting together to share a love for the world Japanese Anime presents us… And don’t forget that same love for dressing up like your favorite characters as well. The first surprise was seeing how quickly people lose their inhibitions during the course of the day. Spontaneous dance parties, singing of favorite songs, (Portal’s “Still Alive” was the choice of our day”) flying hugs from strangers, even people offering “Random battle” encounters.

Besides the fun caused by the guests, the convention planners had many things to offer. Cosplay battles, in which two man teams competed on-stage via dice rolling was a favorite of the day, putting improvisational fun along with the excitement of rooting for favorite characters had myself and many other in tears from laughing at the sheer over the top action.

After the show, I wandered about the halls to see exactly what else was going on. Along with the main floor, two other levels had also been reserved for activities. Upstairs was the screening room for attendees to just take a load off and watch some of their favorite shows, along with a crowded (and God-awful hot) Exhibitors Hall, while downstairs was a gaming room. In the latter, I faced my only disappointment: the poor handling of a Super Smash Brothers Brawl tournament. Call me a nitpicker, but waiting for a half hour in a hot room to register for the event, only to have the line change places, be moved from the front to the back, and find out there were only sixteen spots open on a game that can handle tourneys in the hundreds of players fried my circuits slightly. After all, how can I put you meatbags in your place if I can’t school you proper?

Vic Mignogna, Tiffany Grant and Sonny Strait, well known voice actors also were in attendence, but due to some communication mess-ups, I couldn’t snake some face time with them. However, what was noted is the dedication they had for the fans, signing autographs for several hours to make sure everyone in the huge line present was satisfied.

My day at Anime Banzai ended on a high note, fortunately. The last event of the day before the closing ceremonies was the AMV contest. For those unsure what that means, AMV’s are essentially fan made music videos spliced over anime in time with whatever song chosen. Varying from hilarious, to misty-eyed nostalgic moments, all entries were well made and admittedly, emotional in parts. (I had to fight off some oil leaks in parts myself. What can I say? This robot loves anime in a big way.) Mushi-shi, Fullmetal Alchemist, Code Geass, and even a bit of the Hypno-toad of Futurama fame made it into the line-up.

In all honesty, if you’re an anime fan in Utah, you have no reason not to attend. Hell, you don’t have to like it to have fun here. I’ll be showing up for sure next year, and yes, I WILL be cosplaying.