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Written by and photos by MAUREEN VANA
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Monday, 25 May 2009 |
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Thousands poured into the Rosemont area last weekend to participate in three days and nights of anime, manga, movies, and gaming of all kinds. The 12th annual Anime Central’s (ACen) home base was held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center where vendors and artists set up shop. Costumed kids, and kids at heart, stretched into the surrounding hotels for parties, concerts, a fashion show, and cosplay skits.
Afternoons at the vendor’s area and artist’s alley saw the bulk of convention traffic. This main hub showcased booths offering everything from replica Kingdom Hearts weaponry to Naruto wristbands. Artists from near and far set up shop to show off their talents with on the spot commissions. For a fee a conventioneer could have their portrait drawn in traditional manga style or even get a customized character created from the shell of a My Little Pony.
Across the walkway at the Hyatt Hotel conventioneers immersed themselves in late night entertainment. The hotel became a hang out to show off costumes, participate in some midnight gaming, or just rest their sword. In addition to being a place to congregate, the Hyatt played host to special events such as panels and costumed skits known as the Masquerade.
Whether it was Bleach, Code Geass, or just some figure hunting there was something for everyone at ACen this year. Between the scheduled events and impromptu cosplay on the streets, break dancing in the convention center, or spotting Jack Skellington duck under a doorway it was hard to find a dull moment. Now that the loot is inventoried and the gunblade put away, the only thing left to do is make plans for next year (May 14-16 2010).
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