Anime Expo – Day 1

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Whilst everyone is still sleeping I thought I would give my point of view for Anime Expo: Day 1.

We started the day like any other serious cosplaying day: bright and early! Team Rocket was playing today for the Pokemon gathering at 1:00 and consisted of several ranking agents and, of course, yours truly as Madam Boss, the founder of Team Rocket (according to the Japanese CD drama Birth of Mewtwo).

Along the way we played a Rocket scavenger hunt and recruited several rogue agents while we played our game. There were tons of Poke-Jin cosplays, in astounding numbers, as well as canon trainers that are rare to find, especially in recent years at Anime Expo. Every Gym leader was accounted for, including a Giovanni which Madam Boss had a long winded argument with about not calling her on her birthday (what a bad son!). After several group pictures were taken at the gathering, the entire group of Rockets chimed in with Jessie and James’s infamous motto that was soon overridden by the trainer groups tune of a Pokemon opening theme song. Not liking this overturn, the group was stormed by the Rockets, led by Giovanni and Madam Boss and a louder group effort was front stage yet again.

Not long after that, the Wicked Rockets agents and Madam Boss fled the scene to prepare for the next cosplay. Queen Nehelenia (Nepherenia) was next to make her way to the convention center. Our representatives caught the Sailor Moon gathering in time and witnessed only two villains! Baddies are a rarity this year, it seems. Nonetheless, the gathering was a phenomenal effort.

Now the main event watch. AMVs! 7 choice videos in 4 amazing categories; Drama, Action, Comedy, and Professional. The drama category was surprisingly lacking in wrist slashing disparity and gave a wider spectrum to what drama AMVs can cover. Action had more than just mechas this year with a little sizzling “action” romance that gave a refreshing twist to the category and stepped away from traditional fighting and machines action videos. Comedy had a great selection, including an introduction that required a disclaimer from the M.C. about Nazi propaganda and a charming Hellsing medley that nearly combusted our souls.

After the AMVs ended it was nearly midnight and we were beat. Check out our picture gallery for Anime Expo 2010!