Sailor Otaku: BANZAI!! 2013 BanzaiCon

Yay, my first die hard anime convention! I had a bunch of fun here, especially since we got the three day passes (another first!). And I must say, there was a hefty amount of people there. I don't know if it's because I live in a very not-so-happening place, or I don't know a lot of anime lovers but I was expecting a lot less people. But hey, I'm not complaining.

The dealers room wasn't as big as I expected it to be. One could easily do a quick swoop around in less than 3 minutes, but the overall content of the room was good. I was eagerly greeted by the wonderful stand of Japanese snacks, some I have seen before, and some that completely baffled my mind. I ended buying a Champagne, Hot Chili Oil, and Curry Flavored Ramune. So far I have only tried the Curry Flavored Ramune, and your mind has the hardest time deciphering if it tastes sweet or like curry. Like I said before, baffling, but worth the experience!

The dealer's room overall was pretty interesting. Aside from the snacks, I got myself a wig, a Sailor Moon necklace, and a Vampire Knight Magnetic Bookmark Set (gotta keep reading interesting). I also contemplated on buying a kimono which was going for $20 and up, but instead decided to settle for a macha green Alpaca. To my happiness, they had a little table of Kpop CDs and I almost got one. The only problem was that the prices were ranging from $35 the least to about $100. My opinion, stick to ITunes if you just want the songs, but go ahead and spend the dough of you want to collect and have extreme bragging rights.

Panels, a great way to get informed and have a butt load of fun. Thanks to my gracious parents who were willing to sit through the entire 2 hours of screaming and singing, I had a wonderful time fangirling and dancing at the Kpop Panel. I also got a new arsenal of catchy songs that I am now thoroughly obsessing over (B1A4-What's Happening, Bigbang-Monster). Kpop panel aside, I also went to an FX Make-up Panel which is very informational to a person (like me) who knows absolutely nothing about how to make scars and burns. The questions from the people around the room also give you a more detailed explanation and tricks for future reference. Bonus, she passed out free Almond Joys!

The only disappointment I had was at the Hatsune Miku Concert Panel. Not only was the room packed so much that I was breathing in hot dog breath from the guy next to me, the screen was barley visible. If the people who run the panel know that Hatsune Miku is practically an icon now, they should've either put the screen higher or put other screens around the room. From what I could see, the video was extremely low quality. It might've been the fact that it was a bunch of YouTube videos compiled onto one big video, but whatever the case I was disappointed enough to leave within the first 10 minutes and YouTube the videos myself when I got home. At least that way I knew I would've be plagued by the drastic hot dog breath the entire time.

Overall, I really enjoyed myself. I'm will admit that I was expecting it to be bigger, but then again I think I'm just spoiled on MegaCon. Plus, it's all about the content. Would I go back again? Probably, though it might not be my ultimate first choice.

Did you go to any Anime Cons lately? Comment below and tell me your thoughts on it :)