Downtown turned out to be a pretty nice venue for the Anime Expo. The weather was fantastic and you could feel the energy of the event. The Cosplay kids got some laughs from the Mexican parking attendants and there was a fair amount of local media coverage outside.
Inside the foyer was filled with tons of kids in costumes and people snapping photos. I got caught up in the picture taking and than took the long walk to the badge pick up area. It was smart the way they put the badge reg away from the main con action because it helped keep traffic moving. I scanned my printed out bar code and just like that I was ready to roll.

The Con floor was massive maybe 1/5 of SDCC but the shocking part was the amount of space they dedicated to the artist alley. The artist alley was buzzing with activity and lots of great art. It was exciting to see how into it the artist were and the people buying the art were feeding off of it. The artists seem to be trying lots of different ways to sell their art. Book markers, stickers, color/b/w books and tons of prints and portfolios. There displays were colorful and clever with copies of their prints and shirts displayed above and below. When you see SDCC shrinking the amount of space for artist alley it's inspiring to see a convention that puts creative people as a priority.

There seems to be a real strong DIY streak in the Anime kids that feeds on itself. Handmade hats, costumes and art are selling right along with the DVDs and the books. These shows are really about the fans.

The screening rooms were filled with fans and the sound was perfect. I used the time to sleep through Gunbuster and wake up for Diebuster the movie. Very FLCL in a good way.

I've no doubt done my fair share of conventions. I've been to tons of comic shows and a bunch of Anime shows as well. I've noticed over the years that the Comic shows are getting older and male and the Anime shows are getting younger and female. It's no surprise when you consider the content that comes from each industry. Although they crossover in some respects it's the different between the future of fantasy media and the past.

Here's a few of the pictures I took at the show. Thanks to everyone who posed and took the time to create such awesome costumes.

-k

It was on like...

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Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have some of my original art hanging in your crib? I know every hour on the hour this creeps into your thoughts. Let's face it. Who can blame you. It would be such a conversation starter.

Some of my old Bloodstrike pages are looking for a fine home (read:yours!) on ebay. Help support your local artist...that being me!

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I've been asked about prints of my work. I'm selling a limited run of prints. 10 signed and numbered of



and..




They will be 11x17 on Matte photo paper $25 (includes shipping) each $30 outside of the U.S. Note me if you are interested.