Review of Anime Weekend Atlanta 2006

[Michaelangelo]

Hiya everyone,

Getting this topic started.  There's barely any pictures taken on Saturday though took over 300 pictures on Sunday.   So I'll be posting pictures and stories soon.    

Over all I'll say that AWA is a normal Anime Con, it didn't feel that big to me (though most of the people who went thought they were a big con).   Saturday I felt they were really not that well put together in their crew not knowing the answers to questions about stuff in their departements.... *rolls eyes*  Though I'll tell ya all more about this insane trip soon.  (Maybe tonight, just checking over the board right now before going out for a little bit.)

[OnnaRaphael]

This isn't my memory obviously since I didn't go, but it's something one of my friends who did go told me over AIM.  He's the one who was going to tell Mike that "The Dean and Leo tattoo girls said hi", and the guy he's talking about is of course Mike.  How awesome is this for Crittle?!


TheGreatSG: I asked him 'What his most interesting fan encounter was' and he mentioned your friend Crittle and her tattoo
TheGreatSG: and said he knew about her coming there so he drew his own tattoo and such

[Michaelangelo]

LOL!!!  I didn't know that!!! Had no clue that he did that.  That is really cool!!!!  

[Leonardo_Mystic]

Heh. Well, I guess I can put here what I said in the Events thread too.

I had an excellent time yesterday. I enjoyed hanging out with Ivey, and her friend along with the friend's little niece. Such a cute little girl.  

I loved seeing Mike again, getting a hug (he gives a great hug), and pictures. I got my Leonardo backpack signed this time. I'll probably get a picture of that, and Ivey took a lot of pictures for me at the panel he and other VAs were in. Thank you very much, Ivey.    I shall get them up here as soon as they're developed.

Thank you again for such a fun time.  

P.S.: Technology and I don't mix. *laughs* I am so clueless as to how to operate digital cameras and the like. Poor Ivey found that out when I accidentally botched taking the first set of pictures for her friend. I hope the second one came out. I would hate knowing that I ruined the moment for her friend.

[CriticalCrittles]

lol you have know idea how AWESOME that makes me feel!! XD And SEE?! I *KNEW* he knew about it somehow! SOMEONE told him!!! Or...he saw it on tv and just knew it was me somehow lol. I neeeeeed to find out how he knew!! Still though...that whole scene of me showing him the tat and then him being like I have a tat of you too! thing totally threw me off and I was dazed and confused and embarassed XD Oh well lol

[OnnaRaphael]

You are just made of awesome and win Crittly-poo.  

[Brinatello]

I'm glad to hear the event went pretty well!  Crit, you seem to have gotten a great part out of it all, and you weren't even there!  How funny is that?!  

[CriticalCrittles]

lol I know right?! All the more reason for me to attempt to go next year I suppose

[OnnaRaphael]

lol I know right?! All the more reason for me to attempt to go next year I suppose

That and the fact that I'll be there.  

[CriticalCrittles]

Nah, I totally wasn't thinking of that at all. *snickers*

[Leonardo_Mystic]

*pokes Ivey; gently*

  No worries in feeling you have to rush. Just a little anxious to read your review and see how all the pictures turned out.

[Michaelangelo]

Well...

The cameras were forgottan back at PG's house.   NB brought the camera's in at PG's house and I didn't realize, so we left without them the next day.   PG is shipping them back, and they won't be here till Monday.  They'll be posted as soon as I can.

I haven't had enough time here to work on the review though, and when I have been here I've been having another issues.  Had a tooth pulled the other day, so the day before that was major headaches and such, than the past few days healing up.  I have a review started that I've been working on from time to time.  I'll be doing my reviews like I'm doing them for Anime Next, a part at a time.  It helps me get done easier than trying to write the full thing up all at once.

[Michaelangelo]

Going to let the others clean up real fast, and while they do that... I'll post here and say "HI"

Ok Friday...

The morning started off with a doctor appointment than packing the car, we got a much later start than I was hoping though there was no real rush to get there so it didn't matter too much.  The drive felt like it took forever, as a few things I didn't realize.  Like I thought TN was shorter than it was... everyone kept calling it the short state to go through.  True it's shorter than Ohio and KY, at only 140 miles instead of 200... but only by 60 miles... guess it's an hour shorter to drive... though it still felt long, esp when we reached an area where I-75 rides along with a few other free ways.  I didn't like that at all, didn't know which lanes to be in or anything.

My traveling partners were Nadine Blackstone and her 3 year old niece, I'm going to call Bug for now since that is one of the MILLION nick names she has.  Bug is a real cute girl, she's so smart too.  She can tell you all about the different animes we watch from Fullmetal Alchemist to Fruits Basket and for those anime fans out there yes she even knows Gravatation.  So she is a anime fan and shows it.  Though good on road trips?  Um... only if you can find a mute button.  Though isn't that true with any 3 year old?

I talked on and off with Fugitoid on the phone and he decided to get a hotel room.  So we'd have somewhere to sleep on Saturday night.  THANKS FUGITOID!!!!  We let him get to bed early so he could do the drive the next day to meet up with us.  And we stayed on the road, I talked to a few other friends on this drive as it's one of the longest drives I've done in awhile coming to 12 1/2 hours to 13 hours.   (With Potty breaks for Bug included)

Once we got there it was 12:30am, and I was ready to just turn the car into a camper, though NB (Nadine Blackstone) wanted to walk around a bit and check out the area.  So we woke Bug up and went in checking out this mall like place which is part of the convention center.  Though most everything was already closed down (including the public rest rooms).  So we headed back to the car and tried to sleep, though Bug was wide awake...

We laid there for awhile, all three of us in the back of my mom's staturn wagon... with a futon mattress, pillows, and a blanket to cover us.   Though while NB and I were ready to sleep, Bug was not going to let us.   It got very hot in the car, even with the windows down... we were sweating and the windows fogged up.  It wasn't the most confrontable sleeping spot.  So since we were not getting any sleep any how, we decided to try and wear Bug out.  And maybe get a bite to eat.

This came learning just how insane it is to leave the convention center.  We walked around the outside of the building this time, and we see a parking garage before the main street... though only way around it would be to walk the direction away from the food we were thinking about going after.   So we walked into the parking garage and glanced at a sign saying "Tunnel on bottom level"  So we went down stairs hoping the tunnel would get us across this big street... though instead the tunnel was to get back into the convention center.  We went back up stairs (taking the elevator to ground level) and walked outside, and it had a gate we had to walk around to even turn back towards the main street.   This was annoying, than as we walked towards the road the grass right there was wet and all of us were wearing flip flops so the mud was getting at our feet.   Talk about wanting this to just be over....

We got across the street, finding that there is no cross walk on street level, so we had to jay walk...  the only cross walk is up stairs and it would of taken us even farther out of our way.  Once we got across we had to pass under the express way, as we came closer to the "Waffle House".   We went in and got a seat.   Bug was still wide awake.  The three of us ordered a meal and split it, I got a waffle and orange juice.   I also did some FMA drawings that matched how I felt.   NB got cups of coffee, as Bug got a chocolate milk when she finished her food.

The waiter we had was really funny, and everyone else there was also there for the convention.  So we did talk with the people at the tables around us.   Though I just wanted to get some sleep.  We were hoping when we left to be able to get back and get some sleep... we left there around 5am I think... and started to walk back.   On the walk back we got waved down by some other con goers... a guy and a girl, the girl seemed to be really out of it, we think she was drunk... though she was highly entertained by Bug... we stuck around and talked with them for a bit... to wear Bug out some more.  Cause she was still running around having fun.   After those two said bye, I realized how late it was, and that by time I get some sleep in me I'd have to wake up and be dragging the rest of the day.   So decided to stick it out now.

To go back across the street, we decided to try the sky walk, and by mistake did tresspass a little bit on some propety that was being worked on.   Heh we didn't even know we were in a  bad area, until we came to a fence and realized we were on the wrong side, so we got over to where we needed to be and explored... realizing this cross walk that's suppose to go lead to our hotel that we'd have for Saturday night, lead away from the hotel!  Way too much walking!  *sigh*  We crossed over to the convention center, and hung out outside for a bit.  I was doing some left handed punches and block moves, just working out a bit.   GP and Bug took some interest in that, so we did a little Karate training  

After hanging out there, we went and got to be first in line for our badges at the convention.  

Next:  The beginning of Day 1 of the convention.  (Day of No sleep)

[Leonardo_Mystic]

Gah. I feel dead tired just reading about it. Ick. That really sucks.

And sorry about your tooth thing, and inadvertly leaving the cameras behind. I didn't realize, and I'm sorry if I sounded like I was pressuring you or anything.  

[Michaelangelo]

It's ok, it made a memory I won't forget and it's not too surprising with a 3 year old.     We kind of had a feeling that we may have sleeping issues with bringing her, but you know the rest of the weekend does make up for that night.  

And seriously I've had teeth issues for awhile now, it just finally reached it's breaking point where it told me to have it taken care of or else.   *grumble*  I was trying to hold off till after my court case so I could afford to take care of it.  Oh well.

I'll share more about Saturday soon.  Going to get breakfast.

[Michaelangelo]

The con started for us in line, as we got there and sat down... some other people came soon after we sat down.  We talked with them while waiting for the ticket booth to open up, the line for the con was starting as people were starting to set up in Artist Alley (which happened to be in that area).

Here's some photos from the line.



After the line we went to our first panel, which was the "Ed & Roy" show, which Vic and Travis... Travis was a bit late.  So we started off the show with just Vic.  Travis joined in.  I sat with the video camera catching it all on video.  Bug was confused at how they were Ed & Roy, they didn't look like Ed & Roy.   She's an FMA fan, being so young she knows her characters.  

After the panel, we raced to get in line for autographs... the line was very long, stretched out the room, down a few halls... we didn't get too far from the room, though far enough.  When we got there, we had an hour before Mike's autograph session... though that hour went by fast.  While standing there I saw my favorite cosplay of the con, it's from FMA.  Major Hughes for those show know the series, here's a picture of him.  



While waiting in line I kept going and peeking in the room that Mike was suppose to be going to sign in... though he never showed up.  Meanwhile the line for autographs was too long, they had to move us since Vic's room was needed for something else.  So our full line was marched like a parade through the halls and into the dealer room.  They got us to a table along the back wall of the dealer room.  Though even after we got in there it was a long wait.  Once we got up there Nadine Blackstone and Bug got to meet Vic and Travis.  Bug was sleeping in the line, so even in the pictures you can tell she just woke up.





After this, I had to go and get ready for the Director panel.  I got there a little early the other panel was still going on, when I first looked over the place I didn't notice Mike.  Though I finally noticed him and went up saying hi.  He seemed a bit surprised to see me, I sat down in front of him and we talked a little.  There was a few other people there he introduced me too.   After we talked a little, the other panel ended and it was Mike's turn to go up and talk.

Mike was joined by Jennifer Sekiguchi (Blue, Kaz and I got to know her at NYC comic Con when we were with Mike ).  The panel was about voice directing... Jennifer is new to it, so Mike got to tell us a lot about his voice acting day.  My camera didn't like this room too much, I didn't take too many pictures.



After the panel we stood out in the hall and caught up a bit, I gave Mike a Leonardo movie poster that Brin got for me to give him.  I also showed him the preview book on the movie.  We talked a little bit about the upcoming movie.  I did extend an invite to join those who are going to the NYC viewing of the movie, though there was no follow up on that so as of now there's no way of knowing if he'll be with us or not.  We talked for awhile, and he signed a few things for me.


Got a picture of Mike with Jaffa before we split our ways.

After that, Fugitoid showed up.  After being confused about where he was by his phone call, finally figured out where to find him and went over there to meet up.  We got him to where he needs to be to get his badge, than went down to see Jennifer's anime she directed, I was a little late so I missed the beginning but watched what I could.  "Paradise Kiss".  After that was going over to try and join in the meeting for the "Miniskirt Army" though the room was full, so I went down and got in line for the "Rangers".   Nadine Blackstone got into the room before me, so she waved me in and I got a seat in the center to be able to video tape this.

The funniest part would be when Ed was asked to say his line... "Roy Mustang is dead sexy in a..." as he was about to say it, Travis breaks in saying "MINISKIRT!"  The story behind that can be found in many reviews and by watching FMA.  A little before Roy appeared, his army came in... some dressed as Roy with a few Ed's on leashes.  So it was funny, the Rangers panel was invaded.   They had a gift for Vic at the panel, after the gift was given Travis went on his way.


This was the same room that Mike's panel was in, so it wasn't good lighting at all.  Here's the only picture from there that didn't come out blury.  

Well besides for this...

Jaffa spending time with Fugitoid

After that panel we went on our way to the hotel.  Than decided on food, we ended up getting Pizza Hut.  


Another pic of Jaffa and Fugitoid.

We watched some TV than crashed....

Next post will be Sunday review.    (can't believe I took over 400 pictures at this con... not all of them will be posted here, only the ones that are worth posting).

[Michaelangelo]

Sunday came, and the first challange of the day was talking Fugitoid into joining us for breakfast before he hit the road.    Though we did it, he joined us so we got to spend a little more time hanging out together.

Even Jaffa got to enjoy breakfast at the Waffle House


As we sat near one of the convention workers, who was trying to tell me that this is one of the biggest Anime Con's in the US.  I'm sorry, I still can not believe that, esp with all of these other conventions I've been too like Ohayocon and Anime Next!  And those aren't even trying to claim that title, and they were bigger than AWA.  Not to say AWA wasn't fun.

Mystic called me while we were at breakfast, letting me know she was at the convention.  So after breakfast, we went back to our room, finished getting stuff out of the room and said good bye to Fugitoid... and than headed over to the convention center where Mystic and I got to meet up.  We had a little time before the FMA panel started up, which I was going to.  So we walked around the dealer room a little, and found this VW Bug...



Well anytime I see Pokemon I think of Veronica, so I had to get a picture.  So Mystic was kind enough to hold Jaffa and be in the picture with the Pokemon Bug.    No matter who the new voices for Pokemon may be, Veronica will always be Ash to me.  

Next came our big VA panel... where all the VAs that could break away from what they were doing to join us did.  Including Mike, Jennifer, Vic, Travis, Monica, and Luci... which was GREAT!  Here's a few pictures from this insane panel of VAs set loose with a big screen behind them to pick on












Major Hughes in the front of the crowd




Anime Mom hug, a lady who drove her kids and friends to the con.. got a hug from all the VAs



There is really HUNDREDS of pictures from that panel, though they came out dark and blury for the most part.  I so need a better camera at some point in time.  Esp since all these pictures were taken on a tripod.  There was so many funny moments in ths panel, even a part where Mike was a stand in for Vic, and man did he get Vic's voice and personality down!  Mike is so awesome!  He had the crowd rolling.  He spent most of his time standing up with Monica talking.  Though they did take part in the panel (the comdey relief )  

After the panel was the long autograph line... and with how much stuff I had to carry, I needed an easy way to move it all while moving down the line... I found away.  Here's Mystic looking amused by my Tripod transportation idea  It worked!


We talked with the people around us and got some pictures while in line of cosplayers that passed by...


Bug with Pokemon characters

Mystic smiling proud with her TMNT shirt on (Can't say I blame her.. Mike knows how to make us smile when we're going to see him. )

Cosplayers from my favorite Final Fantasy game, X

We're getting close we can see the actor table coming up.

Seeing as how there's a lot of pics in line with the VAs as well, I'm going to break this post into two.  So here's one, hope you all enjoy the stories and pictures.  

[Michaelangelo]

Bug was sleeping on her Auntie through most of the line... (also in this picture is Anime Mom that was hugged durning the panel).


We were coming up to the line... than Luci came in front of us, she kneeled down next to Bug and held up a Tiger Doll.

"Someone gave this to me, though I don't have room in my luggage." was how she started off talking to Bug, handing the Tiger Doll to her.  Bug was so tired, as she was just waking up from another nap.  Though she liked her new Tiger.

Once we got up in line the first person was Monica, and we asked if Bug could get a picture with her.  So Bug went around to get her picture and found herself in a hug with Monica.



When Monica learned that Luci gave Bug a Tiger doll, she wanted to find something she could give Bug.  She just happened to have some Godiva Chocolate, that she gave Bug.  As we went down the autograph line, bug got to hang back with Monica.



Next in line was Travis, Nadine Blackstone got him a gift from Artist Alley (if she wants to show, I'll let her post it.  Though here's Travis checking out his gift



Here's a picture of Travis and NB.


This next group of pictures is NB hugging Luci!




Mike signing Mystic's backpack



Mike looking at and signing some of my cards with Jaffa on the table near him.


Down the autograph table, see Bug is still with Monica


Mike still signing my cards with Jaffa.


Jennifer signing some post cards for NB and I.


Mike still signing cards




Pictures of Mike & Mystic



Pictures of Mike & me, with Jaffa




Sadly after getting the autograph line done and photos.. Mystic had to run, so we got a Good bye photos between the two of us.


Than NB and I had to go back and collect Bug from the Guest.  Though she was still being the hit of the show. Here's a better picture of her with Monica.


Bug didn't want to leave Monica


Next was Bug saying good bye to Luci, and we got Luci to sign the Tiger doll, here's a picture of the signing.


Here's a few pictures of Luci & Bug together.




Than it was my turn to get my picture with Travis.


We went to get our good byes in with Vic, since he had a panel and missed that last autograph session.


Here's some shots of NB & Bug with Vic







And last but not least of the pictures is two pictures of Bug, both of which is her with her Tiger from Luci and with Jaffa Cake



After saying good bye to Vic, NB and I left the con.  We headed up through KY, stopping at PG's house for a night.  Monday we walked around Richmond, hit a few stores and the park, than we visited with PG when she got off work, than headed home Tuesday morning.

Another convention review finished!  *takes a bow and looks to see what's next*  Hmmm looks to be CN con...

[Leonardo_Mystic]

Awesome review and pictures, Ivey.   I'm pleased to see many taken of me turned out. I was afraid I'd break the camera.

I love the first picture with Mike and myself.    The way we're looking at each other in that shot is as if we knew something between the two of us nobody else did.

[CriticalCrittles]

Wow, just...wow! Those pics were totally awesome ! And I must say Ivey, you totally and completely ROCK for being willing enough to actually CALL me and tell me you posted a bunch of pics of Mike....I love you so much And they did not disappoint either....  lol  Seriously, you're so awesome, I hope you know that!  

[Michaelangelo]

Hehehe I know how much you like Mike, and that you'd want to know.  When I couldn't poke ya on AIM, I'm like... I gotta call that girl  

You'll be happy when I get to Anime Next pictures too.  And if you notice I'm adding review topics for past conventions for people to post pictures there too.  

[CriticalCrittles]

Well, thank you once again Ivey. This totally made my week lol

I love how even though I didn't go to this con, I'm finding my own little memeories here and there....between the voice mail, and what Onna's friend said (see earlier in this thread) and now I found this on youtube.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNN3mFDW7M8

If you read the description that's with the video....Mike says his favorite line from his favorite character....and he chooses this line from Dean....Freakin' sweeeeeeet

Edit: Look what else I just found! GOLLY I wish I coulda been there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZW7eTlWcbw&mode=related&search=

[Brinatello]

After the panel we stood out in the hall and caught up a bit, I gave Mike a Leonardo movie poster that Brin got for me to give him.  I also showed him the preview book on the movie.  We talked a little bit about the upcoming movie.  I did extend an invite to join those who are going to the NYC viewing of the movie, though there was no follow up on that so as of now there's no way of knowing if he'll be with us or not.  We talked for awhile, and he signed a few things for me.

Just so everyone is clear on this, I had extra Leonardo movie posters that I got from the San Diego Comic Con.  I wanted Ivey to give him a poster as a gift, but I couldn't get extra preview books (that came in a WB grab bag if you attended the TMNT movie panel).  According to her, he REALLY liked the preview book!  It is great, full of details on the movie.  But, I didn't get any autographs out of it this time around.  I didn't even ask for any from him.  I just wanted him to get the poster and other San Diego Comic Con goodies.  Oh, and for her to say 'hi!' to him for me.  That's it.

Great photos, by the way!  Bug is adorable.  She really was a hit to the special guests.  I wish I could have met her.