Another year, another attendance at SacAnime.  I’m somewhat kicking myself for not attending the Winter con.  As it turns out, traveling to the Sheraton isn’t nearly as bad as I assumed.  I don’t have to worry about parking, it’s not a long walk from the light rail, the venue is SOOOOO much better than the old one, and during lulls I can walk to 5 de Mayo for good eats.

Despite what I said in my last post, I soon realized I did not have my non-costume ready, so in a pinch I made an incredibly makeshift Hananakajima Masaru.

 

I had the insight to get someone in line to take my picture before my costume fell apart, which it inevitably did.  The first thing I did was head to the autograph line, and midway through the Nolan North line, the shoulders tore.  This was to be expected considering they were made out of poster board.  If I had invested in the thicker foam board, this wouldn’t have happened.  Also, the flower head kinda kept falling off throughout the con.  The surprising thing was that apparently the flower peeking out of my crotch zipper was totally A-OK.  And I needed that to be the case since for the majority of my time there, it was the only thing that told people I was in costume.  Not that anyone got the reference.

Went straight to the Sumi Shimamoto line and got the poster that came with the Nausicaa manga box set signed.  Both sides.  I will have it laminated as soon as the opportunity arises.

The other two guests during this autograph session were Johnny Yong Bosch (surprise surprise) and Nolan North.  I got them to sign my Disgaea 3 Vita cover (they played Almaz and Mr. Champloo, respectively).  Vic Mignogna is coming for the next Winter con, so I plan to have him sign for Mao.

I also decided that every time I see a PS Vita, I’m taking a picture of the owner.  I unfortunately didn’t take a picture of the first owner I met, but there’s still two more days to rectify that mistake.

 

After the autograph session, I headed straight to the show floor, which was outstandingly huge.  And you know what that means: COSPLAY PICS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For reasons I don’t quite understand, Tsuyoshi Nonaka was drawing a huge portrait of Maetel and Emeraldas.  Not mad at it though.  Not at all.

Artist Alley was greatly expanded, and I got to see a lot of talent that the old crowded room wouldn’t have allowed for.  Some seriously unique stuff was on display like balloon art and MLP figurines.  Chatted it up with Melissa Pagluica.  There is now a print version of the first chapter of Above the Clouds.  I really should have gotten a copy.  Well, there’s still time for that.  It’s absolutely beautiful.

I went and ordered a commission with a new artist because I like trying out new things and seeing how well different styles mesh with my own limited direction.  This time I went with Lynn Ke, who goes by “ComplexWish” on DeviantArt.  Really solid stuff over there.  The commission was completed in only a couple of hours, which surprised me, especially with how well the product turned out given my directions.  Would do business with again.

I wasn’t sure who to make a commission of, but then I saw sample art of a woman holding a double guitar and I took it as a sign.  High quality scan and my attempt at coloring (with color pencils!  I feel like an elementary schooler again!) in a later post.

For day 2, I don’t have a lot planned.  I plan on attending the comic collaboration panel, but until then I’m free to do whatever.  I’ll just head to the bank and make a deposit, foolishly waste money, and maybe order another commission if I’m feeling lucky.

I probably won’t be in costume either.  I don’t feel like wasting money on improving the Masaru outfit (though it wouldn’t take too much effort) and it’s just plain too hot to rock the Gendo outfit, even if I have the opportunity to perfect it tomorrow.