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Convention Report for Fandemonium
written
by Sai
Friday
came around with a slow start. It appeared everyone was
still setting up and getting ready for a new weekend of
fan-fun. Artist tables were being put together, Ichidan
members practicing for their performance, and staff busily
organizing the weekend’s events.
Not too
many people could be seen in the hallways on this day,
which is typical of a con on a Friday. Still there were
fellow artists down the hall busily working on their
products, and even the video game room was getting some
game-time action. What was particularly exciting was the
Wii, which was available for play, however when the system
was attempted at play, the wiimote failed to perform.
Could be the batteries? Who knows?
Opening
ceremonies started out with a bang as Borneo declared the
start of the con in victory.
There were many amazing Guests of Honor mentioned
who could be seen throughout the weekend. These Guests of
Honors included individuals such as Michael Coleman the
Voice Actor GoH, R*K* Milholland the Webcomic GoH, Steve
Willhite the Comics GoH, Matthew McMillan the Author GoH,
PikminLink the Cosplay GoH, Carlos Pardo the Music GoH,
Ichidan the Theater GoH, Custodians of Otakudon the Anime
Club GoH and also Consplayers the Photography GoH. It
seemed Fandemonium had quite an exciting line-up planned
for the weekend as well. Events such as The Keyblade Wars
performed by Ichidan, The Boffle Sword Fight, and even the
private showing of the final three episodes of Doctor
Who’s new season was revealed. So far, the con was on
with a good start.
Some of
the new installments that were noted was the video game
room now was out in the open. The large wall had been
removed, opening up the space more and there was an
addition of large cooling fans to keep the inside chilled
from the extreme heat outside. The Photo Studio was also
in a much better location with a lot more room for the
equipment and easy access. Everything was well placed and
really organized.
Saturday
came about in a flurry of stage practice, artist alley, a
load of attendees, and the main events. There were many
great artists to be seen that nicely ranged from Anime-esque
art and even traditional Comic-art. However, one of the
lesser points was the size of the dealer’s room. It was
particularly small with mostly D&D games or Fantasy
Goods ranging from dragon statues and incense. The lack of
anime goods was really quite appalling. There was a
desperate need of a better-rounded amount of goods for the
public.
The
cosplay competition was rather weak as well. It was mostly
filled with purchased costumes and beginner skits that
were solemnly entertaining. However the Ichidan Keyblade
Wars performance more than made up for it.
The
Keyblade War was a Kingdom Hearts/Anime based play
performed by Ichidan, a Theater Production Group. This
completely filled any sort of craving for entertainment,
drama, and fun. It started out with a humorous re-cap of
the previous year’s performance and followed through
with an action packed, sword splitting, and dramatic
battle with an ending that begged for more. The lack of
microphones was barely a problem and the use of lighting
and improv were marvelous. The rest of Saturday slowed
down with the nightly rave and people running around with
glow sticks or checking out artist alley and buying their
goods.
On Sunday
morning, events were still going on.
It was this day that they showed the sneak peek of
Doctor Who’s final three episodes, the rather dangerous
Boffle Sword Fight (apparently quite a few people got hurt
this time around? Perhaps a new boffle should be used next
time, or more rule enforcers. It was said that some people
became a bit rowdy.), and alas the Closing Ceremonies.
The
Closing Ceremonies ended with Thank You’s being given to
the large staff that helped make this convention happen,
some mention of more events that were to happen that
night, and a huge group hug of everyone in the stadium.
With
the fond farewells, people left the stadium to continue
the last few hours of their fun weekend. Whether this was
going to Who’s Line Is It Anime or attending the Boffle
Sword Fight, it was left with a laugh or even a bruise.
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