Anime Conventions are Not that great
I went to Otakon (2nd largest in US) cause some friends wanted see what it was like and I got my badge "under-the-table" for pretty cheap. I watch anime from time-to-time but nothing other than the mainstream ones. But overall, I still did not like my experience because:
1. We spent more time waiting in line for every event or walking around to our destinations than in the events
2. The staff would randomly block off every shortcut so we had to waste another 10-20min to find/take an alternative route
3. Parking and food was super expensive, costing a minimum of $20 a day, depending on how many people you go with
3. Half the guys there cross-dress cosplay, which is not a pretty site
4. The only events during the day are watching anime (I can do this at home free and I paid money for dis?) and going to panels which are boring af
5. During every panel/event there are always people screaming out random s*** which is so annoying and interrupts the featured guest
So basically you pay for your $70-80 badge to spend more money on transportation, hotel, food, stuff from the dealer's room, etc. I expected much more from this convention because of the money I spent to get in.
I advise you guys to only go to an anime convention if you have $150+ to spend and SERIOUSLY LOVE anime.
8 Comments • Newest first
I know what you mean. There are still a few good cons in the States, though. Try Comic-con, QuakeCon, or DragonCon some time. Sure, most of the people there are sweaty and flu-riddled, but you may have a pretty good time if it floats your boat. Just remember to pack some hand sanitizer.
I've never been to one in the US, but the ones in Japan were amazing (Toyko International Anime Fair).
Thanks for the heads up, guess I won't go to an expo in US.
[quote=Croodle]I heard SDCC got something for everybody.[/quote]
Yeah, I've been going to those for the past 5 years now. But that's comic-con. It's not a 100% anime convention like OP is talking about.
OT: I can't really say anything, cause i've never been to an anime convention. People have their interests, so whatever.
I heard SDCC got something for everybody.
That's expected at anything similar though. I mean look at theme parks, most parks are $50+ per ticket nowadays, then the food is super expensive, then you have 40mins-180mins of waiting in line for rides that are never more than 3 minutes. You just have to go in expecting all of that considering how many people go. If you really want to have fun at an anime convention, take joy in meeting people from anime you like, taking pictures of really well done cosplay outfits, get souvenirs, and just overall expect to do a lot of walking around.
[quote=Realized]3. Half the guys there cross-dress cosplay, which is not a pretty site [/quote]
[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwmJFfruFpg]pls.[/url]
I like anime but I don't think I will ever go to a convention.
You didn't buy any souvenirs?