Geeks Unite: Otakon Anime Convention

Some people, when they hear the words anime, sci-fi, or manga, are likely to take off running. On the other hand, there are a select group of folks for whom these genres of entertainment are a way of life.

"Anime conventions" are events held in various cities throughout the U.S., at different times of year. One of the largest, and most widely attended, is Otakon, held every summer at the Baltimore Convention Center. Enthusiasts from all across the country, as well as other parts of the world, converge in Maryland for the 4-day event. The center is quite immense, and for newcomers, it may seem like a maze; this is all the more reason to take time and get oneself oriented. There are other such conventions in the U.S., such as Katsucon (Washington D.C.), Tekkoshocon (Pittsburgh), and I-Con (Stonybrook, NY); they vary in size and theme.

Those entirely unfamiliar with anime may already be confused; specifically, it is a genre of Japanese animation (sometimes referred to as "Japanimation"), which often involves such themes as magic, futuristic technology, and apocalyptic violence. Manga (pronounced mon´guh) refer to the books from which the series are adapted.

Some of the more "mainstream" series have become popular with children in the U.S. Pokémon, for example, is practically a pop culture phenomenon, what with American companies producing backpacks, video games, action figures, and other items based on the show. So, too, have shows such as Dragon Ball Z and Trigun become popularized through their English-dubbed versions shown on Cartoon Network (and its late-night programming Adult Swim.) Often, the Americanized versions take heavy criticism from hardcore fans, due to censorship of some scenes and/or poor translation into English.

At the convention, you are likely to see hoards of fans (sometimes referred to as otaku), dressed as their favorite character(s). Besides cast members from anime series, there's a chance that you might see Batman, Spiderman, Invader Zim characters, or Jay and Silent Bob (of Clerks and Mallrats fame.)