Images in this post are thanks to my hipstamatic-cam-loving-sister, Justine! No Hotlinking!

As I write this, I have just come to the realization that this was my fifth year at Otakuthon, and as per usual I bought way more than I should! Nonetheless, this still managed to be the first year at the convention that I went to the Masquerade. My full coverage is after the jump! 

As with every year, I brought along a friend with me. This time, I went with a friend who doesn’t know too much about anime, but she was curious enough about it to be interested by the convention. Though, she wasn’t too big a fan of panels, so I didn’t go to any this year. Kind of a shame. Also, I’m pretty sure my friend is a borderline Fujoshi. I guess she fits right in with a big population of the people at Otakuthon?

Friday

Not to much happened on Friday. The convention starts at 5 and I left around 11. After getting my badge, I went straight into the dealers room. It was in the same location as last year, which is a really big space, but the artist section takes up about half of it.

I bought some manga at the garage sale, but I’ll get to that part later. I saw a few familiar faces, such as my last English teacher from last semester (I didn’t speak to her, but it was just weird to see her!), and if you follow me on twitter, you may have also heard that I saw a girl I knew in high school who used to joke about how I went to the Otakuthon. That was just awkward…

Anyway, the highlight for the day was when I went to the Kpop dance+singing event. I had about a half-hour to spare, so I brought my friend to the screening rooms to expose her to some other anime out there. At the time the only thing that was playing was Another…I know it’s terrible, but the first two episodes are at least pretty good? She showed an interest in the show, so I told her if she wants a good laugh she should just keep watching it.

I had to wait a bit for the Kpop event to finally start, but when it did, I was pretty impressed! Although I have next to no knowledge on the subject, I had a friend who was performing at it (he did a whole dance solo) so I went to support him. He was fantastic!

Saturday

As always, Saturday is the biggest day at Otakuthon. A lot of time in the dealers room was spent buying and browsing. Also, when I was on the metro on the way to the event, I actually had a conversation with someone who was on her way to the convention, too. We ended up talking and actually hung out for a bit. It was really cool to meet someone new, and she managed to encourage me to try to improve my art and writing. Talking to strangers has continued to prove to be awesome!

When my friend finally got to the convention, I decided to introduce her to Hyouka. She thought the first half was slow, but the second half of the first episode was better. I can accept that, especially considering most people didn’t like the slow pace this series had at the beginning anyway.

I also managed to oddly find my oldest sister at the Otakuthon. She was helping someone do coverage for CUTV. It was awesome to see her! She also asked me to buy her the coolest pin I could find. I bought her a pin of AppleJack from My Little Pony. Considering it seemed to be one of this year’s biggest trends at Otakuthon, I let my sister feel like she was part of it. She also likes people with Southern Accents, so she gave her approval of it.

When it was finally time for the Masquerade, I was pretty excited considering as it was my first time going to one. It’s one of the biggest events at Otakuthon, so I had expectations. Before the event even started, the whole audience was singing the Pokemon theme song. I decided to join in by screaming all the lyrics at the top of my lungs! That was probably the best part, but the actual Masquerade was pretty interesting, too! I would definitely go back next year to it.

Sunday

This day was definitely the dullest day at the event. There wasn’t much going on, but I sorta regret not going to Otakuthon Idol. Supposedly it was really good…I ended up watching some more anime, making some last minute impulse buys, and going to Timmies to chill while looking at some of the cosplayers. Ya, it was clearly a slow day for me.

In all, this wasn’t the best Otakuthon I went to, but it was fun enough. Supposedly the funds were cut and I guess it kinda showed. There weren’t as many events, nor guests. Although I still plan to go next year, I’m going to try saving more money to go to Anime North instead (biggest anime convention in Canada). I’ve been to Otakuthon long enough, that it may be good for a change. Also, if by some blind luck I win the lottery, I’m going to try to go Anime Expo. Though, I’m definitely doubtful of that happening, so I’ve stretched that goal as something I need to do within the next three years.

The Loot

And now my favourite part where I show what I wasted my money on to buy! I actually didn’t end up buying as much as I usually do. I was trying to really focus on getting things only if I was paying less than I would online, and otherwise most of my money just went to things from the Artist Tables.

I clearly have a keychain obsession! The two keychains of Akira and Ringo are flipsides, so on the other side of them, there are pictures of Shouma and Haru. When I bought my sister her AppleJack pin, I also bought myself one of Pinkie Pie because she’s the best and she’s throwing a party. I also needed the llama version of Thor and Loki (they’re just too flippin adorable!).  The fairy from Jinrui who is dancing is also essential, so that he can watch me while I sleep 0_0 (He’s also a fang-tan, and that’s a major plus!)

Three posters clearly from the artist table as well. Aren’t they gorgeous?! I wuv them.

Here’s the manga haul! They’re all from shojobeat because I love the company and nearly all the titles they’ve licensed. I managed to get these four for only 20$. Not too shabby!

Last but not least, the only anime I bought this year, Wagnaria! Considering it was at a good price and the only way I’d be able to buy it would be from US dealers, it seemed worth it. It’s a fun series after all, and slice of life is always rewatchable in my opinion. I love how the licensed version changed the title from an English one to a Japanese one. I’m guessing it’s simply for some obvious reasons like how if you searched up “Working!!” your chances of getting anything remotely similar to the anime would be low.

Cosplay

I don’t have a camera, and my phone broke down by the end of the weekend, so here’s some more photos taken by the amazing Justine of some of the cosplay: