Anime California 2015: Tally's Review

August 28th to the 30th at the Anaheim Marriot were the dates and location of the new convention. Though, as of this year, it was the second year this convention took place.This time, in a different location. However, this new location was more than big enough for the small convention.


Now, I must say, the con was a lot better than last year. The guest list was amazing. From voice actors, Vic Mignogna, Todd Haberkorn, Greg Ayres, Richard Epcar, Paul St. Peter, Anthony Bowling, Ellyn Stern, Erza Weiss, and Felecia Angella, to musical guests like Lolita Dark.

An impressive list of guests. Along with the helpful staff members, this con was worth the attendance.

I will apologize now for how short this review will be. Unfortunately, most of the time, I was tied up in Cosplay Chess, hosted by Alex Entezami and his group of friends. Alex and his friends host Cosplay Chess at almost every Southern California convention. The games are always entertaining. Between the mock fights and the different cosplayers or just straight up con attendees not dressed up, the matches between the chess pieces is amazing. If you haven't tried it, try it. I guarantee you will have fun.

Before Greg Ayres's autograph session, a friend told me one other friend of ours had found him in the gaming room. To my surprise, there he was. Mr. Greg Ayres himself. He is known for a few of his roles, such as, Nagisa Hazuki from Free! Eternal Summer, Akito/Agito Wanejima from Air Gear and Son Goku from Gensomaden Saiyuki. These are just a few of his known roles, but for what I know him as. He was a voice actor in the Ghost Stories/Gakkou no Kaidan dub in 2000 as Leo Kakinoki.

Greg Ayres (right) and myself (left)

Free! Eternal Summer promotional poster for Nagisa Nazuki, with Greg's signature

Unlike previous cons I've been to, the staff and volunteers were helpful. In fact, they were very informative. If there was a problem, it was corrected right away. This is a plus. There were I.D. checks past ten o'clock. Anyone under eighteen could not participate in any of the eighteen and up events. Standard protocol for every con.
The panels were run smoothly. In fact, when it came to eighteen and up panels, security was keeping the peace and chekcing I.D. cards.

A plus this year was the health bars carefully placed in the program bags. A smart move to keep attendees fed enough. Water was stationed in just about every room and in the area the convention took place. No attendee had a problem staying hydrated. Starbucks and a mini Pizza Hut were near the convention area, as well.

Unfortunately, I could not make it to the other guest voice actor's autograph sessions. I do apologize for this.

Out of five stars, this convention was a three and a half. Sure, it was the second year, and there are improvements still being made. I am sure next year will be better than this year.

Until next time.~