North Republic Industries
Issue#35
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Matsuricon and perhaps more!?!
I took this myself
Hello, Hello, Hello. I am here with the main purpose of telling my experiences with Matsuricon 2015. Complete with Behind the scenes thoughts, One picture which you have already seen, unless you are blind (or unable to read) -- which if you are I apologize that due to budgeting we will be unable to record this episode with voice, per usual. Please get your trusted reading person to read this article, and likely all future articles for you. Oh so it will be added, with a haul, feelings, and smiles, and of course complaints, trials, and juicy things abound. Please sit back, and if you fancy it grab a drink, of your choice. (I do imagine what reading my articles would be like drunk -- or in Obi's case high). I will now tell this tale, that now extends beyond the con and is causing anxiety, but a new bud which I can only hope is a blue rose. So join me for my 4th time at Matsuricon!
My friends my day began not at 6.30 when I was shaken to be told that I had 30 minutes to wake up, do what-ever, etc. No, surprisingly it began Friday. I had twitted out that I was excited to be going to matsuricon the next day. To which my crush, to whom we shall now refer to as Riza for the sake of not relieving names, said that she was jealous. This intrigued me, and I had been wanting for some time to ask her to hang out, what better chance than (albeit last notice) matsuricon where are mutual love of anime could come forward -- I even offered to pay for her ticket. So manly. This has been the first time I have asked a girl out in any form for a good 4 years, no wait I tried about 2 years ago to no avail, my confidence was sound at the right moment. Well she felt bad about doing this, but I assured her. So she said she'd think about it, so I said ok. Well about an hour and a half go by and I learn that she is conflicted because this is also her last Saturday before college and her father hinted about doing something special. We talked, and to make this part of a long story short she leaned more towards not going, which I understood. However I felt like I gained so much even if it still would have been sweet for the two of us to have gone together (Ohayocon?). Our conversation ended at about 2.30 there with promises to talk tomorrow.
Well Now it is 6.30 and I wanted to use most of my time to get those few more drops of sleep, and then the rest to get something to drink and change, and I was out the door. -- Regretfully leaving without putting on the precious deodorant - (spoiler - bought some up there to use). Well I was off. Fast Travel. I'm there, and to start things off I head straight to a panel that I wanted to see at 10. It was an hour long one about the differences in the adaptions of Fullmetal Alchemist. It was good, but I was worried that perhaps they gave a bit too many mild spoilers. But it was good for the most part. Then it was off to the dealer room. Where I like to walk around it and around and around to get a feel and keep moving.
I put my eyes on somethings and after about an hour I bought one $5 grab bag - (spoiler - It had two Yu Yu Hakashu dvd volumes in the mid of the series and Tsubasa dvd vol 7. So for me not really a win, considering that I have barely watched any of Yu Yu and none of Tsubasa. But what can you expect.
Then out, for lunch where I went to Bar Louie and got a hamburger with fries and a non-alcoholic margarita. The burger was good, the fries were great, and the margarita was missing something I feel, something like a nice punch or something hard or something, but other than that it was good. Well I get back and go back to the artist alley, I mean small rooms (more later!). Where it was then off to the dealer room more looking and walking but wait I decided that since Riza couldn't be here I wanted to get her something (that and because she is my crush and I wanted to because I like her) but she didn't want me to, would feel bad about me spending my money on her, but I told her that I wanted to spend my money on her. Man did I want to tell her I liked her, but didn't. We went back and forth - she was like don't get me anything, and I was like you can't stop me!, and she was like I won't tell you want I want, and I was like I guess I will just have to pick for myself. This went on and on until I won!!!!! despite some resistance after the fact. To which she gave some general ideas of what she likes. To which after "Looking high and low, I found the perfect gift."
To which I got an "AWWWWW!!!" Surely I thought that God had smiled on me. She does ask me why I chose it, and I said it was cute and drew me in - and it does remind me of her in some way. It cost me $25 however a ticket for the day would have been $45, but if she asks how much it was I'm going to say $15, because she was so worried about my money. Anyways To which we talked and talked. Though right after I purchased this I went in and purchased a wall scroll of FMA for $13 that was discounted - I will be using it for college, I also earlier got a document folder of the Straw Hat Flag from One Piece. Then I also got a wooden sword, katana type. Because it was cheaper than a real one. It was $10 and the folder was $7.50.
Now I was planning on going to another panel Meet Scott McNeil. However the line was so long and when I came back later the door was closed. I missed out again. Now I walked around for a bit more however my next panel that I wanted to see wasn't until 7, and it was only 4.30. I had picked the dealers room pretty well through too. No hentai this time, not only did I not really see any hentai manga, but it was also a bit much and I didn't want to cloud me when I was trying so hard for Riza. With all that in, I decided not to stay and just hit the road on home, only after going and picking up my books for College.
Now to talk about more about what I thought about the convention! First though my favorite cosplayer is Gandalf the White - no pics. I don't have the courage to do that. However he was pretty cool. A lot of good cosplayers this year and of course those who are just... well... The biggest wonder for me were there was about 4 or so different people cosplaying men with fezes with clams or fish eating a pearl or food while wearing suits and one had a cane I think. I have no clue the anime or tv show or anything. Anyways Now this year was there 10th year anniversary! This year the price went up and I did preregister however I missed the first deadline and ended up paying just about $43. The badges this year were amazing, who new quality, and looked very professional, different groups also had different pictures to distinguish. A+ on Badges, however lanyards were subpar this year, Crunchyroll lanyards, small and a bit hard. However a A+ this year, thanks to Crunchyroll is totes - like pictured with the gift. So great for caring around all the papers, and items you pick up. This must now be adopted to a standard. I however don't know who got these, everyone? Preregisters? 3 day passers? It is unknown. (Also I heard someone tried to get a ticket and filled out his first name as Po and his last as Tato. They asked for a real name. This was hilarious when I heard them talk about it.)
Next the lay out this year gets an F this year. It is true that other things where going on at the time, Pulpfest, a blood drive, etc. However the way they put it this year is just shit and a pain. Though I didn't mind some of the other groups some weren't needed and could just go away. There were to me two central locations of activities though there were actually more and they were all separated by a good walk, though enclosed walk. They spread out way too much and way too far. The two locations I mainly went to were the Dealers room and first group of panel rooms in one location and then it was a great big hallway to get to the other location which had registration, gaming room, and artist alley. Now artist alley this year was terrible, they separated them into two small rooms by the food court, which I guess cut down the number of tables here. When it would have been so much better to put them in that long hall way that was between the two main points, then they could have also increased the number of tables at that point. I don't feel what they did was fair to the artist. Also severe lack of directional signage. Some signs however how far part they were spread it was really needed. People got lost, didn't know what to do, and more. Also there was people hanging out kind of out of our area but where they are used to hanging for the last 3 years or so. Now there was also another area but it was off, and I didn't even go there because of reasons.
Now Dealers Room C+, To be fair it is much better than my first 2 years coming here, where it was in a small little room and it was hard to get two lanes of traffic through with people on both sides however it seems like a decent downgrade from last year when they seemingly had a great dealers room - big, lot of vendors, and plenty of room and also room to break off too - now that I think about it. This year seemed smaller than that, less vendors, less room but it was decent. A good thing is they had two OST dealers one more anime pop groups and one OST dealer. That was nice, but he was expensive I though. They had some good people in there, but it is a downgrade from last year I feel and that hurts. Now a great thing is there was room for another vendor to go in, a table or two. about centery in the hall that had no table there. Be it that the vendor didn't show, packed up, etc. etc. However it was the perfect space to be able to get away to check your phone without being in other people's way, or to take pictures, etc. It was nice. However another thing is they put the autograph tables in the dealers room too. Also I felt like more vendors were accepting cards this year, a positive and negative.
Now this is going off of dealers and is more about them that I have noticed in 4 years, is that most of them don't label all of their prices. I would say about 50 to 70% of things are labeled, maybe. I didn't count. However this is hard on me when I have to keep asking or just don't want to ask how much something is. They may do this to allow easier price flux from day to day, con to con, person to person perhaps? However sticky notes work just fine as does grouping and price ranges. Like all of these things here are $10~$25 while over here are $30-$50 something like that would be nice. Now granted like I said a good portion of things are marked, I just wish it was most of all of it. Now the vendors are pretty nice enough to easily answer the question, no problem once you get their attention. However a great point which I do like, and helps I feel both vendors and congoers. Is included tax. I have failed to meet any vendor in my small existence of one con 4 times to not include tax. If something is marked $5 or the vendor says $5 then you get out a five or ten and boom no math to figure out tax, only that of figuring out change. Also there are like no receipts I've seen. So there is that.
Moving on, I will now briefly talk about the gaming room. This is really the first time I have ever been in the gaming room, it appeared larger this year, I think - you can't take my word here. However it was nice one side was more console gaming and the other machines. I didn't play any games but did watch people play some for a bit. It was nice and not quite but it was off the trail and not pact, it was also dark, I think cool, and also it had space and water stations. I would come here if I needed to just rest for a bit, with more peace than on a step or against a wall. Here it is in a dark room against a wall with water while watching some gaming. It was nice.
It was pact this year they said that had 4,500+ people, claiming 5000+ strong though. It seemed like there was a lot of people there this year and really Riza said that that takes away some things, and it does lose some fun. However by being bigger it means also (or at least should) more notable guests and more dealers, and more stuff. Though as a person who doesn't love crowds I must agree. I am guessing 6000+ by the end of it.
As for guests, the line up was alright. I think they did better last year and perhaps even several years before. There were some good line ups though, Scott McNeil a crowd favorite apparently. And others! However Ian Sinclair didn't come this year. So guests were good. I'd say.
Also one thing about panels is I think that for some panels they should have them say twice at con, at least the popular ones and those who want to like that. Like On Friday, and Saturday. Etc. some people only come one day, and don't even stay the whole day. So it would be nice if they didn't have to miss them. Also sometimes panel times conflict so you end up having to choose. With having at least some twice it would allow them to fill in some time and also help congoers.
Now to also rate the panels, I would say ehh? I only went to one, at 10 when I got there, the only other one that interested me was at 4 and then the next one was at 7. I don't know if I am really picky or what. But I would have liked have gone to more panels. Perhaps I should just jump in on one that isn't a must see. I am sure that going with Riza would have helped.
So all in all to sum to up. It was a sub par year. layout killed the end result, and I would have to get it a C if that, really talking to Riza even though she wasn't there made things better. I want them to put out a survey because I want to lay them straight. I love matsuricon, and I want it to be the best that it can be, I can only dread what might this look like for my first con alone with no others to rely on for guidance to know what a con is really like. I will probably just copy and paste what I want from here to there if there is a comment section, which I hope so.
Now for those interested in my love life, after I got back from con, my family wanted to go to the movies so I agreed, we watched Max the one about the dog. It was good, some tear jerking moments, but it was a good film. Not great, but a good watch. So anyways during the movie I just had to pee and also used the opportunity to DM Riza. We had been talking just through twitter Dms, which are nice - I like twitter. Anyways that If she was free tomorrow evening (I said afternoon even after think about it) that I'd like to meet up so I could deliver her gift, and of course I want to use this opportunity to also hang and talk about everything from cons to anything. However you see I am having my birthday party starting at 3, I think, tomorrow. It won't last really long, my birthday parties are family only anymore, when ever I would invite people only 1 or 2 would show (if I was lucky) and that was right now discouraging and I wasn't the best of host. This was also when I would go to there party, and such. I don't care that your family is on vacation or that you are the only one here and don't know anyone else! Anyways... so they are family affairs anymore with me, so they don't last really long. Burgers, hotdogs, cake, presents and cards, and then its pretty much dies down and its over. So anyways I guess it would technically be evening if we met up at 5 or so on Sunday. Now here is also my problem in part, we both leave to go college about 80 miles apart. I think there is a bus service though that runs from Columbus to her college town. Now I work from Mon to Friday this week. 3.30 to 9.30, 1.30-9.30, 5.30-9.30, and 4.30-9.30 anyways closing but varying start hours. So it isn't impossible per se but inconvenient and not great. So Really I rose up at a great time but a terrible time. "It was the best of times, It was the worst of times" That seems about right. So anyways now we have decided to meet up for lunch at Applebee's at 1 before I go to work on Monday at 3.30, with a mutual friend - one of my best friends who actually introduced us earlier this summer when we were at a graduation party. So anyways I can report that the lunch went decently well. I wasn't able to contribute or be as fun as I would have wanted - partly because it was out of my control for part of the lunch - they started talking about school soccer to which I have no knowledge in or any experiences with them in. However the gift went A+ she loved it, said she would take it to college with her (a goal of mine), and I got a hug! Overall a small first step I think. I must go forward and try harder and more to accomplish my goal.
Now the next big con is really Ohayocon in January it is in Columbus to so it will be like 100% possible for me I think to make it, Riza has been to this one, I have not, so she might come - she might not. It depends on everything. I would love to go with her, not only would going with someone who isn't family exhilarating but also because it is my crush, that adds to it all. She all has cosplay exp. So not only could she help get me into that, which I have been wanting to try, but group cosplay becomes a real reality.
What ever comes about I hope for the best in what happens between me and her. Also I have been listing to the opening and then the ending of Berserk on loop for writing this. I think I have spent a good hour or two writing this I think. But I was able to put thoughts to paper, and able to spill out for you guys and for myself. So If you have made it to the end of this looong article I thank you. I wish I had more pictures, but at least this year I have a few pictures I took.
Thank you Again!!!!! I hope for the best in matsuricon next year, especially after I hope they read my solid insight and advise.
Also interesting facts that apparently this article is about 3442 Words, 23 paragraphs, 201 sentences, at a 7th-8th grade reading level. Most word used was to at 125 times to make up 4% of this article. This is all thanks to https://wordcounter.net/ which told me this when I copied and pasted it in. These facts are not entirely accurate now that I have been editing and adding to this article.
Culture/Opinion/Good Anime Section - Summertime Edition!
Hello, Hello, Hello we are once again back for another addition to my favorite section. Remember that the names of the new ones are links to MyAnimeList were you can find more information, Synopsis, reviews, average score, Voice Actors, and more! Also I would be happy to talk about any series or movie that you might want to discuss. Once again I shall list the names of those I have done. Also Lewis and Daniel is always happy to talk about anime with you. Or if you need to know some anime sites just ask! This time you will also be getting a Summer time edition! I usually just copy and paste this part of the article. Tell me what else you want to see here! Please know that as we go back and look at some or if I have on my blog, I will be putting a (R) after it to show that I have already written reviews on, it is not apart of the title like (TV) or (2005) might be
Spice and Wolf (R)
Nodame Cantabile
Code Geass
School Rumble (R)
Honey and Clover
Clannad (R)
Great Teacher Onizuka
Eden of the East
Kimi ni Todoke (R)
Mushishi
Ah My Goddess (R)
Full Metal Panic
Trigun
Kino's Journey
ef - a tale of memories
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Toradora
K-On!
One Piece
Guin Saga
Sekirei
Rec (R)
Glass Mask (2005)
Durarara!!
Cowboy Bebop
Angel Beats!
Usagi Drop (R)
Itazura na Kiss
Kobato.
Ouran High School Host Club
Princess Jellyfish
Genshiken
Hanasaku Iroha
Skip Beat!
Kids on the Slope
Eureka Seven
Death Note
Black Lagoon
One Outs
Princess Tutu
Fullmetal Alchemist
Love Hina
Hyouka
Cross Game
Waiting in the Summer
Psycho-Pass
--
Sword Art Online
Mirai Nikki (TV)
Crest of the Stars
Attack on Titan
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo
Beck
Tari Tari
Kemono no Souja Erin
Gin no Saji
Maoyuu Maou Yuusha
Tokyo Godfathers
The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
Nodame Cantabile
Space Battleship Yamato 2199
Log Horizon
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
The Wind Rises
Gingitsune
Nana
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Azumanga Daioh
Now and Then, Here and There
Berserk
Record of Lodoss War
Akira
The Vision of Escaflowne
Macross
The Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins aired in 2014-2015, so really a new anime on the block however it is based off a manga by the same name, however that manga did only start in 2012. Anyways this anime was recommended to me by my Nephew after he only watched 1 and a half episodes so I decided to give it a shot.
The Story is about a kingdom in peril, protected by the Holy Knights, a group of individuals who have magical abilities making them sweet. However going back to peril 10 years ago a coup was done with seven members being charged and forced to go into hiding - the Seven Deadly Sins all holy knights who have a past and a big sin as to why they are in such. 10 years later another coup seems to be happening however this time with more Holy Knights, it seems that the Seven Deadly Sins will have to save the day.
The Story is good, they build the world well - though to be honest it could be better. Really the do a good job, it is interesting and enjoying and fun. They could have done a whole lot more I think in terms of background and world building and more however what is there is pretty good. The story of how some of them got their sins is interesting and I hope to find out about them all in future seasons if there are any.
The Characters are well done all of them are unique and funny, and have good development. All of the main characters and many minor ones have development and focus is given to them which is nice that not one or two is only developed but multiple which helps the series out.
The Art is new, fresh, and it looks great. I don't have any complaints and overall it is well done.
The Music is good, I think I skipped the opening - wait I skipped the second one the first one was very good but the second one wasn't as good. The ending was nice and the music was good. Nothing amazing if I remember right.
Voice acting was good, I don't have any complaints about the subs.
Overall I really liked this anime, it was enjoyable, fun, and it had that sense of awesomeness we crave. It has it's deep moments and its serious moments, but overall it is a good anime and I hope they do a second season and do a good second season.
Touch
Touch -- Aired from 1985 to 1987. A Sports, and romance anime. A said classic.
The Story is about two brothers who are twins - Tachann and Kachann (to use their nicknames). Tachann, the older of the two, is lazy and doesn't try, and complains, but has some natural talent for baseball while Kachann is the younger yet is hardworking and is great at baseball being the ace. Then there is their childhood friend that they both like Minami.
The Story is good, it is really believable - I think, and is real, it is well done. The story is not only about what they say and do as much as psychology as well. A story of how they must climb their mountain and achieve their goals. All while thinking of one another and trying to be who they are. The story is good, slow at times, frustrating at others, however in the broad over view of it, it was well done.
The Characters are great. Tachann is really great, and is really amazing that throughout the whole anime he truly remains Tachann, by the end he still is lazy, complains, but has worked hard and improved and has put himself out there. He develops but really remains true to his character. Other characters develop well and the development is good, it is really amazing how some characters change and grow and you learn about them.
The art is old, as is expected for a mid '80s anime, but I rather liked it, I mean it was like that old style that you think is good but old.
The Music is good, some openings weren't all that good, some endings too. However some of the music is very rememberable which is cool. It grows on you some of them which adds to the experience. Overall decently good music.
Voice acting was good, no complains, as the characters and voice meld together into one.
Overall it was a good anime, I did take a big break in the middle of it, but I was luckily able to get back into it thanks to a recap episode. Unfortunately there are somethings in the anime that aren't steller, it can be slow, and frustrating at times. But really looking back on this classic as it is said to be you really can feel how good it was.
Slayers
Slayers -- aired in 1995, said classic.
The Story is about Lina Inverse and her search for a special sword who just so happens to be owned by Gowry. Together they pair up and take down evil.
The Story is good, though it can get slow and less than stellar at points. It is a comedy action with romance sprinkled in barely. It wasn't amazing but was alright.
The characters are funny, I really liked all of the main ones - Lina, Gowry, Amelia, etc. they were funny and added some spice into the anime. Development on them is there, but isn't great or a lot.
The art is old, and holds up at some points and seems to let you down at others. It isn't bad, but it isn't good either. Some episodes look good while others not so much.
The Music was good, I can't though remember feeling strongly about it either way - liking or disliking.
The Voice acting for the dub was good, though they changed up one main character mid way through after he leaves for a while, which was odd to get used to. But other than that it wasn't bad.
Overall it took me way too long to finish this because it just seems to have walls, at least to me, which seem to halt you. It is very funny at times, yet not so much at others. It has its qualities and its flaws. I was glad to finally finish it, and say that I've watched this, but it has so many sequels and spin-offs or what have you. So overall it was an alright anime.
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This ends Issue #35 of The Messenger!!! We have come a long way because of your support! We thank you for reading and hope that you will read the issues to come. And Thanks to all of you who have said that The Messenger is a great paper, and we hope that you will continue this support forever and always. We are right now the #1 News out there!
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