Although Arizona is the neighbor to one of the largest fan states boasting possibly the most conventions, we have yet to hold a convention that would rival one of California’s. But that doesn’t mean we don’t try!
Animeland TuCon is in its second year, hosting a gathering for anime fans in southern Arizona. AT is held in Tucson, AZ, the second largest city in Arizona and about 1.5 hours south from Phoenix. AT ran from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2, but unfortunately due to the week I took off for San Diego Comic-con I was left with only a few hours free on Sunday to check it out.
Plushies table in the dealer’s room.
Although I tend to frequent larger cons (such as SDCC and Anime Expo) sometimes the massiveness just gets old. SDCC was so packed that navigating through the exhibit hall was exhausting in itself. The intimacy of AT was a lot nicer. The dealer’s room was small, although to be expected, but I did find a pair of awesome classic Dirty Pair Kei and Yuri dolls for $250! I swear if I had the cash at the spot they would have been mine!
Yamila Abraham graphic novel writing panel.
I was only able to hit up two panels: Yamila Abraham and her graphic novel writing panel, and the SunaCosu cosplay 101 panel. The cosplay 101 panel was held by the SunaCosu cosplay and costume group, based in Phoenix, Arizona. They had a lot of great tips for costuming, and sewing in general.
SunaCosu members hold the Cosplay 101 panel.
The founder of SunaCosu is NyuNyu, a cosplayer I’d seen around the valley for the last few years. It was actually the first time I’d actually met her in person. It’s great to see that AZ has some awesome representation in terms of cosplay. Also rounding out the panel were members Kisa, Fuu and Taylor. You can find more information about this community at the SunaCosu Homepage.
Many cosplayers were in attendance . Lots of people were hanging out in the gaming room when the dealer’s room closed. Although Sundays tend to be the slowest of convention days, this Sunday seemed pretty busy, although I sadly couldn’t compare to the previous days, since I wasn’t able to attend.
Overall, I found that Animeland TuCon was a cozy little con that still proves that AZ has got what it takes to make it on the US convention map!
To see more pics and cosplayers, please visit my Animeland TuCon flickr album! Also visit AT’s official website, Animeland TuCon.
August 8th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I like small conventions like this one as a change. We have a few small MN ones that I go to every year. I like them because everyone knows everyone. We all talk about what costumes we are going to wear and take pictures with the same people year after year. There is something nice about staying local!
August 11th, 2009 at 6:08 am
Go small cons! I like how easy it is to meet everyone at small conventions. I have more friends that I’ve made and kept from small cons than from the large ones.
And the cosplay looks like it was pretty good from your pictures too. I love the sonic.
August 29th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Tusense! one of my fav youtube cosplayers. I WAS THERE! i wish AZ had more cons, expesially tucson because i hate driving to pheonix! and paying for hotels. Eff this, ill move to cali or washington. i was yuki cross in the flickr pics
more tucson cons!