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AM2 Launches 2013 Registration

4 September, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

With just under 15,000 in UNIQUE attendance (41,000 in turnstile) in 2012, AM2 proudly launches its online registration system for Passport/General attendees, exhibit hall exhibitors, artists exhibiting in the Artist Alley, press and industry attendees for the up and coming Southern California convention focusing on anime, manga and music from Asia. Dubbed as a “success” in 2012 by leading industry news media Anime News Network, AM2 is definitely a summer event that shouldn’t be missed by any fan or enthusiast of anime, manga, J-Rock/J-Pop, comics, cosplay and more. More info and attendee registration can be found at www.am2con.org

AM² is changing its model for 2013 to include General Attendance. General Attendance will cost $5.00 for one day and $10.00 for all three days.
Attendees who pay this minimal fee will have access to our exhibit hall, artist alley, summer festival, general workshops/panels, autograph sessions, dance, arcade, and other unannounced events. The prices will start at $5/day and $10.00 for all three days prior to the official convention dates with online pre-registration. Prices increase to $10/day during the convention itself.

AM²’s Exhibit Hall has been noted as one of the most accommodating and affordable exhibit space for convention exhibitors. With the ability to drive in your vehicle to unload close to spaces or to cart merchandise on dollies/moving-equipment WITHOUT the usage of union labor and without dryage in/out charges. The official Exhibit Hall at AM2 is definitely the ideal place for exhibitors to finish their Southern California Summer convention tour. Prices and policies are available online at www.am2con.org

AM2’s Artist Alley is one of Southern California’s largest exhibition of up-and-coming/new artists. With “alleys” of artists exhibiting fan and original artwork, attendees will be able to support these artists and see original ideas/concepts. Prices and policies are available online at www.am2con.org

Attendees can still walk around the areas outside the halls and outside our rooms free of charge. Events such as cosplay gatherings that do not take place in our halls will not require the fee. However, if you intend to visit our halls and rooms for our exhibit hall, artist alley, or panels, you’ll need to purchase a general attendance ticket.

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants.
Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

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AM2 ANNOUNCES 2013 DATES AND NEW CONVENTION MODEL

24 August, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

With just under 15,000 in UNIQUE attendance in 2012, AM2 proudly announces August 23-25, 2013 as next year’s official dates for the up and coming Southern California convention focusing on anime, manga and music from Asia. In addition, the convention model will change with a nominal daily admission charge in addition with the popular convention “fast pass” collectible Passports. More info and attendee registration can be found at www.am2con.org

AM² is changing its model for 2013 to include General Attendance. General Attendance will cost $5.00 for one day and $10.00 for all three days.
Attendees who pay this minimal fee will have access to our exhibit hall, artist alley, summer festival, general workshops/panels, autograph sessions, dance, arcade, and other unannounced events. The prices will start at $5/day and $10.00 for all three days prior to the official convention dates with online pre-registration. Prices increase to $10/day during the convention itself.

Attendees can still walk around the areas outside the halls and outside our rooms free of charge. Events such as cosplay gatherings that do not take place in our halls will not require the fee. However, if you intend to visit our halls and rooms for our exhibit hall, artist alley, or panels, you’ll need to purchase a general attendance ticket.

What is the difference between general attendance and a premium passport?
• A premium passport gets you into all of our events including
special “passport only” events including concerts, special Guest of Honor panels/meet-and-greets as well as screening premieres. It also grants attendees automatic “front-of-the-line” privileges (in order of attendance) over the general attendance. You DO NOT need to pay for both the general attendance and passport. The passport also gives you many discounts with restaurants, amusements parks and many retail stores in the local Anaheim area as well as a souvenir keep-sake Passport booklet for you to take home.

Why did AM² institute this new general attendance fee?
• As our convention continues to grow, there are certain costs in
which we need public support for us to continue providing the quality services and experiences that everyone expects of us including high caliber guests of honor, movie premieres and other events.

AM2 Passport Prices for 2013
Three Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $35.00 Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $40.00 Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $45.00 Late Pricing (through pre-con): $50.00 At-Con Sales: $55.00

Two Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $25.00 Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $30.00 Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $35.00 Late Pricing (through pre-con): $40.00 At-Con Sales: $45.00

One Day
2012 Special (through September 30th, 2012): $20.00 Early Pricing (through January 31st, 2013): $23.00 Regular Pricing (through May 31st, 2013): $25.00 Late Pricing (through pre-con): $30.00 At-Con Sales: $35.00

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants.
Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

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Bandai Visual Announces Anime Expo 2012 Activities

21 June, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

Bandai Visual Co., Ltd., a leader in the development and production of Japanese animation announced their events today related to “Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn)” at the upcoming Anime Expo 2012, which will be held from June 29 to July 2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California.

They will be hosting the North American premiere of Gundam UC episode 5, which recently went on sale this month. Stephanie Sheh, the English voice of heroine Mineva Lao Zabi (Audrey Burne), will appear on Sunday, July 1 and introduce the show at the screening and will host a short Q&A Session with the fans afterwards.

Bandai Visual will have a booth (Booth # 901) together with Aniplex of America and Palos Verdes Peninsula Filmworks. Autograph sessions of Sheh will take place twice at the booth. Ten “Gundam UC Special Bag” will be available for purchase on a first-come first-serve basis at the booth.

Sunday, July 1
11:00 – 12:00 Stephanie Sheh Autograph Session (Booth 901)
13:00 – 14:30 Screening of Story So Far and episode 5 (Concourse)
14:30 – 15:00 Q & A Session (Concourse)
15:30 – 16:30 Stephanie Sheh Autograph Session (Booth 901)
*Times & Location are subject to change without notice.

Each Blu-ray and DVD volume has sold over 200,000 copies in Japan. The story delves deeper and fans continue their aspiration for the saga. In the US, Blu-ray products are available for purchase online through Right Stuf (http://www.rightstuf.com/). For more information about the show, visit Official Site (http://www.gundam-unicorn.net/en/) and Facebook (http://facebook.com/GundamUnicorn).

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Anime Expo 2012 Welcomes Voice Actors Joel McDonald and Ian Sinclair

21 June, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, announced two of FUNimation’s leading voice actors — Joel McDonald and Ian Sinclair – as Official Guests of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

McDonald and Sinclair, who both have roles in “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt” join voice actresses Jamie Marchi (Panty) and Monica Rial (Stocking) as part of an extensive program from FUNimation at AX. FUNimation will offer a special peek into the world of “Mass Effect: Paragon Lost,” just outside the Exhibit Hall. AX attendees will get a first look at some of the beautiful concept art and landscape design to be featured in the feature-length film, coming out late Fall 2012. In addition, brand-new series from FUNimation will also be screened.

Since the age of seven Joel McDonald has had a passion for performance, acting in school plays and community theatre while growing up. McDonald went on to earn a BFA in Acting and Directing from Sam Houston State University. He got his start in animation as a voice actor and soon began working as an ADR director and adaptive screenwriter. Today, he has credits in some capacity in over 80 titles.

His acting credits include “Panty & Stocking” (Brief), “Sekirei” (Minato), “Big Windup!” (Hanai), “Baccano!” (Jacuzzi Splot), “Nabari No Ou” (Yoite) and “Initial D” (Takumi) to name a few. As a director, McDonald has worked on properties such as “Deadman Wonderland,” “Tsubasa” (season 2), “Initial D,” “Heroic Age,” “Kenichi,” “Spice and Wolf,” and “Big Windup!.” He has also written on shows such as “Claymore,” “Big Windup!,” “Ga-Rei: Zero,” “STRAIN, DBZ: Kai,” and “Linebarrels of Iron.”

As a college student Ian Sinclair was asked to do the voice of Vegeta. Recently announced as Chuck in “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt,” a few of Ian’s most popular roles are Ryner Lute in “Legend of the Legendary Heroes,” Bardroy in “Black Butler,” Romano in “Hetalia,” and Shu in “Princess Jellyfish.” Previously, his voice had a talent for showing up as characters in three categories: The Good, The Bad, and The Buddy.

The Goodies are Toraji in “Bamboo Blade” and Liam in “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.” The Baddies include roles such as Dallas in “Baccano,” Bora in “Fairy Tail,” Ian in “One Piece” and Shogo in “Rin,” while the Buddies range from Daisuke Matsuo in “Yamada’s First Time” to Marc in “Spice and Wolf II” and Seo in “Sekirei.” Additionally, Sinclair can be heard as the voice of Baron Flynt in the video game “Borderlands” and as the “Cool” custom hero voice in “Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi.” He has also worked as a director on “Initial D,” “Spice and Wolf II,” both seasons of “Black Butler,” and a few others.

FUNimation® Entertainment now has more than 300 active titles and has established itself at the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation manages a full spectrum of rights with its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, Internet, and home video sales and distribution. FUNimation.com is the online destination for the latest and best Anime titles. Visitors can interact with their favorite shows, share cosplay, watch video, chat in forums, or get latest news, or read reviews.

Joel McDonald and Ian Sinclair join the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; Madhouse creative team Morio Asaka, Kunihiko Hamada and Takuya Tsunoki;, animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Ryo Horikawa, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, and Steve Blum; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki; Tokyo-based Gallery of Fantastic Art and popular cosplayer Jessica Nigri

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Firefall’s “Mobile Gaming Unit” Coming to Anime Expo

21 June, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

Red 5 Studios™ announced today that it will unveil its state-of-the-art Firefall “Mobile Gaming Unit” (MGU) during this year’s Anime Expo (AX), at the Los Angeles Convention Center, June 29 – July 1, 2012. AX attendees will be the first to see Red 5’s epic creation, can register for Firefall’s exclusive beta, and will get to meet its heroes, Typhon and Mourningstar, who will be making live appearances throughout the show.

Brought to life by the talented team at West Coast Customs, the MGU is a massive 48-foot-long gaming tournament on wheels that features a unique aesthetic design pulled straight out of Firefall’s sci-fi world. Planned to tour the country later this year, the MGU is equipped for top-level eSports play with 20 AMD powered gaming stations, Razer peripherals, support for 1,000 person LAN parties, and even a shoutcaster podium with full live streaming support.

“Anime Expo is the perfect event for this reveal because Firefall’s rich sci-fi universe is something that anime and manga fans are going to really appreciate,” said Mark Kern, CEO of Red 5. “They’re the type of gamer that pays extra attention to the lore and story; they enjoy interacting with it outside of the medium. We’re delivering that interactivity in a huge way.”

Attendees will not only find Red 5’s new Mobile Gaming Unit at the event, they’ll also meet professional cosplayer, Crystal Graziano, and actor, Lee “Hawk” Reherman, who will bring Firefall’s heroes to life in futuristic hand-crafted “Battleframes”. In addition, fans can read the recently released Firefall Affinity online manga, written by Orson Scott Card and Emily Janice Card, which will flesh out the backstory and characters from the game:

Firefall is currently in the first stage of its exclusive, invite-only beta – planned to rollout during 2012. Players can sign-up for the chance to be invited into the beta at http://www.firefallthegame.com/home, or can stop by the Firefall MGU during Anime Expo and register at the show.

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Anime Expo 2012 Kicks Off With Star-Studded Red Carpet And Opening Ceremony

14 June, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

North America’s largest anime, manga and Japanese pop culture celebration — officially kicks off Thursday, June 28 with a star-studded Red Carpet and Opening Ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Anime Expo Official Guests of Honor will greet fans on the red carpet at 6 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony to follow at 7 p.m.

Now in its 21st year, Anime Expo 2012 (AX) will present some of today’s most exciting anime, manga, musical, game and fashion artists from Japan and the U.S.; main event concerts and contests such as the crowd favorite Masquerade; new and exciting interactive offerings and even Lounge 21, where over-21 attendees can enjoy wine, beer and cocktails.

Announced Guests of Honors include composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; Madhouse creative team Asaka Morio, Kunihiko Hamada and Takuya Tsunoki; animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Ryo Horikawa, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial, Steve Blum, Joel McDonald and Ian Sinclair; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki; Tokyo-based Gallery of Fantastic Art and popular cosplayer Jessica Nigri.

The following are highlights of the AX Main Events, all to be held in Hall G of LACC:

Day Zero: June 28, 2012
6:00 – 6:40 p.m. Red Carpet
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies

Day One: June 29, 2012
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. ANIMETAL USA Concert
9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Anime Music Video (AMV) Contest

Day Two: June 30, 2012
7:00 – 8 p.m. Yuki Kajiura/”Fiction/Junction” Concert

Day Three: July 1, 2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. LiSA Concert
3:00 – 4:00 pm. Japan Fashion Mix at AX 2012: Fashion Show hosted by Misako Aoki and Danny Choo
with up-and-coming J-pop singer Kyoka
8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Masquerade

Day Four: July 2, 2012
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Art Auction
1:00 – 6:00 p.m. SPJA Charity Auction
6:00 p.m. Closing Ceremonies

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Anime Expo 2012 Welcomes Voice Actor Ryo Horikawa As An Official Guest Of Honor

5 June, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced legendary voice actor Ryo Horikawa as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Best known for the voice of Vegeta in “Dragon Ball Z,” Ryo Horikawa has been performing in movie and TV dramas since grade-school. He has over 28 years experience as an voice actor and over 45 years experience as an actor. His other credits include, “Saint Seiya” (Andromeda Shun); “Detective CONAN” (Hattori Heiji); “Legend of Galactic Heroes” (Reinhard); “Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 STARDUST MEMORY” (Kou Uraki( and “YuYu Hakusho” (Karasu).
In addition to using his acting talents in animation, Horikawa frequently works on stage, in voice drama, games and other mediums. He is also a singer and his latest tune is the theme song “Saiyan Brad” of Dragonball kai. As an AX Guest of Honor, he will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel.

Ryo Horikawa joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; animation director Tatsuo Sato; voice actors Nobuhiko Okamoto, Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum; Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

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Anime Expo 2012 Welcomes Voice Actor Nobuhiko Okamoto As An Official Guest Of Honor

5 June, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Anime, Conventions

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced award-winning voice actor Nobuhiko Okamoto as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

A Tokyo native, Nobuhiko Okamoto has a rich background in voice acting. His credits include being the voice of Rin Okumura, the hero of “Blue Exorcist,” Eiji Niizuma of “Bakuman,” Ivan Karelin a.k.a. Origami Cyclone of “Tiger & Bunny,” and Accelerator of “Toaru Majutsuno Index” just to name a few. He won the Best New Actor Award on the Third Annual Voice Actor Awards and later received the Best Supporting Actor Award on the Fifth Annual Voice Actor Awards. As an Official Guest of Honor, Okamoto will participate in a meet-and-greet, autograph signing and focus panel

Nobuhiko Okamoto joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; “Fate/Zero” creative team Hikaru Konda, Ei Aoki and Rikiya Koyama; voice actors Ryo Horikawa,Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum, Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

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Anime Expo 2012 Welcomes The “Fate/Zero” Creative Team As Official Guests Of Honor

3 June, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced three members of the “Fate/Zero” creative team — Producer Hikaru Kondo, Director Ei Aoki and Voice Actor Rikiya Koyama — as Official Guests of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Hikaru Kondo established the animation studio “ufotable” in 2000. As a producer, he worked on the 7-theatrical movie series “The Garden of sinners,” “Futakoi Alternative,” “Manabi Straight,” “Tales of Symphonia” and others. Most recently, he produced the TV Series “Fate/Zero,” “the Garden of sinners –Final Chapter-“ as well as directed “Black Rock Shooter the Game.”

In Japan, ufotable opened the first “ufotable café” at its Koenji Studio to promote interaction with fans. With the success of the first shop, the company opened a second café at Tokushima Studio, followed by the “ufotable dining” restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo. In addition, in March 2012 it built the “ufotable CINEMA” in Shinjuku, the first movie theater built by an animation company in Japan.

Ei Aoki made his debut as an episodic director for “Please Teacher!” the TV Series in 2002. In addition to “Fate/Zero,” his credits as a director include “The Garden of Sinners” Chapter 1, “GA-REI –Zero-,“ “Wandering Son (Horo Musuko)” and “Girls Bravo” to name a few.

Rikiya Koyama portrays the character Kiritsugu Emiya in “Fate/Zero.” The popular voice actor has played numerous other roles including Yamato of “NARUTO Shippuden”, Coyote Stark of “BLEACH”, Kogoro Mouri of “Detective Conan”, FLASTE SCHOLE of “Gundam UC”, Vash of “FINAL FANTASY XII” and Kuze Hideo of “Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. 2nd GIG.”

Kondo, Aoki and Koyama will team with Producer Atsuhiro Iwakami to share behind-the-scenes stories of the making of the hit anime series with fans at Anime Expo. As Official Guest of Honors, they will also participate in a meet-and-greet and autograph signing.

The “Fate/Zero” team joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction,” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA, Culture Japan’s Danny Choo, popular voice actors Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum, animation director Tatsuo Sato, Japanese pop star LiSA, Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy, Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

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Anime Expo 2012 Welcomes Animation Director Tatsuo Sato As An Official Guest Of Honor

3 June, 2012   
Published by Christopher Robin in Conventions

Anime Expo (AX), North America’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture celebration, today announced animation director Tatsuo Sato, as an Official Guest of Honor when it returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 29 – July 2, 2012.

Tatsuo Sato started his career as an animator and an assistant director at Asia-Do. He made his solo directorial debut with the TV series “Soar High! Isami” and has since gone on to direct the TV series “Martian Successor Nadesico” and its sequel feature film “Martian Successor Nadesico: The Motion Picture – Prince Of Darkness.”

Tatsuo collaborated on the avant-garde animation film “Cat Soup” with an old friend, animator/director Masaaki Yuasa. The film won double prizes in the 6th Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal: “Best Short Film” and “Film Critic’s Association Prize”. It was also the winner of the 2001 Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “Excellence Prize” at Japan’s Media Arts Festival. In the same year, he released the TV animation series “Shingu: Secret Of The Stellar Wars” which was based on his own original story. Tatsuo’s most recent TV series is “Shigofumi” and has a new animation project in development.

Tatsuo Sato joins the previously announced Anime Expo 2012 line-up that includes composer Yuki Kajiura/”FictionJunction;” anime-inspired heavy metal band ANIMETAL USA; Culture Japan’s Danny Choo; popular voice actors Jamie Marchi, Monica Rial and Steve Blum; Japanese pop star LiSA; Lolita fashion designer Cyril Lumboy; Lolita model Misako Aoki and the Gallery of Fantastic Art.

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