Anime USA 2014: Ani-mazing Con!

First off, I just want to thank the AUSA staff for not following in Otakon's footsteps and making their schedule available only on SmartPhones!  The paper schedules are so much easier to work with!  That being said, I had an interesting time at Anime USA this past weekend (October 3-5, 2014).
I cosplayed, of course.  With my "Toad" (Super Mario Bros.) costume out of commission until further notice, I had to search through my cosplay wardrobe for other alternatives.  I didn't realize how many costumes I actually own!  On Friday, I was a Japanese schoolgirl.  I think I've only worn that costume maybe about 2 or 3 times.  On Saturday, I donned my Totoro Kigurumi complete with matching paw slippers, Totoro purse, Totoro earrings, and a Totoro plushie. Sunday's cosplay outfit was Rei Ayanami from "Neon Genesis Evangelion."  Honestly, I'm not really into that particular anime, but it is what it is.  I sat a few shifts at the DC Anime Club (www.dcanimeclub.org) table. (The DC Anime Club is the organization that my Hubby, Christopher Wanamaker, founded and over which he currently presides).   I also attended a few panels--"School Days!  A History of Japanese School Uniforms," "Nintendo History 101," and "AHHHH!  Video Game Cartoons" to name a few.  Sadly, I missed the screening of the live-action "Black Butler," but I'm sure that it will be released in the United States sometime in the near future!   I stated before that my "Toad" costume is unusable, so I found someone--Ginger Woods of "Gbee Fabrics" (http://gbeefabrics.com/) -- to make me a new one.  I'm hoping to have it by Summer 2015.  I've already got my cosplay outfits for Katsucon 2015 (www.katsucon.com)  planned out.  I plan to be Wonder Woman, Rainbow Brite (once I order a new wig), and to keep warm with my Hamster Kigurumi.  I guess I'm jumping the gun slightly, as I might get to attend Annapolis Comic-Con (http://annapoliscomiccon.com/)  and MAGFest (http://magfest.org/)  before Katsucon in February.  But, back to Anime USA!  Money was a little tight, so I wasn't really able to splurge on much in the Dealer's Room at Anime USA; but I did purchase one DVD, "Parade Parade" (a hentai).  I'm hoping to be able to catch up on "Fairy Tail" at Katsucon, since it occurs a few weeks after my birthday (January 28)!  My cash flow should be a lot better by then!  In the meantime, I don't mind re-watching some of the many anime DVDs in my collection: "Wolf Children," "Grave of the Fireflies," or one of the films directed by the cinematic genius Hayao Miyazaki: "Spirited Away," "My Neighbor Totoro," or "Kiki's Delivery Service" (which is supposed to be adapted into a live-action film) to name a few.  Anime today, anime tomorrow, anime FOREVER!!!!!! 

Otakon 2014--The Story of the Wardrobe, The Writer, & The Wallet

Another Otakon has come and gone.  Sadly, I won't be around for Otakon 2015.  Hubby Christopher Wanamaker and I are planning to venture to a con on the West Coast next year, just for a change and a standard of comparison.  Hopefully, we'll be around for Otakon 2016.... But, back to Otakon 2014!   I was planning to cosplay as Toad ("Super Mario Bros.") all 3 days--August 8, 9, & 10, because Hubby was doing a different version of Mario for his cosplay outfits: Fireball Mario, Cape Mario, & Classic Mario.  Unfortunately, a wardrobe malfunction  rendered my Toad costume unsuitable for public wear after Friday.   Mercifully, I had--as I always do-- packed a pair of jeans a and few t-shirts in case of emergency.  On the upside, I did replace my copy of the DVD "The Last Unicorn." (Note to self: Stop loaning your stuff out to people who are likely to ruin or lose it!).  I even got it signed by Peter Beagle, who wrote the book that inspired the animated film adaptation.  I was lucky enough to have my picture taken with him.  That was the highlight of my weekend, though I did purchase some DVDs to add to my collection--"Garden Of Words," "Dragon Pink" (a hentai), and the aforementioned "The Last Unicorn."  I also walked away with a free disc of  "The Ping-Pong Club."  Aside from the DVDs that I got for myself, I was also thinking of my friends who were unable to attend Otakon.  I bought my friend Curtis the complete DVD set of "Deadman Wonderland."  I wish I had had enough money to catch myself up on the "Fairy Tail" anime, but 5 DVDs threatened to put a strain on my finances!  Oh, well!  There are plenty of cons where I will have an opportunity to catch up, right?  I do plan to attend Anime USA from October 3-5 of this year, and Katsucon during President's Day weekend in 2015.    I normally attend a few panels at every con, but I had a problem with the schedule. Unfortunately, someone on the Otakon staff thought it would be a brilliant idea to make the schedule available only via a SmartPhone app!  In other words, because I was too brainless to properly use my IPhone, I missed out on most of the panels.  Oh, well!  I still had a relatively good time, and I am looking forward to attending Anime USA this autumn. It is being held from October 3-5, 2014 at the Washington Marriott--Wardman Park, though I will probably not have a hotel room for that con. I'll probably just commute from my apartment.  For further details regarding the upcoming Anime USA, visit www.animeusa.org

Otakon 2013!

Chris and I arrived in Baltimore for Otakon on August 8 (which happened to be my niece's 11th birthday. I left her gift with my parents ahead of time). It was the first time we'd ever gone to a con a day early. The Dealer's Room was epic! I found and purchased "Lupin the 3rd: Red vs. Green" and the latest DVD of the "Fairy Tail" anime, as well as some hentai. I was also able to (FINALLY!) buy a copy of the book "The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle! I even got to have my picture taken with him! Also interesting was watching my cousins enjoy a showing of "Lupin the 3rd: The Secret of Mamo." (It was their first anime con ever!) Of course, no con would be complete without cosplay outfits! I dressed as Toad ("Super Mario Bros." video games), Rei Ayanami from "Neon Genesis Evangelion", & my purple and black outfit that makes me look like either a ninja or one of the female characters from "Mortal Kombat." I made it a point to take a lot of pictures. Ironically, one of the funniest occurrences happened not in the BCC, but in the hotel room I shared with Hubby Christopher Wanamaker, our friends Kofi & Anwar, and my cousins Rasheena & Tammy. We were all settling down to go to bed for the night, but we were too excited and wound up to sleep, so I pulled up an audio recording of Samuel L. Jackson reading "Go The F*** To Sleep" by Adam Mansbach. We were all cracking up laughing! Unfortunately, that's all the fun that my cousins were able to have. My cousin Lonnie had to pick them up the following morning (Saturday). Saturday was fun for me. I wanted to attend 4 panels, but ended up missing 2 of them (Darn!) The "Ghibli Girls" panel was interesting. As the title implied, it was about the central female characters in movies released by Studio Ghibli. The "Lupin the 3rd" panel was also a treat. Incidentally, "Lupin the 3rd: Red vs. Green" was one of the DVDs I managed to find in the Dealer's Room. Also among my purchases during the con were the 5th "Fairy Tail" DVD and some hentai (some for me, and one for a friend! Don't judge us!) I would have finished this blog post earlier, but it's been utter chaos since Chris & I came back from Baltimore! Among the chaotic moments were coming back from Baltimore to find that my father-in-law went into the hospital the day after we arrived in Baltimore for the con. He has since been moved to another facility, but he is still recovering from pneumonia! Also, we spent September 7-8 back in Baltimore for Baltimore Comic-Con. The best thing I can say about that con is that I got some great 80s stuff on DVD from the Dealer's Room there. ("Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n Wrestling, "The Hugga Bunch," and "The Popples" were among the DVDs I found). Anyway, now that I have FINALLY finished this blog post, I can concentrate on preparing for Anime USA! Let the fun begin! Oh! By the way, the dates for next year's Otakon have already been announced! August 8-10, 2014! For information on Otakon and other anime conventions, you can go to http://animecons.com/

Anime-ted Morning!

I didn't purchase a lot of anime at Anime USA 2 weekends ago. I only bought 2 DVDs!!!! I spent most of the following Saturday morning watching "Panda! Go Panda!" and "Sea Prince and the Fire Child." "Panda! Go, Panda!" was written and created by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Isao Takahata, predating Studio Ghibli. This short movie hit Japan at the height of the panda craze, initiated in September 1972, when the government announced the loan of a pair of giant pandas from China to the Ueno Zoo as part of Panda diplomacy. "Panda! Go, Panda!" offers a charming pair of adventures for children. In Panda Family, Mimiko, a cheerful, energetic little girl, adopts a baby panda and is adopted by his father. Her parents are dead and her grandmother is away, so Mimiko is delighted to find a substitute family. They quickly establish a merry menage, although they wreak havoc wherever they go. Mimiko and the Pandas befriend Tiny, a lost baby tiger in Circus in the Rain. Unruffled by a storm that floods her town, Mimiko organizes the rescue of the circus animals, including Tiny’s mother. Like Miyazaki’s Totoro, whom he resembles, Papa Panda embodies the warm, reliable, magical friend children dream of having. I'll say it right off the bat: I can definitely see similarities in the character designs of "Panda! Go Panda!" and "My Neighbor Totoro," another Miyazaki project! Little Mimiko looks a lot like Mei. Unlike the majority of Miyazki's works--which I feel are suitable for all audiences--this one definitely seemed to be aimed more at children and less at families in general. Whether or not I will keep it or give it away is a decision I have yet to make! Yes, even an Anime-niac such as myself doesn't like absolutely every anime out there!!!!!!!!!!!!! As for "Sea Prince and the Fire Child," the story was reminiscent of Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet." (Which was also made into an anime and licensed by Funimation.) "Sea Prince & the Fire Child" tells the story of how The Gods once lived on earth, and two siblings, Oceanus - God of Water, and Hyperia - Goddess of Fire, lived in peace and dearly loved each other. However, the God of Wind, Algaroc, become jealous of the pair's happiness, and spread lies and deceit between them until their hatred for each other brought about war. Finally, Algaroc was imprisoned by the King of Gods, but after that time, the brother and sister still despised each other, so the Children of Fire and Water forever remained apart. But, then Prince Syrius of the Water and Princess Malta of the Fire meet and fall in love. The love of Syrius and Malta may not be enough to surpass their parents' hatred. Whether they can stay together forever may be impossible. As for me, I believe that true love conquers all! Did the anime prove me wrong? That's something you'll have to discover for yourself!!!!!!!!! In the meantime, I'm going to take a break from anime and spend the next few weekends watching holiday movies and grooving to yuletide carols, old and new!!!!!!!

Anime USA 2012

I am physically drained, but I am determined to finish this post tonight! I got home from this year's Anime USA a few hours ago. This was the first anime con where I wasn't working on the staff, for the press, or manning a table with Hubby Christopher Wanamaker and the DC Anime Club. I can look at this con solely from the point of view of an attendee. On the whole, the con itself wasn't horrible. Hurricane Sandy prevented some of the guests from attending, which meant that some of the panels had to be rescheduled or cancelled. Friday was pretty good. Chris and I dressed as Mario and Toad from the "Super Mario Bros." video games. We even participatd in a photo shoot! I wanted to check out the first 3 episodes of "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," which was being shown in one of the video rooms, but I decided to skip the viewing and check it out via Netflix instead. I spent the rest of Friday evening in the hotel room watching television with Hubby. Saturday was a lot of fun. Chris and I dressed as Rainbow Brite and Krys from the "Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer" movie. Quite a few people asked to snap pictures of us, and we even had some professional photographs taken. Of course, one of the highlights of any con is seeing familiar faces. For me, one of those faces is Kevin Bolk! (Hi, Kevin!) I didn't see the guy who likes to cosplay as Ponyo's father at this con, but I did see several other people I knew: Penny Weir AKA "Moon Mama", her daugthers Rusty and Melissa, and several members of the DC Anime Club, which my Hubby founded and is President of. The last day of the con wasn't bad. Several people made it a point to attend the Feedback Panel. Chris and I cosplayed as Wonder Woman and Wolverine from the DC & Marvel comic book universes. The one thing I missed this year was attending the Masquerade!!!!! I think Chris and I were too tired to attend. However, this is a staple at almost every anime con we've been to, so we'll probably catch it at Katsucon 19, which is scheduled to take place in February 2013 over the President's Day weekend. (Side note: the deadline for Katsucon registration is the end of December!) In the meantime, I have a couple of anime DVDs to keep me occupied: "Panda! Go Panda!" and "Sea Prince and the Fire Child!" I know what I'll be doing this Saturday! (Aside from catching up on sleep, that is!) LOL!!!!!

Otakon 2012

Post-con fatigue has prevented me from posting the details of my weekend at Otakon 2012 until now. July 27-29, 2012 represented the pinnacle of the summer for me. Over the weekend, the city of Baltimore was overflowing with OTAKU! The biggest highlight for me was getting the interview with Peter S. Beagle that I was unable to get last year. I even managed to get someone to videotape it for me! Unfortunately, somebody cancelled the interview I was supposed to have with Jason David Frank, best known for his role as Tommy Oliver in the long-running TV show "Power Rangers." Dammit! I had even remembered to bring my VHS copy of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie" for him to autograph! Of course, I spent (or rather my Hubby did) a few dollars in the Dealer's Room! My purchases included several DVDs: 1. Season 2 of "Black Butler," 2. Discs 3 & 4 of "Fairy Tail," 3. "Unico In The Island Of Magic," and 4. 2 discs of "Princess 69." (Don't judge me because I like hentai!) And, yes, I did cosplay! Once again, I donned the personas of Toad from the Super Mario Bros. video game franchise, and also Rei Ayanami from "Neon Genesis Evangelion." I also picked up a new cosplay outfit in the Dealer's Room. I plan to debut it at Anime USA this year, which is being held from November 9-11, 2012! As usual, I made it a point to attend the Funimation industry panel on Saturday. I was ecstatic to learn that there would be a second season of "Fairy Tail," as well as a movie based on the series! I also made it a point to attend the Cosplay Masquerade. However, I was not impressed by the entries this year and left before the skits were done. Clearly, I had a good time at Otakon 2012 and can hardly wait for Anime USA to get here. In the meantime, I think I have enough anime to keep me occupied and to keep this blog interesting!

"Shinjuku" Superb!

I just finished watching "Demon City Shinjuku," one of the anime DVDs my Hubby bought for me at Anime USA 2 weekends ago!  I decided to get it after Amazon recommended it based on the fact that I liked "Wicked City." 
From the director of Ninja Scroll!: The near future. The glittering skyline of Tokyo now lies broken and crumbling under the weight of an oppressive evil: The tyrannical Rebi Rah. Desperate to rescue her father, who was taken captive by Rah and his monstrous minions, the beautiful Sayaka Rama enlists the help of Kyoya, a streetwise Tokyo teenager. The two must bravely venture into the Demon City, where even the army fears to tread.

The movie begins with a battle between fates, the evil Rebi Ra (also pronounced Levi Ra or even Devi Da) versus the short-lived hero Genichirou. Rebi Ra has allowed himself to be possessed in order to gain the incredible powers of evil and plans to summon demons to conquer the world. Defeating Genichirou and destroying Shinjuku, a part of Tokyo, with a devastating earthquake, the area becomes a demon-haunted wilderness.

Ten years later, the World President, put in place to uphold world peace, is attacked by Rebi Ra indirectly to keep his old master, Aguni Lai (Aguni Rai), as the protector of the president, occupied. However, Rebi Ra did not know that Genichirou had a son who inherited his powers and more. After an emotional plea from the president's daughter, Sayaka Rama, the unlikely hero Kyoya Izayoi follows her deep into the heart of the evil city, finding new allies and terrifying enemies along the way.

This is definitely a dark anime, and while it is similar in some ways to Wicked City,  and while I do consider the animation quality and storyline to be superb,   there weren't nearly as many sexual situation and comic relief characters to put it as high on my ratings list as Wicked City!  All  in all, it was an interesting anime that I wouldn't mind checking out again sometime.  (Maybe Hubby  will be with me instead of working the next time I watch it!)

Anime USA 2011: The Last Hurrah!

I just spent the greatest weekend ever at Anime USA (probably the last anime convention I'll attend until Katsucon in February 2012.)  I, along with my Hubby (Christopher Wanamaker), cosplayed all 3 days!  We cosplayed as Wonder Woman & Wolverine from the comic book world, Jem & Rio from the popular 1980s animated series, and Mario and Toad from the "Super Mario Bros." video game franchise.  I also managed to get some great DVDs (Thanks, Hubby!  I love you!), including the last 2 box sets of "Nana," "Demon City Shinjuku," and "High School Of The Dead," but the highlight of my  weekend was meeting AND getting to take a picture with Monica Rial, one of my fave voice actresses in the anime world!!!  She also autographed my "Angelic Layer" manga!!!!!!!!!!  I wasn't impressed with the Cosplay Masquerade this year.  Only one of the skits impressed me, the one involving "The Cat Returns" featuring con attendees Jay & Lee (I don't know who they are, I just liked their skit)!  LOL!  That being said, maybe I'll try to do better and put my money where my mouth is and perform a skit at Katsucon 18 (February 17-19, 2012)!!!!

Back 2 "Nana"!!!!!

I took advantage of the fact that the family decided not to attend today's services at church to watch some anime.  I watched the second box set of "Nana" this morning!

Careers, friendship, love--can two bright young women named Nana manage to have it all? Nana K.'s Tokyo experiment is in jeopardy when she finds herself strapped for cash and her relationship with Shoji on uncertain ground. Nana O.'s love life takes an unexpected turn when she's reunited with her old flame, Ren from Trapnest. With such a close connection to her favorite band, will Nana K. get to meet the man of her dreams--Takumi? Sometimes dreams do come true...

I guess this is the part of the blog where I talk about what I liked and didn't like about the anime.  That's going to be incredibly difficult!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I guess the characters are so real that it's hard to find one to dislike!

I am definitely enjoying this anime and can't wait to purchase the 3rd box set from the Dealer's Room at this year's Anime USA convention in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!  (Along with a few other anime titles!)

Ah! My Goddess! Ah! What A Movie!

I am so happy! I was FINALLY able to watch "Ah! My Goddess: The Movie" from beginning to end without nodding off!  It was fantastic!  The feature, released in 2000,  is set three years after the end of  "Ah! My Goddess:Flights Of Fancy." (Season 2 of the series).  Keiichi has grown more attractive and less awkward, less clumsy.  Belldandy remains essentially unchanged--until she encounters Celestin, her former "mentor."  For centuries,  Celestin has been imprisoned on the moon for betraying the kingdom of Yggdrasil. Released by the fairy Morgan Le Fey, Celestin travels to Earth to reunite with his former pupil, the goddess Belldandy. Things go awry as Celestin erases Belldandy's memories of her boyfriend Keiichi and uses her as a catalyst to wreak havoc on Earth and Yggdrasil.  Will Beldandy get her memory back and stay with Keiichi???  Will Celestin be returned to his prison on the moon?  That I cannot and will not say, for fear of spoiling the movie!  I will say that the movie featured characters from the original anime, including members of the Auto Club--of which Keiichi is also a member-- as well as new characters like Celestin & Morgan.     I can FINALLY say that I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and may have to re-watch both seasons of the original series (which I watched before I started this blog)  and "The Adventures of Mini-Goddess"  (which I covered in a previous blog post) !   It will be a while before I'm able to do that, though!  I have more anime to get through before Anime USA in November!  "Daphne In The Brilliant Blue,"  "Rumbling Hearts,"  and "Fruit's Basket"  were all purchased for my by my Hubby at Otakon 2011, and I can't wait to watch them all!!!!!!!!!!  (And  no, Chris, you do not have to watch "Fruit's Basket" with me!  I know how you feel about that particular series! LOL!)   All in all, I'd say finishing the movie was a great way to end a great anime marathon that started off black--"Black Butler," that is!!!!!!!!!!!  (You can find out what I thought about that series in another blog post!)

 

"Black Butler": One Hell Of An Anime About "One Hell Of A Butler!"

After checking out a few episodes of "Black Butler" via the Funimation Channel, I decided to add it to my Anime Wish List.  I was happy when my Hubby was able to find it in the Dealer's Room at Otakon 2011!  I spent most of a rainy Saturday watching the first season on DVD!  It was very entertaining, in spite of the fact that I found myself comparing it to "Hell Girl," an anime that received a less-than-favorable review from me.  (See the post "Is Hell Girl A Hell No?")  "Black Butler" tells the story of Ciel Phantomhive.  The most powerful boy in all of England, he bears the scars of unspeakable suffering. Forced to watch as his beloved parents were brutally murdered, Ciel was subsequently abducted and violently tortured. Desperate to end his suffering, the boy traded his own soul for a chance at vengeance, casting his lot with the one person on whom he could depend: Sebastian, a demon Butler summoned from the very pits of Hell. Together, they'll prowl the darkest alleys of London on a mission to snuff out those who would do evil. They're a rare sight, these two: the Butler who dismembers with dazzling cutlery,  and the Young Master who carries the devil's marking. Rest assured that wherever they may be headed, it'll be one Hell of a ride!   I liked Sebastian, the demon butler.  I especially liked the way he protectd Ciel.  Yes, I know he was contractually obligated to do so, but it was still interesting to watch.  All in all, this dark anime was thrilling to watch, and I will probably pull it out again!  However, it probably won't be anytime soon, as I still have more anime to finish before I attend Anime USA in search of new anime!!!!!

Otakon: O-What-A-Kon!

I spent the final weekend of July 2011 (7/29-7/31) in Baltimore, Maryland celebrating the 18th anniversary of Otakon! It was also my fourth appearance at this particular anime convention (I previously attended in 2003, 2009, & 2010)!  Of course, the biggest draw was the Dealer's Room!  I hardly had to spend a dime, as my Hubby was willing to spend most of his hard-earned money from his job to make me happy! (SN: Thanks for a great weekend, Chris!  I love you!)  I ended up with most of the anime titles I was looking for, including: 1. Season 1 of  "Black Butler," 2. The entire series of "Chobits," 3. The complete collection of "Moonphase," 4. "Rumbling Hearts," 5.  "Daphne In The Brilliant Blue, 6. "Fruit's Basket" (which I truly appreciate, because I know how much Hubby hates the series!), and 7.  The second box set of the anime "Nana!" 
 I'm going to be busy watching all that anime!  Hopefully, it will keep me satisfied until Anime USA  (November 18-20, 2011)!  Sadly, I'm already working on my Anime Wish List for that con!  I missed the premiere screening of "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya"  at Otakon 2011! It is definitely something I would have loved to have seen, because I have both seasons of "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" on DVD!  Hopefully, "Disappearance" will be available in the US by the time AUSA starts!  I believe it's already out in Japan!  http://www.amazon.com/Disappearance-Haruhi-Suzumiya-Region-Japanese/dp/B0050XOCLK/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1312243121&sr=1-3
And before the question is asked, yes, I did cosplay!  Only 2/3 days though.  I cosplayed as Toad from the Super Mario Bros. video game franchise  and also as a catgirl!  (SN: I hope at least one person got a pic of me in that outfit!). 
I really didn't do much interacting with the guests this year, though I did manage to get an autograph from Peter S. Beagle. who wrote the book that inspired the movie of the same name --"The Last Unicorn!"  Perhaps the next time I see him at a con, I will be able to buy his book (Or maybe the graphic novel that came out this year)!
One good  thing that happened outside the convention center walls was another anime-related event, the premiere of the ThunderCats on Cartoon Network on July 29!  Based on all the Facebook posts my Hubby received via his Blackberry, he & I were not the only ones who left the con to go back to our hotel room to check it out!
Of course, the last day of the con was bittersweet:  checking out of the hotel, saying good-bye to new friends, making last minute purchases from the Dealer's Room, and packing up and clearing out of the Baltimore Convention Center!  Still,  I'm looking forward to cuddling with Hubby while watching some of the anime he bought for me!  As I said, I'm sure it's enough to keep me occupied until Anime USA!  And if not, there's always the Funimation Channel!

Anime-niac Is Excited About Anime USA!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I wrote my first post for this blog, the dates for Anime USA, the third and final con I attend every year, had not been announced.  I am happy to say that that is no longer the case!  The information for Anime USA  2011 is now on the official website!  Anime USA 2011 will run from November  18-20, 2011.  The venue for the con will be the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, VA.  Expected guests include Trina Nishimura, Laura Bailey, and Travis Willingham!  Nishimura provides the voice of  Shiore Tsuzuki in the ever  popular Witchblade, one of my favorite anime series!!!!!!!!!  Laura Bailey is known for lending her voice to  the character Tohru Honda in Fruits Basket, an anime I've avoided for years based on my Hubby's opinion.  After borrowing it from a friend, I found out that it's really not that bad.  I may start collecting it! If you've ever watched  Naruto, then you might recognize  Travis Willingham's voice.  Willingham is the voice behind Juugo/Black Zetsu in the popular anime series!  Out of the 3, I think I am most looking forward to seeing, and perhaps, meeting, Ms. Nishimura!  As I stated previously, I enjoyed the Witchblade anime, which Nishimura lent her vocal talents to.  I can't wait to see what other guests will make an appearance  at Anime USA 2011! I'll keep checking the official website for information, and update my blog as necessary!