Anime Boston celebrated their 15th anniversary (2003-2017) convention March 31-April 2 at the Hynes Convention Center with a Retro theme. Retro anime is classified as anything created 15 or more years from today, and it includes shows like Astro Boy and Hokuto No Ken, shows that first aired in 1954 and 1986 respectively. Overall, the experience was a bit overwhelming at first, but it was easy to grow accustom to. There was plenty to do as well: video gaming, panels, signings, cosplay, and so much more.
BEFORE THE CON
I went to Boston on the Thursday just before the con with my roommate from college just to pick up our badges. Thankfully we did too, because when we arrived early Friday morning there was a huge line, maybe a half-hour wait, but we got in to the Convention Center in 5 minutes using an alternate entrance. From that point, there was about an hour wait to get into the show floor, where all of the vendors are for merchandise. My roommate and I had the Crunchyroll Premium badge, something you can acquire if you sign up for Crunchyroll Premium on their website. It grants access to a small lounge, offering snacks and water for free, 15-minute early access to the show floor, and a nice swag bag to carry anything you might buy!
AT THE CON
Excitement levels spiked when the show floor finally opened. Since my roommate and I were in there early, it was a bit entertaining to see people flood in and run through the lanes of vendors when it opened to everyone. There was a ton of stuff to buy, something for every niche, and that was a huge factor as to why I walked through the entire show floor at least ten times over the three days. Because chances are, I missed something. Artists Alley was open at about the same time too, selling original artwork that artists create just for conventions. I had to do the same thing I did on the show floor, walk through many times, to be sure I saw everything before leaving.
I wasn’t much there for anime as much as I was there for the cosplay. The best place to see these costumes that people have made or bought is to be in the long hallways before the show floor and Artists Alley. I regret not taking any photos of awesome cosplays, I suppose I was living too much in the moment and adoring the costumes to bother the people wearing them. There were so many cosplays from recent anime, video games, and movies, and there was the off chance you would see (maybe not recognize) more retro cosplays from older anime, tv shows, and video games.
The AB staff normally do a cosplay music video, where they film on Friday and play the video during the large events like Masquerade and the Anime Music Video contest. I somehow got into one of the filming sessions; I was cosplaying as Spark, the Team Instinct leader from Pokémon GO, and there was another person cosplaying him too, and we dabbed together. After that, I had met the Anime Boston mascots, A-chan and B-chan! The best part is, I had no idea it was them until I walked away and looked at the free Anime Boston poster we got when picking up our badges when we returned home. Probably the highlight of my convention, right there.
But the music video was never played! It was so unfortunate, because it would’ve been cool to hear thousands of people laugh at us!
Anyway, moving on, the panels were not as intriguing this year compared to last. My roommate and I went to so many last year, upwards of 10 all weekend, and this year we cumulatively went to 6. Greg Ayres, recently in Puzzle and Dragons X as Sturgeon, was probably the best of the bunch, hosting an 18+ panel about all of his raw and uncensored stories. I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard at a panel.
Even if you are not going to be considering going to Anime Boston next year, think about going for at least one day. They sell weekend-long passes for only $60, on their website. Believe me, there is something here that you will find interesting and worthwhile!
I cannot wait for next year!
