UlasanAnime.com – The 2006 edition of Anime North in Toronto felt like a journey into a parallel universe, distinct from the usual convention experience. The adventure began with a peculiar coincidence: two local World of Warcraft guildmates, who would serve as guides, shared the same names as two members of the visiting party.
This marked my second visit to Toronto, and while much of it felt familiar, this trip involved exploring different locales. The city offered more than enough to warrant an extended stay, but the convention itself, Anime North, coupled with planned excursions, filled a packed day and a half.
This report will adopt a character-driven narrative, a style that seems fitting given the distinct motivations of the three central figures. This approach will also lend itself to an anime website-like presentation, with a touch of fictionalization.
Introduction
Anime North is an annual convention held in Toronto that has seen significant growth. It evolved from a modest gathering into a major event, catering to the large anime enthusiast population in the area. With most East Coast conventions located further south and offerings in the New York Metro area being less than stellar, Toronto provides a much-needed hub for Canadian fans. The city’s considerable Asian demographic further fuels the demand for such anime festivities.
The question arises: why would an American, along with two companions, travel to Anime North? The following narrative will shed light on this.
Characters
- Zekmyr
The protagonist of this narrative, largely due to his balanced demeanor. A long-time IRL friend of Omo and Ming, Zekmyr is a relatively new anime fan, offering a relatable perspective.
- KOTOKO
The central antagonist and a key figure in the story. She is a concert musician from Japan, accompanied by her entourage.
- Ming
The intrepid explorer and an expert on Canadian culture. He possesses a keen ear for local vernacular and is an avid World of Warcraft raider. Ming has extensive connections within Canada.
- Omo
The architect of the plan and the narrator. A devoted KOTOKO fan and a self-proclaimed connoisseur of anime convention lore.
- Lord of All Evil
The enigmatic “Inside Man,” whose true identity and role remain largely unknown.
- Simbios
The designated Maid Boy, providing comic relief.
- SS
Serves as the straight man to Simbios’s antics, and is an RL friend of Simbios.
- Hayama
A skilled comedian, known for his timely interventions and mastery of screen cap blogging and free porn games.
- Ed
An adept translator, embodying stereotypical translator characteristics.
- The Random Security Guy
A friendly convention volunteer and a genuine fan. He is bilingual and has a connection with LOAE.
- Ex-Military Ops
Individuals with military backgrounds, communicating through hand signals and often seen with sunglasses.
- The Geneon Guy
A former fan who now represents corporate interests. He is skilled at rock, paper, scissors.
- The Crazy Fangirl Party
A close-knit group of four fangirls, aged 16-18, known for their MSN stalking and glomping tendencies.
- Go Nagai
A veteran anime convention guest, with a charismatic presence.
- DJ Izumi
A DJ and master of anime video and audio mixes, also referred to as the Evil Man Maid.
- The Good Twins et al.
Ming’s guildmates who also act as local guides.
Story & Episode Synopsis
Episode 1: KOTOKO’s heralds arrive, promising an abundance of fun, fortune, and excitement. Ming and Zekmyr, like any sensible individuals, approach these pronouncements with skepticism. Omo attempts to orchestrate events, but the episode largely consists of flashbacks to a shared experience between Zekmyr and Omo involving KOTOKO a year prior, the specifics of which remain undisclosed.
Episode 2: Following an off-screen transition, Ming unexpectedly becomes enthusiastic about the trip, and Zekmyr joins the trio. Despite initial mild panic at the border crossing, the journey proceeds smoothly. Much of this episode focuses on the monotonous scenery of western Pennsylvania.
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Episode 3: Undeterred, the trio arrives at their designated hotel on time. Toronto offers free Wi-Fi, allowing Omo to connect with the Inside Man. Confidential exchanges of information and funds take place. The evening concludes with a surprising reappearance of KOTOKO, though she seemingly does not notice the group.
Episode 4: The new day brings new developments. The Inside Man’s plan encounters a snag, leading the party to spend some local currency in pursuit of legal merchandise and badges. Waiting in lines becomes a necessity, with free Full Throttle energy drinks keeping spirits high and confusing security guards. The episode ends on a cliffhanger: special KOTOKO tokens are required for concert entry, and the question remains whether Hayama can provide assistance after Sinbios and SS fail.
Episode 5: Considerable excitement ensues as the trio secures three of the remaining thirty concert tokens. The group then disperses to explore the dealer’s room. Hayama’s advance reports indicated a disappointing selection, which proves to be largely accurate. Nevertheless, varying expectations lead Ming and Zekmyr to acquire desirable items. Omo, however, grows increasingly cautious, creating palpable tension. The group eventually reunites through the shared enjoyment of clay dragons.
Episode 6: Following convention lore, which dictates that lines must be waited, Omo separates to anticipate KOTOKO’s arrival. Zekmyr and Ming continue their pursuit of merchandise. Simbios and SS meet with Omo. Later, Hayama returns to share information with Omo, but a partial mission failure occurs due to a miscalculation in line-waiting strategy.
Episode 7: The line. The episode is dominated by the experience of waiting in line, with numerous photographs capturing the seemingly endless queue. The Inside Man facilitates further information exchange. Anticipation builds for the concert. The Crazy Fangirl Party makes their first appearance.
Episode 8: The concert is a spectacle of energetic jumping, cheering, screaming, chanting, and adoration directed at KOTOKO. The Random Security Guy offers insightful commentary on fandom at the beginning of the show. Ex-Military Ops makes a brief appearance, seemingly to utilize their allocated budget. The episode also features instances of glomping, tickling, name-calling, and difficulty recognizing faces. Debates arise regarding whether to sit or stand and the use of glowsticks, all contributing to the climax.
Episode 9: After successfully evading the Crazy Fangirls during the post-concert exodus, the trio misses an opportunity to acquire KOTOKO merchandise. Despite considerable waiting, they manage to obtain autographs.
Episode 10: After regrouping and relocating, the Inside Man departs for post-concert revelry. The group aims to avoid being outdone. Ming returns with his usual success, while Zekmyr and Omo opt for a more subdued approach. The Good Twins and their companions prove to be excellent local guides, even introducing them to the local meat market scene. The food is enjoyable, the company attractive, the expenses reasonable, and LOAE is amusingly inebriated.
Episode 11: The trip draws to a close. Exchanges of gratitude and hopeful sentiments take place. More pleasant Chinese cuisine is enjoyed. KOTOKO makes her final appearance at a panel, where Zekmyr and Omo both win hoodies. Canada bids farewell, with a thank you for the encouragement provided.
Episode 12: The journey home mirrors the iconic departure of Lando and Chewie in Episode Six. While their objective was speed, the trio must balance rapid travel with cautious slowing when encountering law enforcement. Nevertheless, they achieve record travel time and indulge in more sophisticated dining.
Episode 13: The vacation concludes on a happy note, with the three friends celebrating their return with a movie and further meetups with local acquaintances.
Screenshots
Currently unavailable for printing. Please check this website periodically for updates on Anime North 2006 pictures.
Goods
Samurai Champloo Hoodie (free!)
Numerous KOTOKO concert flyers (no longer in possession) (free!)
This marks the first convention where no merchandise was purchased.
Links & Props
Sincere gratitude is extended to Anime North, its staff, and organization. Special thanks are owed to LOAE for an unspecified but significant contribution, perhaps a future IOU for legal advice. Appreciation is sent to KOTOKO and those who facilitated the event. A salute to the fans. Zekmyr and Ming deserve considerable recognition for their good sportsmanship and willingness to dedicate over 24 hours of a long weekend to travel.
