The lights have gone out, and the staffers have finally gone home to get some well-deserved rest. Anime Boston 2015 has come to a close, leaving fans with fond memories of the year, and high hopes for 2016. What began as “the little con that could,” which could barely be contained by the Park Plaza Hotel, has grown into a power player.
And yet, even though the event saw over 26,000 attendees, Anime Boston still keeps its “small con” feel. There’s a certain inclusive, comfortable feeling that seems to persist every single year. And, what feels like an eternity of poring over photos and notes, we’ve managed to post thirteen articles, hundreds of photographs, and every bit of relevant news that was fit to print.
And, of course, there are interviews we’re transcribing this week!
As I sit here, typing, I can’t help but smile a bit. Every year, on the long train ride home, I find myself tired, stressed, and ready to just disappear into a warm bed for a week. Countless hours are spent snapping photos, sitting in panels, and taking notes. The evening turns to early morning as I spend hours typing in the Prudential Center.
Four letter words slip out under my breath, as I rush from one panel to the next. Frustration and exhaustion become the norm, and my notebook’s battery becomes my arch-nemesis. By the time 3AM rolls around, I trudge into my room, welcome the sweet embrace of sleep. In the back of my mind, I know that the alarm will sound with an inconsiderate buzz come 8:00, but at the same time, I don’t care.
It’s some of the hardest work I’ve ever had to do, but I love it.
Yes, I say this year after year, but it’s always the truth. I love having this opportunity to explore Anime Boston, to tell the world of the biggest news that escapes. I relish the opportunity to shout out about nifty panels, or to tell crazy anecdotes. The energy that seems to crackle through the air is infectious, and just being a part of the overall experience is a treat that I still having trouble explaining.
And yet, while I enjoy the experience and the panels, the people and the places, nothing brings me more joy than sitting at my desk to share my experiences with the world.
Yet again, I’d like to express my deepest thanks. There’s always too many to list, but I’ll do my best to name as many as possible:
The Anime Boston Staff, whose tireless dedication and professional conduct are simply admirable. Everything you do helps to make the con run as smoothly as possible. People may not always see the fruits of your labor, but know that your efforts are always appreciated.
Sam Kusek and Ken Haley, for being the best panel co-hosts one could ever hope for. It was a true pleasure to serve as host From East To West with you again, and I hope we can do it again in 2016!
The many people from various AniBlogging and AniTwitter groups that I had the pleasure of meeting this year. You were all fantastic, and I do hope wish all of you the best in the coming year!
Yoko Shimomura, thank you for a fantastic interview, and for over twenty years of amazing games music. I wish you the absolute best in future ventures.
Cherami Leigh, thanks for a great interview. I hope that you continue to thrive in the acting world!
Mona Marshall, it was an honor to meet someone of your caliber. I wish you the absolute best (and many more fantastic roles) in the coming years!
Brian T. Price, thanks for giving me many more new and horrible ways to torture my friends with the horrors of anime!
The hundreds of cosplayers that go above and beyond to deliver their best every year. Your devotion to your craft is nothing short of breathtaking, and I hope that you continue to do what you love!
And you, dear reader, thank you for joining us in this year’s feature. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Anime Boston already has a date. Next year’s event, whose theme is “Field Day”, will be held from March 25-27. You can count on me being there again, ready and willing to give it my all. I hope you join us again for next year’s convention!