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The guy assembling this web page first met artist Lea Hernandez through the Japan Roundable on Genie. One of the in-jokes that developed was the "Sacred Salmon of Correction," a fish wielded by the Anime Goddess to punish those who went astray. The promise of a fish for Lea was kept at AWA, although it was a Disney Flounder rather than a koi. |
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Another Genie denizen was Hugh Miller, nicknamed "Badger," big Shirow Masamune fan. A search for a badger-themed gift fell through, and the substitute, produced in desperation, was this Tamagotchi Halloween costume. It was too small for Badger to wear, but he liked it, anyway. |
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The highlight of any major anime convention is the dealer room. For fans of the Japanese art who are used to seeing only a token sprinkling of anime merchandise in a comics store, the AWA dealer room is a wonderland of gadgets, tapes, books and more - such as this collection of toy mecha for sale. |
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Two favorite characters, Kusanagi Motoko from "Ghost in the Shell" and Belldandy from "Oh My Goddess," rendered in remarkable detail in miniature. Expensive toys, but certainly treasures. |
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A flood of mooks, the soft-cover full-color art books that celebrate the characters of an anime series. They sit next to tables packed with anime tapes, audio CDs and even UFO catcher dolls! |
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Perched atop a library of anime music CDs, the cabbit Ryo-ohki from Tenchi-Muyo begs to be purchased and taken to a home that can appreciate her talents (how many carrot-eating spaceships do you know?). This author purchased this example of the once-rare stuffed Ryo-ohki toy at the AWA dealer room. |
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