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Opening Ceremonies |
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 An anime convention is a celebration of life and art, but it has to reflect the real world. Nan Desu Kan went on as scheduled after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but there was a need to let the convention goers and the world know that things weren't the same after thousands of deaths from the plane crashes. An American flag was front and center when Kelly Wensing started the opening ceremonies. |
 Convention co-chair Becca Norman spoke at the event to let all know that anime fans were hurting as much as the rest of the world. But despite the pain, the convention continued. "What builds my faith in humanity is the people we have here," she said, having to fight back tears. "I'm glad to see you're okay, and we'll go on...we're stubborn. Anyone who tries to destroy our spirit will have the opposite effect." |
 And convention volunteer Stephanie Morris followed by singing the Star Spangled Banner. Even anime fans knew it was time to come to their feet for this, a rare moment at conventions. Later, it was announced that Nan Desu Kan would have a Sunday prayer service in remembrance of the attack victims, and the convention would make a gesture toward pace by making 1,000 origami paper cranes. |
 Then the celebration continued with the introduction of the guests of honor. Unable to attend because of travel difficulties were Toshihiro Kawamoto, character designer and animation director for Cowboy Bebop, and Nov. Takahashi, head of Studio Hard. Replacing them was video game designer Susumu Sakurai, one of the top producers in the business. "I send deepest sympathy and condolences for all affected by this incident," he said. |
 The fun resumed with the introduction of Scott McNeil, Gundam voice actor. He delighted a laughing crowd with his rapid-fire voice stylings, then had fans grabbing for the miniature plush dolls he tossed into the audience. |
 "I control the Eva units. I will not be upstaged by them," came from actor Tristan MacAvery, who had recently reprised his Gendo Ikari role for the dub of the Evangelion movies. MacAvery also plugged his self-published horror novel, "Divine Intervention." |
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