THE BEST VN SERIES EVER - Muv-Luv

Hi all!

Its been a long while since my last post. I won't give excuses for my long hiatus, except that there's exams and projects... who am I kidding...?

I actually meant for this to be the Anime Festival Asia Singapore (AFASG) 2015 post, but after finishing Muv-Luv Alternative Chronicles 02(or at least the TDA01 portion), I just felt I needed to get some of my thoughts in. Don't worry though, the AFASG post will be up shortly.

If you're left wondering WTF is Muv-Luv, and why the heck I am reviewing a visual novel (henceforth VN), shame on you! Haven't you read my introductory post to VNs like a couple of months back? Of course you haven't! But I'm gonna be nice, and I'll link you to the post here. Please read it first, or else there's no reason for you to continue reading this post. Don't worry, this post won't be running off anywhere.

...Read it? Good, then let's continue.

Its probably time to address an anime you might have known that bears the same name as the title series - Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse (henceforth MLA: TE). If you've watched that, you might think you have a good grasp of what this series is about. WRONG!

First of all, let me clarify that MLA: TE is NOT an adaptation of the core Muv-Luv canon, although they may ultimately be linked. MLA: TE is set in the same world as the original Muv-Luv and it bears some similarities, but the general tone of the show is completely different from the original VN, not to mention with a completely different focus and story. Frankly, compared to the VN, it doesn't just pale in comparison. It completely fades out of comparison. Yes. Comparing the two is technically impossible. They simply exist on two separates planes of competency. It would be like comparing a one-dimensional dot to a five-dimensional multiverse - they are just too different in terms of scope and epicness such that they cannot be compared. That said, MLA: TE also has a visual novel format, and having not played that, I can't tell whether the entire story remains as lackluster as the anime implies. MLA: TE does not have a poor story. Its just that when compared to the sheer supremacy of the original VNs, MLA: TE just falls flat.

Muv-Luv is a series of visual novels that is hard to define. A number of them tell a happy-go-lucky, carefree, slice-of-life high school life, and the other depicts a post-apocalyptic world where mankind have been pushed to the brink of extinction by invasion by aliens dubbed BETA (Beings of Extra-Terrestrial origin and Adversaries to the human race). Two stories in which circumstances could not be more different eventually entwine themselves to the point they become interwoven and inextricable. Throw in quantum mechanics, multi-verse theory, mental trauma, inane emotional breakdowns, crazy mechas and deaths by the millions (including EVERY SINGLE MAIN CHARACTER), and you get Muv-Luv.


Is that a little hard to take in? Well, as convoluted as that sounds, Muv-Luv is incredibly deep, touching and heart-rending. It is undeniably one of the BEST Visual Novel available in English (fan-translated) that has ever been conceived. And it has received enough fanbase in the English speaking community to demand an official Emglish localisation. Don't just take my word for it. If you need any proof, the recently concluded Kickstarter to fund the English Localisation of the game achieved its goal of $250,000 in 7 hours. SEVEN FREAKIN' HOURS!

The Kickstarter then went on to reach EVERY SINGLE STRETCH GOAL, to the point that the team had to include two other stretch goals. And the fanbase continued to break stretch goal after stretch goal, ultimately reaching  $1,255,444 USD!!! Over 5 times the original goal of $250,000!

Why is Muv-Luv so beloved? I have already mentioned that it is THE BEST visual novel (at least in English) that has currently been ever been conceived. But why is that so? What kind of story can create such an impact of people? What kind of insanity can drive people to fund $1.2 million USD to a relatively unknown Japanese entertainment medium?

Some background information is required to understand the Muv-Luv Series. The Muv-Luv series primarily consists of three parts: Muv-Luv Extra, Muv-Luv Unlimited (which are packaged together in a single game) and Muv-Luv Alternative. There are also many spin-offs such as Muv-Luv: Altered Fable, semi-continuations like Muv-Luv Alternative Chronicles (the second of which I played) and also other stories set in the same universe, for example, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse.

Muv-Luv Extra (henceforth MLE) is the carefree, high-school part of the story. It is trite, incredibly cheesy and completely excruciating to go through. The market for VNs is already flooded with high-school romance genres - and MLE breaks absolutely ZERO new ground, revels in anime tropes and falls squarely into every single overused textbook cliches and character archetypes. It would be one of the WORST VNs I have ever played, if not for its only saving grace: its presentation. The presentation of this VN is one of best I have ever seen in VNs, and it actually manages to save this game from being completely unplayable, but doesn't manage to carry the weight of this game. This game is undoubtedly the WEAKEST part of the Muv-Luv series, is a complete chore to go through, and yet is COMPULSORY to experience the full Muv-Luv experience. If you're wondering how a game I just lambasted so much can become the best VN series, bear with me. It gets better. A complete playthrough of Muv-Luv Extra will set you back about ~20 hours.

After completing the two main routes of Muv-Luv Extra, you unlock the second part of the series, Muv-Luv Unlimited (henceforth MLU). MLU turns the entire premise of MLE on its head, and instead begins anew in a post-apocalyptic world where the aforementioned aliens, BETA have pushed mankind to the brink of extinction. Our protagonist, Takeru, wakes up in his bedroom, and realises that his entire town and his house are dilapidated and in ruins. After a sequence of events, he enrolls into a military school which trains cadets to become Eishis, pilots of giant machines known as Tactical Surface Fighters (TSFs), which are the only machines capable of fighting the aliens. MLU begins the trip into the abyss of no return, where we begin to enter the world of the BETA. But MLU is just the beginning. MLU spends the majority of the time on the training arc, and there is no actual confrontation with the BETA. The ending would be a spoiler, and suffice it to say that the ending is a calamity. Thankfully, a continuation is provided in the spinoff Muv-Luv Alternative Chronicles. MLU provides us a good introduction into the post-apoclayptic world world of Muv-Luv, and sets the stage for Muv-Luv Alternative. As with MLE, it is also compulsory and a complete playthrough will set you back around ~15 hours.

Muv-Luv Alternative (MLA) is the true gem of the Muv-Luv series, and is the game that elevates the Muv-Luv series to MASTERPIECE status. Muv-Luv Alternative continues the story in MLU. Our protagonist Takeru wakes up again in his destroyed town, and quickly realises that he has somehow been transported back in time before the events of MLU. However, his memories and improved physique has remained intact. Takeru, armed with the knowledge of the future from MLU, seeks to avoid the disastrous future that he has seen, and decides to use his invaluable knowledge to prevent the calamity he has witnessed. In the beginning, his knowledge proves invaluable, and his efforts bear fruit. However, it soon becomes apparent that even knowledge of the future is but a tiny drop in the bucket towards winning the war against the BETA, and soon Takeru realises that his efforts are all for naught. A misstep causes a horrific event to happen, and Takeru succumbs to it. 

Faced with the realisation of his ultimate nightmare, Takeru rejects the world and denies everything about it, falling into absolute despair. It is only when even more terrible things happen that he finally embraces the brutality of truth and awakens as the true hero the world desperately needs.     

Calling Muv-Luv a masterpiece is an understatement. No other story radiates so much passion, power, emotion and sheer intellect into its writing. No other story establishes the perennial fear, desperation and absolute despair that permeates the atmosphere in Muv-Luv. Mere words cannot describe the incredible work of art that is Muv-Luv. It is more that just a story, it is a reflection of the human spirit. That is what makes it the best VN series ever. 

I should be coming out with a review of the game I just played soon, since there doesn't seem to be any out yet. But until then,

Happy Anime Watching!


   

ICDS

ICDS

The 22rd & 23rd of August is the when ICDS A.K.A. International Cosplay Day Singapore was held.

LAsuka and I went to the event on both days. The first day was especially important for us as we are in the anime quiz tournament. Our team name was Randomness, thus you would have seen us if you had been there at the event. We were on stage and got the 3rd place after all. 

(Got rekt by winning team Kufufu)

Current mood :ヽ(=´▽`=)ﾉ

Several cosplayers that we saw at the event. :)

 Lili from Tekken

 

 

Alyss from Pandora Hearts 

 

 

Taiga from Kuroko No Basuke

And nope, thats not me or LAsuka

On both days, Jin made a guest appearance and autograph session and selfie session were pretty packed. Oh, Hikari and Yumiki from A-Live was there too on the second day.

JIN

Although I never talk to him before, Traplord Miki Kuro was there as well being a usher. Saw him in his Shiota Nagisa cosplay pretty often in many events around Singapore. If I am not mistaken, he crossplay for 5 years already including 2015. I want to talk to him sometime soon. 

Always seems to miss the opportunity to engage conversation with him. 

SIGH.

.·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·.

Kamiki

Jesmond Chia aka Himuro Kenshin was also there as the emcee for this event as for Minacon at NTU and DBS marina regatta cosplay. On day one, the cosplay was Saitama from one punch man. Oh, not to forget his Decim's performance at EOY this year.

Jesmond

Your Sincerely,

Kazane Kagari

EOY Cosplay Festival

EOY Cosplay Festival

Also know as end of year cosplay festival, its a yearly event that is being held in Singapore marina barrage since 2012. This year EOY was on 15-16 of August in the same venue but I got to admit its gaining more popularity and crowd as years go by. Obviously I went there together with LAsuka.

While its a mid scale sized event, it was quite fun being there soaking up the atmosphere and looking at lots of new cosplays for the summer season animes.

assassination classroom cosplay

Highlight of the whole event for me personally is definitely the stage performances by the cosplayers, specially invited guests and some enthusiastic J pop fans. I always prefer singing to choreography dancing but whoa, this year Muse cosplayers went all out showing us their passion, dancing skills and teamwork!

Potatomato!

Start:Dash!!

The team that did the best for Love Live dancing was undoubtedly A-Live, a group of nine girls that has perfected the dance choreography for Love Live songs. 

 A-Live !

 Start:Dash!!

Dancing Stars On Me!

 100 percent skills and 120 percent passion!

Next anime event in Singapore is this coming weekend ICDS. LAsuka and I hope to see u there!

またね (Matane) （⌒▽⌒）

Sincerely

Kazane Kagari

LAsuka chan お誕生日おめでとうございます。

Randomness of Kazane Kagari

Greetings otakus, its been quite a while since I wrote a post but please allow me to explain myself. On the 13th of June which is last month, I went on a trip to Kyushu, Japan to visit the motherland of anime but sadly akibahara is in Honshu though. Its like going to Israel without visiting Jerusalem, the holy land. When I came back, I had a short one week break before going to Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK for studies up until now. All in all, I have little to no time at all for any post of any kind. But i digress, its time for the real topic of this post.

LAsuka chan お誕生日おめでとうございます。(otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu)

The actual birthday date is 27th of July but unfortunately i won't be back in Singapore in time to celebrate it with her. 

SIGH.

However her present is ready. After being in UK for about two weeks now, I been to Newcastle, Durham, York and Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh which by chance I found an anime shop. The present I decided to buy is related to her incestuous level of love toward the FATE series(Which we have divided opinions upon) and I bet my last penny that Saber is her most favorite character.(No pun intended since I am currently in UK & the currency is Pound n Penny)

Its nothing special or new but I think she will like it, I guess ?

 

LAsuka chan, mata raine douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu !

Oh, I bought a Yoshino from Date a live as well. [No Kurumi (´•ω•̥`)]

BTW, I m currently watching Rokka no Yuusha(Unexpectedly Good) & Overlord(Black horse ? Nope, its black fvcking flying unicorn) this season. I recommend reading Overlord Light Novel if u haven't. Its one of the best if not the epitome of action fighting type story.  

ROKKA NO YUUSHA

OVERLORD

Additional info: LAsuka chan is going to Anime Festival Asia 2015 this November in Singapore.
Please recommend which character cosplay is suitable for a newcomer.


Personally, I think she should dress up as a member of Muse or as Saber from Fate for obvious reasons.  

(｡◕‿◕｡)

Your Sincerely,

Kazane Kagari

Its a Summer Siesta! Quick Impressions for the Summer Season

Well... we're well into the Summer season, so this post is REALLY late. But better late than never, right?

Summer is traditionally one of the weaker seasons, along with Winter, with Spring and Autumn (Fall) usually carrying the Anime of the Year. But in recent years, that trend has changed. In 2013, Summer brought us Shin Sekai Yori, what I consider the best anime of 2013 and was no doubt one of the stronger seasons that year (though admittedly, that year was pretty poor overall). 2014 also brought a Summer season that was better than the Spring season (although to be honest, with the exception of No Game No Life, last year's Spring season was 'less-than-decent'), But enough about that. What about this year? Unfortunately, we see a return back to form - as one of the weaker season again. That said, it is certainly not the worst season I've seen - I've seen far worse, with the 2014 Winter season being arguably the WORST ever - and there are actually a few bright sparks. Whether the Summer season can surprise me depends on whether their sleepers can surprise me, and a few of them certainly do have the potential to do so.

So without further ado, let's jump right in.

Disclaimer: Although I try to be as impartial as possible, the following selections are based heavily on personal taste, and your preference may differ, so do not take my impressions as gospel truth. Also, while I will try not to include spoilers, there may be some oversights on my part, but rest assured that I will keep spoilers to the absolute minimum.


DROPPED

Joukamachi no Dandelion

With a premise like this - nine siblings who are vying for the position of King based on a popularity contest - obviously this show is not to be taken seriously. The show is not particularly bad, but it doesn't really pique my interest, and it doesn't help that the main female lead really grates on my nerves. So, no, not my cup of tea. Pass.

Ushio to Tora

This might have appealed to be if I was like a decade younger, but a shounen show at this age isn't really going to appeal to me. The show is not particularly bad per se, and it seems like a likable story, with the art being quite old-school to match, but perhaps a generation too late. Pass.

GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakeri

This show is very reminiscent of Outbreak Company, with the main character being an otaku and travelling to an anime-esque land with elf girls and other anthromorphic females (did I mention there's another Monster Girl show airing this season - not covered though, sorry). If that tickles your fancy, go for it, but it just doesn't 
work for me.

                                            

Classroom Crisis

This looks like a standard rom-com, with every element looking like a standard rom-com. Then you throw in some mecha elements, add a completely uninteresting main heroine, and a distinctly unlikable protagonist and talk about money and office politics. Okay, let's just get to the point. Its boring - plain and simple. Pass. 

Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan

When you're going to do a magical fantasy/harem/ecchi show, you better have something hidden up your sleeve, or you're just going to end up like the huge bunch of failed wannabes that simply crashed and burned. Mind you, this genre is WAAAAY too overused, and Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan isn't doing anything to break the mold - in fact, its revelling in its cliches. When is Strike the Blood Season 2 coming?

Gakkou Gurashi!

I confess that the first time I tried watching this, I gave up at the fifth minute. It seems like the most horrible moe/slice-of-life anime that I had the misfortune of watching. Then I spoiled myself with the ending, and went to watch it again... and the ending revealed as huge a bombshell as bombshells can possibly be. But when I looked at the first 20 minutes of the show - I can't survive that much nonsense. So pass.

ON-THE-FENCE

Aquarion LOGOS

Another Aquarion show? I must confess that while I did watch Aquarion EVOL, I didn't watch the first Sousei no Aquarion, which probably killed some of the fun. Aquarion shows have always been a strange mecha show, with orgasmic transformation scenes and really flashy moves. It's a odd combination, but it strangely works. Well... it worked in EVOL, but I can't tell whether it works here. I can't say I'm a fan of the new protagonist, and its pretty WTF for now, but maybe it will get better. Maybe? Well, I'm willing to give it another episode or two in any case.


Aoharu x Kikanjuu

Gender-bent female lead playing survival games? That is exactly what this show is about, along with two bishounen thrown in for good measure. Is it a reverse harem? Is it a simple show about toy guns and survival games? I'm not too sure. And I'm not too sure I'm interested either. What I do know is that it does have some merits in its animation, and I'm keen to see whether it gets better.

God Eater

I doubt I'm the only one that was disappointed with the premiere. With ufotable at the helm, we would have expected supreme animation quality, fresh out of their 'Unlimited Budget Works' production. Instead, we received some pretty awkward CGI-ed art style, with none of ufotable's signature flair. God Eater already has a cliched-like-hell plot, but ufotable was meant to prop it up so that remains pretty and at least watchable. The plot itself is decent, but not exactly original, but what's sorely missing is ufotable's excellent animation. The art style is pretty... different, so it might take time to get used to, and I really hope there's more to the story. Either way, I'm sticking around to find out, and so should you.   

WATCHING


GANGSTA. 

As far as breaking out of the mold goes, you don't get much better than Gangsta (or so I would say, but there's actually another show this season, that breaks the mold even more). Gangsta's basic premise is about two men called Handymen that perform jobs that no one else wants to do. And along the way, they pick up a prostitute named Alex. They form an interesting dynamic, and I guess the main attraction is to see how the bunch of three misfits survive in a cruel, screwed-up world. Its certainly not the best show this season, and personal taste comes into play in this show, but its a pretty good show nonetheless.

Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace

Made in commemoration of the 50th aniversary of Rampo Edogawa's passing, Ranpo Kitan is undeniably the most unique anime airing this season. This probably marks noitaminA's return to form, with one of the most creatively designed and nuanced show this season. While I'm not entirely sure whether this show has the substance to stick, its an interesting watch for sure and certainly strays far off the beaten track - at least as far as anime goes. If Rampo Edogawa's literary flair is anything to go by, Ranpo Kitan will have a superb storyline. The reason why this isn't in my Top 5 is because its art style is extremely polarising, and the distinctive style may take some time to get used to.

Jitsu wa Watashi wa

Sleeper of the season, and also apparently our rom-com of the season. I'm not particularly sure why I'm watching this, but its decently entertaining to say the least. This show is obviously a comedy with a lot of WTF elements, but the most distinctive thing you see when you fire up the show is that its really ugly. Yes, ugly. Ugly but endearing. And therein lies the charm of the show. The art style is distinctive because its ugly, but it at the same time, it is also cute (remember cute = ugly but adorable?) and strangely appealing. Its also apparently the same way in the manga, so that's probably not an adaptation choice. Its interesting enough to keep me watching though.

...AND NOW


THE TOP 5


5. Chaos Dragon: Sekiryuu Sen’eku

This has been done before, and its cliche like hell... is what I would like to say, but then I see Gen Urobuchi (Fate/Zero, Madoka Magica) and Kinoko Nasu (Tsukihime, Fate/Stay Night) on the writers list and then I say... I need to give this another watch. In case you can't tell by now, the Urobutcher and Nasu are two of my favourite writers, bringing us masterpieces in the Fate series and Madoka Magica. They are writers with profound literary flair, and I cannot imagine any work involving them to fall flat. It certainly has it work cut out for it, but it manages to secure a spot in the Top 5.

4. Overlord 

A show about a guy stuck in a VRMMORPG? Hmm... doesn't that sound familliar...? Oh wait... *groan*

Luckily, this show doesn't follow in the same footsteps as Sword Art Online or Log Horizon. It goes on a completely different direction and I can't say I dislike the way they are taking this. Its a pretty interesting concept that tends not to deal too much with MMO jargon and dives right into the story. A main character as a skeleton is also an interesting choice, instead of those dashing, alpha males that seem to Dues Ex Machina their way out of everything (I'm looking at you, Kirito). The story is still in its setting up phase, and its already fairly entertaining. There's a lot of potential here, and I hope it doesn't disappoint.

3. Rokka no Yuusha

This is really a simple Action/Fantasy, with a dash of romance and a little Aztec twist. The story is not what you would define 'original', with all the heroes and a big bad to defeat, but the execution is quite well done. The story has yet to truly begin, and we're still in the introduction stage, and already the characters are starting to grow on me. The story is really taking its time to set up, and I can't really say I am too fond of that choice, because a 12-episode adaptation doesn't really have much time to spare. I quite like what I'm given so far, and I have high hopes for it. With a decent source material to back this up, it deserves a place in the Top 5.

2. Akagami no Shirayukihime

Shoujo fantasy shows have seen a resurgence recently. With Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii last year and Akatsuki no Yona, which finished its run in the Winter season this year, shoujo shows have constantly and consistently been ranking in the top tier of new anime recently. Unfortunately, they are usually allocated merely a single cour (or in the case of Yona, a insufficient two cours) to tell their entire tale, and thus mostly relegated as a advertisement for their manga/light novel source material. Nonetheless, what we do receive is excellent, and Akagami no Shirayukihime is no exception. With an excellent female lead coupled by a compelling male lead, the chemistry between them is impeccable, as are the engaging character dynamics between them. Its been a brilliant run so far and I hope they continue with their momentum. Its anime like this that reminds me why I got into anime into the first place, and the immense potential this medium holds.

...AND FINALLY...

1.  Charlotte

I'm sure many people are preparing to take up arms against me for me making this show making the top spot. But before you storm me with torches and pitchforks and contemplate burning me at the stake (of course I do have my Makai Knight to protect me...), hear me out. Charlotte is essentially a moe show from one of the most pre-eminent visual novel companies around - Key. Key makes a number of well-known VNs that have been adapted into anime, and most of them are quite highly acclaimed, such as Kanon, CLANNAD, Little Busters and its Refrain sequel. Interestingly, like Angel Beats, Charlotte is also a original project not initiated from a visual novel (isn't it interesting that those original projects are usually receive more poorly then those that were adapted from the VN?). Many of the criticisms levelled against Charlotte include poor characterisation of characters, generic female characters - including an insufferable imouto character, vapid and ineffective emotional scenes, poor and ill-timed attempts at comedy and ridiculous plot details that make little sense. Plus it tends to do a little moe-pandering (as do all shows). And I can't really deny that. But while I feel these criticisms are logical, not all of them are warranted, and the main purpose of an anime (or any entertainment media, really) is to entertain, and it least it was entertaining. Charlotte was one of the few anime which left me smiling while the ending credits rolled by while other shows left me with 'WTF-just-happened-I-don't-even' impressions. Sometimes, you just need to sit back and enjoy the ride, without nitpicking at the details. Some of the best shows involve at least a little bit of suspension of disbelief. And the story has merely just begun.  Maeda Jun has hinted through many scenes that Charlotte does have higher aspirations, and perhaps the first few episodes didn't work so well. Still, Charlotte does have clear potential, and knowing Maeda Jun, he's going to create an impressive work. And let's not forget about the sheer visual ecstasy P.A. Works evokes with their masterful artwork. I'm sure Charlotte will succeed, and Key has yet to prove me wrong.

That's all for this season. What are you favourite anime? Do you disagree with any of my picks? let me know in the comments below!   

Cosfest XIV - Under the Stars

Singaporean Otakus!

As I mentioned in my June Events post, the next cosplay event that concluded recently was Cosfest XIV - Under the Stars by the Singapore Cosplay Club, held on the 11th and 12th of July at D'Marquee in Downtown seen. Actually, there was another similar event held concurrently named ICExpo, which was like CharaExpo, also held for the first time in Singapore, but meh... Nobody told me about it, so I didn't go...

Anyway, this is all about Cosfest XIV, the longest running cosplay-themed event in Singapore, held for the FOURTEENTH time (Where have I been the past thirteen years?) in a permanent theatre. It was a pretty big event, with quite a number of cosplayers, quite possibly the largest number I have seen in any Anime convention (sans Anime Festival Asia). There were quite a number of booths, including one from ANI-NATION and Tomodachi Thailand, along with quite a large number of artbook and doushinji artists. The convention opened at 12pm, but the event only officially started at 2pm and ended at around 6pm on both days.

The first day was mostly about anisong performances by some contestants, and they would be judged by the Joysound system, which rates their accuracy, tone, harmony, passion (WTF), among other factors. There were other performances sprinkled in by guest performers, but to be honest, the first day was pretty subdued (apart from all the cosplayers), but it was pretty fun nonetheless. Although, it was obvious that the main event was going to be held on the second day.

The second day was the meat and potatoes of the event, with the numerous cosplay performances along with the World Cosplay Summit Singapore Qualifiers. There were also a sizable jump in the number of cosplayers, and it was well worth the visit. The performances kicked off with a performance by an entire troupe cosplaying as the nine members of Love Live!, followed by some notable ones including one of the most convincing impersonation of Nico Yazawa from Love Live in recent years.

The World Cosplay Summit was something of a downer, though. For the best cosplaying duos in Singapore, while their costumes were fairly well done, their performances left much to be desired. Furthermore, they went to cosplay some obscure characters from not-very-popular franchises such as Garo, Vampire Hunter D and Touken Ranbu. And yes, there were only three pairs, which really killed the excitement. Their performances also left much to be desired.

The cosplayers on the second day, though, did not disappoint. With a fabulous display of characters from every anime, there were no lack of cosplayers, and no lack of photos. So without further ado, let me just post all the photos I took for your enjoyment.

There were also some surprising announcements. A new cosplay event was announced, named Cosplay Sea - the Rising Tide, which will be a 4 Day 3 Night cruise! This is a relatively new frontier as far as cosplay events go, and I'm excited and the prospects this brings. Its currently set for the 8th to 11th of January next year, so there's less than half a year to go. There's only limited places, so better keep your eyes peeled for more news.

...Then on to August. There are a number of anime events scheduled for August as well, namely the International Cosplay Day and The EOY Cosplay Festival. There's also a Natsu Matsuri within, which while not an anime festival, its a fun event where you get to sample staple Japanese festival food and play some of their signature games which you see in anime. Looking forward to seeing you then!