SpringsCalling: Anime North 2009 (Part 1)

On Mar 22-24, 2009, Anime North was held at the Toronto Congress Centre (TCC) and 3 other hotels. I went for all 3 days with 2 friends. While I was there, I met another 2 friends. (Wow, what a small world). In this post, I'll mention things I've seen as well as any other pieces of information about Anime North. Photos of items I've bought will be included in this post, cosplayer photographs will be in part 2 when I receive the files from my friend.

There were very many cosplayers varying from something as common as naruto to something as rare as Touhou (only saw 1, and I didn't have my camera at that time! D: ). I'm quite surprised how they could wear some pretty big costumes which covered their entire bodies. Considering the temperature was around 25 degrees Celcius. And with the sun, its ALOT worse.

The weather for the convention was great, no rain during all 3 days. There were crowds of people hanging around the inside and outside of the convention centre. They are also nice enough to allow you to take a picture of them despite however busy they may be (ie buying or chatting with others). Just make sure you ask a question similar to "May I have a photograph?" Canadians are nice in general ;) . The bus ride there was pretty far since I don't live in that area. But its was an interesting sight to see cosplayers riding busses too!

I believe that this was another great year. The skit on Friday and the Masquerade on Saturday were both amazing. I wish I had video taped it... (it was dark in the room, poor camera, poor quality, didn't bothered). There were all types of skits and performances, from just walking out on stage and showing off their homemade costumes, to performing a short skit with a hiliarious plot. All in all a good show.

I didn't go dressed as anything because I cannot sew. Buying costumes are also so expensive that I will not consider the idea. But if you have asked me, I would have cosplayed as Lelouche from Code Geass or Kaiba. I have been told I can imitate Lelouche's "Shine" (to die, in japanese) pretty well. Also, I watch those Kaiba videos on youtube. Here, here, and here.

I even bought Yugioh cards just to get that "ENE CON" (enemy controller). I ended up getting 2 boosters of Ancient Sanctuary ($2 each) which didn't contain that card by chance. Then I paid $10 for Syrus Truesdale's deck which did have enemy controller. YES !

I was also very surprised to see some amazing artwork shown at the convention in the outside area of the vendor room. I bought a few to fund their success ;)

They also offered to sign the poster if you ask.

All in all, a great trip. I look forward to next year. The vendors don't change much though. I couldn't get my Unicorn Gundam. That would probably be the biggest disappointment of this year. I was also looking for those Touhou plushies from gift but I wouldn't expect to find them here (And I did look, and it really wasn't sold).

If you went, feel free to drop by with a comment if you have anything you wish to share.

If you didn't go this year, and interested in going next year. I urge you do give it a try. Its always good to try new things ;)
Be sure to buy early though :P
I think check Anime North website sometime in Feburary or March of 2010, they should have the pre-registration up by then.

The photo gallery of the merchandise bought are shown below under corresponding titles.

Anime North 2009 Booklet:

Paid Artwork (From an artist booth, Artist of the Anime North 2009 book cover):

Bookmarks (From another artist booth =P ):

MG Gundam Stand:

Touhou Doujinshi (Although I'm not exactly a fan of books, it was the only Touhou related product I could find D= ) I must say though, I like the art: