Katsucon Madness Descends Upon the Capital

Story by Mason Alumnus Michelle Whitham
Photos by Audrey Whitham

Link…Cloud…Sailor Moon…Bleach...

These characters are just some of the people you’ll see and meet at Katsucon. An anime convention, Katsucon has been held in the D.C. metro area for 14 years.

This year it was held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. from February 15-17, 2008. This convention allows people of various ages and backgrounds to come together and enjoy anime, Cosplay, and video games.

Mention the word “anime,” and most people think of Japanese cartoons such as Sailor Moon and Pokémon. When defined, the word “anime” means general animation from any country. Different types of animation are shown at the convention. Many of the anime shown are from Japan. However, there are some from South Korea, China, and the United States.

All Dressed Up in Anime

When looking around the convention, there are many different people dressed up in costume. Cosplay allows fans of various genres of animation to dress up as their favorite characters. Many Cosplayers make their own costumes. There are several events where Cosplayers can be photographed, do Live Action Role Playing (LARP), and create a skit for the Masquerade, which is on Saturday.

There are many things to do at Katsucon whether one likes to watch the latest anime such as Devil May Cry, get to know artists at Artist Alley, or shop for anime, costumes at the Dealers’ Room.

There are different rooms to watch anime, attend discussion panels on different subjects such as Cosplay, anime in the 1960s, and play either a retro arcade games or latest console video games in the game room. Emily Traczyk, a GMU senior, recommends going with friends and get in line early for the Masquerade.

For anyone who wants to know more about anime, they can join the GMU Anime Club. They meet every Friday at SUBII, Room 5. New members are welcome. Members watch and discuss the anime of various genres. They are going to be holding a bake sale Monday, February 25th in the JC.

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