A panel for both convention attendees looking to talk with and help their parents understand their hobby, and parents who want to learn more about their childrens' activities. This panel will focus on explaining the basics of anime fandom in America, how to communicate the positives of participating in fandom, ways to get parents involved and how parents can obtain more information. Informational "cheatsheets" will be provided.

VCI Entertainment and World Events Productions will be giving out prizes as they discuss the past and future of the two classic 1980’s robot series Voltron: Defender of the Universe and Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs. Recently released on DVD from Media Blasters, Voltron now has a live action movie in development with producer Mark Gordon (Saving Private Ryan, Day After Tomorrow). VCI has a big announcement to make so don’t miss it!

In order to protect "Steam City" from mysterious villains operating under the cover of darkness shrouded by a white mist, young detective Narutaki along with his female nurse sidekick Goriki solves mysteries that envelop the city.

Kane Blueriver, a trouble contractor and devoted fan of the mantle, is being hunted by a criminal syndicate named Nightmare. Kane, along with Millie, a girl who claims to be the "best in the universe," and Canal, Swordbreaker's AI, vows to defeat Nightmare.

Makoto is an ordinary high school student whom one day meets a mysterious girl named Ifurita. She sends him to a magical world along with his teacher, a drunkard named Fujisawa, a high school opportunist named Nanami and her scheming brother Jinnai.

Is there still anyone attending Otakon who hasn't seen this fictionalized history of Gainax from which we took our name? If so, we order you to see it! Now featuring the elusive "phantom verses."

In Heian era Japan, principled artist Yoshihide paints visions of ugliness and torment inspired by the poverty and starvation surrounding him. When a wealthy and arrogant monarch, haunted by Yoshihide's images, commissions a painting of hell, the two engage in a battle of wills, sacrificing everything to create a literal hell on earth as a model. Tatsuya Nakadai stars in this uniquely beautiful technicolor vision of a dangerous and desperate time and place, made in 1969 from a script by the writer of RASHOMON.

Ran is the #1 gal in Shibuya, and she lives to shop, eat, and have as much fun as possible. But she's not all faux nails and para para; in the midst of all of her goofing off, she protects Shibuya from all manner of undesirable people, and she often devotes herself to helping both friends and strangers out of trouble, big and small.

Throughout time, mankind has chased after the dream of immortality. The Phoenix, in the form of a bird of fire, is said to hold the key to eternal life. Great wars are fought in a vain attempt to possess it and, as a result, civilizations rise and fall. Phoenix is a collection of five stories from the past, present and future. Many will perish because of their desires, and they are the lucky ones. True pain comes for those who find immortality and experience the burden of living forever.

Tired of DDR? Bored with Guitar Hero? There are tons of other musical games out there to get your groove on! From Space Channel 5 to Elite Beat Agents, we name the games that get you to dance, sing, mix, and tap along to the beat. Join us on a journey through the joys of the rhythm game!

An in depth look at the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise that touches base on character biographies and the variances between some of the media, the history of the franchise, and little known facts.

Feeling out of the loop? Visit this panel for a rundown of anime classics and old favorites - an informative session for everyone from the complete rookie to the seasoned veteran!

This panel (hosted by the staff of www.metalgearsolid.org) will go over the history of one of gaming's biggest names, from the humble beginnings of an obscure PC Japanese game to multi-million dollar franchise. The panel will describe the entire series, as well as creator Hideo Kojima's career.

Arusu, a young girl who believes in magic with all her heart, one day finds herself suddenly dropped into the middle of a magical world that's beyond her wildest imaginings. At first, it seems that her life's wish has finally been granted, but things quickly change as she finds out more about the less-than-perfect wonderland. Arusu soon meets two young witches named Sheila and Eva, and one wild broomstick ride later, all three girls are blamed for the release of the witches' source of magic: captured fairies. After an unusual punishment is delivered, they are given the task of recapturing the fairies - a difficult thing to do when Arusu keeps freeing them!

Sakura travels to the capital with aspirations of defending the city from the demonic forces of the Black Sanctum Council like her father before her. However, things are not as she imagined as in addition to using her great spiritual energy to pilot a mech called a Kobu, she must also perform on stage as an actor as The Imperial Flower Division's cover is a theater.

Amaterasu is the god of light, the future emperor of the Joker Star System. Under the guise of young mecha conceptor Ladios Sopp, he is compelled by an old friend, Dr. Ballanche, to save his two latest Fatimas Lachesis and Clotho. And so begins the stories of the Joker System, as well as Amaterasu's love for Lachesis.

Old Zhao has a mission: to see that his friend Liu returns to his distant home...which will take some doing, since Zhao has no money and Liu is dead. Zhao resorts to all manner of schemes to get Liu home, including propping him up as a drunk in a bus and rolling him down the road in a giant tire. It's a buddy film/road movie like no other, with the two friends, living and dead, touching the lives of everyone they meet.

Yucie, a 17-year old cursed into a 10-year old's body would do anything to return to her true age. When she hears of an opportunity to become a chosen Platina Princess, and then have the power to use a tiara that grants a special wish once every 1000 years, Yucie goes for it with clear determination.

Chiko as a girl was traumatized by her parents' death. The Phantom thief of 20 faces takes her and and she slowly comes out of her shell to become a master thief herself.

Side story from the groundbreaking 1983-84 TV series. 1985's The Last Red Shoulder takes place between the "Uoodu City" and "Kunmen Jungle Wars" arcs and deals with the Secret society creating the second Perfect Soldier.

Anime has been Japan's cultural export since 1961. While some classics endure, decades of English-language anime has faded from the spotlight. Here's a chance to rediscover some of these lost classics, take in some truly odd features and unsold pilots, and laugh at crazy cartoons we didn't get to see the first time around.

Come meet the dynamic duo of Kazuko Tadano & Hiromi Matsushita. From magical girls to military amphibians, these two will have plenty of stories to tell.

Join the staff of Yuricon for a chat about what's old, what's new and what's hot in Yuri. The Yuri panel will cover Yuri anime and manga here in the US, and let you know what's coming from Japan! Come with questions, because our experts in Yuri anime and manga have answers!

Come see representatives from Lantis, JAM Project's recording label, as they discuss JAM's new releases, future plans, and the JAM Project World Flight 2008 No Border tour!

Gaia Online is proud to announce Kiki's Road Trip across America! Kiki Kitty, one of Gaia's most beloved characters, is traveling across America and her next stop is here at Otakon. Kiki is hosting a special Gaia Online panel where Gaia Online members can meet each other and the staff while finding out more about Gaia's newest games and features. In addition to hanging out with your fellow Gaians, all attendees will receive free gold and a limited edition ring for Gaia’s new MMO. All attendees will also have a chance to win a jumbo Kiki plushie and other great prizes.

Lucky Star portrays the every day lives of not so ordinary high school girls. Konata Izumi shirks all her responsibilities in order to devote her full time energy to her true passion: ANIME. Watch as silliness ensues from this surreal slice of life comedy.

A boy named Agito stumbles upon a machine which has been keeping a girl named Toola in suspended animation for 300 years. Toola awakens to discover that the earth's environment has been radically altered due to genetic experiments that her father was involved in, and that the forest itself has become a sentient entity. Together with Shunack, another person from the past, Toola attempts to use long dormant technology to return things to the way they used to be.

A huge local hit, writer-director Joko Anwar's second film is a grimy horror noir about a narcoleptic reporter and a curse that's wiping out anyone with knowledge of a certain supernatural secret. Beginning with burnt corpses from a mob lynching, the story cruises through the dirty, rain-swept streets of a destitute Indonesia in search of an elusive truth involving gangsters, petty criminals, corrupt cops, conniving politicians and occult creatures.

Tohru Soma and his group attempted to hack into FLAK, a major military organization run by the United Nations to prevent cyber terrorism. However, they were discovered quickly, which resulted in the death of the group's leader and their arrest. To avoid prison, Tohru joined FLAK to find the leader's killer.

Visual Novels, computer games that combine text, images, and music to tell a story, are a major source of inspiration for Anime and Manga. In this panel, we'll teach you how to make your own visual novels, covering both the basics of the medium and the details of the Ren'Py engine. No prior programming experience is needed.

Two DBZ specials from the early 90s. "Bardock, the Father of Goku", tells the story of Bardock, a low-ranking Saiyajin soldier given the power to see into the future by the last remaining alien on a planet he just destroyed. He witnesses the destruction of his race and must now do his best to stop Furiza's impending massacre. And in "The History of Trunks", it has been thirteen years since the Androids began their killing rampage and Son Gohan is the only person fighting back. He takes Bulma's son Trunks as a student and even gives his own life to save Trunks's. Now Trunks must figure out a way to change this apocalyptic future.

Two young twins, Thor and Rai, live on the space colony Juno. One day they arrive home and discover that their parents have been murdered, and for unknown reasons they are soon kidnapped and abandoned on Chimera, a penal colony. Chimera, also known as the "Planet of the Beast King" (Jyu Oh Sei), is a harsh world which is populated with giant carnivorous plants and sparse groups of criminals and outcasts. Thor and Rai must desperately fight for survival.

Come and join us as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, known as "PGSM" for short; Toei's Live-Action Sailor Moon Series and share our love for Sailor Moon as a series that began as a manga and expanded into an anime, musical and finally a live action series similar to those that inspired the creator! Relive or experience for the first time some of the memorable scenes from PGSM through the videos we will provide and learn the romance dance. There will also be a Contest with prizes and for coming we will have door prizes! There will also be time for a question/answer period at the end of the panel. If you don't attend in the name of the moon you will be punished!

Join representatives from FUNimation as they reveal upcoming projects, titles, and secrets at this not-to-be-missed industry panel!

Join Otakon staff as we ceremonially kick off the 15th year of the Convention of Otaku Generation!

Astroboy made history by being the first weekly Japanese animated cartoon in 1963. For the next five years, more and more TV anime would debut, almost all of it monochromatic. Join us for a look at (and discussion of) this often-forgotten chapter of anime history.

Wondering what's new or what's in store from Media Blasters? This informative industry-led panel will provide all the answers!

Masao Maruyama of Madhouse Studios will return once again to talk about new projects and answer questions from the audience.

Follow us down the old bone-eater's well to Feudal Japan where you'll meet everyone's favorite dog-eared hanyou. We'll discuss the series in general, including speculation about what's to come with the anime, the direction of the manga, which is still running strong, and compare sub vs. dub and manga vs. anime. Find out what drives Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series and maybe even discover just what Sesshoumaru's fluff really is.

A retrospective of past AMVs from previous years at Otakon; looking back at the best and most memorable videos created by fans.

Four gorgeous high school boys have just made a deal with the devil. In order to have free rent at their luxurious mansion, they must take on the ultimate challenge and help the landlady's niece become a true lady. Unfortunately for them they have their work cut out for them as Sunako, a horror loving dark female is happy just the way she is.

Mushi are neither plants nor animals and they differ from other forms of life, resembling the primeval body of life. Their existence and appearance are unknown to many and only a limited number of humans are aware of them. Ginko is a "Mushi-shi" who travels around to investigate and find out more about the "Mushi". In the process, he also lends a helping hand to people who face problems with supernatural occurances which may be related to the "Mushi".

Deeply disturbed writer Minwoo is plagued by fragmented memories, strange incidents, and a mysterious female follower. Maverick Korean director Lee Myung-Se (NOWHERE TO HIDE) masterfully weaves a gorgeously surreal intellectual thriller out of supersaturated colors, distorted imagery, nonlinear storytelling, and bizarrely creative lensing and editing that reflect Mr. M's warped psyche. Hallucinogenic and hypnotic.

Kudo Shinichi is a seventeen year-old high school detective who witnessed an illegal trade, resulting in his being knocked unconscious and fed a drug that was supposed to kill him. Instead, he was reverted to his seven year old self. Now, to track down the men who did this to him, he hides his identity and lives with his childhood sweetheart Ran - whose father is a hopeless detective.

A compilation of the first third (approximately) of the classic and influential 1979 series that marked the end of the "Super Robot" era and the beginning of a more realistic trend in mecha anime.

Afro Samurai (Samuel L. Jackson) is the tale of a black samurai's hunt for Justice (Ron Perlman), the man who murdered his father. Afro Samurai blends traditional Japanese culture, funky technology and hip hop to create a brutally fresh entertainment experience.

Planning a trip to Tokyo in the near future? Need some advice and insight? Our team of traveling consultants will provide all the necessary and key information for those who need to survive Tokyo on a budget! Topics covered will include flight and accommodation options, eating and dining out, and discovering Tokyo without spending too much money!

Publisher Yamila Abraham gives her Yaoi Press presentation. She'll announce new titles, and give submission information. There will be a quiz at the end of the slide-show. If you get your answer right, you get free yaoi. If you get the answer wrong, you will have a marshmallow shot at you.

Meet Michael Sinterniklaas, as he talks about his leap into voice acting and all things Venture.

A celebration and overview of the many genres of Megaman. We have a team of four panelists who have been fans of Megaman / Rockman since its conception in the 1980's. Each one of us specializes in a genre... from the classic series, to X, on to DASH, and the most recent Battle Network and Star Force.

The panel will go over how to draw the human figure while looking at a live model. I will review the importance of fast versus longer poses, materials to use, and I will review the importance of line quality and go over shading if there's time.

Come learn all about Falcom, the game studio responsible for Japan's first nationally-developed RPG, and the only major publisher still active in (non-hentai) Japanese PC gaming. Well-known for their Ys, Legend of Heroes, and Xanadu series, as well as their unique brand of hard-rock soundtracks (and infamous 80s hair band!), this prolific publisher has been around since 1981, and still holds the record for the best-selling PC game in Japanese history. Come see some of their games in action, find out what they're up to now, and maybe even claim a prize from our vast stash of giveaway goods!

Is your yaoi or yuri collection getting a little stale? This panel, led by representatives from Media Blasters, will show you some of their hottest new alternative releases - and it might give you a glimpse of their upcoming titles and projects, too!

Takeuchi Naoko or Takeuchi-sensei, what most fans call her, is best known for Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon. But what over works has Naoko come up with? Come join us for an overview and discussion about her other works and how successfully were they to her most famous Sailor Moon series. There will be time for a question/answer period at the end of the panel. All Ages.

After his father, the Emperor of Britannia, failed to prevent the assassination of his mother, an attack which also left his sister blind and crippled, the young prince Lelouch vowed to destroy Britannia. Seven years later, living in Area 11, he encounters a mysterious girl named C.C., who gives him the power of Geass. With it, he finally has the power that he needs to defeat Britannia and fulfill his two wishes: to seek revenge for his mother and to construct a world in which his beloved sister can live happily.

Boy wants to confess to girl he loves. Boy encounters mysterious alien chick. Boy accidentally gets engaged to mysterious alien chick. Haven't I heard this plot somewhere before?

Japan was divided after losing World War II: Hokkaido was annexed by "Union" while Honshu and other southern islands were under US sovereignty. A gigantic yet mysterious tower was constructed at Hokkaido. Three 9th graders had made a promise that one day they'll build an aircraft and unravel the tower's mystery, but abandoned it when one began experiencing sleeping sickness and transferred to Tokyo. Three years later, the others discover that the third has been in a coma, and seek a way to revive her.

Shortly after her mother's funeral, bar-girl Mayumi discovers that mom was actually sent back in time to avert Japan's financial crisis. Heavily in debt to loan sharks, Mayumi follows mom to help set things right. What follows is an entertaining sci-fi satire filled with culturally specific in-jokes about the pre-crash, flush-with-cash Japanese economy. The more you appreciate recent Japanese history (along with disco, instamatic cameras, pagers and the like), the more you'll dig it.

Risa Koizumi, taller than the average girl, and Atsushi Ootani, shorter than the average guy...their constant bickering and comical love-hate relationship is well-known throughout the school. But when Risa notices her feelings for Ootani growing, she's worried.

When Goemon's bride(!) is kidnapped by ninja, Lupin & Co. must rescue her, protect the treasure the ninja are after, and hopefully steal some of it for themselves.

A Lolita fashion show by the people for the people! Witness Lolita fashion from the original Japanese brands, individual pieces by regular folks such as yourself, and mini-collections from up-and-coming American lolita designers! Marvel at the versatility of this beautiful fashion! Come one, come all, for this is the ultimate Lolita fashion show!

An introduction to the mainstream music scene of Japan. Topics will be explored through varying artists and genres alike with the freshest music possible. Discussion ideas will include, but not restricted to "What is J-Music?," "Why do we like J-Music?," and "Acquiring and Sampling."

Born in a small apartment from the inner workings of a career drunkard, musician and programmer, you've probably seen it on the internet in various thread hijacks, images and videos, or heard about it talked amongst obscure gaming fans as "that crazy fairy shooter". Now learn about the curtain fire shooter series and the fanworks surrounding it, created by a fanbase as deranged and creative as the alcoholic behind it. One of the largest and most unique and dedicated fandoms in Japan, this is Touhou.

12 original RPGs, 3 anime series, and a plethora of spin off games... the "Tales of..." series is growing, and shows no signs of stopping! One of the largest RPG series to come from Japan, rivaled with the likes of Final Fantasy, this series is finally earning attention state-side and we're here to answer questions and inform about what may or may not be known to the casual or even hardcore fan.

The story begins when Light Yagami, an ace student with great prospects, finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god named Ryuk. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and Light vows to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals mysteriously begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective "L" to investigate, and he is soon hot on the trail of Light, who must reevaluate his once-noble goal. Both Light and L believe themselves to be on the side of justice, and the two match wits trying to show exactly which of them is "good" and which of them is "evil."

Come watch a two hour showcase of top-notch Anime Music Videos from around the world as they compete in this years AMV Contest. Help us determine the winners by voting for your favorite AMVs. Ballots will be provided. Cast your vote in the ballot box at the Info Desk. Results will be announced at the con.

Can you write but can't draw? Can you draw, but don't know what story to tell? Find out how various writers and artists have put together comics and webcomics.

Astound your friends and confuse your enemies by rationalizing the end of Evangelion! We will be taking a look at the philosophical underpinnings of several big name shows including Trigun, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and The Irresponsible Captain Tylor. If you like your anime with a cerebral twist, please come argue... er, discuss your theories with us!

Ninja - "One skilled in the art of stealth." Ninja have been portrayed in countless media for many years. But who were they really? What did they actually do? Learn how to live, think, and fight like a ninja in "How to Become a Ninja in 1 Hour." Find out for yourself if you've got what it takes!

The Naruto Fanpanel returns for another year at Otakon! This panel holds as a forum for those who are into the Naruto fandom. In this panel, panelists and audience shall discuss many different topics of the hit anime/manga series. With the emergence of the American catching up with the Japanese original and its rise in popularity worldwide, we hold discussions and debates about our fanndom ninja series. Such topics include "where is the manga heading now", "will the American dub keep as close to the original", and many others!

WWWA trouble consultants Kei and Yuri, codenamed "Lovely Angel," are sent to investigate a feud between two familiar looking nations over the mineral vizorium, they don't count on either a mad scientist with his own intentions for the substance, or their own knack for trouble that has led to their nickname.

Balsa the spearwoman is a wandering warrior who takes on the task of saving lives in atonement for a past sin. On her journey she happens to save a prince and is tasked with becoming his bodyguard...and he's going to need one, for his own father, the emperor, wants him dead. Considered to be one of the most breathtaking anime series, this one should not be missed.

Being the gallant hero never pays off. At least, that's what Kazuki Muto finds out when he gets killed trying to rescue a girl. In order to save his life, Kazuki gets implanted with a Kakugane, which forms a mystical spear. He finds himself being forced to fight monsters in order to protect his family and friends.

Satou Tatsuhiro is a 22 year old NEET and hikikomori (shut-in) who believes everything around him is a consipiracy by the NHK (Nihon Hikikomori Kyokai) to make people like him hikikomoris. Satou intends to break free from the NHK's clutches, but his own nature prevents him; that is, until he meets Misaki Nakahara, who selects Satou for her "project" that she claims will cure him of his hikikomori ways.

When iconoclast Sion Sono (Suicide Club) decided to deconstruct the long black hair conventions of J-horror, he created one of the most unpredictable and original scare flicks of recent memory. Family dysfunction, child abuse, insane morgue attendants, and a monster made of hair combine in a bizarre, hilarious, creepy, avant garde freakshow wholly unlike anything you've seen before.

In their closed-off underground village, Kamina and Simon chafe at the limits imposed by the village elder, until Simon stumbles on a fantastic mecha, and another mecha crashes through the roof of the village.

Live performance by JAM PROJECT (Times approximate)

Female webcomic creators talk about the industry and women in it.

You watch a lot of anime: why else would you be at an anime convention? But, do you know who makes the shows you love? Directors, character designers, writers: by knowing the forces behind your shows, you can not only have a greater appreciation of anime as a whole, but you'll find that such knowledge can go a long way toward finding previously unknown-to-you shows that are up your alley.

Japan's music scene is a thriving beast built upon visual presentation of it's artists, and sometimes they do the most absurd things in the process in the name of entertainment. Come forth and you will see some of the more bizarre and even horrendous videos from the Japanese Pop and Rock scene from popular acts to the obscure. Sit back, relax, as you laugh, cry, and most likely ask yourself why you torment yourself with Awesomely Bad J-Music Videos! (Warning: Some videos may be harmful to your eyes, ears, and general well-being.)