Last weekend, SMASH! (Sydney Anime and Manga Show) came back for another year to bring it’s fans another spectacular anime and pop culture event, held at the same place as last year The University of New South Wales at the Roundhouse Dome.
Unlike previous years, this year was a 2 day weekend event but due to work as I already mentioned a few days ago, I could only attend the Saturday. Still,  I reckon I didn’t miss too much overall as I was told Sunday had a lot less people and it was less eventful compared to Saturday.

So I arrived there at around 9:40am and already I can see an ever growing queue. Luckily I was close to the front of the entrance at the door sales line and by 10:20am, I was already inside.

Once inside, I made my round trip to the stallholders to see if there was any ‘eye-catching’ items I wanted before it got busy. This was a good time to see if there was any rare items on the shelf before it disappears for good. I understand it’s not likely given the fact most stallholders here sells items from mainstream series like for example Naruto, Final Fantasy etc. but it doesn’t stop me in putting a little effort to browser around.
Good thing is, my effort did pay off as I was able to grab a few items I wanted. Even though they weren’t rare, I had a feeling if I pass it now, I won’t see it when I come back. ^^

Soon afterwards, I met up with Adun and Roobar and for the first time Shin as well. The is the first time Shin attended SMASH! and from the look of his face, he looks to be enjoying himself from the event from what I saw. (Correct me if I’m wrong) :)
An hour later, Koshiko & Ou7 (her brother) arrived and we all decided to hang out. One of the reasons I wanted to attend on Sunday was because Koshiko & Ou7 had a table on the day only and Adun was invited to be a part of the ABJD Photography Panel along with J*Me from The Faireground. I’m not sure if he made a fool of himself or not but hopefully someone managed to tape it so I can see for myself. xD

Other people I managed to bump into or they bump into me includes Snark (I still don’t get his hatred towards moe :P), reijin64, Bubby, Emily and a few of M12 friends where he unfortunately dogged out this year, icie & Pudding (first time meeting them).

She was the doors person for the maid cafe. This year I didn’t go inside but its not because I’m getting sick of maids, it was more of not willing to wait in line for them. :)

Below is the ABJD table. A few others people brought along their Asian Ball Joint Dolls to show and display and allow many people to take pictures of them. Off course I took advantage of that. Despite not being a big fan of ABJD, I do appreciate them and the people who own one.

Roobar Saber and Adun Erika

Not Koshiko DD Yoko but I know she has one. :)

Kawaii :3

Just above is the Karaoke room and for the first time I heard Koshiko sing. WOOT!!!!
She did a duet with her brother for the first song and she sang solo the next. I managed to record both performances but I will need her permission first before I upload it. lol

Compared to last year event, this year was a big improvement. There was more stallholders, art tables, cosplayers, activities and given the fact it’s a 2 day weekend event, more people.
Just like Supanova, I missed out on the Madman Cosplay Competition but this time I did it deliberately. I know with conventions the Cosplay Competition is the main event of the day but I was never too eager to squeeze myself in amongst the crowd. Sure, this a great opportunity to take pictures of them on stage but I already got most of them and most of the time, cosplay competitions are a miss for me as I’m not a big fan of them overall.
Still, I managed to watch the first half at the back and then I took a nap at the Madman theater room as I was dead tired from all the walking and my back was killing me. >_<

Definitely an event I will attend next year and this time, I will work ‘extra’ hard to make it for the 2nd day if there’s another 2 day weekend event next year.

More coverage of SMASH! can be found at:

• Bubby’s SmugMug Day 1
• Bubby’s SmugMug Day 2
• Pixels on Pireze Day 1
• Pixels on Pireze Day 2
• Technical Solitude
• Crescentelusion (Day 1 & 2)
• Moé Moé Rabu Day 1, Cosplay Competition
• Moé Moé Rabu Day 2, Cosplay Competition
• The Tsundere