With most conventions you attend to, there may always be some form of loot you bring home whether it’s big or small so here is my small loot from the day.

• Valkyria Chronicles fanart piece: $5
• Vocaloid lamented fanart pieces: 2 for $8
• KOTOKO: Hane album: $20

As the last convention of the year, I didn’t felt the urge to spend a lot. Having said that, there wasn’t anything in particular that was calling out to me in wanting to be bought. Off course, there was a few eye-catching items like for example a Fate/Stay Night fanbook and another similar Fate/Stay Night artbook with NSFW illustrations but your looking at a price of $140 on that one. If my memory serves me right, the guy told me it was a Japan exclusive so that could justify the price a bit. I knew he wasn’t lying because it was nothing I’ve seen before and the artbook was textbook thick.

Moving along, as you can see, I picked up KOTOKO first album Hane. For $20 bucks, I consider it a bargain because if I order it from cdjapan, I would have to pay almost twice that much.

Last but not least, some artworks in supporting the clubs. I liked the Miku fanart a lot as she looks very techno and as usual, most clubs had these deals where the more you buy the more you save so I grabbed the Rin and Len one for an extra $2 bucks.

As for the Valkyria Chronicles fanart, I just thought it looks pretty and considering I’m a VC fanboy, it was an instant GET!!
Even though I know she doesn’t look like Alicia, I still reckon she looks pretty. It’s a pretty artwork if you ask me. :)

So the total damage works out to….. well, I will let you do the math. xD

Continuing on from Part 1, we get to see many more awesome cosplayers throughout the day. So hit the jump for the final wrap and a picture of myself with one of my favourite cosplayer. :D

Can’t get enough of them :)

Yes, it’s BRS ^^

Eternal Sonata?

WOW, it’s King Bradley!!!

My favourite shot of the day ^^

ZOMG, it’s Alicia :D

Yes, that’s me. lol

…and finally, a picture of myself with my favourite cosplayer of the day. I was surprised, yet shocked to see an Alicia cosplayer that day. WHAT ARE THE ODDS!? I guess it’s fate. :D
If you don’t know already, Alicia is one of main characters from the game and anime series “Valkyria Chronicles”. Best game ever and one of the best series I’m enjoying this year.

This is not the first time I’ve posted myself in my own blog. If  you’ve been a frequent reader, you should already know how I look like. To be honest, it’s not often I smile because I always look weird when I do. >_>

Well, that’s the end of the wrap and the end of conventions in Sydney for 2009.

As the 2nd year for the event to be held at Australian Technology Park, I can say it was a huge improvement compared to last year. Other than the impressive quality of cosplayers, I find there was a lot more stallholders, clubs and events during the day. Like in general, there was a lot more things to do and things to see where they took proper usage of the area space of the warehouse while still providing adequate space for people to move around. Compared to last year event, half of the stallholders and clubs decided not to come hence half of the warehouse felt like empty and you can see many activities and events have been allocated a lot more room than necessary to just try and fill in the place. Considering there wasn’t as many people compared to this year, those events started to become less interesting.

Another downside from this year was the entrance fee. If I’m correct, they pre-registration fee for both days was $50 bucks but for only a certain period of time before the 2nd pre-registration comes in. I don’t know what the price was from the 2nd pre-registration but it wasn’t $50. To this point, I’m still unsure why they had 2 pre-registration date but really, it was just unnecessary.
This year entrance fee was $35. I was shocked as I really thought it was $30, just like last year but from what I can see, it’s seems like the price keeps going up year after year after year. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was $40 next year. :S
I’m not gonna deliberate why the price keeps going up but I get the feeling, to continuing enjoying these events in the future it’s gonna get more and more expensive. T_T

Well, this sums it up for another year. Looking back, I don’t have a favourite convention but I enjoyed each and everyone of them. The level of cosplayers this year has certainly reach it’s high point and I hope it will continue in 2010. Maybe the quality of cosplayers in 2010 will be even better.  ^^

For more coverage of the event, please check out:

• Moé Moé Rabu Saturday Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
• Moé Moé Rabu Sunday Part 1, Part 2
• Bubby’s SmugMug Saturday, Sunday
• Pixels on Pireze Saturday, Sunday
• Crescent Elusion Saturday

Last weekend, Animania was back in Sydney again at Australian Technology Park for a fun-filled 2 day event. As the last convention in Sydney for the year, it was to be expected of a huge attendance and a huge event to sum up the year.
As usual, considering this was a weekend event, I could only attend on the Saturday because I had work on Sunday. Even though by chance, I didn’t have work on Sunday I would’ve attended the Saturday only as Animania on a whole is not as exciting as it use to be a few years back.
I guess, when you attend these events every year, you kinda lose that hype and excitement overtime when things starts to become repetitive.

One of the winning costumes from the previous WCS rounds

This year compared to the last, I did not pre-register and I did not arrive there early before the doors open. Because I wasn’t bothered to get up early just to wait in line for about an hour before I could walk in, I decided to leave a little bit later.
Arriving there at 10:40am, I still had to wait in line for about 4omins before I could walk in. The pre-registered line was just as long as the door sales line and I was kinda annoyed I still had to wait that long even though I purposely arrive there late. If it wasn’t for Animania Insight where my good mate Adun was a guest panelist for “Just One More! A Collector’s Life”, then I would’ve arrived there just a bit later.

Speaking about the panel event, I thought it was one of the highlights of the day. Even though I was about 10-15mins late, I still find it was fun and informative even though I already knew half the stuff presented. I thought there will be a lot more people attending this panel but considering it took place at 11:15am and  while many people are either taking a look at stallholders and doing other things or are still waiting in line, it’s to be expected.

Other winning costumes of the previous WCS rounds across Australia

For the rest of the day, I hung out with Adun and his 2 mates Roobar and Blox. During the day, I was able to meet up with Raymond (M12 friend), Bubby, icie and a few other people Adun knew back in his Uni days and clubs. It’s was great getting to know them and sharing our ‘otaku passion’ together. :D

Dollfie photography Competition. Theme was “Emotion”

Adun entry

The level of cosplayers  this year was fantastic. There was more variety compared to last year event and the quality many people offered was impressive. A few years back, you would’ve seen many people dressed up as their favourite characters from mainstream series like Bleach, Naruto and Final Fantasy but nowadays, you don’t see them as much often as before.
With many other popular series  from many anime and games, I find Australian cosplayers want to try something different and are up for challenge to successfully look like that character as much as possible.

Because of the variety of so many awesome cosplayers, it was hard for me to cram all the photos into one post so I decided to split it into 2 parts. As I don’t re-size my images anymore, the loading time could would be pretty lengthily if I didn’t.

ABJD Table

That’s the wrap of Part 1. Look forward to Part 2 coming very soon with more awesome cosplay photos. There’s  a picture of myself with one of  my favourite cosplayers if your interested. lol

UPDATE: Part 2 is up. Click here for the continuation.

For more coverage of the event, please check out:

• Moé Moé Rabu Saturday Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
• Moé Moé Rabu Sunday Part 1, Part 2
• Bubby’s SmugMug Saturday, Sunday
• Pixels on Pireze Saturday, Sunday
• Crescent Elusion Saturday

Once again, I wrap up my SMASH! 09 coverage with a view of my spending hence LOOT!!!
Considering this year there were a lot more stallholders and artist tables, I find there was a much more variety to choose from but nevertheless, I had to focus on the items I really want and not just go on an impulsive spending spree.

As seen above is my small but pricey loot. I say pricey because not only I went over-budget (budget: $200AUD), it’s 3x what I spent compared to last year loot at SMASH!.

The following items are:

• 1/6 Yoko Gurren-hen version by Kotobukiya: $140
• Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage boxset: $55
• Viva La Animation! T-shirt: $30
• Kagami Plushy (Pig version) (I think that’s how you say it): $60

Many of my readers know by now (if you don’t then you will know now) there was only ever 1 Yoko PVC I wanted. This Yoko stand out from the rest in my eyes and thanks to it’s customizable gun and other bits and pieces as addition features, it surely was a worthy one to get. I think this is the only Yoko available to date which gives you a lot more range in customization.
Brought it from the Anime Excess booth, their asking price was $150 but thanks to my bargaining ego I was able to bring it down to $140. I’m sure everyone wants to buy stuff at the lowest price possible and to do that, you have to negotiate even if it may backfire. ^^

Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage boxset was a no brainier. Picked it up from the Madman booth. It was either get it now or in the city next week. The boxset for 2nd season was only out recently and considering I already have Season 1, it was natural to get the other one because Black Lagoon is one of the best series EVER!!!

The Viva La Animation! T-shirt was purchased from the animeUNSW club booth. I remember seeing this illustration on the net somewhere but I can’t remember where and I thought it was quite cool. I had feeling if I walk away now and come back later, it will be all gone so without regrets I grabbed it. This time I made sure I try it on first to ensure it fits unlike last time a few years back where I bought T-shirt at a convention only to realised it didn’t fit when I got home. ><

A closer look at the picture

$30 is quite pricey but hell you only live once right? LOL

Last but not least, Kagami Plushy (Pig version). Bought it from Tamarket at a rather impulsive moment. Despite not being a big Kagami fan, it was too cute and hilarious to pass up.
I just can’t help but smile everytime I look at it. :3

Finally, the rest of the miscellaneous items:

• Yui fanart: Free (Thanks Koshiko & Ou7 :3)
• Ichigo Mashimaro fanart (Pack of 4): $10
• Ranka Lee badges (x2): $5

So the total damage was exactly $300AUD excluding my entry fee. It’s not everyday I blow 300 away but meh. xD

Next up is Animania in 3 weeks time. This will be the biggest and last convention in Sydney for the year but I’m debating if I will be attending or not. If I do, it will be the Saturday only this year.

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

Wrapping up my Supanova coverage, I present you my small little loot I acquired at the event. This year, my set budget was AUD$200 and I am happy to say, I’ve met my target. Actually I was way below my budget so is a good sign.
Hit the jump for a more detailed listing.

Nendoroid Louise - $69

Paying $69 bucks for a nendoroid is not considered cheap in my books. Most of the time, I don’t even need to pay that much online including shipping but given that fact she’s hard to find nowadays and she was a Hobby Stock exclusive to begin with, I would be paying a higher price to get her online so $69 is a fair call.  She makes it my third Louise  figure and I get the feeling she won’t be my last.

Cushion covers - 2 for $35

Both of these cushion covers was too hard to pass up. Not only I adore Shana and Akihime, Sumomo from the not so popular series Nanatsuiro Drops, I love the Rozen Maiden series and I love Shinku as well.
It was a tough decision to decide which one I wanted so I follow my heart and chose both. I was willing to negotiate the price consider each cover cost $20 so I suggested $35 for both and they were happy at that price. Sometimes it pays off to bring out my negotiation skills.

Yoko fanart - $5

A Yoko fan art I picked up from a club. I’m not really into fan art too much but when it comes from characters I know and love, I just can’t seem to resist.

So the total amount adds up to AUD$109. It’s a big improvement compared to last year event where I forked out over $300+.
Given I was tempted on a variety of items throughout the day, I resisted to only a few items I really wanted and can fit in my room. It’s no question I will  need a bigger bookcase to cater my incoming goods in the next few months. Other than that, another alternative I can think off is to sell some of my unwanted goods so they can be treasures from some people out there.