Conventions

Conventions are an excuse to gather in huge numbers of otaku, either purely anime fans, or mixed in with Sci-Fi nerds and gaming geeks. The largest California conventions are Fanime in San Jose, and Anime Expo (AX for short) in Long Beach.

Fanime

The smaller of the two conventions (roughly 1/4 the size of AX), running in northern California since 1994. It was something of an off-shoot from AX, which originated San Jose, but has remained smaller over the years.

Happenings of Importance or Interest

• 2006: Annaliese's ruler of badassity.

Anime Expo

The largest anime expos in the US, growing roughly 25% per year. Each year they pull in some amazing guests, but the lines for presentations, signings, and the dealer area are rather ridiculous.

Happenings of Importance or Interest

• 2001 (or 2002?): Super Fanboy took all the time at the Shoji Kawamori panel, asking about technical details of a nuclear reactor in Earth Girl Arjuna, ignoring the fsking fact she was able to fly and stuff. Unfortunately, the fanboy was not punched, even once.