Baka!Con a Success!

UYD-Daimyo Paula "Shadowmage" Mueller (coordinator for the UYD/Baka!Con 99 Event) did an outstanding job in putting together the UYD's second official con get-together. This time we were a lot more involved -- Katherine Daida of the Baka-Committee allowed us to have our own UYD Fan Table in the exibitor's hall, along with an official get-together or "party" for UYD members and UY fans alike. RYAAAAAAA!!! Shads, take a bow. Your service as a UYD Retainer is most appreciated! Check out our Baka!Con Photo Album, with photos submitted by Matt Nelson!

The Baka!Con 99's Program Book was LOADED with all-new UY artwork by Stan! 11 new pics in all, including the cover artwork! Check out the Official UYD/Baka!Con Art Portfolio!!!

UYD-Daimyo Shadowmage's Official Baka!Con '99 Report

Hi Todd-Shogun!

Thank you for the notes! I'm still hopping after Baka!Con. Can you tell? :)

The UYD get-together was a little scrambled, but we did have Stan there--for a little while (the Taiko Drum Demo was at the same time). The tech showed the video, and then Stan came back for a hour of how he draws Usagi and friends, as well as a talk. At the UYD get-together, we got to meet Antonia Levi (the professor from Portland who uses "Grasscutter's" first two issues in her class. I found out it was one of her students who wrote in about the seeming confusion in the first 2 issues of Grasscutter). She was last year's Baka!Con guest of honor. It was a very laid-back session. We talked about Usagi, Grasscutter, anime, manga and other topics--kinda wandered wherever we wanted to go.

Stan had at least 3 panels that I attended. Two were about Usagi, and one was about his trip to Japan with Sharon, Lynn Johnson (& her husband) and the artist who writes/draws Savage Dragon. Attendance was small, but very interested, so it was a very good time--almost like a private event.

I manned the Usagi Dojo fan table on Saturday from about 10:30AM - 3ishPM before the get-together and Stan's panel. Mostly, I talked story with people who came by, and handed out Dojo leaflets to interested comers. It was a good spot since I was in a nice area just to one side of Registration, the Dealer's Room and in front of a pair of Panel/viewing rooms that had a fair amount of traffic. I laid out my Usagi figurine (I haven't taken it out yet), my Grasscutter issues, Space Usagi collection & Dragon Bellow Conspiracy hardback (signed bookplate/Adachi Plain story) & hung out the banner. I even took a picture of the layout :) I let people look at anything, although at least one person was a little surprised that I would let people handle my comics (I let people look at my Dragon Bellow book if they wanted). After that, I left leaflets for people to take on the main table.

Unfortunately, the crane-folding contest was cancelled due to lack of participants. Bummer, that, but it happens....

The room party ran from 8:30 - 12:30 midnight on Saturday night. Antonia Levi dropped by early on and stayed for quite a while. About half a dozen people I know from regional Cons came by to visit and talk. More dropped in to say "hi". Matt Nelson was there to help me set up and had a blast. Hey, it was coool! Soda (diet/regular Coke), 3 kinds of chips (corn, barbecue & salt/vinegar), spicy Cheese Dip and Roast Garlic salsa, Spring-Blue Oreos, cashews, and M&Ms (crunchy, almond & peanut). I donated everything (except the M&Ms, cashews and oreos) to the Con's Hospitality & Ops when we were done. The Dojo held the *first* "official" room party at a Baka!Con.

Stan was in the Dealer's room for quite some time every day sketching and drawing and talking to fans and newcomers alike. He was very generous with his time. I got a sketch of Gen done during the "Usagi & Pals" panel (after the get-together) that he signed. I also bought the "Usagi possessed by Jei's black soul" Convention drawing.... Heh heh heh.... ;)

Baka!Con passed 600 registrants as of Saturday, but Friday and Sunday were fairly quiet (mostly why I didn't set up the table then). The Masquerade (Cos-Play) intermission had 4 incredible music videos ("It's a Beautiful Life" was fun-ny! and "Phantom of the Opera"--ooooh, man! these were w of 3 videos that won the Anime Expo award) and the trailer for the remake of "Vampire Hunter D" (oh man! I've got to get that when it comes out!) The Con had their own official photographer, so I will ask for some of Stan at various events. I have a few shots. Matt Nelson (M@ Nelson) has said he will scan and send you some pics also.

Abayo,
Shadowmage :)

UYD-Hatamoto Shadowmage reports the following info about Baka!Con and Stan Sakai's involvement:

BAKA!Con '99

Dates:  April 23-25, 1999
Site (tentatively):  Double Tree Inn
                     205 Strander Blvd.
                     Seattle, WA  98188
Call:  1-800-222-Tree (for reservations)

Membership Rates:  $30.00 through December 1, 1998
                   $35.00 through March 31, 1999
                   $40.00 at the Door
                   *Make checks payable to BAKA-Con*

WE WILL FEATURE Anime Video Programming, Anime Premiere(s), Panels,
Autographs, Masquerade (Cos-Play), Trade Show, Fan Clubs, Parties,
Gaming Room, Art/Model Show and Auction, Charity Auction, Anime Themed
Dance DJ'd by DJ Ryo-Ohki, Anime Music Video contest, Open Karaoke, Game
Shows, Ukyo's Bar and Grill, and MORE!!!

Guest of Honor:  Stan Sakai!

Send Inquiries to:  BAKA!Con
                    P. O. Box 44976
                    Tacoma, WA  98444
                    Telephone:  (253) 535-2395
                    E-Mail:  bakacon@nausicaa.net
                    http://baka-con.org

Shadowmage's NOTES to Todd-Shogun:
I spoke to Edric at Incon, 2 weeks ago, at the Baka!Con room party.

Edric said there will be a free-form crane-folding contest--hands only, no surface to put the origami-paper down on. Stan will be one of the judges. This event will be timed. (I think he mentioned prizes, but I'm not sure.)

Stan will have a "How-I-Draw-Usagi" panel.

Edric told me that Baka!Con also has programming about understanding culture and the diversity of culture, whether it is Japanese, Chinese, etc. because culture so influences what we see in anime and manga, etc. (One of the Con's goals is the promotion of cultural understanding.)

More goodies/info as I find them out, or as Edric e-mails either of us.

Notes to Shadowmage from Todd-Shogun:
Arigato!!

Go to the Baka!Con 99 Website!!!