NDK 2012: Day 1

I guess it’s that time of the year already, here in Colorado the trees start to turn amber and yellow and frost dots the cars and plants. The kiss of winter begins, but we can’t forget that record hot summer. Not only did we shatter the record for consecutive days in the 90’s we busted the record for the most 100’s in three months, it’s been hot and dry. Colorado has be stricken with fire and wind, we welcome the cold with open arms. Enough about the weather, lets kick this convention into gear and grab the wheel, it’s going to be a wild ride.

Speaking of ride, parking was rough, seems to get worse every year, while check in went smoothly. I think NDK is a husky kid just begging for a new set of larger jeans, growth is never easy but these pants are getting a bit too small. NDK just does not have another option at this time that would be affordable, safe and accommodating or at least that’s the word from the board. I have hope for the future, but I think the that NDK will remain at the DTC for at least a few more years.

Guests, guests and more guests! The list this year is amazing, the amount of guests and the level of talent is impressive, honestly I feel the lineup at NDK this year is more solid than Anime Expo 2012, and they were fairly solid. Check out this list homes!

Bam! I told you it was long, and I left the links to the profiles on NDK Denver website so if you want to go learn more about them you got a source. These are some interesting folks and with any luck we will be sitting down with a few of them in interviews* and or attending their panels.

* – With any luck >_<

After setting up base and getting our badges we proceeded to the dealers room to see the spread. I was surprised to find a much better selection than last year, which was a little picked over. Vendors lined up ready for the rush of fans soon to fill the peaceful space with chaos and excitement. The eyes of the guests eager with anticipation to get their hands on that figure that they have been dreaming of or that wall scroll from their new favorite show. I remember that feeling from years ago, before I worked on AnimeRoot I was one of those fans waiting in line to buy the next dvd for my boxset collection and next volume of manga, and that figure I just had to have. Nostalgic feelings of NDK’s long past, these feelings come rushing back when I see that table of Pocky and Ramune, the rows of dvd’s and all those Gundams. “Back in the day” Ya now I’m starting to sound a bit old.

After shooting some photos, chatting up some dealers, talking to a few fans and doing a little shopping we left the dealers room and shot some hallway cosplays and then hit the room for some quick lunch. We brought our own fridge this year, and so far it’s working out great. Being hungry at a convention is a very bad thing.

Opening Ceremony

Now to light this powder keg, opening ceremonies! Honestly one of the more under rated events, I find it quite fun and helpful when planing my weekend. You get to meet all the guests, and talent, the main events are broken down, rules and instructions explained and convention outlined. This year NDK is supporting several non-profit charities, The American Heart Association, and The Community First Foundation – Aurora Victim Relief Fund. Both for friends and family lost this year.

But First more about NDK charities;

NDK has a lot of love to share, and does a great job in both fund raising and support. NDK hosted a support event to fold 1000 cranes for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. I had folded at least a hundred paper cranes for 9/11 victims, that was a very humble and yet moving way of showing support for those who lost their lives in that tragic attack. NDK has always cared for those in need, and has always hosted charity events to raise money and awareness for many great causes. Last year thousands of dollars were raised via the charity auction, silent auction and donation for Red Cross Japan for the recovery efforts for Tsunami and earthquake survivors. That very support was so appreciated by the attending Japanese guests, so much so that it brought tears to their eyes, the idea that so many people cared and wanted to lend a helping was very moving.

After opening ceremony we went and looked at the balcony’s and got ready for our first interview of the weekend. Wendy Powell was to be our first interview, and we saw here at opening ceremony but sadly she was unable to be found in time for our interview, some say she went looking for dinner at the famous Seattle Space Needle. Well this left us wasting time, so we headed down to a panel.

The Hetalia That Almost Was

We found ourselves neck deep in fan girls at this panel, I thought I was going to get glomped to death at one point, thankfully all the guests arrived on time and the show started. Hetalia is not for everyone but I think it’s a funny, witty, cute at times show. So how was the panel and was it a good panel? In short the panel was much better than expected, and I learned a lot about the show and the entire Funimation production from packaging to voice acting. There were a ton of really great stories told and some really funny videos screened.

Video Is NSFW YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

This video pretty much sums up how good the panel was. Go Buy the DVD’s there are even more goodies to be found on them! A huge thanks to Funimation!

Friday Concert

We Poked our heads in for a few songs at the Lolita Dark Concert, it was rather loud and sounded a bit over driven, I think the venue is not great for really loud music. Honestly it was quite a calm crowd for a rock concert, this is because I guess I’m just used to people punching each other and mosh pits. We shot some photos, took in the sound, and we moved on to the next panel.

Come To Denver! See The Seitz! Son of Seitz

Ah Patrick you are one of our favorites, this being your third year and our third time seeing your amazing panel. In this panel Mr.Seitz answered the most pressing of fan questions, and even voiced a few requests. We learned more about what Patrick has been working on and how his year of being the president of Mexico went. He says he has since stepped down from his position as president to be a minor political figure. It was uch a fun panel, I hope he keeps putting on these panels, and I hope to see him back next year!

After his panel we took some pictures of late night balcony’s and cosplayers. It’s been a long but fun day one. I’m simply amazed how many people attended this year, the floor is insane, and it’s really hard to take photos down there. Well onward and upwards to day 2.

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