1) Cons aren't just for cosplay. If you like anime and video games at all, you'll find some fun.
2) You can't buy a single-day badge for Otakon anymore, so go for the weekend or don't bother, not worth paying weekend price for a day.

3) Run, run far far away, Otakon is shit. Fucking swarming with underage weeaboos, it's hot, it's crowded, just not worth it.

>>4745440

Thanks, I know they dont sell single days, but Sat would probably be the only day I could go. But if it really is almost all underage weaboos I probably wont bother.
Is that the general consensus on Otakon? That its not an event worth going to? Im mostly just curious because its in my city and wouldnt travel to goto one of the better cons.

>>4745453

It can be a fun experience. First of all only about 30-40% of people there Although it's mostly anime, there's plenty of video game and pop-culture cosplay too.

There's the video game room which has lots of genres and systems, tho it can be smelly and people hog games, sometimes Just browsing the artist's alley and vendors room can be fun. Check out the schedule of events and see if there's any panels or video screenings that sound interesting.

Though I don't envy you for living in Baltimore, I wish I was a lot closer to the con and could go straight home afterwards. it's a 6 hour drive for me :V

I find otakon to be rather run personally. Sure it's a big convention and it's hot but all summer conventions are hot, all conventions are crowded and all conventions are full of weeaboos. I wouldn't recommend going though if you are going to be solo, especially since the programing is weak this year. Maybe just check out a bit of the free public street festival they are doing this year. It could be interesting and it is free.

Since you live in the Nakuru re area and are lpoking to know why cons are about in Arlington VA, they have one in november called anime USA. It's small but the programing is good and it's kind of cheap I would recommend hitting that one up for a day if you just want a taste.

>>4745478
>>4745496

Thanks for the advice. So if I can only go for one day its probably not worth going? How is the rave normally? They only let in people over 18 right?

>>4746684
You wish. Nope the rave is open to everyone and there is such a strong BO that it floored me. it's like 100% humidity made of human sweat.

>>4746710

How the hell is that even a rave then!? Do they do wristbands and serve alcohol? Are their people rolling there, not that I do anymore, but ppl rolling their faces off is half the fun of raves. Damn I was hoping it would be a decent rave, I havent been to a good one since starscape. I can probably deal with the BO smell, I work at the biggest homeless shelter in Baltimore so it shouldnt phase me. So are you going to Otakon Lilitu? If so Im guessing your gonna pass on the rave then.

>>4746780
The only wristbands are to get into 18+ pannels. Yeah their are parents at cons and most of them just look at you disapprovingly. And there is no alcohol served at any convention I have been to besides Katsucon (that's at the Gaylord Inner Harbor in Feb.). It's not technically a rave, it's called "the dance" and showing up on drugs is not reccomended I've seen enough people get arrested for that sort of thing at conventions. Really its just a bunch of socially awkward people humping to terrible techno music.

I never go to raves like I said I only when last year for a couple of minutes before leaving. I can't stand the majority of that music, the funk is unbearible, and nothing about it appeals to me. Normally when it's rave time I just head to another part of the convention center and watch cosplayers or take photos. Or I find some cool people and drink with them in their hotel room.

Thanks alot for all the advice Lilitu. I think you just saved me $75 haha. I will probably check out the free street festival you were talking about. Then if I meet any cool people there see whats up for drinking that night.

+1 internets to you sir thanks again

I've never been to Otakon but I just wanted to comment on anime convention's "raves", better known as their dances. No idea if it is, but if it's anything like Anime Expo's dance then it's fucking fun. There are a lot less guys trying to stick their boner in you on the dance floor than at your average rave/club and it's just a happy atmosphere. You get over the BO after a while. AX Dance is also "all ages" but after 11 or 12 or so they will try to weed out the kids.

>>4746976

I still dont think it would be worth going if I have to spend $75 for one day and the rave/dance.

My experience was magical, but I'm sure that was due to it being my first con and also establishing my independence, in a way.

I wanted to attend cons with my friends when I was in high school, but (accordingly) my mother wouldn't hear of it. I saved up money my senior year and as soon as I turned 18 that summer, I got my registration and plane ticket. Went to their forum and found a girl who was also from my town that I could room with.

Despite having someone to room with, I didn't know her or anyone else, so I was really at the con myself. I just wandered around aimlessly amazed at everything (first time I saw cosplay, etc.) and randomly met others along the way.

My entire weekend was just wandering and partying. The second year I went, I actually went to a few panels and watched some anime and brought a friend from home with me.

It was all worth it at that time, but I can't say I'd go back now. I've grown out of most of those things and the friends that I did make there have pretty much all done the same.

All in all, I wouldn't suggest it except for a newcomer to the scene who hasn't been or who was recently introduced to cosplay.

>>4746780
This is why I call convention 'raves', dances.
I'm sure there are people who roll and stuff but I don't think there's that vibe of an actual rave going on. So many kids and weaboos. No way.

>>4746991

I'm pretty sure Otakon doesn't have single-day tickets. Or so I read the last time I checked the website.

But yeah, this is going to be my first year going so I'm kind of excited.

Hey,

Everybody going to Otakon should stop by my best friend's Artist Ally table. He's doing some awesome Toku prints.