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Labor Day weekend brought more than just cookouts to Dallas, Texas... It was also the weekend for AnimeFEST's annual convention, and yours truly took a little road-trip to witness the event.  And, boy! Did we have a ball!  Here's the highlights of one Anime-filled weekend.

A Little Background

AnimeFEST is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Japanimation fans together.  Based in Dallas, Texas, they host one huge annual convention as well as smaller gatherings throughout the year.  Dealers from all over the country display at the event and you can also find some top-notch guest speakers to check out. 

Guests for the 2002 convention included Monkey Punch (you know him best as the creator of Lupin the III), Tiffany Grant (the voice of Asuka in Neon Genesis Evangelion and Kome from Blue Seed, to name a few) and Stephanie Naldony (voices of boy Goku and boy Gohan in Dragonball and Dragonball Z). Tight was the J-Pop guest of honor and there was plenty of cosplay to be had as well.

Inside the Convention

Hosted at the beautiful Hotel Intercontinental Dallas in Addison, the convention opened with floor to ceiling Anime. 

J-Pop House was on hand, with tons of anime goodies for your buying pleasure.  Part of House of Anime, they carry apparel, posters, toys and pics as well as a host of other anime must-haves.  Visit them at http://www.jpophouse.com and http://www.houseofanime.com.

Black Dog Enterprises from Lubbock, TX was in the house with plenty of DVD's and manga (not to mention a ton of other Anime goodies) to satisfy your needs. 

Asylum Anime was there too, offering a must-have collection of supplies for the up and coming artist.  Pens, paper, paints and nibs were stacked high next to the vast collection of "how-to" books on Anime characters.  They also had a nice collection of cels, manga and posters to choose from as well.

I was lucky enough to get a few minutes to chat with Robert DeJesus, the artist behind Banzai Chibi Chan.  You can check out his artwork at http://www.robertdejesus.com.

Making our way around the room, we caught up with John Medeiros, Jr. and his fabulous artwork.  John started out as a portrait artist for the past 30 years and made the switch to anime about 8 years ago.

John had everything from framed prints to tapestries and he even does, get this, quilts.

Oh, and by the way... This little Vash print?  Took this one home myself.  My wall has never been happier :)

Hungry?  Thirsty?  Not a problem.  Nanami Japanese Market came prepared with authentic japanese drinks and snacks.  

Anyone want a japanese sweet roll?  How about a Pocky?

Anime Pop (f/k/a Pop Kulture) was in attendance, with a huge collection of DVD's, videos and Anime extras that kept us browsing for hours.  Their shop is right around the corner in Addison, so should you stop by, tell them Anime at About.com sent you. (972-503-5311)

This resin of Major Kusanagi made us stop in our tracks -- sweet, isn't it? -- Of course, we had to stop at The Action Pitt to take a closer look. 

Skunk Comics caught our eye as well, with the release of their new book, ITA: Code of the Dragon.  (Look for a review coming very soon :)

With my Vash pic safely tucked away, it was time to head home.  But wow -- what a great time!!  Thanks AnimeFEST!!  See you again in 2004!