Katsucon 2006 - FEBRUARY 17 - 19 - Washington DC

[dragonclaw]

I know this is early, but I just need a little advice. After I get a few answers go ahead and lock this.

I'm going to reg me and my niece for this con, and I was just wondering if anyone from here had been, and if it is worth my time. I can't take her to Otakon with me, and our local con is real small. I want her to actually be able to go to a larger con that isn't to far away from us. Is this a good one to take her to.
Thanks for any response. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[iserlohn]

Katsu's been going downhill for quite a while. IMHO, last year wasn't worth the cost of admission, but YMMV.

[Gatts]

The new hotel that they moved the con to is in a difficult area to reach. I enjoyed the cons in the Hyatt Crystal City, but last years con being split up between two hotels was difficult at best.

For one thing the main hotel was certainly not the type for hosting conventions (too "upscale") so there were a lot of hotel staff and guests looking down on people attending the convention (probably one of the reasons why they did not go back there this year). The secondary hotel was still under construction/renovation and this made for a logistical nightmare as there wasn't much room for people to move around within the second hotel. It was over crowded and drafty (during some very cold days no less).

I'm not normally a person to hold hotel problems against a con, but this year is not looking to be any better. I've been to the Omni in downtown DC for a couple of work related functions and this one appears to have the exact same "we are better than you" attitude that was going on with the Marriott staff at Katsu 11. But I guess I shouldn't pre-judge too much.

But enough of that. As for the if the con will be fun or good to go to, let me just say that any con is what you make of it. You can have fun at a con with only 100 people and nothing in the way of programming and you can be bored at a con with 100k people and 20 video rooms.

I'd say try it out at least once. It's the people you meet and the things you do that will make it fun for you. If the hotel staff gets uppity with you ignore them. If people talk to you speak with them. If they stink tell them to take a shower. /images/graemlins/wink.gif That way you will find your own fun no matter what.

[ QUOTE ]
iserlohn said:
Katsu's been going downhill for quite a while. IMHO, last year wasn't worth the cost of admission, but YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

It was worth the cost of admission if only because I got to see the Pandora's Cube "copyright infringement is bad" panel. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[jecca-neko]

Katsu is even closer to me this time and I WAS planning on going to a smaller con in lieu of Otakon in 2006 but $40 min pre-reg rate plus $145/night for a room? I mean, I know it's DC but come on. I'd rather deal with Otakon crowds. At least the BCC is 10 minutes from my house so I don't need to pay nearly that much. This year I didn't stay in a hotel and I rode the public bus. I might change my mind and go for a day if they have 1-day registrations, but as of right now I'll find another small anime con. Maybe Nekocon 2006? 2005 is too soon for me - I'm already doing 3 trips that'll cost me a good bit between this weekend and the end of October.

[iserlohn]

Have you considered Anime USA? The reg rate is $35 (though if you go for one of the upgraded regs you get bonuses like a free shirt and guaranteed reserved seating at major events like the concert), and the hotel is $181 for 2 nights (4 adults). It's a fun event and you'll be spared the hellish drive to VA Beach.

[LadyFae]

lets keep discussion in this thread focussed on Katsucon itself, rather than options to please /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

there's a wonderful AUSA thread for AUSA discussion /images/graemlins/happy.gif


*sprinkles*

The Lady Fae

[tstidm1]

Who is going to Katsucon in February? I have registered and am planning to go. It will be interesting to see whether they put on a better con in 2006. They have Richard Cox as the best know guests. They haven't announced any musical or Japanese guests, yet.

[RedComet]

Actually two former members of PLC are going to be there this time promoting their new band but I don't think it's offically announced yet. Let me find the link.

Here (http://jhouserock.com/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Item id=167)

[BULLDOG1]

[ QUOTE ]
Redneck Otaku said:
Who is going to Katsucon in February?

[/ QUOTE ]

As luck would have it, I just might be in the DC area during that part of February. /images/graemlins/sweat200.gif

If I am, I'll probably drop by for a day or so..... as IIRC, the hotel that I would likely be staying at (a Westin) isn't too far (IIRC, under a mile) from the place where this convention is being held.

However, I won't know for certain until late January...... /images/graemlins/sweat200.gif

A.J.

[TnAdct1]

I pre-regged for Katsucon in October, so I definitely have plans to attend it in February.

BTW, LadyFae, I noticed your avatar, and personally I have my own "magic stick" that, if Katsucon staff will allow, I'm planning to use as my cosplay (for those who went to Anime USA, I'm sure you'll know what I mean when I said the "magic stick"). /images/graemlins/wink.gif

I'm going to try to.
I liked last year's alot.

I don't like the idea of having to get to the red line from the orange line. -_- I'll bear with it thou ;-)

[aquastar831]

I'm set to go with Katsucon also. I was in the area of the hotel recently, and there's no way I'm attempting to drive there since parking looks very limited. Going via Metro Red Line as well. Were we planning on doing a get together of some sort? There are some food places in the vicinity of the hotel. I can check into it to see what our options are.

[tstidm1]

I know there is a Japanese place near the hotel. If you want to look at some of the restaurants near the hotel, that would be a great idea.

[Daniel_Perales]

[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:
I'm set to go with Katsucon also. I was in the area of the hotel recently, and there's no way I'm attempting to drive there since parking looks very limited.


[/ QUOTE ]

Seems like quite a few people are saying the same thing. I'm already thinking of alternate ways to get there (it would be very upsetting if I can't find a place to park my car after a 4+ hours of driving to get there).

Because of hotel costs (sharing a room is not an option for me) and the lack of parking, this year's Katsucon is really taking the wind off my sails, and I'm not even there, yet.


Danny

[BULLDOG1]

[ QUOTE ]
Daniel Perales said:
[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:
I'm set to go with Katsucon also. I was in the area of the hotel recently, and there's no way I'm attempting to drive there since parking looks very limited.


[/ QUOTE ]

Seems like quite a few people are saying the same thing. I'm already thinking of alternate ways to get there (it would be very upsetting if I can't find a place to park my car after a 4+ hours of driving to get there).

Because of hotel costs (sharing a room is not an option for me) and the lack of parking, this year's Katsucon is really taking the wind off my sails, and I'm not even there, yet.


Danny

[/ QUOTE ]

Have you considered flying?

RT on the Delta Shuttle from NYC to DCA is currently pricing around $153 all-in.

Example:

Outbound: 2/17/06 morning flight @ 7:30 AM
Return: 2/19/06 6:30 PM (IIRC, it's the last flight of the day)

Also.....last time I checked, there are nearby hotels that can be had for about $110+tax per night......but this may have changed since then. /images/graemlins/sweat200.gif

Personally, I'll know in about 1 week from now if I will be able to attend this con.

A.J.

[Daniel_Perales]

[ QUOTE ]
Bulldog said:
Have you considered flying?


RT on the Delta Shuttle from NYC to DCA is currently pricing around $153 all-in.

Example:

Outbound: 2/17/06 morning flight @ 7:30 AM
Return: 2/19/06 6:30 PM (IIRC, it's the last flight of the day)


[/ QUOTE ]

I have, but still with that price, it's cheaper for me to drive there and back (parking fees, tolls, gas included). I was thinking more about taking a bus there. There are a few bus companies that picks up people to go to DC at Penn Station in NYC (a very short walk from me). I just have to find out about their prices and schedules.

Or, I might take a train over, instead. Again, I have to see.

UPDATE: I believe I figured out a plan on how to get there on the cheap. There is a bus company that's called Vamoose (http://www.vamoosebus.com/welcome.html) that will charge you $40 for a round trip ticket from New York City to Washington D.C. and you get to choose one of 2 destination stops at Washington D.C. I chose to go to this stop (http://www.vamoosebus.com/map_ten.html) . When you look at this map, you will see that there's the "Red Line" Tenleytown Metro station a short walk away. You go to this station and then get on a Glenmont bound train and get off at the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station ( 3 stops, away (http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm) ). And from this map (http://www.stationmasters.com/System_Map/WOODLEYP/woodleyp.html) , you can see the Omni Shoreham Hotel is just a short walk and accoss the street, away.

Can any of the local Washington D.C. people here verify this?

To get back to NYC, it's just the reverse.

Personally, I reserved to get on the Friday Feb 17th on the 7am bus to go to D.C. and to head back on Sunday, Feb 19th on the 5pm bus (which is the last bus of the day). Hopefully, I get to see some fellow Katsucon go'er with me if they decide to take this route.

Here's the bus schedule (http://www.vamoosebus.com/schedule.html) for reference.



Danny

[Shinigamimitsuki]

I know this is intially an advice thread on the con, but I wanted to know if anyone is planning an AOD meetup.

Or you might spot me at the con as Tsunade.

[BULLDOG1]

[ QUOTE ]
Bulldog said:
Personally, I'll know in about 1 week from now if I will be able to attend this con.

A.J.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well....the bottom line is that I simply can't make it to this con due to too much other travel already scheduled for February and March. /images/graemlins/sad.gif

Oh well......perhaps next year. /images/graemlins/sweat200.gif

A.J.

[aquastar831]

I picked up a list of nearby restaurants that are around the Adams-Morgan/Woodley Park area (basically the con vicinity). I'll post a list later, so we can start planning the get together.

I think I'm excited about the possibility of some new announcements for licenses at the industry panel. We got some from Bandai and Media Blasters last year. I just wish that the con would've been at the location that it was last year in Crystal City. Adams-Morgan area will probably be difficult to find parking. Like I said, I'm most likely I'm just going to use the Red Line Metro to get there.

[aquastar831]

List of restaurants in the area:

Pesto Ristorante
Thai Town
Trattoria Italiana
Le Petit Plats
Cafe Paradiso
Lebanese Taverna
Sake Club
Taste of India
Woodley Cafe
Tono Sushi
Rajaji
Afghan Grill
Medaterra
Lex Cajun
Jandara Thai
Mr. Chen's
New Heights
Eddie's Cafe
Murphy's Pub

Fast food places:
McDonald's
Chipotle

Basically, a lot of different Japanese, Indian, Thai,and Italian restaurants. There may be more if you walk up Calvert Street across the bridge to the Adams Morgan area, but that may be a bit of a walk. I'll check around again tomorrow.

By the way, do we have a schedule yet, so we can plan a get together?

[tstidm1]

They don't on the website. I really hope they have it up soon. I am only there on Saturday. I have a couple of panels. A Giant Robot Panel at 2 PM and a Video Game panel at 4 PM. I am going to be busy on Saturday..

[hobie]

I'll be there working in the dealer's room. Dunno if I'll see anyone I know or not. Look for the guy who looks like he drove for 27 hours right before the con, and that will be me. /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[aquastar831]

Schedule is up online guys. I'm going to go pick up my badge on Thursday night since I have stuff to do around DC anyways.

From the looks of it, I guess Funimation is the only one having an industry panel which is on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.

I was thinking if we do a get together, we set it for Friday at 8 pm after the Funimation Premiere panel. Anyone else have ideas for possible times?

[lanceheiskell]

[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:
Schedule is up online guys. I'm going to go pick up my badge on Thursday night since I have stuff to do around DC anyways.

From the looks of it, I guess Funimation is the only one having an industry panel which is on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.

I was thinking if we do a get together, we set it for Friday at 8 pm after the Funimation Premiere panel. Anyone else have ideas for possible times?

[/ QUOTE ]

With a title annoucement!!!!

You'll be pleasently suprised when you see that title we acquired.

The Funimation Premier panel on Friday will show some of the dub for Basilisk, Trinity Blood and Negima. Bitchin!

[Gatts]

[ QUOTE ]
lheiskell said:
The Funimation Premier panel on Friday will show some of the dub for Basilisk, Trinity Blood and Negima. Bitchin!

[/ QUOTE ]

Darn. If I didn't have to work this weekend, I would love to go see that. /images/graemlins/sad.gif

I might try schedule my lunch break to stop by and catch one of the dubs.

[TnAdct1]

[ QUOTE ]
lheiskell said:The Funimation Premier panel on Friday will show some of the dub for Basilisk, Trinity Blood and Negima. Bitchin!

[/ QUOTE ]

Alright. The Negima dub will be previewed at Katsucon (which hopefully means more cast news). I'll definitely attempt to make it to the Funimation Premiere on Friday night once the AMV contest is over.

[hijacka22]

[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:

I was thinking if we do a get together, we set it for Friday at 8 pm after the Funimation Premiere panel. Anyone else have ideas for possible times?

[/ QUOTE ]

That works out great for me. I'm curious to hear Greg Ayres as Negi, and I'm sure you are as well.

As far as food goes, I'm open to anything.

[guyver83]

[ QUOTE ]
Nabeshinji said:
[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:

I was thinking if we do a get together, we set it for Friday at 8 pm after the Funimation Premiere panel. Anyone else have ideas for possible times?

[/ QUOTE ]

That works out great for me. I'm curious to hear Greg Ayres as Negi, and I'm sure you are as well.

As far as food goes, I'm open to anything.

[/ QUOTE ]

ahhhh sucks I won't be able to be there with you guys.. i got some family stuff fri, lax coaching and more family stuff sat.. and more lax stuff sunday. Have fun tho

[pig_man]

[ QUOTE ]
lheiskell said:
With a title annoucement!!!!

You'll be pleasently suprised when you see that title we acquired.

[/ QUOTE ]
Let me guess - the success of Kodocha has driven you to license another Daichi show - Nurse Angel Ririka! /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[aquastar831]

[ QUOTE ]
lheiskell said:
[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:
Schedule is up online guys. I'm going to go pick up my badge on Thursday night since I have stuff to do around DC anyways.

From the looks of it, I guess Funimation is the only one having an industry panel which is on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.

I was thinking if we do a get together, we set it for Friday at 8 pm after the Funimation Premiere panel. Anyone else have ideas for possible times?

[/ QUOTE ]

With a title annoucement!!!!

You'll be pleasently suprised when you see that title we acquired.

The Funimation Premier panel on Friday will show some of the dub for Basilisk, Trinity Blood and Negima. Bitchin!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sweet! I've been wanting to hear the dub for Negima. And we'll get to find out more of the VAs and their characters.

I can't wait to find out what the new title is that you guys picked up.

[aquastar831]

[ QUOTE ]
Nabeshinji said:
[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:

I was thinking if we do a get together, we set it for Friday at 8 pm after the Funimation Premiere panel. Anyone else have ideas for possible times?

[/ QUOTE ]

That works out great for me. I'm curious to hear Greg Ayres as Negi, and I'm sure you are as well.

As far as food goes, I'm open to anything.

[/ QUOTE ]

btw, Greg is supposed to have a panel isn't he? I didn't see it listed on the schedule, unless I'm not looking very well. I know he's DJing the dance on Friday night.

[Daniel_Perales]

[ QUOTE ]
pig_man said:
[ QUOTE ]
lheiskell said:
With a title annoucement!!!!

You'll be pleasently suprised when you see that title we acquired.

[/ QUOTE ]
Let me guess - the success of Kodocha has driven you to license another Daichi show - Nurse Angel Ririka! /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

While I really like "NAR", I'm going to take a wild guess and say it might be "Gunbuster".


Danny

[aquastar831]

All set with getting pre-reg stuff. Just picked up my badge and program this evening. Man that hotel is confusing to move around in. The Exhibit Hall (Merchant's Room) is tucked away in a little corner on the first basement floor.

I'll probably be sitting down for some of the VA panels, Funimation's Premieres and their main panel, and it looks like Greg will be doing the panel about the issue of fansubs on Sat night. I was actually planning on sitting in on that panel anyways. Should be interesting.

Daniel, that avatar from Nanoha makes me think, it would be cool if that's the title that Funimation picked up. Great series both Season 1 and A's. Now I'm getting anxious and want to find out what it is.

Meeting after the Funi panel sounds like a good idea. I'll be registering early in the morning tomorrow. Who all here is going anyway? I'll try to scout around the area in the morning to see what there is available for eating. I'm sorry for being a bit of a lurker in the thread ^^::

[EmperorBrandon]

[ QUOTE ]
pig_man said:

Let me guess - the success of Kodocha has driven you to license another Daichi show - Nurse Angel Ririka! /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Heh, either of those would be great (Kodocha being a success or Nurse Angel Ririka SOS being licensed). /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif Probably will be something else, but I'm hoping it's a title that's a genuine surprise in some regard and not something we know they've probably had for several months now.

[treatment]

[ QUOTE ]
lheiskell said:
With a title annoucement!!!!

You'll be pleasently suprised when you see that title we acquired.


[/ QUOTE ]

Let me take a guess...

either a sure-win


School Rumble

or a long-shot


Air

???

/images/graemlins/sweat200.gif /images/graemlins/cool.gif /images/graemlins/relief.gif

[TheGreenMan]

[ QUOTE ]
treatment said:
[ QUOTE ]
lheiskell said:
With a title annoucement!!!!

You'll be pleasently suprised when you see that title we acquired.


[/ QUOTE ]

Let me take a guess...

either a sure-win


School Rumble

or a long-shot


Air

???

/images/graemlins/sweat200.gif /images/graemlins/cool.gif /images/graemlins/relief.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

School Rumble! School Rumble!

[guyver83]

[ QUOTE ]
TheGreenMan said:
[ QUOTE ]
treatment said:
[ QUOTE ]
lheiskell said:
With a title annoucement!!!!

You'll be pleasently suprised when you see that title we acquired.


[/ QUOTE ]

Let me take a guess...

either a sure-win


School Rumble

or a long-shot


Air

???

/images/graemlins/sweat200.gif /images/graemlins/cool.gif /images/graemlins/relief.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

School Rumble! School Rumble!

[/ QUOTE ]

blah screw all those.. BLEACH

[Rhodes]

they still havent said a word yet on beck... which is what i think they will finally say.

or the other gonzo shows that they say they have.

as for bleach... i dont see how that show cant be with viz.

[LexiJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Rhodes said:
they still havent said a word yet on beck... which is what i think they will finally say.

or the other gonzo shows that they say they have.

as for bleach... i dont see how that show cant be with viz.

[/ QUOTE ]

Lance said people would be surprised and that it wouldn't be a breakout hit (over at Toon Zone, apparently). To fit that, it can't be any of those.

[Hurley]

According to credible rumours at ANN, the announcement is Kimi ga Nozomu Eien, to be renamed "Rumbling Hearts" (which is the official Japanese English title, according to Google).

EDIT: ANN made it official while I was posting that.

[Melazomah]

[ QUOTE ]
Hurley said:
According to credible rumours at ANN, the announcement is Kimi ga Nozomu Eien, to be renamed "Rumbling Hearts" (which is the official Japanese English title, according to Google).

[/ QUOTE ]
Actually, the Google result you turned up by searching "Rumbling Hearts" is likely to be the official subtitle of the PS2 port of the PC ero(H)-game that the anime was based on. It's not the official title, but "Rumbling Hearts" isn't that far off, either.

[Daniel_Perales]

[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:
Daniel, that avatar from Nanoha makes me think, it would be cool if that's the title that Funimation picked up. Great series both Season 1 and A's. Now I'm getting anxious and want to find out what it is.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've sort of hinted Lance about the show without actually saying "PLEASE LICENSE THIS!", but I think it went over his head. He did love that "Kiddy Grade" wallpaper that I did for my Motorolla RAZR cell phone.

Danny

[aquastar831]

Funimation has been on fire lately with getting new series. According to Lance, be expecting more licensing news to come up soon. I think he's going to have one to announce at New York Comic-Con which I'm pretty sure is this coming weekend.

In fact, over the course of the next few cons, be expecting about 2-3 more licensing announcements to come up.

[Daniel_Perales]

[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:
Funimation has been on fire lately with getting new series. According to Lance, be expecting more licensing news to come up soon. I think he's going to have one to announce at New York Comic-Con which I'm pretty sure is this coming weekend.

In fact, over the course of the next few cons, be expecting about 2-3 more licensing announcements to come up.

[/ QUOTE ]

But I'm not sure if Lance himself will be there. I'm going to the NYCC, since it's just a short walk away from where I live.

I'm hoping that it will be the "Nanoha" series (make it like their "Magical Girl-type" series debut).


Danny

[LittleGirl]

[ QUOTE ]
Daniel Perales said:
[ QUOTE ]
aquastar831 said:
Funimation has been on fire lately with getting new series. According to Lance, be expecting more licensing news to come up soon. I think he's going to have one to announce at New York Comic-Con which I'm pretty sure is this coming weekend.

In fact, over the course of the next few cons, be expecting about 2-3 more licensing announcements to come up.

[/ QUOTE ]

But I'm not sure if Lance himself will be there. I'm going to the NYCC, since it's just a short walk away from where I live.

I'm hoping that it will be the "Nanoha" series (make it like their "Magical Girl-type" series debut).


Danny

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe he will be at megacon. He is mentioned on their website schedule for both Saturday and Sunday.

As for New York Comic-Con, I don't see Funimation anywhere on their schedule.

[lanceheiskell]

[ QUOTE ]
LittleGirl said:

As for New York Comic-Con, I don't see Funimation anywhere on their schedule.

[/ QUOTE ]

The FUNimation panel in NY is at night. We will have a booth in the exhibit hall.