Anime Expo 2009 - Day 1

The weather was comfortable in the morning for Day 1 of Anime Expo. I left early as possible around 7:00 am to start getting in line for the opening ceremonies.

Day 1 Newsletter

My schedule for Thursday was:

9:00 - 10:00: Opening Ceremonies (West Hall A)
3:00: Kyle Hebert Autograph
5:00 - 6:00: Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment Industry Panel (Petree Hall)
6:00: AoD Gathering
10:00 - 10:45: Gainax Focus Panel (Petree Hall)
10:45 - 12:00: Gainax Presents: The Making of Gurren Lagann Documentary [SUB] (Petree Hall)

When I arrived at the convention, I got away with paying five dollar instead of paying the ten they offered and I notice they blocked off the street for Michael Jackson’s memorial at the Staples Center for next week. Once again, when I was heading to the line for opening ceremonies, the line was outside. The heat hasn’t as bad this time. I took some cosplayers who were heading in line outside.

Cosplayers Pictures

Shortly after, the line started to move and was able to head inside for the opening ceremonies.

Opening Ceremonies 1 / 2

Opening Ceremonies Video Clip

Right after the opening ceremonies, it was time to head to the exhibit hall which was about to start leading people inside in an hour. Along the way, I bought some glow sticks for the Morning Musume’s concert and an AX T-shirt for my sister. Finally, I got in line and the line started to move towards the exhibit hall.

Exhibit Hall Pictures

There was a booth named, MangaGamer, that was giving out these fans and I so depressedly needed one to cool off. I was walking around the booths and purchase a S.O.S. Bridge and a Tsubasa wristband. When, I was walking towards the entrance, I saw Kyle Hebert and he was about to get his badge and head over to the autograph booth. That was too cool to see him in person. I got my stuff and headed back to the exhibit hall. When I got to the booth, I actually ask him if I could take a picture and get his autograph, so I didn’t have to wait in line. He was very nice by doing that.

Picture with Kyle Hebert / Autograph

I came across Fieri and her friend in the exhibit hall. 1 / 2
It was time to head over the Right Stuf panel and was able to get a picture of Shawne Kleckner after the panel.

Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment Industry Panel Video Clip / Picture with Shawne Kleckner

Shortly after, there was an AoD gathering and met up with Feri and her friend, Kevinroc, Bulldog, wolve, Matt, Warren, and Citizen Klaus. wolve had to leave early, so we all headed to the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill to get a bit to eat. Afterwards, we headed to the Gainax Focus Panel.

Gainax Focus Panel Video Panel

The panel afterwards was a video documentary of The Making of Gurren Lagann. Finally, after a long day, it was time to head back home.