WE ALL WAIT TO WATCH PEOPLE MAKE FOOLS OF THEMSELVES

Nothing really happened for awhile until the line for the Masquerade started. This was interesting, because the line up started in one hall, but then we were told that the line had to move somewhere else. In the twisting and turning process of relocating the line it somehow managed to quadruple in length.

After the room finally filled up and we were all sitting down, Gordon Rose came out to address the crowd. He was the MC at the Canadian National Expo Masquerade last year. He's a funny guy, so I was disappointed when he said he was only helping out back stage this year. So he left the hosting duties to two blond girls in skimpy bunny-themed suits. My disappointment faded quickly.

I didn't get to stay very long, but by far the best sketch I saw was a hilarious rendition of the classic "Happy Happy Joy Joy!" song from Ren and Stimpy performed by 3 ladies dressed as Sailor Neptune, Sailor Uranus, and Sailor Pluto. A classic!

EARLY MORNING CHAOS

I got there pretty early on Sunday and checked out the art room, where a large and impressive collection of Gundams was on display. So much mecha goodness!

I was going to go watch a Martial Arts demonstration, but that didn't happen. Then I was looking forward to watching the original Gamera movie, staring everyone's favourite rocket powered turtle monster. However, nobody was there to play it, so that didn't happen either. We're on a roll, folks! So I took a walk around the dealers room and bought a Beast Wars DVD with hopes of getting it signed.

I relaxed for awhile and sat in at the Charity auction, where Scott McNeil and David Kaye were playing auctioneers. I didn't bid on anything, but it was another great chance to see those two in action. Scott did a tap dancing number at one point, and later started singing "We love Bandai!" in a squeaky voice. David threatened to call the Predacons to get more bids. It's too bad that the venue made for such bad photography, as none of the pictures I took of this turned out very well.

ASTRO BOY IS IN TORONTO

Next was the highlight of the convention for me. There was a special presentation by Tezuka Studios. Osamu Tezuka is the legendary creator of Astro Boy and many other anime and manga series, and is referred to as the man who created anime and manga as we know it today. He passed away in 1989, but his influence still lives on and always will. Mr. Matsutani, the president and CEO of Tezuka Studios, was there to present some very rare Tezuka animation and share stories of Mr Tezuka's life and how he shaped the world of comics and animation in Japan. While his translator spoke in very broken English, she was very charming and enthusiastic and got the point across. The animations shown were very unique and often brilliant. Many of them had no dialogue at all, just music, proving how universal this form of art can be.

BATTLE OF THE SPORK

I left in the middle of the showing to catch the last panel which was to feature all of the convention's guests. But that didn't end up happening at all, as far as I could tell, so instead I got in line and had my Beast Wars DVD signed. I also wanted to bestow a special honor upon David Kaye. Much like I did with Scott McNeil last year, I asked him to sign my spork.

"Yes. Yes I will!"

"You never forget your first spork!" says Scott. Hear that, Rose!

I say thank you very much, but eventually I can't keep it in anymore, and I have to say this.

"Megatron is my hero!" I exclaim with my fairly accurate Megatron impression.

"Ah! My long lost brother!" he replies in character. How cool!

A BRUSH WITH GREATNESS

I quickly rush back to the Tezuka presentation, hoping that I didn't miss very much. I am disappointed when I realize that I missed the majority of the world premier of the new Astro Boy anime that is to be released in 2003. I did see the end and liked what I saw at that point. Looking forward to seeing more.

When it was over, I wanted to go and introduce myself to Mr. Matsutani. I told him that I was an anime teacher and that it was my honour to be able to introduce my students to the works of Tezuka and how important I felt it was for people to learn the history of anime, and I thanked him for sharing his stories as I will now be able to pass them on to my students. He was very friendly and approachable. Even though our conversation was through a translator, we still connected. He showed me the beautiful translated version of Tezuka's manga "Phoenix". We talked as I leafed through it, and though the translator was talking with someone else at the time, we somehow understood each other.

As a fan of anime, this is probably the biggest thing that's ever happened to me. To talk with a man who is a part of anime history was incredible. I don't think anything can top that. It was a moment I'll never forget.

FEAR THE PREDACON BROTHERS

I was lucky enough to ask David Kaye for a picture with me. The evil pose was his idea. Thanks to Rin for taking this photo!

Ninjatron meets Megatron! 10 minutes after this photo was taken, the universe was destroyed.

NINJA FANBOY: SAY GOODBYE TO SCOTT

I caught Scott McNeil again, this time being interviewed by a young woman who was asking him bizarre questions, such as what his opinion on flamingos was. The best part was when he was asked who his strangest fan was, and started pointing at a number of people.

"Well there's that one there, and that one there, and that one there...that one over there is really strange!" As you can imagine, he was pointing at me on that last one. Thanks buddy!

Some time later, as things started to wind down and I prepared to leave, I found Scott and hollered my good byes. All he had to do was wave back, but instead he came over to talk with me for a bit and shake my hand. We talked about the other times we met and how many other conventions he goes to. I thought that was so cool that I got to bookend the convention by speaking so casually by a guy who was one of the guests of honour. It was like speaking with an old pal. I'm sure we'll meet again.

While my circumstances surrounding my being at this convention were less than ideal what with my cold and all, like a true ninja I managed to adapt and have a good time. Certainly there were times where I wish there was more to do, and other times where a number of things that I wanted to do would happen at the same time, but I still enjoyed myself. Unlike many others, I didn't go to Anime North to buy things. In fact, I didn't spend very much money at all. I went for the fun of the entire convention experience, and to further my understanding of the whole anime subculture. I went to live the anime life! I think I'll be going back next year. So thanks to the whole Anime North crew, the guests, and my fellow con attendees for a great convention!

My addition to the Convention bulletin board. SykoGrafix is everywhere!