How to go
What: Fourth annual AniMangaCon
Where: Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free
More info: (937) 463-2665 or www.daytonmetrolibrary.org
Calling all manga, anime and Japanese culture fans in grades seven through 12 who love colorful graphics, vibrant characters and fantastic themes. The Dayton Metro Library will be the place to be tomorrow for its fourth annual AniMangaCon.
“Between 80 and 120 teenagers come from all over the county for this. This is a popular event at the library,” said Dayton Metro teen librarian Elaine Fultz.
This year’s Teen event will include Anime Cosplay and an art competition. Other contests will include Pokemon identification, Shredded Manga, and a Soda Taste Test. Girls will like the Makeup Demo, and there will be several video games. Japanese snacks like Pocky and Hello Kitty chocolate marshmallows will be served.
“Kids brings their sketches and artwork that they’ve already done. There are a number of schools that have anime clubs,” said Fultz, a teen librarian since last April. “A lot of the students doodle anime characters, and this gives them an opportunity to show off.”
At a craft table teens can make ears, tails, swords and other props. American names will be written in katakana characters, and costumes will be spontaneously designed at our competitive costume workshop. Afterwards, images will be taken with the Anime-inspired photo op backdrop.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for anime-loving teens to meet other teens who are enthusiastic about the same kinds of things they are,” said Huber Heights branch teen librarian Cindy Simerlink. “People who dress up have even more fun.”
Prizes and giveaways include Japanese and English manga series titles, copies of Shonen Jump magazines, Hello Kitty and Pokemon lunchboxes, and My Little Pony bracelets and pencils.
“Kids from around the city who thought there were just a few anime/manga fans in their neighborhood are thrilled when they see dozens of kids with similar interests having a great time at AniMangaCon,” said Fred Kirchner, teen librarian at the Wilmington-Stroop branch. “The impromptu group dances, like last year’s rendition of Psy’s Gangnam Style, create an instant rapport between kids from different parts of town. The energy and joy is infectious.”
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