Eirtakon 2008

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Ireland’s largest and most greatest Anime convention known to man. It consisted of three days of showing top quality anime as well as having gaming tournaments of the highest skills and standards. A special guest by the name of Vic Mignogna (voice of Edward Elric in Full Metal Alchemist and numerous other shows) also came to share his experiences with the almost 800 who showed up in all different outfits from shows like Naruto, Bleach and Death Note. There were also some great game cosplayers such as Luigi, Pikachu and (winner of overall cosplay) Solid Snake!

Hosted in Dublin City University, I arrived at 9:30 in the morning on Saturday. Having missed the pub quiz (remarked as the most difficult pub quiz you’re likely to ever take part in!) on Friday, I had to make up by visiting the three separate lecture rooms that offered an abundance of great anime shows such as School Rumble and Code Geass. Down in the market area there were a few different companies selling swag natured products such as plushies, wallets and books. I picked myself up possibly the most relaxing desk ornament on offer, a KK Slider (of Animal Crossing fame) plushie!

The Game Competitions were many and well run. There were four games over the weekend and competition for all were fierce and many. I watched as Street Fighter Alpha, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Soul Caliber IV and Call of Duty 4 champions were declared and congratulated. I also watched in glee, as once the competitions were over, the consoles still had fans crowded around them waiting to get a go of their favoured game. The most popular however was not exactly a competition game but more for the casual base. Little Big Planet was a highlight for any gamer who attended the convention and I can’t say that it disappointed either as there was a small riot of people every time I walked past. On Saturday there was also a cosplay parade on stage with some great numbers. The Final Fantasy VIII group impressed me most as did Link, who later went on to win best prop for cosplay. Of course the standard was high and some of the outfits were very impressive (don’t forget Solid Snake)!

On Sunday there were a few more presentations and the wrap up awards for those best cosplayers, talented artists, AMV creators and tough-enough gamers. The director of Eirtakon gave a farewell speech to a roaring crowd, showing the success of Eirtakon 2008. I wish them the best of luck for 2009 and if it’s anything like this year’s show, it will be spectacular!

Oh, and on an afterthought:

I think it was fair to say that I have never considered dressing up for these conventions before. Cosplay to me sounded crazily insane. However, being the minority that wasn’t in the body of a character made me think otherwise for next year…

Who to be!?!?!