Otakon August 3, 2006

Otakon is the convention of the otaku generation: by fans, for fans ? and we're about to throw the best con yet. (Yes, we say that every year.) We believe Otakon to be the biggest and best celebration of Japanese animation, manga, J-pop, and east Asian culture in the world.

Ever since 1999, we've taken over a sizable chunk of Baltimore's Inner Harbor for a 3-day festival celebrating the pop culture that's brought us everything from Astroboy to Yu-Gi-Oh, from the Seven Samurai to Spirited Away.

Fresh off the Kill Bill buzz and looking for some Hong Kong kung-fu action? We've got it. Addicted to the big-eyed action heroes who've invaded your usual cartoon outlets? Look no further. In search of a place to rock out to strange music from the east? You've found it. Looking for that ultra-rare Pokemon card? Our cavernous dealer's room has pretty much everything. Want to show off your creativity? Bring your best costumes, artwork, and videos. More of a gamer? We've got a huge room just for video games, a wide-ranging live-action roleplay, and card games, plus not one but two of the silliest game shows our insane staffers can come up with. Dying to meet the creators of your favorite shows, the voices behind the characters, the people who draw your favorite webcomic? Chances are you'll find them at Otakon.

We can't wait to see you there!