Anime Chicago » Events

Anime Fandom in Chicagoland

Jamie Sanchez — Mon, 10 May 2010 05:14:31 +0000

If you’re at Anime Central on Sunday, May 16th, check out the next presentation of our Anime Fandom in Chicagoland panel at 10am in DaVinci AB.

My fellow co-panelist, Jen of the Japanese Anime People of Chicago, and I discuss how fans interact in this complex city, as well as the benefits of using online platforms and existing resources to build face-to-face communities in Chicagoland. So drop on by to share your love of anime and manga during the open-floor discussion, and receive some free swag! We hope to see you there!

Previous Panels

August 8th, 2009, 8pm: Chicago Comic Con for Anime Central Aftershock
September 19th, 2009 at 2pm: Reactor Convention in Rosemont

C2E2: Eva 1.0 Screening

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:04:18 +0000

In addition to double-featuring both Gurren Lagann movies and Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers, C2E2 will be screening one of anime’s greatest mind-melting experiences… Evangelion 1.0: You are [NOT] Alone. If you missed it’s week-long Chicago premier at the Music Box Theater in October, now’s your chance to catch it at the convention! That means this screening is restricted to convention attendees on Friday, April 16th at 6:45pm, but with all the buzz in the air, a C2E2 badge might be worth the cost.

C2E2: Eureka Seven Movie Screening

Jamie Sanchez — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:44:37 +0000

In addition to double-featuring both Gurren Lagann movies and Eva 1.0, C2E2 will be screening Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers at 1:30pm on Saturday, April 17th. This is the second showing here in Chicago, but it’s only accessible to those attendees with a Saturday badge at McCormick Place. This pop culture con is proving to be of interest to anime fans and general geeks alike!

Gurren Lagaan Double Feature

Jamie Sanchez — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:49:15 +0000

Gainax fans will be happy to hear that C2E2, Chicago’s newest pop culture convention, will double feature both Gurren Lagann movies on Saturday, April 17th. Childhood’s End starts at 5:30pm, followed immediately by Part 2: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars. And it’s free to all Saturday badge holders! This is the first time either movie will be shown in Chicago and only the second time Part 2 has been screened in the US. Read more at MediumAtLarge.net and get your badge at C2E2.com.

SoyCon 3

Jamie Sanchez — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:17:49 +0000

Pull your cosplay out of storage this summer and attend SoyCon! The two-day cosplay gathering is scheduled for the weekend of July 10th and 11th, with an unofficial kick off on Friday at North Avenue Beach. Day One’s voyage around popular landmarks in downtown Chicago will offer plenty of photo opportunities and staged scenarios. Day Two is dedicated to an all-day picnic in Schaumburg where the masquerade, talent show and closing ceremonies are scheduled. It’s a PG-13 crowd with some mature overtones here and there; parental supervision is required for attendees under the age of 13. Learn more and print out your registration form for free registration at SoyCon.com.

X Japan at Lollapalooza

Jamie Sanchez — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:14:45 +0000

X Japan will be making Lollapalooza history this summer on the main stage! The heavy metal group is known in the anime community for their musical contributions to the movie X and pioneering the visual kei movement. No word yet on when they’re scheduled, but if you enjoy discovering new bands, attending music festivals or have a strong devotion to J-Rock, it may be worth springing for a three-day pass (August 6-8). Visit AnimeNewsNetwork for details.

Update: The band is scheduled to play on Sunday, August 8, two acts before Soundgarden.

C2E2 2010

Jamie Sanchez — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:34:37 +0000

While some conventions are fleeing McCormick Place, a new one has emerged to cater to downtown Chicago pop culture fans. The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo will cover the gamut from comics, movies, tv, toys and of course our favorites: anime, manga and video games, from April 16th through 18th. The expo has a strong focus on exhibitor booths and autograph opportunities, but is also boasting panels and screening rooms. It will be interesting to observe how attendees interact with the space as it’s a bit of a hike from transit hubs and only one hotel caters the direct vicinity. This is not a 24-hour con! You can obtain more info and purchase a $50 weekend pass or a $25 one-day at C2E2.com.

Update: C2E2 is hosting a double feature of the Gurren Lagann movies on Saturday starting at 5:30pm. This is the second showing for Gurren Lagann The Movie: Part 2 – The Lights in the Sky Are Stars, and the first time either film has been screened in Chicago. Many thanks to Liz for the tip!

Anime Central 2010

Jamie Sanchez — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:31:02 +0000

Anime Central is only four months away! Expect mystery and superstition abound at the 13th annual convention in Rosemont, May 14-16th. The guest list is a bit sparse right now, but sources say staffers are hard at work getting hotel blocks, panels and programing solidified. Advanced mailed badges can be expected to arrive during February. Keep checking acen.org for updates on guests and other milestones.

It’s somewhat late in the game for arrangements as con attendance is projected to increase again this year. Early bird registration closed yesterday. Pre-registration for a full three-day badge is now $50 until April 1st, which is also the deadline for group registration. As of two weeks ago, the Hyatt only had a limited number of single rooms available at the con rate so if you’re still holding out for doubles, it would be best to check the other five hotels in the vicinity. Best of luck!

We’re busy here prepping for our press coverage of ACen weekend, as well as hosting the 2nd annual AnimeChicago Scavenger Hunt. Subscribe to our mailing list or become a Facebook fan for future notifications on this event.

Uchi-Con 2010

Jamie Sanchez — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:42:11 +0000

University of Chicago’s Japanese Animation Society is back again for its 8th annual campus convention with guest speaker Crispin Freeman! In addition to his insightful lecture on the voice acting industry, Uchi-Con offers anime screening rooms, panels, gaming tournaments and an artist alley to scope out. This free public event will be on January 30th from 11am to 7pm at the Harper Memorial Library (1116 E. 59th Street, Chicago), perfect for those who can’t make it to Ohayocon that weekend. Check out the unofficial and official Uchi-Con websites for panel scheduling, directions and other details.

The Cosplay Subculture

Jamie Sanchez — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:33:21 +0000

Join Asian American Studies and the Japanese Media Appreciation Club of DePaul on Thursday, January 21st for The Cosplay Subculture, a discussion on the world of cosplay and how it relates to anime fans and artists. This free panel is hosted by Ann Marie Chua Lee, award-winning cosplayer and co-owner of RedStar Costumes and Clothing. It starts at 6pm, ending at 8pm at the DePaul University Student Center (2250 N. Sheffield, Chicago), Room 325.