I’m back from Tokyo in Tulsa which took place this past August 1st-3rd weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This was my first American anime convention appearance and I just couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The staff was amazing and everyone was incredibly friendly. They really made me feel so welcome and everything seemed to be really well organized. Running a convention is hectic and stressful, but none of the staff ever let that get in the way of being polite and professional. From what I saw, all the attendees seemed to be having a blast.
Weeks before the convention, I received several really nice messages from anime fans planning on heading to the event expressing their excitement. It really made my day every time someone let me know that they were looking forward to seeing me. When I got back home and settled in, I was overwhelmed by the sweet messages from con-goers who had been at one of the panels, bought a copy of Secrets of Sorcerers, or took my picture on Saturday. The TnT staff were kind enough to set aside three tables for me in the artist’s area, which I never got around to staying at. I was really thrilled that they added me to the Saturday autograph session (for anyone who took a picture of me, I’d love to post it).
I really appreciate them including me considering the huge lineup of people were all there to see the amazing voice actor guests; It was a nice opportunity for me to hand out my Legend of the Ztarr promo prints. I can feel a little out-of-place being the unknown mangaka, but it really feels great when I read online posts from people enjoying Secrets of Sorcerers and saying how much they’re looking forward to Legend of the Ztarr.
One of my favourite parts of going to conventions is getting the chance to talk about what I love at panels and workshops. It’s the only time where I find I don’t act shy and I drop the nervous girly voice. What I most enjoy about making manga is the character design and storytelling and these are what I’m usually lucky enough to get to speak about. It’s amazing to talk at these things and see that look in people’s eyes like they are really listening and interested–I love seeing people nod their heads as though my answer was really helpful. Believe me, after coaching skating to elementary level kids I can recognize that glazed-over “I’m not paying attention” look and those fake nods of pretending-to-care. One-on-one I’m an expert at making myself look like a ridiculous timid dork, but when I’m talking about my work to people who genuinely want to hear about it, it’s the closest I get to feeling like I’m being taken seriously. This is otherwise impossible when people mistake you for a forest pixie.
I really had an amazing time in Tulsa and hope to be invited back south of the border again soon!