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First Annual Saboten-Con a Success!
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Location: Blogs Atomic FalloutAt the Core |
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| Posted by: Jake Bell |
Friday, July 11, 2008 9:41 AM |
by Kristy Wise
 The First Annual Saboten-Con, a new Arizona anime convention that was planned in less than four months, went off without a hitch over the weekend of May 24th through May 26th 2008. The Phoenix Crown Plaza Hotel, where Saboten (meaning ‘cactus’ in Japanese) took place, was jam-packed on all three days of the convention with cosplayers and anime fans alike scrambling for their chance to enter and win dress contests, play RPG’s, CCG’s and video games, sing karaoke, catch up with old con friends, and meet some of their favorite voice talent and artists from the industry. Johnny Yong Bosch, (Trigun – Vash the Stampede, Mighty Morphen Power Rangers) was there promoting his newest film, Broken Path, to which fans at the convention were treated to an advance screening! 
Atomic Comics was there with plenty to swag and merchandise on hand for eager otakus (anime fans). We even received some help from the Tachikoma Robot from Ghost in the Shell! (Built by Atomic’s own Tiff (and father) from our Chandler location!) Julian, Atomic Metro’s Manager, long-time con vet and general Atomic Meerkat, spontaneously tore the muscle in his leg the first day, preventing him from performing his usual Safety Dance in the Nuke Suit, but that didn’t stop him from hanging out all three days and still making the experience more enjoyable and fun for all. “If I could’ve, I would’ve been out there playing Dodgeball with Link! Unfortunately I willed my leg to magically break.” Atomic Chandler’s Dani, an otaku herself, and Charles Tackleberry were also there, taking pictures and hanging out with anime fans.
A blast was had by all, with special props going out to the hotel staff who handled the large and unexpected volume of cosplayers for this convention’s maiden voyage with politeness and ease. Fans are already demanding a second Saboten-Con in the fall, but plans are still in development, and no official date has been released.
More pics from the Con!
Julian receives a well-deserved back rub:
Dani takes a break to pose for the camera:
Otakus show off their swag in the yellow bag:
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