Being one of the earlier anime conventions of the year, Katsucon has always been a great host to con goers. Taking place once again at the Omni Sheraton Hotel in Washington D.C., Katsucon drew in a huge crowd in tradition. With the convention taking place so early in the year, this always leads to the issue of snow. Anyone who has attended Katsucon a few years back will know that the snow will fall. Regardless of the risk, many con goers attended to have fun and party the weekend away!
Thursday was the usual gathering of folks. Driving in and attempting to find parking has always been a mess in this location. Every parking lot fills instantly and at a cost as well. If you plan on ever driving to Katsucon (as long as the con continues at the Omni Sheraton), get in early so that you can find a parking spot. If not that, park at any Metro stop and take the metro the hotel. Of course this is not the conventions fault but it is one of the biggest negatives. Regardless, the hotel rooms provide plenty of space and a great view of Washington D.C.
2007 marked no different from other years as the convention was filled right from the beginning on Friday morning. The main lobby provided spacious amounts of room for cosplayers to host their photoshoots. Curtains and decent lighting did provide a nice atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. A great variety of cosplays ranged from Ouran High School hosts, to the ninjas that are always better then the pirates J
The gaming room featured two separate sections. One hosting the classic arcades (the first Street Fighter!) and the other room hosting all the console goodness. Dance Dance Revolution, a anime convention must, was featured on the big screen. There was a nifty Gran Turismo setup that was just sitting aside. Racing seats, along with the steering wheels and were not being used. Hopefully next year, they can set that up so that some racing competition can be staged. 24 hour Nurburgring race anyone? After all, the convention doesn’t end till Sunday afternoon.
Saturday was bursting with crowds. Parking was even harder to find. Cosplayers everywhere. The local McDonalds profiting like no tomorrow. Just pure madness. No, pure blasphemy. No… this simply meant it was time to party harder! XD Some light snow did fill around outside which led to great photo opportunities (if you could stand the cold). The layout of the hotel was great to be able to have so many folks. Even the furniture was all set aside in the main lobby.
Katsucon’s masquerade’s unique display they can project in the background gives cosplayers many exciting ideas. The Pokemon skit that featured a Mac vs PC statement demonstrated how well the background videos can be used. But the best skit that truly used the atmosphere the best was the Castlevania Goth-off. This skit not only featured wonderfully done costumes, but the use of their props (from the umbrellas to the whole coffin!), the music, and a whole music video of the cosplayers in the background playing. Honestly, this is one of the best skits I’ve seen in a long time. /cheer
Anyone who enjoys raving will love Katsucon’s raves. These DJ’s know their music and they will keep you dancing the entire night away. What also contributes to the con’s rave is that the room provides plenty of space to dance and the air conditioners work very well! The dreadful “con funk” cannot be avoided but it’s not quite as bad for this rave.
Parking issues aside, Katsucon has always been a great con and will continue to thrive as a great con. The staff works well, the organization is good, and the excitement continues to make this convention a definite go. This isn’t madness, this isn’t blasphemy, this… is… Katsucon J
