... came WAY too early.

Holy moly, what a con. This is easily the biggest anything I've ever personally attended. Spread across several rooms, two of the main areas, and one massive upstairs assembly hall, MetroCon 2007 was (for lack of better terms) immense. I'd hazard to say it was larger than even MegaCon '05, my first, and until yesterday biggest, convention. And this one was chock full with all the stuff I live for.

Let's see, where to start. Learned a little bit about writing Japanese hiragana and katakana, which might prove useful in future productions for my Jedi Academy clan. Attended an excellent martial arts demonstration, a school of battojutsu (can't remember the exact style) which demonstrated several cuts and kata; the best part was the end, when they cleared out the room and handed out bokkens to about 2 dozen volunteers (including me) and lead us thru a couple of kata. I eventually went to their vendor booth and bought me a pair of bokken.

Didn't make it to Vic's panel, or to the human chess match; I really need to see one of those sometime, maybe next year. Scoured the massive vendor room, which doubled the size of my collection of Eva figures and added a model of Cloud Strife to my collection. I also picked up a $40 Airsoft replica of a Sig Sauer 552 with a complete set of accessories. [link] Firing tests show it was well worth it- once you adjust for its firing angle, it's pretty darn consistant. I'll get pics of that stuff up soon.

In my wanderings around the convention center, taking pictures of the better costumes, I came to a realization- you know you're at a good convention if you're out of costume and feel out of place because of that. The costumes there ranged from the every-con to the incredible, with several themed groups wandering the premises. Even the staff got in on it, bless their hearts. I've taken many pictures- expect the best uploaded soon.

Hopefully, I can find a decent kimono and hakama somewhere (maybe online, maybe see if I can find a pattern for Mom to sew up), and attend my next show with my new pair of bokken. Or just dress in olive green and lug my pair of airsoft beasts with me. Either way, I need to think funky for my next con, cuz this one had me feelin' kinda naked...

Well worth the money, well worth the wait! Expect Pics Soon!