Youmacon 2008

October 30–November 2, 2008 Hyatt Regency Dearborn Dearborn, Michigan

Detroit's { Anime / Manga / Gaming / J-Music } Experience

Panels

Always had questions about a certain part of our fandom that you've wanted to talk with others about? Interested in checking out something new that you've never heard of before? Our wide variety of panels from talks with our guests to discussions about your favorite series might just be what you've been looking for.

Want to run one yourself? Here's the application.

2 b a Pkmn Masta

So you think you've got what it takes to be a Pokemon Master? Then bring your Nintendo DS, Pokeballs, cosplays, and all those badges you've won, and prove to us you were born to be a master. Yes, a Pokemon Master. POKEBALL GO! GO! WOOO!

Abnormal Psychology in Anime

Did you ever think that your favorite Anime character might be psychotic, manic, depressed, anorexic, schizophrenic, narcissistic, or suffering from some other abnormal psychological disorder? Let's discuss why you might be right (or wrong).

Acting For Cosplay

One of the most highly anticipated events at any convention is usually the masquerade. We all love to watch the beautifully crafted costumes and see our favorite characters in 3D right in front of us, and on top of all that, there are skits! But, how do the performers utilize their talents and skills in order to create the best possible cosplay skit that is understandable and enjoyable for all? This panel is designed to help cosplayers learn the basics of acting -- projection, gestures, facial expressions, and more -- and also to teach them how to trim down and clean up their material for a fun and watchable performance that will leave fans saying, "Wow!"

All Things Dragonball

We will be discussing the wonderful world of Dragonball from all three series. Characters, plots, likes and dislikes, censorship in the US, fan made videos, fanfiction, and what's with all the filler? And of course we'll have a discussion about the upcoming live-action Dragonball movie.

Animation Art 101

This panel will discuss how anime series are physically created. We have an in-depth presentation that discusses the various processes. We invite collectors to bring their cels and share them. We also invite anyone who is interested in beginning this intriguing hobby, or who would simply like to know more about the process of creating the shows we've all grown to love.

Anime Anatomy

BAR-1 provides a crash course on how to draw anatomically correct heads, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes). The big honkin' eyes, where a catgirl's tail would actually attatch to the spine, and other body parts will be touched on as well.

Anime Balderdash

It's a wild game of Balderdash as our expert liars tell you everything you never knew about your favorite animes. Ask them for plot summary, character details, message clarification, whatever you like, and they'll do their darndest to professionally lie to you. New this year, test your mettle against the crowd in the second half, as our liars let you take a stand and show off your own non-know-how!

Area 11

The Code Geass panel

I, Lelouch vi Britannia, command you to come to this panel! Do you wonder why people worship a man with a mask flaunting a "United States of Japan"? Can't quite figure out what this "Gee-ays" thingy is? Do you really just happen to crave Pizza Hut and don't know why that's supporting the Rebellion? Well then, this panel is definitely for you! Come on in and get your questions answered, and possibly leave wanting to watch an episode or two of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion!

Artes, Fonons and Hymns

A Tales of Panel

Ever felt there were too many “Tales of” games? Can't keep your head on straight of who's who or what's what in each game? Here is a panel that will help! From Phantasia to A New World, spend some time with people who love the series as much as you do. And just as the games always try to teach us; when you're among friends, things are always better...so come on in, die hard fans and casual gamers alike, to discuss and learn about your favorite “Tales of” games!

Asian Horror Movies

If you've ever had an interest in Asian horror movies, this is the panel for you! We'll be going over what Asian horror is, from the classic Japanese monster-films to the more recent scarefests, as well as the difference between Asian and American horror, and the Americanization of Asian horror movies. Tokyo will be destroyed over and over as we discuss our favorites and yours.

Bemani Panel

Dance Dance Revolution, Pop'n Music, Beatmania, Guitar Freaks, and Drummania fans come together and celebrate the joy of Konami's famous rhythm games. New players can learn the history of the series and ask questions, and veteran players will be given a forum to voice their opinions or air grievances. Guitar Hero and Rock Band players need not apply- this is a BEMANI panel.

Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon!

Join us as we discuss everything from the horrible dubbing to the mythology...and everything in between! And let's not forget about sharing some of those cosplay/crossplay secrets! In the name of the Moon, show up or be punished!

Cosplay 101

Is this your first time cosplaying, or have you been doing it for years? It doesn't matter what skill level you are, just stop on by this panel and pick up a few pointers. Having trouble with a part of your costume? Want to know what kind of material to use? How to cosplay on a budget? Any questions you ask we will do our best to answer.

The Dark Hour - A Persona 3 Panel

Evokers? SEES? Persona? The Kirijo Group? Strega? Come talk about the Atlus game that sparked new life into the Persona franchise. We will be discussing the game, its expansion, what all those crazy terms mean, and the anime series that came out in Japan.

Death Note Mafia

Death Note characters take the main roles of this anime-themed interpretation of the popular party game where you must work with a team who could turn against you at any time. For each round, the randomly selected Kira anonymously removes a player, then all remaining players deliberate who should be sacrificed in the hopes of eliminating Kira. The rules will be explained, so prior knowledge of the game and the series is not required. Can the investigators defeat Kira without falling prey to the Death Note?

Dirty, Dirty Fanfiction

Smutty fanfiction has existed since the beginning of fandom. If two popular characters have so much as a single scene together, then there is someone, somewhere, who wants to write them together. Using examples culled from the finest in badly-written bedroom scenes, you'll learn both what to do and what not to do in writing dirty fanfiction. Come join in a celebration of all things perverted, literary, and dirty.

A Fashion Affair

This panel exhibits an overview of Japanese fashion popular in youth culture today. Styles covered will include gal-style, lolita, and gothic wear. An introduction to brands and fashion will be included in this exciting avant-garde panel.

For Great Justice - A Death Note Panel

A comprehensive look at "Death Note" in all its forms; manga, anime and movies. We will discuss characterization, character relations, ongoing themes of Good vs. Evil, and its impact on the masses. Because of the subject manner it is suggested that the attendees be over the age of 13. Spoilers for the series will be prominent.

Gaijin Girl

Life in Japan

What happens when a 20-something otaku from Michigan meets the real Japan? Meet Anne Zaccardelli; a recent college graduate who decided to throw caution to the wind to live and work in Japan for over a year. Through sharing her crazy experiences in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, Anne provides insights into the culture that produces our beloved anime.

The Game Master's Experience

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tabletop RPG

Table top gaming has been around for years. One of the hardest things for game masters is finding ways to pick the right players, create the right worlds, and guide everyone through a fun and enjoyable experience. This panel is designed to help GMs learn techniques for brainstorming and performing in front of their players, as well as talk about the basic elements that create a good game and set up a good recipe for success. If you're looking for numbers and statistics and the best monster manuals, look further -- if you're looking for a good time and want to learn how to wow your players with theatrics and plot turns, come on by!

The Gamer's Experience

How to Get the Most Out of a Tabletop RPG

The act of role playing has been around for years. It means different things to different people, so how do we merge our ideas and visions of gaming and make them workable for everyone? Come and join our panelist as she leads participants in exercises and activities in creativity and interaction and talks about how to merge writing and acting into your games! If you're looking for a fun and creative time in exploration of character creation and interaction, this is the panel for you! If you're looking for the best way to balance numbers and stats for the ultimate powerhouse character, then you may want to look elsewhere—college freshman math was as far as this panelist wanted to go. Come and join us, it'll be a blast!

The Idiot's Guide to Alchemy

Nothing can be gained without sacrificing something. That is the basic rule of alchemy. So, come give us some of your time, and in exchange we'll give you the knowledge you desire. We'll discuss the in's and out's of the hit series Full Metal Alchemist, from the manga to the anime, from the Japanese to the English. And, get the age-old question answered: Just how tall is Ed?

Initial D and the Art of Drifting

With the gaining popularity of series like Initial D, street racing - and specifically drifting - have experienced a rising interest both in the US and Japan. This panel will discuss the fine points of drifting, including footage of real cars practicing the art of drift. We'll talk about some of the real cars found in Initial D and touch on

the series itself. Naturally, there will be time for some questions and answers at the end. Initial D...don't miss it!

Internet RPGs

Roleplaying online is more than just EverQuest and Warcraft. From chatrooms and forums to journals and video games, it seems everything online is used by someone to play an RPG, and many games are based in or inspired by anime. Want to hear about some good resources for roleplaying online? Need some advice on how to deal with those everyday RP troubles and that annoying Sephiroth knock-off? Come on in for some advice.

An Inuyasha Panel

Beyond the well

Follow us down the old bone-eater's well to Feudal Japan where you'll meet everyone's favorite dog-eared hanyou. The anime may have ended, but the manga is still going strong and currently nearing its conclusion. We'll discuss the series in general, including speculation about what's to come with the series, and compare sub vs. dub and manga vs. anime. Find out what drives Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series and maybe even discover just what Sesshoumaru's fluff really is.

It's the End of the World as We Know It [An X/1999/Tokyo Babylon fanpanel]

Nothing says "Repent, the end is nigh" quite like feathers, broken glass, angsty CLAMP bishonen and a bucketful of sakura petals. Welcome to the "X/1999" panel, where all your questions about the anime and manga series will be answered-- Just what IS Kamui's eye colour? Why is the movie allowed to exist? And will CLAMP ever finish the damn thing?! It's all here, Kotori's disembodied head and all.

J-Rock

On The Rise

Have you been a fan of J-rock long? Or maybe you just got into it last week because a friend sent you this really cool song. Well, new and old fans will enjoy this panel, where we will talk about everything in J-rock from the beginnings (X Japan, Luna Sea and more!) to our still up and rising bands (Versailles, D, Alice Nine, S.K.I.N.) and those who have reached stardom and are now breaking out and touring all over the world (Miyavi, Dir en Grey, Blood)! We will watch music videos, discuss many bands, listen to music, and talk about anything relating to this amazing genre!

Japanese Baseball

Ichiro. Godzilla. Dice-K. Fukudome. Many Americans have now heard of these players, but where were they before they came to America, and who might be the next Japanese players to star in the Major Leagues? This panel is an introduction to the world of yakyuu (Japanese baseball), from high school (and the summer Koshien Tournament) to the pros.

Youmacon also has good timing for this panel, as Games 1 and 2 of the Japan Series take place during the con!

The Last Airbender

An Avatar Panel

At this panel we will be going over the three seasons of Avatar and discussing what has happened to the characters and their world. We will go over relationships, how bending works, if bending styles could possibly cross over, what could be going on with the live action movie, and maybe even the Avatar ride at King's Island!

MäR (Marchen Awakens Romance)

When an extremely obsessive video game otaku is sucked into another world, MARHeaven has finally found its hero......right? From his crazy ideas to his hyper and strong personality, he might just be what this fantasy world needs. Come through Monban Pierre's gate and enter into the fairy-tale world of MAR (from the creator of Flame of Recca)! We will discuss the manga, the anime, the characters, the ARMs, the fairy-tales...anything relating to MAR. And, we will take you into the world of its sequel, MAR Omega. If you don't come, Toto might be forced to eat you.

The myths and legends behind Naruto

as told by the Akatsuki

Love the fun of Naruto, but wondered what's underneath the storyline? I, the leader of Akatsuki, ask you to join me for a panel that goes deep into the world of Naruto, where myth and religion meets anime. We'll go into the reasons why characters are the way they are, and make more sense of scenes released in the anime, fillers, and manga. Come with me and I will show you secrets and ground breaking information as to why the Narutoverse is the way it is. [WARNING] spoilers will be released!

No! Stop! It Feels Good!

A Hentai Panel

Do those words sound familiar? Perhaps... very familiar? Maybe you'd like to see just how phrases like this play into some of the more… interesting works? Or, maybe you're a pervert who just likes hentai. However you swing (pun completely intended) we'd love to have you join us. We promise there will be no attempt to take soap to your brains...this is one panel where dirt is appreciated. Come and spend some time with AWOL Panelists, and we’ll show you a really good time.

ParaPara with Team FITWOD

ParaPara is a style of dancing born in the nightclubs of Japan nearly 20 years ago. It consists of choreographed arm movements (and minimal leg movement) to Eurobeat music. To this day, in huge clubs like Twinstar, ParaPara lessons are given weekly. There is also an arcade game based on ParaPara called ParaParaParadise. Join us as we discuss this dance craze and bust a move!

Attendees will get acquainted with Eurobeat music, ParaPara terminology, etc. as well as being taught an easy ParaPara routine, followed by a TechPara routine.

A Parent's Guide to Anime

So, your son or daughter is hooked on anime. But, what exactly is anime, and what, as a parent, should you be aware of? Come to a roundtable discussion with other parents to talk about what it is your child is into. We'll break down the myths and help you understand what your children are watching.

Pharohs, Cards, and Milennium Items. Oh My!

Attention duelist! Come join us for a discussion on the classic Yu-Gi-Oh series that not only includes season 0 and 1, but the infamous Yu-Gi-Oh: The Abridged Series as well! Find out why the card game captured the world's attention, discuss the famous characters, and relive the suspense that kept the fans in love with the series for so long.

Pierce The Convention With Your Fanpanel

A Gurren Lagann Panel

What's all the fuss about you say? Come and join the Dai-Gurren Brigade to find out! This isn't your typical standard anime-fan panel, but an event that will pierce you out of this world! With interactive games, information, trivia and much more, come to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann: the new and biggest thing to hit anime world-wide. We will discuss characters, art forms, themes, rumors of the 4 new movies, terminology, and other important things every fan needs to know about.

Plus Sized Cosplay

Who says that larger people can't cosplay? This panel is here to prove just the opposite and show that plus sized cosplayers can definitely make a costume look good. Tips and tricks will be discussed on construction as well as making a costume look good on its wearer. If you are looking to get into cosplay but have been worried about your size before, this panel just might change your mind.

Rebirth Begins With Destruction

The year is AD 2307. With fossil fuels depleted entirely, mankind turns towards solar energy as its primary power source. During this time, three orbital elevators with generator systems are built, each under the control of a different world power. However, not everyone can enjoy the benefits of this power, and thus war breaks out. Arising from conflict, the mysterious military group Celestial Being appears, dedicated to end all warfare. Join us in discussion on the series, the future of the characters, and some reflection and predictions on some of the events in the Gundam 00 universe!

Rich Bastards

An Ouran High School Host Club Panel

Grab your commoner's coffee and pull up a chair, because the greatest Ouran High School Host Club panel ever is about to start! Join us as we review the series, discuss the new English dub, as well as the original version, and fangirl (or boy) over this awesome anime!

Do you know what everyone in the Host Club is up to, like Kyouya? Do you have a sweet tooth, like Hunny? Then you're in luck, as we will be doing "Ouran Trivia" throughout the panel, with free candy for those of you who know your stuff! So be sure to show up, or you'll have to face the wrath of Hunny!

The Samurai of Medieval Japan

This panel is dedicated to the noble and glorious history of the warrior class of old Japan. From their origins in the 10th century to their abolition in the 19th, the samurai have contributed much to the culture and national identity of the Japanese people. The panel will focus on the history, legends, weapons and armor, and the stories of real people who called themselves samurai.

Shoujo-Ai

Girl Love Without the Sticky Mess

Do you like girls? How about girls that like girls? Then you've come to the right place! AWOL Panelists present to you a fun and fluff filled panel of girl love! Come on in and discuss anime and manga series that focus on girls and the girls they love.

So I Get Paid To Say This?

Sit down with the guests in this panel and ask your questions about voice acting and the business in general. Our voice acting guests will be available to answer your questions, but leave your demo tapes and autographables at the door, please.

So You Want to Be an Exorcist?

a D.Gray-man fanpanel

Welcome back! Our panel, like our cute little Akuma friends, has evolved from last year and we're hoping you'll come see what it's all about. The panel has been completely reinvented, and we promise that Komui had nothing to do with it, so it (probably) won't end in tears. Join us for our game show, subsequent prizes, discussion of the series in all its forms (manga/anime/Reverse), as well as character speech patterns, and an open Q&A forum. So come on in for a great time, and don't let Cross steal your wallet on the way out.

Survival Horror

Never Ending Night

If you have attended this panel in previous years, you will be aware that the individuals that put it on do not play the games during the panel at all --- it's up to you, the audience! So come and play survival horror as we tag-team our way through all of the twisted abominations that Survival Horror may throw at us, and discuss the story and content as we go! Mature content - 18 and older only, please!

Surviving the Underground

The World Ends with You

Talk about everything there is to talk about when it comes to the Underground. Tin Pin Slammer! Mingling with Aliens and Civvies! Evolving your pins the proper way! Discuss the game, the game masters, the music, and the players in this panel which covers Squarenix's newest smash-hit: The World Ends With You (Subarashiki Kono Sekai).

There Was a Hole Here

Enter the World of Survival Horror

Returning for a fourth-year, the Survival Horror team of Youmacon is going to spice things up a bit this year at the Survival Horror panel! For the first part we will discuss Silent Hill Origins - please come and bring your opinions! For the second part, we will have a survival horror trivia game show! So brush up on your Silent Hill lore and Resident Evil time line --- and be sure to Wikipedia those lesser known survival horror games in case they come up!

Truth is Stranger Than Fanfiction

Well, not really. Actually, most of the time, fanfiction is stranger than truth. Come and discuss the in's and out's of writing fanfiction. Find out what works...and what should never have seen the light of day. Whether you write fanfiction, or just enjoy reading it, there's something here for you.

Wonderful World of Wigs

Does your styling leave your wig looking like it had a date with a blender? Not sure where to buy that extra long neon green wig? Come and learn everything about wigs and check out some great demos! From basics like how to put a wig on, which are the best stores, and how to cut bangs, to more advanced techniques like wefting, dyeing, and foam core, we have tips for every level!

The World of Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls

Join members of one of the largest BJD clubs in the country for an introductory panel and wide ranging discussion of these amazing resin creatures. Online communities, doll makers, suppliers, costuming and customizing will be covered. Please feel free to bring your own dolls for show and tell, group photos, and a meetup after the panel. If you're curious about these dolls and haven't seen many types, this is a perfect opportunity to see dolls and their owners... or is it the other way around?

Yaoi

From Top to Bottom (18+)

AWOL takes over this year to bring you all of your yaoi needs. We'll go over the history of the genre, challenge your knowledge with a few fun games and, of course, provide plenty of examples through media and art. Join us for two hours of discussion and a celebration of what makes yaoi great!

Yuri

Doing it the Right Way

An 18+ overview of yuri, including a brief history, media clips and pictures, as well as a short discussion of different types of anime and manga that focus on shoujo-ai and yuri, along with some recommendations for some good materials, and a little extra bit of fun!

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