After a year long hiatus, a revived Anime Evolution has risen from the ashes. Unlike previous events, Anime Evolution: Akimatsuri was only two days long instead of the usual three; only running on November 3^rd and 4^th, 2012. The last couple of years saw the convention between the Vancouver Convention Centre and the University of British Columbia; this time Anime Evolution was back to its roots at Simon Fraser University atop Burnaby Mountain.

I thought I’d check out Anime Evolution: Akimatsuri on Saturday to see what was going on. Akimatsuri is Japanese for “autumn festival” which is appropriate considering the time of year. Getting up to the campus was quite adventure, considering the poor fall weather and driving around in circles trying to figure out where the parking lot was. However, the price was right (free) for parking once I found it and plenty of space, although it required a quick bolt through the rain to the Academic Quadrangle from my car.

The whole convention occupied three of the four halls that makes up the Academic Quadrangle, along with with the Saywell and Blusson Halls. Tables lined the halls with signs and displays of artwork, prints and outfits. Tables hawking convention gear and boxes of Pocky sat by the stairs leading to the Shrum Science Building, the route I took in. Near the registration and information, a stretch of tables sat reserved for autographs with an ever changing stream of guests and fans. Between the older quadrangle and newer halls was an atrium lined with couches and a small stage. This atrium always had something happening – mock fights, performances or people dancing. Upstairs, the hall narrowed and people crowded while perusing artwork or taking pictures or even playing a quick round of Super Smash Bros. Melee. The vendors room was split among four different rooms, cramped but crammed with costumes, books, DVDs, figures, and other merchandise. Signs outside of the rooms prohibited cameras – so I packed away the camera before entering. I didn’t want to cause a commotion, even with the camera powered off and the lens cap on. I must be getting really good at saving money because I didn’t purchase anything; nothing really compelled me to break out the wallet.

I didn’t check out any of the panels, but I spent my time wandering the halls and taking pictures of cosplay. Plenty of cool costumes paraded through the halls of the university – Hetalia, Homestuck, Kingdom Hearts, The Legend of Zelda, Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, Soul Eater, Sword Art Online, and Wayne’s World. Just amazing. Psy’s hit, Gangnam Style, echoed through the halls and elevators at almost every turn it seemed. Unfortunately, due to the various levels of lighting in the building (it was a million times brighter in the Saywell and Blusson Halls than in the Academic Quadrangle), a number of pictures turned out underexposed or were distorted by flashes from other cameras. Even with my f/1.8 prime lens, the lighting was still terrible. I really have to focus on adjusting the metering with my camera.

Anime Evolution: Akimatsuri got off to a good start. I wish I stayed longer to actually check out a panel or two or more to take more pictures. The convention had two new features that I thought were a good idea considering the location: a change room for making it easy to transition from regular clothes and into costume (or vice versa) and a bag check to drop off extra goodies or costumes instead of lugging them around. Admission was really affordable: $20.00 CAD for one day, or $35.00 CAD for the weekend. The 8½ x 11″ paper signs made a comeback through – a number of which ended up on the floor due to people brushing past them or improper fixation. Larger wayfinding signs would be a benefit (totally didn’t realize about the Saywell and Blusson Halls having additional spaces until an hour in at the con). Other than that, let’s see how 2013 treats this convention!

If you missed the convention, be sure to browse through the photos on Gallery!