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12-14 February 1999
Hyatt Regency Crystal City
—EX Staff Report
CRYSTAL CITY, VIRGINIA—Not more than 10 miles
away is the focal point for the stage of world politics. In Washington D.C., on February 12, perhaps the most important historical
moment of American politics in our generation was taking place; William
Jefferson Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, was being acquitted
on two charges for impeachment. At Katsucon 5, the only devil in a blue
dress that participants cared for was Lynn Minmay.
East Coast convention staple Katsucon was back for its fifth year,
again in the corporate climate of the Washington D.C.
area. Headlining its roster of Guests of Honor were character designer
Mikimoto Haruhiko (MACROSS, GUNBUSTER), veteran director Hayashi Hiroki (BUBBLEGUM CRISIS 2040), voice actress Natsuki Rio (EL HAZARD), our own Scott Frazier and Viz representatives
Trish Ledoux and Toshifumi Yoshida.
One immediately noticeable trend at Katsucon, which is ringing
true at anime conventions around the country, is the increase of attendees
under the age of 18. Domesticated shows like POKÉMON,
SAILOR MOON, and DRAGONBALL Z
are indoctrinating many more fans to the genre of anime and at a much
younger age, too. What was once an edgy alternative form of entertainment
for college types is now showing up on Saturday morning cartoons over
bowls of corn flakes.
Video rooms showing anime, panels about cel painting and
import video games, seeing and meeting friends and, of course, a
well-stocked dealer's room kept attendees entertained for the weekend.
Even long lines for something as simple at the dealer's room didn't
dampen their enthusiasm for this crazy little thing called "annie-may."
Famous among fans the world over, Mikimoto Haruhiko fielded
questions about his work, life and interests at a panel. Since his most
famous work, at least in the States, would be Lynn Minmay and the cast
of SUPER DIMENSIONAL FORTRESS MACROSS, most of
the questions thrown at Mikimoto were about his work with MACROSS. Questions ranged from what was his favorite
character (all of them) to whether he thought Minmay was an airhead while
Misa was the mature one (quite the opposite, actually).
Hayashi Hiroki also sat in on a panel in his honor. With the
resurgence of remakes of older anime, Hayashi's work BUBBLEGUM CRISIS 2040 took center stage. Character fan
favorite Nene's redesign was certainly brought up but questions also roamed
the length of Hayashi's career. Voice actress Natsuki Rio attended the Voice
Actors panel, sitting alongside American voice actors Tristan Macavery (Ikari
Gendo, EVANGELION) and Michael Brady (CRUSHER JOE). Interestingly enough, Natsuki was not given
her own panel, almost a standard for Japanese Guests of Honor.
Fun is where you find it. Within the corridors of the Hyatt
Regency, fans roamed in search of video gaming rooms, fellow cos-players to
form a skit for the masquerade, opponents to play the POKÉMON collectible-card game and perhaps for an inviting
room party exuding with the smell of alcohol. Emphasis at Katsucon has always
been on entertaining yourself. This attitude is apparent from when you first
register for the convention: a black and white program book that smacks of
fanzine-quality is your first introduction to Katsucon 5. There certainly
wasn't a polished feel to the convention.
Despite the trend of anime gaining more acceptance with American
mainstream audiences, it's still a genre on the outs; Batman is still as
American as apple pie, Shinji is still the foreign exchange student down
the street. And amidst the hotels and offices of Crystal City—a collection
of lawyers, lobbyists and political action groups—Katsucon 5 was obviously
the odd man out. And boy did the attendees love
it. 
Photographs by Dana Weaver |
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