Panels
The meat of the con! Your chance to speak out to your otaku brethren.
Panels cover everything from old school video game tricks, Japanese
cooking, anime analysis and hilarious fan fiction. Do you have
something to show or tell the community? Sign up for your own panel!
Here is a list of every panel that we have thus far. For more detailed descriptions of these panels, check out the forums here and chat with the person hosting it.
We'll also be updating this page soon with the official Panel schedule so check back often. Hope to see you at the con.
Disclaimer:
Only the panel descriptions are listed right now. Descriptions are subject to change. Times and locations will be put up later.
Panels have been sorted alphabetically by title. Click on one of the letters or letter ranges below to see the panel titles and their descriptions.
Guest Panels:
Alan Evans & August Hahn &
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Chris Cason & Dan Keding
Doug Walker & Kobudokan
LittleKuriboh & Robert Axelrod & Spike Spencer
Trevor Mueller & Uncle Yo & Wendy Powell
Panels With 2+ Guests
Normal Panels:
A
| B-E
| F-I
| J-O
| P-S
| T
| U-Z
Childrens Panels:
All panels
Alan Evans
Making Webcomics
Are you interested in creating your own webcomic? Are you interested in how webcomics are made? Then this is the panel for you! Whether you're in it for fun or profit, you'll learn how to get your project off the ground and on the web!
Rival Angels
Rival Angels is about four girls trying to make it in pro wrestling, and finding that the greater challenge is living with each other! Find out how Rival Angels became the #1 Wrestling webcomic in the world and why it's a fan favorite with critics and readers, from Milwaukee’s own Alan Evans.
August Hahn
Hero Creation
If you've ever wanted to create your own heroic character, be it for a story, a comic, a roleplaying game or just for fun, this panel is for you. The ins-and-outs of heroic traits will be discussed in a fun, interactive way. By the end of the panel, you'll have your very own hero and all the tools you need to make many, many more!
Villain Creation
Why should heroes have all the fun? Continuing a panel that began last year at ACen, Villain Creation helps you through the step-by-step process of villainous genesis, culminating with you making your very own dastardly do-badder. Last year, both sessions of Villain Creation were standing room only so show up early and be ready for evil!
Adventure With August Hahn
Come play an RPG run by our guest August Hahn! Limited number of participants, signup is first come, first served!
Bristol Rennaisance Faire
Fight Like a Jedi, aka Lightsaber 101
Adventure, excitement, A Jedi craves not these things...but we do! Learn the art of the lightsaber through the use theatrical combat techniques, force powers, and your imagination. Students will learn a choreographed lightsaber duel, taught by Gregory Larson, Fight Director for the Bristol Renaissance Faire. At the end of class, each pair can choose to perform their fights one at a time in front of the class. Class size limited to 12, ages 15 and up. Sign up is first-come first serve at the Bristol Renaissance Faire booth. A wait-list will be available when classes are full. Please arrive 5 minutes before the class or we will accept wait-listed attendees.
Puss In Boots: The Real Story
Hear ye, hear ye! Come, and enjoy some grand entertainment! Listen and watch the classic tale of Puss In Boots unfold before your very eyes. Come one, come all. Be drawn into this wondrous tale of magic, adventure, and romance! Performed by the bardic skills of the Bristol Renaissance Faire.
Chris Cason
Anime: Behind the Scenes with Chris Cason
Ever wondered how your favorite dubs are actually made? Join Chris Cason as he peels back the curtain and discusses what it's like to take an animated property from the written word to the images on your screen. With audience participation, professional advice, and hilarious "tales from the booth"--it's anime from the inside out!
Chris Cason's "Turning the Tables"
Tired of sitting through boring Q &A panels? Feel like you always have great questions, but you never get to ask them? Annoyed listening to one person blabbering on and on for an hour?!? Well, this is the panel for you! Join Chris Cason as he takes the mic…and asks YOU the questions. Sometimes embarrassing, a little awkward, and always funny--you will never look at the person next to you the same way again!
Chris Cason's Tales from the Script
You can't have a good anime series without a good story. And, you can't have a good story without good scripts! Join Chris Cason as he discusses the process of adapting raw translation into a dramatic and cohesive narrative. Ever thought about writing for your favorite series? Take a peek "behind the curtain" and find out how, step-by-step.
Dan Keding
Tales From Old Japan
Japan’s folktales cover all types of stories from horror to the comic to the morality tale. They also give us an inside look at the Japanese culture as they tell tales of all classes from the samurai to the farmer to the monks. Dan will tell several Japanese folktales and comment on their history and significance.
Tales From the Dark Side
Ghosts and demons fascinate the people of every culture and this concert/workshop will dwell on these stories from the dark side of folklore. The stories will be traditional folktales from around the world from the English “Mr. Fox” – a study of a mass murderer to the Russian “The Devil’s Portrait” – a story about every one’s favorite bogey man “Old Nick” himself. Guaranteed to bring you a restless night.
Doug Walker
TGWTG Q&A
Do you have questions for Doug Walker, AKA That Guy with the Glasses? Well here's your chance to ask them. Join the Nostalgia Critic as he takes all your questions, laughs at you for asking such a stupid question, and then answers them. FUN!
Movies everyone disagrees with you on
Do you have that one movie everybody loves but you hate? or that one movie everybody hates but you love? Join internet personality Doug Walker as he helps people share the movies that nobody seems to understand. Now's your chance to get off your back how you really feel about that one certain movie!
Kobudokan
Splintering Our Way to Perfection – The Bokken
This workshop will discuss and demonstrate the use of the wooden sword or bokken in the study of the sword. Bokken kata are paired movements and the importance of timing, distance and respect for one’s partner will be explored.
Johnny Depp Meets Miyamoto Musashi – Stage Combat Versus Real Combat
This panel will demonstrate the difference between stage combat (both for film and theater) and real combat. We will explore what works on film versus what really works on the battlefield.
So Many Weapons, So Little Time – Kobujutsu
This panel will demonstrate and discuss the various weapons from kobujutsu, the multi-weapons art of Okinawa. Their history and application will be talked about and demonstrated through the various kata of the weapons.
Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei Seitei Kata – Iaido’s Common Language
This panel/workshop will demonstrate and discuss the kata that make up the ZNKR Seitei Kata set. This set includes kata from the major sword schools of Japan and was devised to give kendo students and all sword schools a common sword language.
LittleKuriboh
LittleKuriboh Q&A Panel
Come on down and pick LittleKuriboh's brain about a variety of subjects, from the creation of Yu-Gi-Oh Abridged to his recurring role as Freeza in Dragon Ball Z Abridged. Which is his favorite voice to do? Why does everyone hate Bakura so much? Where's the new episode? Okay, scratch that last one. But feel free to ask any other question that strikes your fancy!
Robert Axelrod
Robert Axelrod's Life With Lord Zedd & Beyond:
Robert assays his entire career story, from comedy in kindergarten, through the Power Ranger years and beyond to present time.
Lord Zedd's Voice Over 101: So You Want to be A VO Star
Robert teaches some of the basics to creating a successful voice over career, then gives the fans a chance to ‘audition’ on the microphone with actual professional voice over copy.
The Best of Robert Axelrod
Robert screens some of his best moments in voice over; Power Rangers and other Anime classics.
Lord Zedd's The Ins and Outs of Anime Writing
Robert demonstrates how to write a studio-ready Anime script. It’s more complicated than you think, but fascinating!
Spike Spencer
What Happens at the Con, Stays at the Con...? (Stories From The Seamy Underbelly Of Anime Conventions And More, Vol. 1)
Spike's raucous take on what happens behind the scenes in the industry and at the conventions. From after parties to kidnappings and porn stars to bottled up human gases; Spike will keep you laughing while he reads from his book full of hilarious versions of what really happens at the Con. 16 and up only recommended. Copies of this audio CD will be available at the Con. $10
How to be a Frickin Genius Voice Actor, Step One
Spike will share his knowledge of the VO world with you. Learn how the voice actors do that Voodoo that they do so well. Spike will help you understand how your voice is an instrument and how to fine tune it so that you too might become a Frickin Genius voice actor one day. Copies of this book will be available at the Con. $10
Don't Kill Your Date (And Other Cooking Tips)
Spike shares some of his recipes, recommendations and tips from his dating cookbook. And Spike will dish about his naughty adventures around the globe and his insights and misadventures on the world of dating and other such ridiculosities (no, not a typo). 18 and up only recommended. Copies of this book not available yet.
Trevor Mueller
An Evening With Trevor Mueller
Take time out of your busy schedule this weekend to sit down and have some laughs with Trevor Mueller, comic artist and lover of goofy con stories. He is sure to amaze and astound with his tales of wonder...so come prepared with a story of your own to share!
Uncle Yo
Beyond D&D
Ever tabletop role-play? Ever like it? Well there's an entire world of underground, cheap games that take ten minutes to learn and two hours to play for a lifetime of fun. Join Uncle Yo in the basis of RPG theory and the games you didn't know you need to play.
Uncle Yo: Stand-up Comedy for Geeks
The wandering geek comedian is back in the Midwest in search of beer, cheese and poki. Having scaled America in 2010, Yo returns with his newly released DVD and a brand new show about Batman, Hetalia, Kirby, Santa Claus and Starcraft. Turn that lubricant in to a lubri-CAN and join your favorite Uncle.
Saving Time and Money for the Con
Having battled time management and poverty since joining the convention circuit, Uncle Yo has acquired a few tricks of the trade to help you save time and money before and after a con to make the most of your weekend.
Wendy Powell
Creating Characters Through Vocal Adjustments
The perfect panel to attend if you want to learn how voice actors sound so different from one anime to the next. Get tips from Wendy, a veteran in voice acting, as well as examples and demonstrations of how to take a character’s personality from a piece of paper to the sound booth.
Q&A with Wendy Powell
All Voice Actors
Working In The Industry: An In-Depth Look At Voice Acting
oin all four of our Guest voice actors for this weekend - Wendy Powell, Chris Cason, Robert Axelrod, and Spike Spencer - as they discuss voice acting on various animes, as well as the behind the scenes work of scripting writing, directing animes, or even writing for them. Have every single one of your questions answered by true professionals!
All Guest Autographs
Did you miss your chance to get that special something signed by your favorite voice actor earlier this weekend? No worries! Now is your chance! All of our wonderful Guests will be here, and waiting eagerly to sign your stuff.
Chris Cason & Wendy Powell
Chris Cason & Wendy Powell: Ask The Homunculi
Do you love Fullmetal Alchemist? Do you love Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood even more? Or are you just craving listening to Gluttony and Envy? Come and listen to Wendy and Chris talk about the differences between the two animes, behind the scenes in the studio, and quench your thirst for knowledge for the almost decade long hit series.
Trevor Mueller & Alan Evans
Trevor Mueller & Alan Evans: Making Webcomics
Are you interested in creating your own webcomic? Are you interested in how webcomics are made? Then this is the panel for you! Whether you’re in it for fun or profit, you’ll learn how to get your project off the ground and on the web!
LittleKuriboh and Doug Walker
LittleKuriboh and Doug Walker: Emperors Of The Internet
Ever wondered what it takes to create a hit sensation on the internet these days? Plenty of hard work, sweat, and possibly a few cases of editing-itis. Come and listen as LK and Doug discuss how they started it all, and how their hit shows - That Guy With The Glasses and Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Abridged Series - have taken the internet by storm.
Ask An Actor
This panel is for children between the ages of 6 and 12 accompanied by a guardian. This is your child’s chance to meet with one of our voice actor guests and learn about voice acting and the industry in an environment more geared towards educating them about what actually goes on behind the scenes of their favorite anime.
The Fantastikals
The Fantastikals are a troupe of fairies who delight in entertaining the young and young-at-heart. Come explore the world through their silent, curious gazes and play with the sprites you’ve always dreamed about! The Fantastikals are here Saturday only from the Bristol Renaissance Faire.
Japanese 100: Basic Japanese Every Kid Should Know!
For ages 6 to 12 yrs old. There are many great words brought over in the dubbing of an anime that our children hear. From Naruto to Howl’s Moving Castle, our children have heard various Japanese words and they don’t even know it! This panel is a great way to let your child to learn a few basic words in the Japanese language.
Let’s Make 1,000 Cranes!
An old Japanese legend states that if one folds 1,000 cranes you will be visited by a crane and be granted a wish. In Japan the 1,000 cranes is made for weddings, new babies, and for sick friends and family members and given as a gift.
Let’s make a Carp Kite!
This is a fun project and easy to do. All you need is some construction paper, streamers and glue. We have many different colors of construction paper and streamers for your child to use to make there very own kite with.
Let’s Make A Soot Sprite!
From the popular animes Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro this fun project is sure to bring out the child in all of us. We have plenty of black pipe cleaner, yarn, and googly eyes for your child to use to make there very own Soot Sprite to take home and call their own.
Let’s Make Cat Ears!
Want to look like a cute cat? We will be using headbands with this easy to do and fun to wear creation. Your child will have a multitude of color choices for their cat ears along with child safe scissors and glue to keep them in place.
Let’s Make Paper Lanterns!
Another fun and easy craft to do. All you need is some large origami paper, a stapler, and some twine. The fun patterns on the paper make some of the most beautiful lanterns around.
Let’s Make Shadow Puppets!
Japan is known for Bunraku puppets (a.k.a Ningyo joruri) which puppets can stand up to 2-4 feet tall and were originally made to stand out with torchlight. These types of puppet performances are held on massive stages with shamisen or taiko music. Crafting wise, when we think of shadow puppets, we think of the traditional shadow puppets that originate from other parts of Asia and are actually easier for children to make. These are normally cut outs with various details that your child will have fun creating and enjoy for hours.
Open Crafts
Come in Sunday and request any of our crafts that you loved partaking in or may have missed while enjoying the other events AMKE had to offer. Crafts may be limited depending on supplies.
Pin The Tail On The Shippo
The rules to this game are simple: just like pin the tale on the donkey. Each child will be blindfolded and spun three times. Each will be given a turn to try and give Shippo his tail back and win a prize.
A Beginner's Guide to Tabletop RPGs
New players can be hard to find. Word-of-mouth is the best way to find new gamers, but getting the ball rolling can be hard to do.
Join author Rob Wieland as he draws on his experiences as a writer, a gamer, blogger, storyteller, gamemaster, and recruiter to get some fresh blood into your game, be it LARP, tabletop, or miniature.
A Mega Man Fan Panel
Like Mega Man? If you're a seasoned Mega Man veteran and know who GBD is or if you're a casual fan interested in learning more, this is the panel for you! We'll discuss the history of Mega Man and what the future holds.
Abrdiged Nonsense
Well, it happened. The guy who ran an abridged series panel last year decided to come back, and now he has 2 series. Come if you want to be visually, mentally, and (if all goes according to plan) physically assaulted. And get free stuff possibly.
Adaptations Across the Countries
Along time ago studios from different countries would buy the rights some popular shows and change them so drastically they would scar the fandom forever. Come see how America made Street Fighter delicious, how no one dies in Giant Robots, no one read the script of Samurai Pizza Cats, and how Japan gave Spiderman a giant robot, made Wolverine pretty, and have Batman face Lord Death Man!
All Things Live Action
A presentation on all things live action. Are they any good? What anime and manga have been tuned into live action? You might be surprised on what you discover about live action!
AMV Contest Screening
Anime Milwaukee's AMV Contest returns for its 5th year. This time block is dedicated to screening the contest finalists. No matter if you're an amv noob or a die-hard editor, you're sure to enjoy.
Anime Columbo
In this adaptation of the classic show, I play the detective as the rest of the group tries to outwit me by concocting the murder of a popular anime character. A classic case of who-done-it fun for all.
Anime Jeopardy
Do you know anime? Did you just answer in the form of a question? Then test your knowledge of new, old, dubs, subs, manga, OVA, genres, artists, and more at Anime Jeopardy!
Anime/Manga General Knowledge
My panel is about the enjoyment of anime. What is takes to complete and create the "perfect" anime. From voice acting, to good music, to high-quality animation. I'll be doing voice acting and maybe little skits of good anime and "bad" anime.
Also, some Q and A at the end of the panel.
Arch Nemesisis.....sisisis: An Anime Villain's Panel
Love anime? Love being evil? Then this is the panel for you! Come to learn the best of anime's worst villains. New ones, favorite ones, see dumb villain moments and enter the evil laughing contest!
Baka Desune! (Being an Idiot in Japan)
Want to know what it's like to learn Japanese, live in Japan, and then start a crazy-amazing indie animation project to teach Japanese? Then this panel is for you.
Boobs! Are the Real Superpower (18+)
Come join two geeky girls as they discuss the real powers of various anime characters and a few comic book heroes/villains.
Campaign: Anime
Campaign: Anime is a movement that encourages positive support for anime. Financial support for the form of entertainment millions of people are fixated with around the world is in a sharp decline and Campaign: Anime will lead the charge to keep it alive.
As fans of anime, we should be able to provide for the very foundations of our culture: the companies that are responsible for distributing the goods to us.
After the presentation on Campaign: Anime, if time permits, the attendees and panelist will have a great chat about anything that involves anime to emphasize the fact that Campaign: Anime is about and will always be about anime and a good time.
Closing Ceremonies
It’s time again...to say goodbye...until next year! Join us in remembering a fun weekend, talking about what was awesome, giving ideas for next year, handing out awards, and recognizing our staff for the hard work they do every year.
Completing Cosplay
Tips and tricks for how to make a cosplay come together. Learn how to convince people you spent more time and money on your costume without needing to have amazing construction skill.
Confessions of an Anime Fan
This panel is a forum for all to share our joys, pain, shame, and pride about being anime fans. At the start, people will receive a small card to write their confession on. Once collected they will be read OUT LOUD for all to hear, and will be cringed or laughed at or both.
This panel is a great group bonding experience for all anime fans no matter where we may hail from.
Death Note Mafia
Death Note characters take the roles of this interpretation of the party game where you must work with a team who could betray you at any time.
In each round, the randomly chosen 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 necessary. Can the investigators defeat Kira without falling prey to the Death Note?
Digimon: Sorry Leomon!
A look at the Digimon franchise including the 6 anime series, 11 movies, over 5 comic series, and over 30 video-games. Join us to share your favorite (and least favorite) digi-memories from each season as well as learn facts you may have never known.
Disney Presents A Studio Ghibli Film: The Secret World Of Arrietty
Visit Main Programming on Saturday from 2:30-3:00 pm for your chance to see the theatrical trailer for The Secret World Of Arrietty and receive an official movie poster (while supplies last).
DnD 101: Starting With the Basics
Come and learn about the history of the most popular tabletop game ever. Learn where it all began, and catch up to where it is now. We'll also cover the basics of the newest editions, such as creating characters and learning the basics of combat.
Fan Made Parodies
I've been making my own fan made parodies for a little while and they're getting a lot of attention at conventions all over the country. I'd love to show them at Anime Milwaukee and we can discuss what it takes to make one.
Fashion Show
The Lolita Fashion Show displays the many varied styles of Lolita fashion for you to see. Lolita fashion is a Japanese street fashion based on Rococo and Victorian designs. The emphasis is to be doll-like, beautiful, and elegant. In the show, we will have cute models showing off gothic, classic, sweet, punk, casual styles, and more! Plus, after the show, we will be having a Q&A session!
Freindship is EPIC
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is a wonderful new series that has taken the world by storm. Discussion on Bronies, a different look at the world of Equestria, watch videos and laugh at memes.
From L to Conan to Conan Doyle to Kindaichi to Edogawa Rampo
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the great detective archetype, and it can still be seen in most anime detectives. Ever wanted to know the origins of your favorite anime detective? Then come to this panel and crack the case.
This panel will not only talk about Kogoro Akechi, and Conan Edogawa but also Kindaichi (Kindaichi Case Files), Victorique & Alice (Gosick and God's Notebook), Kyu (Tantei Gakuen Q), Shinjiro (Ango/Ungo), L (Deathnote), Ayumu (Spiral), Battler (Umineko), and others.
Win a special prize or Anime single for cracking the locked room murder case.
Gundam: U.C. to A.G. and Beyond (18+)
Last year, time and space restricted us. This year there are no limits, and the AGE system is activated. This panel is an open-forum discussion about all things Gundam. Want to discuss mobile suits from Unicorn or SEED?
Compare Amuro to Kamille or to Flit? This panel is your forum to speak out on all things Gundam. Got an opinion? Let us hear from you.
Halo: What You Need to Know!
We have all played the Halo games, but have we read the books, anime, or the graphic novels? There is so much more to the Halo universe then meets the eye. From little odd misunderstandings in the Halo universe to general story line advancement... We cover it all in an hour!
Head to Know -- How to Make a Lolota Wardrobe
A how-to panel of lolita--an overview of how lolitas build wardrobes, select styles, and tips to put together your uniquely loli look.
Hentai: Things Your Mother Doesn't Want You To See! (18+)
Do you think all adult content is the same? Take a look at some of the most popular and weirdest clichés and varieties of Hentai entertainment from amateur fan-fiction to professional animation. Come laugh with us at the insanity of what you hide under your bed.
How to Become an Amateur Voice Actor
Have you ever wanted to become a voice actor but have no idea where to get your start? If so then this panel is for you! I will show you step-by-step how to start off in small projects in voice work to build up experience and a reputation.
I will also discuss the equipment needed and how to communicate with your clients. Questions will be answered as well.
In Which Bad Fanfiction is Read Aloud
Two girls who love bad fanfiction way more than they should read classic badfics aloud for your listening pleasure. Featured selections include masterpieces such as 'Legolas by Laura', 'My Immortal' and 'My Inner Life'.
Other badfics will be read based on audience vote. Stop by if you love bad fanfiction or want to feel better about yourself, because there's no way you could be a worse person than these authors.
Jrock and Pop, It's More Than a Theme Song
Have a favorite theme song? See what else the artist produces! This panel introduces the audiences to the wide range of different venues in which musicians appear. Video games, dramas, community work, foreign films, etc.
If you don’t know where to buy music foreign music and keep up to date, we’ll help with that too!
Jrockrevolution, Keeping You Connected!
Jrockrevolution, Keeping you Connected is an opportunity for fans of all sorts to gather together, discover news and tid-bits from JRR first hand. Audiences will have opportunities to give feedback, if they have been following JRR.
For those new to the scene it is a chance to make a great connection and get your feet wet in the Japanese Music world.
Lolita Fashion Swap
Have lolita fashion clothing you don't want any more? Want some different clothes? Starting your wardrobe? Come to the lolita fashion swap!
MangaMan's Kamishibai (18+)
Kamishibai is a Japanese style of storytelling using illustrations. MangaMan and friends wish to recreate this form of storytelling with a new twist. Join them as they do dramatic readings from such classic manga as: Bobobo Bobobobo, Fist of the North Star, the Ghost Busters manga and many more!
MangaMan's Kamishibai FOR KIDS
Kamishibai is a Japanese form of storytelling with pictures. MangaMan and friends wish to recreate this classic form of storytelling with a new twist. Join them as they do dramatic readings from such classics as: Dragon Ball, One Piece, and many more!
Name That Anime Tune
How well do you know your anime themes? Find out in this adaptation of the classic game show that challenges you to identify songs ranging from obvious to obscure. Contestants will be chosen to participate in Melody Roulette, Tune Topics, and the Golden Medley Showdown, and the audience will have a chance to win prizes too!
Name That RPG Tune
Ever geek out over game music? Finally you can use that love of electronic music to win prizes! Come join your fellow game music fans for a fun-filled hour of "Name That Tune", RPG style!
OMG WHAT IS MY KID WATCHING: An Introduction to Anime For Parents
An information and Q&A panel for Parents and other adults who would like to learn more about Anime.
Opening Ceremonies
Come and open up convention weekend with an introduction to all of our Guests, as well as find out about cool things that are going on all weekend! And no, there won’t be any swing dancers this year - just really, really sharp swords...that might be used on the person who arranged Opening Ceremonies last year. You will just have to come and see what happens!
Otaku Tonight with Professor Pher
Otaku Tonight is a late-night talk show style panel, complete with monologue, skits, guests, and possibly a musical guest! It's the only event of its kind in the region, and was a smash hit at Geek.Kon, bringing in the most attendees among all events happening between 9 PM and 11 PM on Saturday night!
OtakuSanity (18+)
OtakuSanity or the OS is a stand-up comedy duo of two crazed otakus, Desuka and Yowecchi. These two will make you laugh, cry, and feel just a little awkward as they express their feelings about last year’s con as well as animes that they like or, the more likely, dislike. Examples range anywhere from elevators to cat girls, Naruto to bathing!
Prepare all ye otaku who enter because it’s going to be one interesting ride!
Pierce the Heavens With Your JUMP Gintaman! A Gintama Panel
What do you mean no one cares about Gintama? Just because Viz signed the eviction notice and Sentai Filmworks stopped returning our calls doesn't mean anything! Jeez, if you can come up with remarks like that, you should just come on down and let Gin-san and co. fill you in on everything Gintama.
Heck, we'll even let you play Extreme Janken AND answer all of your burning questions...for FREE!
Retro Gaming
Want to get in touch with your gaming roots? Before HD consoles with internet-enabled media capabilities, it was a simpler time...and these classic systems have lots of fantastic games left for you to discover. Come and learn about older classics you may have missed out on or share your personal favorite retro gaming memories!
Riffing Advent Children (18+)
The classic Anime Milwaukee panel returns to give another anime movie what it has coming. In the past we have riffed the Fullmetal Alchemist Movie and the 1st Pokemon movie, this year we take on that classic series Final Fantasy, and take down Advent Children. If you aren't sure what to expect, simply look up Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Rock 'N' Lol
A comprehensive 180 degree explanation of the Visual Kei music industry in context, as it stands in Japan currently. Previous knowledge of Visual Kei is suggested, but not required for participation in this panel.
Scavenger Hunt
A fun event for kids and parents to partake in together. Each family will have to work together as a team and find items located around the Hyatt and the Convention Center.
SGLBT Otaku Unite!
SGLBT stands for Straight, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transsexual. This is an open panel where fellow otaku can share stories, help support each other, and help make people feel better about who they are - regardless of gender preference.
Surviving the Undead (18+)
With situations taken from the hit book World War Z and other zombie fiction, you and a team of friends see if you have the wits to survive. Just remember, anyone who dies makes the horde bigger. So bring a friend and your delicious brains.
Tale of the Female Prince: Revolutionary Girl Utena
This panel will be dedicated to the 1997 anime series Revolutionary Girl Utena. In this discussion panel I will lead the group in different analysis of character dissection and metaphorical occurrences in the anime series.
The Art of Decoden
Heard about decoden but feel a little bit daunted at the task of starting it? This panel will give a brief history along with tips on getting started! Bring some of your decoden creations if you want to show them off.
The Ghibli Panel
We will focus mainly on the films of Hayao Miyazaki, but we will also touch on the films of Isao Takahata such as Grave of The Fireflies and Only Yesterday. We will explore the cultural and artistic significance of these films.
The Hired Gun of Japanese Cinema: A Takashi Miike Panel (18+)
Takashi Miike is a director renowned a great many films both very large in budget and the smallest imaginable. His works spread from children's films and television to graphic horror, kaiju, yakuza films, and musicals.
This panel will give attendees a brief overview of his 90+ films and then lead into a discussion of his themes and artistic merits. Come learn about the self proclaimed "hired gun" of Japanese cinema.
The Manly Tournament
Who is the manliest character in anime and video games... we want to know! Make or break the case for your favorite characters as we debate it out tournament style.
Audience participation encouraged as we take suggestions and arguments for finding who the champion is.
The Otaku's Guide to Safe Online Dating (18+)
Online dating is a great way to connect one otaku to another. Learn how to find that romantic connection in a safe setting. The panel will be interactive.
It will have a PowerPoint Presentation with pictures & the panelists will be asking for the audience's experience with online dating.
The Ouran Games
Welcome, Welcome! One and all to the Ouran High School Host Club Games! Where you as our beautiful costumer will get the chance to choose a team of which Host club member to compete in our first ever Ouran Host Club Games!
Be sure to choose wisely because we all know this will be a tough competition to beat with, of course, fabulous prizes to whichever team wins the games! Good Luck lovely contestants and I, Tamaki! The King of the Host club will enjoy your participation!
The Psychology of Neon Genesis Evangelion (18+)
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a very psychologically and symbolically rich anime. I would like to explore that psychology and symbology mostly from a Jungian perspective. Topics would include:
a) The psychology of introversion.
b) The symbol of the early adolescent piloting a giant robot.
c) The challenge of growing up to be an adult vs. wanting to return to the mother's womb.
d) The oedipal conflict involving Shinji and his parents.
Tokusatsu for Beginners
Go Go Super Sentai! Never heard of Super Sentai? They're the Japanese Power Rangers that started way back in 1975. Wanna learn more about the Tokusatsu genre? Then come to the Tokusatsu Panel and find out the spin-offs and where you can start watching.
Vent Fest 2012 (18+)
Got something you want to complain about? Here is the place to do it! From difficult video game bosses to irritating things in everyday life, Vent Fest 2012 is here for you. (Rated 18+ for definite profanity)
Versailles ~Philharmonic Quintet~
Formed in 2007, Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet- is a Japanese, Visual Kei band whose concept is to achieve "absolute beauty and extreme aestheticism" both visually, and through their music. Their most notable attributes are their French rococo- inspired costumes, dueling guitar sound, and heavy but melodic compositions.
Within this panel we will be discussing the band, their members, their music and their image.
Virtue Ethics, German Idealism, and My Little Pony: From Aristotle to Applejack
A comparative study of the widely popular and often polarizing series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and "classical" philosophy as it presents itself in both the ancient and modern forms.
Wait a Minute, Smart People Actually Care About This Stuff Too?
Are you interested in studying topics that have to do with anime and/or its culture? Thinking about, or already, pursing, a life learning about cultural studies, comparative literature, philosophy, and/or anthropology?
Come and learn how you can use anime, games, and genre fiction to not only enrich your intellectual life but the lives of others.
Whispers of the Divide Discussion
Find out about Whispers of the Divide, a fantasy adventure comic about two princes desperately trying to save their cursed, drought-ridden lands, their long lost adoptive father and his daughter, a demonic witch, who might just ruin them all.
Writer and artist, Allie Dyal, will discuss world building, character history, and how she managed to wrangle character designer Lor into working for her.
Why Taki was naked- The politics of Eden of the East
The question that everyone wonders, but no one has answered will finally be reveled. The true meaning of the careless Monday missile crises will be revealed. Why was Takizawa naked in front of the white house at the beginning of the series?
Why do the movies end the way they do? To the answers to that you will have to find out a little bit about Agabam's ideas on Biopolitics. Though if you ask why that random stranger gave him pants you will find yourself outside the effective range of the Seleção system.
Noblesse oblige, I pray for your attendance at this panel.
WTF Anime (18+)
I'm gonna show you some of the weirdest, craziest, and most ridiculous, over the top anime that I could find.
You And Anime Milwaukee
Here is your chance to meet AMKE staff. Learn how to join the exceptional AMKE team. Voice your opinions about this year and give your suggestions to make next year even more awesome!
Yu-Gi-Oh!: Saving the World With Card Games!
A look at the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise including the 6 anime series, 3 movies, 4 manga series, several videogames and one of the most popular collectible trading card games in the world. Join us to share your favorite (and least favorite) memories with the series as well as learn facts about it you may have never known.
