MEDIA

here is the news article that made the paper: http://erie-anime-experience.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_EAEin_the_news.gif
but if you can't read the scan you can read it here:

Quote

Erie Times-News (PA)

September 28, 2007

Miller hopes anime fest draws fans

Article Text:

Knowing I write about entertainment, someone once asked me if I'm a big fan of Anna May.

"Never heard of her," I said.

"Dolt!" he shouted.

Apparently, he meant anime, as in Japanese animation. And I guess I've been a fan from way back, though I didn't know it at the time. I just thought "Speed Racer" was the bomb.

"Go, Speed Racer, go!"

Fortunately, anime has come a long way since the days of Speed, Trixie and Chim Chim. Mega-popular shows such as "Pokémon," "Dragonball Z," "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and current rages "Naruto" and "Fullmetal Alchemist" began popping up all over cable and network TV -- especially Cartoon Network.

Beginning with the surprise 1997 box-office hit "Princess Mononoke," film director Hayao Miyazaki also helped raise anime's profile, not to mention the creative bar. His later films, "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle," kept the momentum going.

Today, the U.S. market for all things anime -- movies, toys, DVDs, etc. -- is worth $4.35 billion, according to JETRO, which isn't a Pokémon buddy ! but the Japan External Trade Organization. So it's no surprise many U.S. cities feature anime conventions.

On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Erie will host its first, the Erie Anime Experience, at the Bayfront Convention Center. Visitors can see older and newer anime shows, plus one ("Yawara") that has yet to air in the U.S. They can paint an animation cell, play video games and learn how to make a kimono. If you're into it, you can engage in cosplay, i.e, dress up as a favorite anime character. An anime version of "Family Feud" also is scheduled, with competing fan factions from "Fullmetal Alchemist."

Kyle Herbert, who has voiced characters on "Naruto," "Dragonball Z," and "Bleach" -- will speak at the event, said Jacqueline Miller, the convention's president.

When she was little, Miller followed such anime shows as "Voltron" and "Transformers," then fell out of it.

"When I had my own kids, they started watching 'Pokémon' and 'Dragonball' ! and 'Yu-Gi-Oh!'" she said. "After awhile, I started researching other shows on TV."

She liked how many shows taught about Japanese history and told complex stories.

"My mom gets mad. She keeps watching 'Law & Order.' I can watch an episode and have it solved in five minutes. It doesn't challenge me," she said. "But 'Case Closed,' with this kid who goes around solving crimes, I can watch that and still don't know who did it until just before the kid tells. That thing twists and turns."

Miller has modest hopes for Erie's first anime convention; a crowd of 400 or more would thrill her. Pittsburgh's Tekkoshocon, in its fifth year, drew 3,000 fans in April. Erie's event has similar growth potential, if Miller stays the course.

Yu-Gi-Go, girl!

Tickets for Erie Anime Experience are $25 for adults; $15 for children 12 and younger, and are available at the door.

DAVE RICHARDS can be reached at 870-1703 or by e-mail at dave.richards@timesnews.com.

Copyright 2007 Erie Times-News
Record Number: 0c8291dc