Metrocon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| METROCON | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Status | Active |
| Venue | Tampa Convention Center |
| Location | Tampa, Florida |
| Country |  United States |
| Years in existence | 2003 to present |
| Attendance | est. 4,300 in 2006 |
| List of events | The Original Anime Human Chess Match, Fantasy Masquerade, Anime Idol, Anime Fan Film Festival |
| Official Website | |
METROCON is an anime convention based in Tampa, Florida. It was first presented in 2003 out of a Radisson Hotel nearby to the Florida State Fairgrounds, and beginning in 2005 moved to the Tampa Convention Center after two years of rapid growth. The 2006 convention was held on the weekend of June 2 through June 4.
The convention is run by Anime Metro, Inc.
Contents |
[edit] Anime Human Chess Match
In addition to the usual trappings of an anime convention (costume and cosplay competitions, video rooms, game room, merchandising room, various dances including a matsuri dance, Anime Idol karaoke contest, Artist's Alley, etc.), METROCON is the home of the original Anime Human Chess Match. The concept was first thought up in 2003 by convention CEO and owner Roy Harms, and the first match was staged in 2004. The theme of each year's convention, which pits one anime character stereotype against another, become the opposing teams of pawns for the match.
Each year's match does not play like actual chess, with the principal pieces played by different characters which may have their own agendas for participating. The kings of each side are always major popular anime characters; for example, in 2004, the teams were headed by Spike of Cowboy Bebop and Lupin the Third, respectively. In 2005, the kings were Edward Elric from Full Metal Alchemist and Gendo Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion. In 2006, the kings were Yuuske Yurameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho and Yomiko Readman from Read or Die.
The pawn theme of 2004 was Catgirls vs. School girls. In 2005, it was Pirates vs. Ninjas. In 2006, the theme focus of the pawns was changed to include all of the pieces on each side of the board and was kawaii vs. kowai (cute vs. scary).
All the chess match storylines, from 2003 onward, have tied into each other in some way.
[edit] Chess Match 2007
At the Chess Match Panel at METROCON: Amano's World, as well as during the closing ceremonies, it was revealed that the convention/chess match theme of 2007 will be "Anime vs. Video Games".
Further speculation occurred when the entire METROCON website was shut down and an image was put up that had the METROCON logo against a broken gear with the words "Shattered Dreams". This caused fear that something had happened and that the convention had closed its doors; however, several days later, the site reappeared with an entirely new look. It was made clear, at this point, that the title "Shattered Dreams" referred to the premise of the Anime Human Chess Match. Also stated was, "The gear will be broken in 2007". This obviously referenced the gear in the METROCON logo which, in and of itself, has become the icon for the convention.
This is the first time that the Anime Human Chess Match has had a titled name.
[edit] Amano's World
On the weekend of October 14-15, 2006, a second anime convention was held by AnimeMetro, known as METROCON: Amano's World. The guest of honor was Yoshitaka Amano, who is best known for his Final Fantasy character designs and Vampire Hunter D illustrations. Amano's work was visible everywhere, from the banner at the entrance to the convention to every weekend pass ticket. Amano often made sketches of those with VIP passes to his panel and continued to sign fans' artbooks and pictures over an hour past when he was scheduled to finish.
It is unclear if AnimeMetro will be holding another second METROCON in 2007.
[edit] Attendance
METROCON has had a steady rate of growth in attendance of around since it's inception.
| Year | Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 1,600 |
| 2004 | 2,400 |
| 2005 | 3,600 |
| 2006 | 4,300 |
[edit] METROCON dates and location by year
- METROCON 2003 — July 18-20, Crown Plaza Hotel, Tampa, Florida.
- METROCON 2004 — July 9-11, Crown Plaza Hotel, Tampa, Florida.
- METROCON 2005 — June 24-26, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida.
- METROCON 2006 — June 2-4, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida.
- METROCON: Amano's World — October 14-15, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida.
- METROCON 2007 — July 6-8, Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida.
