Even though I lived in Michigan for 12 years, I’ve never been to Youmacon. I already had plans to visit Michigan this year since I haven’t visited in about three years and the convention was around the time I was planning to visit. So I decided that I’d finally check it out.
What is Youmacon?
Youmacon is an anime convention in Detroit, Michigan. It’s similar to “comic-cons” but, instead of focusing on comics, Youmacon focuses on celebrating Japanese popular culture. Throughout the event, they showcase anime, video games, and Japanese styled artwork, and manga. Youmacon offers a mix of events for all ages. Such as celebrity guest panels, live music, gaming tournaments, and of course cosplay. If you want to know more about Youmacon then click here to check out their website.
Friday Highlights
The first day of the convention was filled with amazing cosplays, gaming, music, and panels. But the highlight of Friday for me was the Cosplaying While Black Panel. It was hosted by 5 experienced women of color cosplayers. They covered topics such as fears of aspiring cosplayers, racism within the community, and cosplaying people of color vs. cosplaying non-people of color. During the panel, they offered advice to cosplayers as well as resources. They touched on some valid points like there is enough racism outside of the cosplay community so there is no need for it inside of it. As well as being yourself and making whatever cosplay you decide to do just make it your own.
Moderator: Strawberry Cosplay Panelist: Queen of the Succubi | ChubbyxBunni | TJ
Guest: Shockolate Energy Love
Saturday Highlights
Saturday at a convention is always the busiest, and Youmacon was no exception. It was hard to narrow down what I wanted to do that day, so I winged it. The day started with me watching Aqours Rainbow a Love Live group based in Mid-Michigan. Now you may be asking yourself whats a Love Live? It’s a multimedia franchise that has released anime series, music, video games, and manga. Since its debut, it’s gained popularity and inspired others to form there own Love Live groups. Members of these groups dress up as Love Live characters, learn the choreography, and perform at conventions.
I ended my Saturday experience by watching the cosplay contest. The contest started with skits then moved on to the cosplay showcase. All the contestants who entered had amazing builds, and the skits were fun and creative. I’m glad I wasn’t a judge because everyone did such a great that I would have picked everyone.
Sunday Highlights
The last day of a convention is always bittersweet to me. I’m sad it’s over, but also happy I get to catch on some sleep. Conventions for me are usually late nights and early mornings and by Sunday the tired hits me. So Sunday was a laid back day. I went to the Borderlands panel and saw Ciaran Strange, Dameon Clarke, and Jim Foronda. They talked about working on the games as well as answered some fan questions. After that, I relaxed and people watched and admired all of the amazing cosplays.
Overall I enjoyed my experience at Youmacon, and wouldn’t mind going next year. I feel like there are some things I might have missed since it was my first time going. So next time I’m looking forward to discovering more of what they have to offer.
Related post: Dragon Con Recap
I’d never heard of Youmacon before, but it sounds like something I would enjoy. Detroit isn’t all that far away from me, though still a good 12 hours of driving, but I will have to remember this one in the future. One of these days I will attend a con and an anime based con seems like a good place to start.
It’s definitely worth checking out. They offer a lot of things to do for all ages. And it’s pretty spread out so you don’t feel like your drowning in crowds too.
I never heard of Youmacon but it sounds so fun! The cosplayers were on point with their costumes. I usually go to comic cons and my favorite parts are watching people and listening to panels. I thought it was cool for a panel to discuss what it’s like to cosplay while black, very current for today’s climate. I’m glad you had a good time Angela 😊
Natonya | https://justnatonya.wordpress.com
Thanks for stopping by. It’s a great convention with a variety of events. I love doing that too when I go to conventions. I was surprised to see it in the program but very glad it was a panel. I learned a lot from and it was very inspiring.
Haha I’m so not in tune with all the cons happening around the states except for NY Comic Con HAHA but this looks so epic! Everyone looks so good with their cosplay. Interesting panel about cosplaying while black!! There definitely does not need to be racism in such a realm such as this, there’s enough of it elsewhere!! So glad you had a good time. I thought your cosplay was amazing!
It’s always fun to venture out and explore conventions outside of your home state.NYCC is definitely on my bucket list of conventions. I was blown away by the amount of creativity that everyone put into their costumes. It inspires me to step up my game. And I like that the convention offered that as a panel. I think everyone in the room took away something from that panel. Thank you, I’m looking forward to working on new cosplays too.