Otaku Forever

It was a great interview with one of the more interesting personalities to emerge from the Con scene. Piano Squall goes to the various conventions (cosplaying as Squall Leonhart from FFVIII) and plays various anime and video game themes on the piano. Though I've been unlucky that I've never seen him in person, several of my anime club members give him an enthusiastic thumbs up!

Beyond the wonderful show he puts on, Piano Squall donates money from every show to various charities, the most notable being the National MS Society. He is proof how our hobby can kick butt and yet help the world as well!

If you haven't heard our interview with Piano Squall, it was in episode 20 of our talkcast. Go, Run, and Download it now!

In addition to all the above, I was very excited to learn that my hometown also had another claim to fame. Vic Mignogna, voice actor extraordinaire, winner of the "Best Actor" award at the 1st Annual American Anime Awards (yay Vic!) was also born and raised in Pittsburgh.

I knew I liked the guy for some reason.

Actually, no matter where Vic hailed from, I would like the guy. I had the pleasure of seeing him at two panels at Sakura-Con, and at both, to put it succinctly, Vic was awesomely cool.

He was funny and engaging, with tons of interesting stories. He shared his musical talents and his songs with us, and his fan club - known as the Risembool Rangers - was there, helping him every step of the way, including starring in a musical video with him. Check YouTube for more information.

What I really liked and appreciated about Vic, though, was his genuineness. Being real is incredibly hard to fake in the best circumstances. Faking it for 3 days while being surrounded by 5000 screaming fans dressed in Cosplay would be impossible.

His whole manner is someone who truly loves what they do and is grateful for the chance to do it. He loves his work - be it acting, production, or music - and is so pleased to share it with other people. And he really seems to enjoy and appreciate his fans.

The fans seem to feel the same way, judging by the mile long line for Vic's autograph. I think I still saw people 4 hours after autograph session began, still waiting for their chance to get to meet him. And you know what, he was still there, talking to each person and letting them chat with him for a few moments, not trying to hurry them on their way.

Of all the panels I went to - and I enjoyed, was entertained, and learned much from each and every one of them - it was Spike Spencer's that really drove home the point that a voice actor is an ACTOR. That these people are professional performers who are doing a job, a job which just so happens to involve cartoon characters.

This guy was quick. He kept the stories going, kept everyone entertained as the panel went on. At some of the other panels, people were a little nervous by being able to speak to these actors that they have admired for awhile. But with Spike, he put everyone at ease and everyone was having a good time. It was a true pleasure, and if you ever get a chance to listen to Spike Spencer, most assuredly go and take advantage of it.

So let me leave you now with the immortal words of Spike Spencer - Peace, Love, and a pint of Guinness (but only if you are 21 and older).