What's going on
24 hour Comic challenge
Join veterans of the Denver 24 Hour Comic Challenge from Squid Works Comics as they discuss their creative processes and tips on staying mentally alert trying to complete the ironman feat of writing and illustrating 24 pages in 24 consecutive hours. Panelists will share some of their work, answer Q&A, and time permitting will conduct dramatic readings of some of their stories!
Airbrush Demo
You can talk a lot about how gorgeous airbrush work is, but nothing substitutes for really trying it out. Each lucky person in this demo time gets to try out a real airbrush without having to pay the hundreds if not thousands of dollars it would take to leap into it on your own – and gets to benefit from the tips and experience of master Tom Grossman. There is a $10 materials fee for this class for paint & materials.
Animated Story and Scenario Development
Learn the art of anime storytelling! This is an introduction to the building blocks of drama and comedy for animated filmmaking to gain a deeper appreciation of your favorite films or prepare you to make your own project. Concepts covered include “substance + structure + style”, juxtaposition, setting, genre, meaning, and character. Special attention given to plot design.
Animation Principles
Learn the basic tools and techniques Japanese animators employ to create the illusion of life and gain a deeper appreciation of their work. Examples and explanation of squash-and-stretch, anticipation, overlapping action, secondary motion, motivation, emotional gear change, exaggeration, timing, arcs, and more. This is a tremendous opportunity for anyone interested in animation or improving their anime creation skills.
Animation Style and Technology
Learn what Hiroyuki Yamaga meant when he said, “American animation tells the story by moving the characters. Japanese animation tells the story by not moving the characters.” Explore in-depth analysis of cliché and emerging styles. Also, learn about cels, multiplane cameras, leica reels, storyboarding, project bibles, digital ink-n-paint, layout, and more. Frank discussion concerning the state of the animation industry, animation schools, and the future of the art form.
Anime Dating Game
Watch Fanboys and Fangirls compete for a chance at true love and eternal happiness. Or if not that, at least a few awkward moments trying to divvy up phat COO loot with a perfect stranger. The Dating Game is an audience participation event, with contestants drawn straight from the crowd to compete in challenges of physical daring and psychological audacity in an attempt to win the heart of a mysterious otaku.
Anime Music Videos
The best of the submissions to NDK! Check on the schedule for the presentation of many of our submissions on Saturday, and for the Winner’s Circle re-showing on Sunday. There are three music video sessions this year – for those who are overwhelmed by the crowd getting in to see AMV’s on Saturday, Sunday morning will be a re-show of the same video presentation so early birds can see everything without any difficulty breathing.
Anime n’ J-Pop Dance
Once again, onemadcow brings you the best and newest music that Japan has to offer, along with a mix of your older favorites. Be sure to bring a friend, ‘cause in Main Events there’s plenty of room for everyone!
Anime Olympics
Up to 20 participants compete in our annual NDK version of “sports” competitions – just as twisted as our favorite anime! The events are always a secret until the time of competition!
Anime Pulse Podcast
Started in October 2005, Anime Pulse is a podcast dedicated to providing quality reviews of the newest anime televised in Japan as well as reviews of recent and classic anime. Anime Pulse provides up-to-date news collected from various online sources, as well as exclusive interviews and recordings of anime-related symposiums and conventions. Anime Pulse was the recipient of the 2006 Podcast Award for best Arts/Cultural podcast and is currently a nominee for the 2007 Podcast Awards and Parsec Awards. Join us for a great live recording of our show, along with some trivia contests and giveaways.
Armor Panel
Like the idea of armor and don’t know where to start? This is a good place to learn the basics, and even where you can learn how to make your cosplay armor
look closer to the real thing.
Art and Craft of Storytelling
Targeted at all creators interested in learning and sharing techniques for building narratives: manga, film, prose fiction, or video games. Focusing on a particular theme such as characters, pacing, romance, theme, etc. Though the focus is on writing as the means to tell a story, all creative types are invited to attend this idea and technique exchange panel.
Art Auction
Check in with the Art Show information for rules, bid on the beautiful art in our Art and Model show throughout the weekend and bring the weekend to a close with a winning bid in our Art Auction for the coolest pieces!
Artplaymix.com
Illustration duo Heather and Jason Martin definitely know how to mix art and play, with hundreds of fun, fabulous designs published in fandom and “serious” circles, from magazine to web illustrations.
Autograph Sessions
Autograph sessions and Guest and Industry panels with all our favorite actors, directors, and other industry folks! Check your program schedule for times and locations to see your favorite guests. We do our autograph sessions with multiple guests so you can get several autographs at once and maximize your time with awesome people! Autograph session rules are in this program book. Autograph session schedules are on your program schedule.
Avoiding Cosplay Mishaps
A session on making what you love to do less likely to be marred by what you don’t want to happen! How do you avoid rips, tears, or unfortunate exposures? Blind tripping, evident impaling, or emotional scars? Bring your ideas to share about things to watch out for and how to have the best time possible.
Bandai Industry Panel
Our friends over at Bandai Visual take time to talk about the anime scene and what to expect from them in the near future!
Battle Karaoke
COO presents Battle Karaoke! Gladiatorial combat, karaoke singing, and trading card games; three things COO has always thought go hand in hand. And thus, Battle Karaoke was born. Three teams of 4 singers face off. The harsh uncaring deck of song cards tells them what they’ll sing, the harsh uncaring audience decides if they’ll stay to sing again or sit a round out, and the other teams can play vicious trick cards on them. Teams earn points by completing challenging songs and winning stunts. The team with the most points at the end
of the game wins some loot.
Being a Con SO
Did you get dragged to your first con on the arm of a ravening relationship? How did you cope? How have you adapted since? Maybe you’ve found interesting ways of creating guerrilla art in the hallways, or maybe you’ve outstripped your one-time guide in fandom? Swap stories with the other folks who have done the same!
Being an Anime Villain
Ever wonder what it’s like to be on the losing side? Join Wendy Powell and learn what’s it’s like to be the bad guy.
Bobobobo
We know you love it! Join the amazing Richard Epcar and Michael Sorich in a fun-filled and in-depth discussion on their experience in making this series!
Bootleg Panel
A Grand Tour of all the ways bootleggers will try to pass you off cheap junk as if it were really licensed and quality goods. Some wonderfully laughable items and some that can sneak by if you’re not paying attention.
Breaking into Comics
Are you an aspiring comic creator looking to break into the comics biz? Join our panel of professional cartoonists and comic artists from Squid Works Comics including, Stan Yan (SubCulture, The Wang), John Peters (Gypsy, Forty Winks), Ethan Wenberg (Rebels of Reality, Strange Child Comics), and Ozzy Longoria (Quantum: Rock of Ages, The Saved).
Cel Painting
Fun with acetate and acrylics, with tips and tricks for a great look! As usual, there is a $6 materials fee for this seminar, payable to Master Steve Bennett at the time of the class.
Closing Ceremonies
A last chance for a fond farewell to all the guests who have been stars in our weekend sky, and news for the new year.
Colorado Gothic Lolita Society
All the rage in Japan, the Gothic Lolita look is sweeping the fashion forward youth community. From Gingham plaids to velvet ribbons, this scene is making a statement that resonates with us in the U.S. too. Delve into the dark beauty of Gothic Lolita with Colorado’s own Gothic Lolita Society!
Cosplay 101: The Basics
Curious about how to start cosplaying or how to better your new cosplay skills? Come join Miracle at her Cosplay 101 panel to learn a brief history, tricks of the trades and most of all, how to have fun in your cosplay!
Cosplay Chess
Ever wanted to see a human chess match? Ever wanted to see an anime or
video game chess match? If so, join us for cosplay chess where you can see
ninjas take on shinigami, thieves take on demons, or a princess taking on a
knight. Comedy, drama, romance, horror, and action all packed into one
game. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the premier of cosplay chess at
NDK!!
Cosplay Necessities
Cosplay is truly a multi-faceted hobby, but there are still some basic principles that every cosplayer should follow. We’ll go over how to pick, plan, make and wear a costume: from identifying your skill level to very basic wig techniques everyone should use. Come to start you journey into cosplay or to simply pick up some new tricks! Everyone can learn something new here.
Cosplay Roundtable
An open forum to talk about all things to do with the cosplay community, meet your neighbor and maybe their club too!
Costume Contest and Cosplay
Our Saturday night costume extravaganza! As always, NDK has the two split so you can show off your fantastic costuming skills or your skit making mastery. Different this year is a revamped set of guidelines for the participants of Cosplay at NDK. Additional honors are available in the Masters’ Category as well as special awards for best Video Gaming and best Traditional Costume.
Creating Comics on the Computer
As the technology of illustration advances, some cartoonists use their computers in their craft more and more. Join Al Steffen, open source software computer guru, Michael O’Keefe, Manga Studio guru, Tanya Higgins, web comic creator, and others as they discuss the tools they use in creating their work.
Dating Cookbook
Join Spike Spencer as he introduces his new “how to” book.
DDR
Many can see how Anime and DDR go hand in hand so well. Anime is packed full of great music from outstanding artists, how can they not be included into a dance game? This year at NDK we look forward to bring you once again a DDR room unlike any NDK has seen in the past. There will be a few tournament based rounds with great prizes up for grabs. Make sure you don’t miss it!
Denver Costume and Cosplay Society
Denver Costume and Cosplay Society (DCCS) is the local chapter for the International Costumers’ Guild and they are premiering at NDK! The DCCS will include photo shoot gatherings, networking, help, advice and just generally be the hub of costuming in Colorado! Come to find out about their board members, planned events, special offers and how to sign up to become a member!
Doll Meet
Get to know others at con, and find out about ball jointed dolls that can be customized to your delight with wigs, eyes, faceups, clothes and mods. Meet dolls from Bambicrony’s misty blue dolls to Cherishdoll’s demon, the elegant Soah and many more. Show and tell your dolls and crafts! Plus a roundtable talk including the immense resources in the area for lovers of these beautiful resin dolls, cosplay for dolls (what’s harder and what’s easier, than full size cosplay?), and doll aesthetics including the Lolita movement, tattooing and more.
Egg Warriors
Becca Feiner has been spending a little too much time in the sun this year after too much time out of it, which explains why she is determined that Samurai + Eggs = the perfect match. Join this crafty session on how to toss out all the American tendencies to make colored things and chickens out of eggs and make a bad attitude little samurai guy instead. Materials are available for 36 people to participate. Latecomers are welcome to observe.
Endless Evangelion Panel
Controversial Evangelion expert Sean McCoy hosts another fierce debate on our enduringly favorite series that still remains thought-provoking more than a decade after we first experienced it. This is an open invitation to share your honest opinions (please no rotten vegetables) of Mr. McCoy’s audio commentary and “Mythology of Evangelion” work on the Platinum release of the Evangelion DVDs. There will also be plenty of discussion on other GAINAX productions including FLCL and Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.
Evolution of Comics
Wondering where the comic/manga industry is headed? What’s new with industry? Then this is the panel for you.
Fanfiction to Fiction
An informal discussion panel aimed for the creators of fan fiction who desire to “make the transition” to original fiction. Covered are a brief history of fan fiction, the strengths and weaknesses of fan fiction as writing practice, and how to incorporate anime influences into traditional fiction.
Fansubbing, Downloading, The Industry and YOU
As new technology unfolds, the face of fandom changes as well. Come and discuss the pros and cons of torrents, Fansubbing, scanlations, and downloading and how it effects the state of anime industry today.
Final Fantasy Cosplay
The designs of Yoshitaka Amano are among the most complex and lovely in the anime and video game arcane. How do you pull off some of those straps, buckles and belts, flowing gauze and fairy features? Dive into the world of Final Fantasy!
GLBT Fans of Anime
NDK has always been a happy home for fans of all kinds. But is there something special in anime and its fandom that speaks to people of different persuasions, creative interests, and original lives? A PG-13 panel about fandom from different points of view.
Go Session
Go was developed 4,000 years ago in China. The rules are so simple they can be taught in a few minutes, but it can take a lifetime to master the game. Playing sets and instruction will be provided. Come learn to play and discover the mystery and beauty of the ancient dance of the black and white stones.
History of Anime
Ever wonder how anime began in the US? Prior to anime, we had only Disney and Warner Bros type animation. Join Ellyn Stern to learn about the funny early stories of how she worked and which shows she did.
How to Talk To Girls with Steve Bennett
A look at a critical life skill that is often missing in the repertoire of the average fan. We notice it most with the good hearted but essentially inexperienced guy. That noted, many girls may wish to attend as well to polish their skills!
Improv Cartooning Challenge
You think you can cartoon? Join members of Squid Works Comics in a fast, furious, fun and interactive exercise of comic strip creation!
Intro to Koto
Sensei Junko Shigeta of Koto Colorado joins us for a one of a kind panel session. Sensei Shigeta is a member of one of the largest Koto schools and ensembles in Japan, the Miyagikai group. Since 1992 Sensei Shigeta has led and taught the koto ensemble Koto Colorado, which has graced our Opening Ceremonies many years. For the first time, she will speak at NDK about the nature of koto music and play.
Jan Scott-Frazier Live
It has been half a decade since Jan returned to the states and brought with her an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge. Many things have changed in the last five years, but Jan remains brilliant, creative, and determined.
Japanese Cooking with Bob
A large part of Japanese culture is centered around the food that they eat every day. Few cultures spend quite as much time and energy on preparation and presentation as the Japanese do. We’ll spend time looking that the history, geography and many other factors that have influenced the way that the Japanese eat. And afterwards we’ll look at some of the most popular and famous dishes that are traditionally served in Japan.
Japanese Guest Appearances:
Our dear friends at MADHOUSE have sent two of their most talented to NDK this year. We are always happy to welcome the opportunity to really learn how the industry is in Japan, and make some new friends too! It is an honor to listen and learn from their wisdom and experience. Mr. Hiyashi Abe & Shin Itagaki will be here throughout the weekend to share their considerable talents, and maybe give us some more info on what MADHOUSE is up to. They will also be here to share their love of the “Devil May Cry” series. NDK is one of the few opportunites to have a true moment of understanding with Japanese guests, as they have given us their full concern and kindness. We are very grateful to our friends at MADHOUSE for their time and generosity to come all the way to Colorado. For a fan of anything that MADHOUSE has produced, these panels should be on the top of the list.
Karaoke
Karaoke returns to NDK in two nights with the help of Damon Nagy for our normal sweet melodic evening and our all out rowdy night, whichever you prefer: Friday for melody and Saturday for power!
Kumihimo Braiding
Learn the art of the intricate braiding technique called Kumihimo – use it to make ribbons, belts and swags for cosplay, or elegant cables to hang pendants, wrap gifts, or adorn your hair. Supplies will be provided for those who arrive before they run out.
Late Night Writer’s Slumber party
Are you the type who is awake at midnight madly trying to write as fast as your ideas flow? Or the sort who enjoys a soothing cup of tea as you elegantly arrange your prose by the light of the moon? NDK’s late night gathering for writers of all stripes, including assorted writing exercises, discussions, and good company.
Learning Japanese through Song
Musician Lisa Furukawa takes us on a cheerful journey learning Japanese through the fun of traditional songs.
Life Drawing
One of the best practices for aspiring artists is to draw the real human form. Join us as we strap down another volunteer for your artistic pleasure in this year’s live life drawing session.
Life of An Artist
Want to be an artist? Want to get into the industry? Then this is the panel for you. Robert DeJesus has been working in the industry for over 18 years. Learn from a pro who has been published by Marvel, Harper Collins and Playstation magazine.
Lisa Furukawa
Check the schedule for Lisa’s musical appearances throughout the weekend. This lovely, kind and graceful lady is also a wonderful musical talent and we look forward to seeing her perform!
Living and Working in Japan
Join Rodney Little as he describes his adventures in Japan and what it’s like to be a foreigner in the small country.
Make and Play Your Own Shakuhachi Flute
Join nationally acclaimed educator and consultant Tommy Reddicks for a discussion of what makes the Japanese Shakuhachi flute such an icon in classic Japanese music. Then discuss it’s construction and learn how to make your own. Join in and finish your own Shakuhachi, take lessons on how to play, and finally take your new instrument home to continue making music. ** $10 materials fee requested for anyone who wishes to participate and have their own flute. Limited to 40 people.
Mark Reagan’s AMV Hour
Join anime music video editors Mark Reagan (Tsunami Jones) and Matt Bottorff (Kisanzi) for an hour of AMVs, discussion, Q&A, and maybe even a chance to win a few prizes!
Monsters of Music
Join the ‘JFF’ for the ultimate Dir en grey experience. We aim to bring you the concert experience with songs from the band. After, join us for a discussion about Dir en grey, and Jrock in general! Also, ask some questions for the ‘bend members’!
Movie Making Madness
After having spent 4 years committing every mistake possible in low budget video production, members of COO and SHM Productions will be on hand to answer questions and help save you from making some of the same mistakes that they made in their first few projects. We’ll discuss scope, goals, cheap tricks, special effects, equipment and how to get started. The quality of your youtube productions will surely increase after this panel!
Music In Anime
Curious about music in anime? Ever wondered why even short OVAs can have multiple soundtracks? We’ll be answering all of these questions, discussing the history of anime music, notable composers, important soundtracks, and the recent flood of series centered around their music in this panel…and of course, listening to a bunch great songs!
Newbie Guide to Comiket
A couple local gals headed to Comiket (Japan’s bi-annual Comic Market) last Winter, and are excited to share their experiences as foreigners at the biggest convention Japan has to offer. Learn how to shop for doujinshi like a pro, how to navigate your way to Tokyo Big Sight, and all the insanity to expect when you get there! If you’ve been interested in heading to Japan for yourself, bring your questions to this panel! Bonus: hear hilarious and frightening stories about Cosplaying at Comiket, and what it’s REALLY like to cosplay in the Motherland! From changing clothes in public to the drop-jawed stares, it’s a whole new experience.
Okinawa in WWII
Rodney Little of Panther Comics presents his completed documentary about the impact of WWII on the citizens in Okinawa. While one drama surged across the world stage, another played out at home in Japan, and changed people’s lives forever.
Olde Tyme Anime
Whether you’re one of the fogies who was around “back in the day” or a new comer charmed by the sometimes awkward anime of yesteryear, join us for this happy descent into the days of sixth-generation raw video and really weird Japanese commercials. Talk, watch yesterday’s anime, and clips from some of the things that wowed the crowds of two decades ago. Hosted by Roger of Gimme Anime.
Opening Ceremonies
We’re very happy every year to say hello and welcome you back, and to introduce you to the faces of the guests who will help to make the weekend a special one! We are delighted this year with the return of Taiko to our stage, this year with the up and coming group MiraiDaiko (Taiko of the Future)! We hope their music helps to rev you up for the weekend, and we really look forward to seeing them on stage with us for Opening Ceremonies.
Russ Perry Martial Arts
Panther Comics’ own Ruselis Perry has, in the years we’ve known him, gone from being a well built young man to being a powerhouse capable of Olympic feats.
Secret Shame
Remember the show that hooked you? The show that drew you into anime? The one on Fox Kids, or syndication that you rushed home from school to watch or got up way too early in the morning to see? The one you can’t look at now because OMG the dubbing is terrible, the story hacked to bits and the whole thing is so incredibly cheesy? The one you can’t really admit to your friends? What was it’s name? Starblazers? Robotech? Sailor Moon? DragonballZ? Pokemon? Come to the panel and admit to the anime in your closet!
Sequel Art on the Fly
They are at it again! Panther Comics is continuing where it left off last year, with a fast paced, fun, and educational twist to sequential art. If you like to draw and want to develop as a comic artist, this is the panel for you. What is it about? To put it simply, all who attend this panel will start the first few panels of a story. Then after a set time, we’re not going to tell how long, the artist pass their story on to the next artist. This continues, until there are as many hilarious stories as attendants.
Sequel Art Relay Challenge
On your mark..get set…go! If you have a group of at least three friend who can write, draw, or just sit around and bark orders this panel is for you! This panel will consist of comic teams of at least three, a writer, artist, and an editor. Each team will have a set time to develop a mini comic. Yes, plots and a dialog are expected. Each stage (plot/story, narration/dialog, and the layout/art) will have a set time for development and completion. Each team member has a roll to ensure they have the best comic possible in the time allotted. This is the perfect panel for people who are serious about comics and want a real-life experience dealing with comics deadlines.
Sera Myu
Last Chance Myu is a non-regional performing Sera Myu group. Non-regional meaning all of our cast members are located in various portions of the US, and Sera Myu being the nick name for the Sailor Moon musicals that ran in Japan. We do live singing and dancing plus prize giveaways!
Sneak Preview Q & A
Join Greg Ayres as he previews Nerima Daikon Brothers (TV MA)- Hideki has a dream to build a rock and roll dome in his hometown of Nerima. Together with his cousin, Mako, Ichiro, and a panda (Pandaikon), they strive to make money any way they can, and in the process, rid the world of evil-doers and steal their money. This off-beat anime musical is just the latest creation from Shinichi Watanabe (Excel Saga).
Spike Spencer’s Voice Acting 101
Join this trained professional as he discusses the art of acting for animated stories, his own experiences and advice in the field.
Stage Presence
Proper Cosplay is more than the costume, it’s about playing the character as well – and if you’re on stage, about doing so with the theatrical sense needed to show off your character to its best advantage. When you’re on stage the lights and audience can blind you, make you nervous, and suddenly time changes and you’re rushing, stuttering, or moving in slomo. It helps a lot to have a strong sense of what shows best to the audience when you’re in the spotlight. Check out this panel session for tips on how to make it through that few moments without it feeling like an eternity – and to help make a great costume show its greatness by your stage presence.
Symphonic Anime Orchestra
Once again the talented Kathryn Vedder has pulled together a group of musicians on a wide range of instruments, developed arrangements for a number of anime musical favorites tailored to the instruments of the SAO members, sought permissions, and traveled hours to lead group practices during the year.
Translating Manga/Anime
Information on the process and art of translating manga and anime professionally. Some subjects covered are idioms, important changes that need to be made, how to deal with names and politeness levels, schedules, and rewrites.
Video Gaming will be running tournaments throughout the weekend – check the Video Gaming area of the program book for some basic information on everything running, then check in the Video Gaming schedule for tournament times!
Vocal Musings 1 and 2 (Saturday and Sunday)
Special time to talk over interesting stories with all our American Voice Actors! War stories, insider tips, and Q & A time for all our favorite actors. A great big happy lovefest o’ talent!
Voice Acting and Directing
Join Richard Epcar as he talks about his experiences as a voice actor and director. He might hint at how you could become part of the industry!
What Happens At Con Well, you will just have to see exactly what Spike Spencer has to say about this one!
Wigs 101
Wigs can make a good costume wonderful, and an amazing costume legendary. So pluck up your courage and let’s get started! This panel will go over the basics of how to select a wig, take care of it, and basic styling techniques such as cutting in bangs, defying gravity, and putting wigs into ponytails. At the end, we’ll look at how these simple techniques can be used and expanded upon to make wigs you never thought were possible!
Wings and How to Control Them
Come join Shareece Schroeder, founder and leader of South Dakota’s only professional Cosplay Group, Genki No Cosplay, as she goes over all things necessary for making cosplay wings. She will cover everything from how to make them and how to avoid bodily harm as you wear them. We will have fun and at random giving out prizes. Don’t miss it!
Women in Anime
Role models in anime are primarily male. Join Ellyn Stern in this discussion about the kinds of female roles in anime that the fans would be interested in seeing. It is important for girls to not just see males as the heroes, but females as well.
Writer’s Roundtable
A chance to kibitz with fellow writers on a topic to do with great writing – different themes every year!
Writing: Keeping your Enthusiasm
Almost all writers have suffered from writer’s block at some time. Less discussed is the possibility of simply running out of steam for your work. When you’re starting to get a little tired of your own characters’ Issues, fatigued with writing the forty-fifth descriptive scene, and starting to think that starting something new is a lot more fun than completing what you’re working on, how do you renew your energy for your project? A good roundtable discussion for everyone with scripts tucked in the back of their desk (backpack, trunk) that haven’t seen the light of day in a while.
Yamagata Sister City
Join Kaz Tanaka in looking at Denver’s beautiful, charming Sister City Yamagata in Japan. Take a look at tourist spots, scenery, culture and community in this attractive town. Where better to start your journeys to Japan?
Yaoi Panel
Yaoi isn’t just a four letter word: A look into the fandom of yaoi, the stigmas attached in it, and how not to get labeled as one of those “crazy yaoi fangirls.”
Yoga with Jan Scott-Frazier
Anyone, no matter what their condition, will get benefits from this gentle hatha yoga session designed to relieve some of the tiredness, aches, pains and stress that can accumulate over a con weekend. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily.
Updated 09/04/2007
