Can you believe it’s been six years!? Neither can Phoenix’s largest anime convention, Saboten Con! So, celebrating 6 conventions past, this year they are pulling out all the stops, new events, big name guests, raves, and parties galore for you to enjoy. Taking advantage of the Labor Day Weekend, Saboten Con will be Saturday, August 31st running through Monday, September 2nd. Located at the Renaissance Hotel in Glendale Arizona, right in the middle of the Westgate shopping center, full of restaurants and activates for those after con needs.
Saboten Con has taken it up a notch from past years, adding many more events to its program, not to mention, bringing back more popular ones from the past. Here are some that you can check out, and you can bet GNN will be there too! Let’s start with some of the new they have for us this year. Starting off with the big pool party! August 31st from 6 to 8 PM come cool down at the Renaissance swimming pool where a DJ will be playing music while you swim or lay by the pool. Also on Saturday from 11am from 4pm is the Japanese Car Show, showcasing vehicles from otaku auto enthusiasts. The Figure Show will be happening this year, showcasing private collections up for display, not to mention Good Smile Company’s Frances Delgado will be there with some of her own collection as well!
Along with events, Saboten Con also has three cafes going on this year. First up is the cosplay café, ran by Vegas cosplayer, Electric Lady. To go with the theme this year, it will be an Evangelion café. Ten dollars at the door, Sunday, September 1st from 12 to 4 pm. At Your Service Maid Café will be in attendence again this year, the local maids will be serving you on Saturday, August 31st from 12 to 4 pm, ten dollars at the door. The last café Sabo is offering an 18+ café for the adults attending. The ladies of Gainax are ready to serve, even a drink if you’re old enough!
Don’t forget about the always glamerous J-Fashion show, featuring some great designers like, Cake Shop Couture, Poison Sugar, and many other independent designers and models. Saturday August 31st from 7 to 8pm.
Talk about a whole bunch of guests, Saboten con is happy to bring you an array of voice actors, musicians, artists, and cosplayers will be in attendance, and ready to meet you.
American Voice actors, Travis Willingham, best known for his role as Roy Mustang in Full Metal Alchemist. Laura Bailey, known for her roles as Lust from Full Metal Alchemist and Tohru Honda from Fruits Basket. Amanda Winn-Lee, best known for her role as Rei, from Neon Genesis Evangelion. John Swasey, best known for his role as Gendo from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Death the Kid from Soul Eater. Tiffany Grant, best known for her role as Asuka from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Spike Spencer, who has lent his voice to many animes, including Evangelion and Bleach. Steve Nunez, known for his work in Cardcaptor Sakura.
Saboten Con is very please to have Japanese voice actress Yuko Miyamura, known for doing the original voice acting for Asuka in Neon Genesis Evangelion.
If you want to hear some music at the con, Sabo has you covered! Many great bands and musicians are coming to perform! Japanese singer Kazuha Oda, girl group Nylon Pink, K-POP singer Amiee Lee Lucas, electric funk pop sensation Eryn Woods, and music guru Joe Romersa.
Artists and writers have not been forgotten, and we have some real talent here. Local Arizona artist Alfred Trujullio known for his work on PROJECT : SHADOWS, writer and director to many an anime series Matt Greenfield, Ryan McMurry, comic book creator and cosplayer, Jolene Houser known for her work on Dusk Comics, Tokyopop writer and artist James Perry II, and Armand Villavert Jr. known for his work on his own series Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors.
And, it just wouldn’t be a convention without those cosplayers. Hey, I’m one myself, gotta mention my brothers and sisters in the community! Maridah will be here, California cosplayer best known for her co splays as Saber from Fate Stay Night. Pikmin Link, California cosplayer known for her work as Nintendo’s official cosplayer. AZ-Powergirl, local cosplayer known for her portrayal as Powergirl. Chris Tang, cosplay award winner.
Saboten Con will be located in Glendale Arizona, Saturday August 31st through September 2nd, in the Renaissance hotel and suites.
Full event passes will be $50 at the door, Saturday only passes at the door will be $40, Sunday passes $40, and Monday only passes will be $30.
Join myself, GNN correspondent Niki Boreal (Smoldering Flame Cosplay) and The 3 Drunk Geeks at Saboten Con this year! Hope to see you there!
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