Retired Panels

Goodbye: All of Evangelion (2021-2022, Banzaicon, Ichibancon, Triad Anime Con): Hideaki Anno finally did it. Evangelion… is over! From the 1995 TV series to the controversial End of Evangelion, to the manga adaptation and then to the Rebuild movies that changed everything, Evangelion has cemented itself as one of the most influential franchises of all time. Step on down as we celebrate the highs, the lows, the crayon drawings, primordial soup, and all the moments instrumental to us all! #KaworuIsBestGirl2k21

Fruits Basket: Brotherhood (2020-2022, Ichibancon, Banzaicon, Colossalcon): Well, it finally happened! Fruits Basket, the iconic 2000s anime, got the faithful remake that so many others beg for. But how faithful was it? Do characters and stories change 18 years later? Join us as we review the newly completed Fruits Basket, compare it to its source material, and discuss its impact on anime as we know it!

Bad Fanfic Reading Circle (18+); 2015-2020

CoronaCon Special: The Church of Gail (2020)

Pokémon Across the Pond: A Guide to Sword and Shield (2020, Ichibancon): Oi! Did ya have a cheeky Pokémon fight? Did you explore all of Galar to your heart’s content? Well, so did we, and we have LOTS of tea to spill, and not just off a harbor. Come join us for a discussion on Galar, #Dexit, and, yes, so many bagpipes.

The (Mostly) Lesbian Adventures of Kunihiko Ikuhara (2020, Ichibancon): You like walking up some stairs? What about penguins? Do you have a SURVIVAL STRATEGY or a need to connect? Are you understanding all of these obscure anime references? If so, then you might be ready to talk about the anime of Ikuhara! We’re talking Sailor Moon, Utena, Penguindrum, Yurikuma Arashi, and of course, SARAZANMAI. Break out of the world’s shell and get ready for an Absolute. Destiny. Apocalypse.

Anime that Got BONES’d (2018-2019, Asheville Anime Regional Convention, Ichibancon, Triad Anime Con): Why is Maka suddenly a weapon AND a meister? Did Edward Elric die AGAIN? We’ve all seen those anime that just didn’t fit the manga. But oddly enough, one studio in particular has made it a nasty habit, and today, we’re here to talk about it. From Fullmetal Alchemist to Soul Eater, and Ouran Host Club to Noragami, there’s just no bones about it. #Justice4SoulEater2k19

20 Years of Revolutionary Girl Utena, (2017-2018, Asheville Anime Regional Convention, Ichibancon): ABSOLUTE. DESTINY. APOCALYPSE. If you’re a fan of the likes of Sailor Moon, Madoka Magica, Steven Universe or, inexplicably, NASCAR, then have we got a show for you! Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Revolutionary Girl Utena is still an anime worth your time. But why? Well, somewhere in between the sword fights and floating castles, we’ll get to that. Just don’t forget where you parked your girlfriend.

Alola! The Evolution of Pokémon (2018-2019, Triad Anime Con, Stellarcon, Ichibancon): Maybe you remember breaking out your Gameboy after school, mining for spheres in the Underground, or shouting HEY YOU PIKACHU until your mom shut off the TV. Wherever you come from, you’ve probably noticed that the games you used to play look different from what you might see today. Join us for a discussion on how Pokemon has changed over the years, and what we might expect in the future. Just don’t forget where you parked your Mantine.

Takarazuka: A Century of Dreams (2017-2019, UNCG Japanese Club, Ichibancon, Triad Anime Con): Whether you’re a fan of anime, musicals, or Japanese culture, you’re invited into the world of Takarazuka! A style of Japanese theatre performed entirely by women, and inspiring works such as Sailor Moon, Takarazuka plays with gender and culture to create a one-of-a-kind experience! Featuring works such as Elizabeth, The Rose of Versailles, Chicago and, oddly enough, JFK: The Musical, join us for an exciting look at The Takarazuka Revue and their world of dreams!

Anime Debate: The Morality of Code Geass (2017-2018, Banzaicon, Ichibancon, Triad Anime Con): Anime Series through the decades, namely the dark or mysterious, have presented questions that still beg to be answered. Today, we’re settling the debate on a series notorious for such questions: Code Geass― Lelouch of the Rebellion. Full of philosophical dilemmas as showcased through a battle of wits, Code Geass ultimately leaves us to decide who, if anyone, is right. So we have our question: Lelouch, or Suzaku? Today, panel goers, you decide!

Don’t Talk to Me About Mars of Destruction (2018, Ichibancon, Stellarcon): Have you ever thought to yourself, “how can I make my friends hate me?” Are you a glutton for punishment, enjoy Evangelion rip-offs, or have literally nothing else to do? Then you’re in luck! Pull up a chair, grab some Delsym and help us talk about not talking about the worst anime ever made: Mars of Destruction.

Don’t Talk to Me About Madoka Magica (2017-2018, Asheville Anime Regional Convention, Ichibancon): Meguca must fight. Night is coming. Why this? Madoka Magica was undeniably a staple of the anime community, tearing apart 4chan threads and rolling heads with its sudden plot twists, genre shifts, and the good old bait and switch. If you continue to cry over this despair-coaster of an anime, then you’re among friends. This panel, recapping the moments that made us cry and the moments that made us want to protect Homura, and exploring what this franchise has in store for us in the future (don’t worry, it’s still not done). Diving into every gem of this show, hidden or otherwise, we have a lot in store. Just don’t lose your head. Or your girlfriend.