Anime con?

Question:

Anime con?

This year i want to go to an anime con. its going to be my first one. i just want to know if u stand out if ur not wearing a costume? I want to wear one but probably not as an anime character is that bad, if not is there something else? I dont know who to be! If i do need a costume where can i get one? or do i just make one from scratch? Also those who have been to an anime con what do you do there? what is it like? Any suggestions on what and what not to do? im a bit shy around people also so i dont want to feel left out on anything. although i am shy i try to have fun, thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: You don't stand out if you are NOT wearing a costume. I went last year to the anime con in Secaucus, NJ. 2 of us had costumes & 2 didn't. We saw other costumes there, also, but mostly anime costumes. Some of the costumes took a lot of time & money. Most were put together from things you can find at home (black T-shirt). The coolest things are the props. Some people go way over the top to try to have the perfect prop (like making Sukasu's staff out of syrofoam to just the right height & just the right colors).
What do we do? Wow. Too much to list, but I'll try:
Watch anime videos
Play video games
Karyoke room where people sing anime music
Take a turn at the DDR they have set up with handles in back (never saw feet move so fast!!!)
Costume contest.
Look at anime art. Meet live anime artists that sell their pictures.
Tons of vendors selling anime stuff (some can be expensive).
Even vendors selling stuff that isn't-quite-anime, but is interesting.
Outdoor concert that you had to wait in line forever to get at...and wasn't terrific.
Oh, at Secaucus, the food was yuk at the end of the hall -- expensive hot dogs/hamburgers and mostly sodas--...and not very big. But around the hotels there were other reasonable Chinese and American places to eat.
But I think the best part is being able to stop anyone of the street , in the convention area, or in the hotels if you can take a picture of their costume. DEFINITELY bring a camera, expecially if you are a bit shy. Everyone says yes...and most will even pose like the characters. After you take pictures, often you can strike up a conversation about anime and other things. What to do? Be yourself. Be friendly. BE patient and well, I hate to say it, but if all else fails, be polite, at least. Feel free to approach fellow costumed otakus.

I don't think you will feel left out at all. It helps if you go with a friend, but don't worry if you don't...just bring that camera!
The anime convention I went to was calm. No alcohol that I saw (some parents do come with their younger teens) no fights or anything...just lots of fans walking the walk and talking the talk.