Events

Tsubasacon offers two different cosplay contests: craftsmanship and the masquerade. The craftsmanship contest is basically a costume contest; cosplayers are judged on the work they put into making their costume. Elements such as accuracy, materials used, skill, and overall look are taken into consideration to decide who has the best cosplay in a number of different categories. The masquerade contest can best be summed up as a talent show. Contestants are not judged on what they are wearing, but instead on their creativity when it comes to getting up on stage and performing. You could sing a song, perform a skit or a dance, reenact your favorite fight scene from an anime...whatever suits you. It's an opportunity for cosplayers to use their costumes to be completely in character and entertain.

General Cosplay Rules

Though some of the cosplay events at Tsubasacon are judged, and therefore have more specific rules, every cosplayer must abide by a basic list of guidelines:

• Outfits should not be so revealing as to warrant indecent exposure charges. All body parts should be covered and not require constant pulling, tugging, straightening, etc. of the outfit to keep them covered. A good rule of thumb is to not wear anything that covers less than what you would wear to the pool or beach.
• Tsubasacon is a family event; while we understand that some cosplay characters wear more revealing outfits than others, you may be asked to "cover up" or modify your outfit in some way that is more modest in public areas (see below about cosplay event exceptions).
• Some of the hallways of the convention center, especially near Artist Alley and during busy periods, are narrow and extremely congested. If your cosplay entails accessories which may hinder hallway traffic (e.g. wings), please design your cosplay so that the wings may easily be removed in case you are asked to remove them (see below about cosplay event exceptions).
• While Tsubasacon may ask participants to modify their costume for various reasons in the public areas of the convention center, we realize that a lot of work has been put into the outfit. During cosplay events, such as the masquerade or costume judging, cosplayers are permitted to wear their cosplay in its original, unaltered form.

Cosplay Craftsmanship Judging Rules

Cosplay judging will take place throughout the day on Saturday, beginning when the convention doors open, until an hour prior to the Masquerade. Participants will sign up for an appointment with the judges, at which time you will have your photo taken and your cosplay assessed by a panel of judges.

In order to conform to the rules of the cosplay craftsmanship judging, all participants entering must petition that their outfit is an original creation. An outfit is considered an "original creation" if 75% or more of the outfit's articles can fit the following criteria:

• Created from scratch using fabric

• Generic in nature (socks, undershirts, undergarments),

• Modified from pre-existing materials (shoes, belts, shirts).

Cosplay outfits are not considered to be an "original creation" if more than 25% of the outfit's articles fit the following criteria:

• Personally commissioned specifically for cosplay purposes,

• Purchased specifically as a cosplay or replica item (masks, accessories),

• Purchased items with no modifications (shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, etc).

Examples of items which are considered "replica" include items specifically marketed towards a series (Kingdom Hearts key blades, Death Note notebooks) or pre-created wardrobe (Naruto jackets or chuunin vests).

Wigs are considered an article of your cosplay. A wig which requires modifications in the form of styling, cutting, dying, etc. is considered an "original creation". Short, unaltered wigs of natural colors are items not specifically designed for cosplay use and fit under the "original creation" rules.

Long wigs (wigs that surpass the mid-back of the wearer) of natural color, or wigs which are of "unnatural color" (e.g. blue, bright red, green, etc.) are not considered part of an original cosplay unless they are altered or styled in some way.

Cosplay Craftsmanship Judging Categories

Cosplayers wishing to be judged on their craftsmanship abilities may enter any of the following categories as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

Craftsmanship (Beginner, Novice, and Expert)

All costumes entered in the craftsmanship category must pertain to Asian culture. This includes animation, manga, video games, visual kei, live-action films, and Asian street fashion. Costumes must be at least 75% original creation. Please see the Craftsmanship Competition Regulations for details.

The craftsmanship levels are determined by the following criteria:

• Beginner: No previous cosplay awards in any category

• Novice: Fewer than three (3) cosplay awards in any category

• Expert: Three (3) or more cosplay awards in any category

Western Influence

Costumes eligible for judging in the Western Influence Craftsmanship category are based on characters that are not associated with Asian culture. This includes animation, comics, films, and video games (e.g. Avatar, DC and Marvel Comics, Halo, etc.). Costumes must be at least 75% original creation. Please see the Craftsmanship Competition Regulations for details.

Original Design

Costumes eligible in Original Design category are of the cosplayer's original design. Costumes can be based on either Asian culture, such as an original Gothic Lolita outfit, or be of Western influence, such as a custom World of Warcraft character. Costumes must be at least 75% original creation. Please see the Craftsmanship Competition Regulations for details.

Found-Item

A costume is eligible for judging in the Found-Item category if less than 75% of the costume is original creation. Please see the Craftsmanship Competition Regulations for details. Note: Cosplay outfits which have been commissioned are prohibited.

Budget Cosplay

A costume is eligible for judging in the Budget Cosplay category if the creator was able to put together the entire outfit for $20 or less. Original creation restrictions do not apply, though outfits which have been commissioned are prohibited.

Cosplay Craftsmanship Awards

The following awards will be presented for excellence in cosplay craftsmanship:

• Best Cosplay Craftsmanship (Expert)

• Honorable Mention: Cosplay Craftsmanship (Expert)

• Best Cosplay Craftsmanship (Novice)

• Honorable Mention: Cosplay Craftsmanship (Novice)

• Best Cosplay Craftsmanship (Beginner)

• Honorable Mention: Cosplay Craftsmanship (Beginner)

• Best Craftsmanship: Western Influence

• Best Craftsmanship: Original Design

• Best Found-Item Cosplay

• Best Budget Cosplay

Tsubasacon Cosplay Masquerade Information

The Tsubasacon Cosplay Masquerade is a chance for all of our cosplayers to perform for the crowd in a variety of ways. Cosplayers do not need to participate in cosplay judging in order to perform during the Masquerade. The Masquerade is split into two parts: performance and walk-on.

Cosplayers wishing to participate in the Masquerade are to be present during the setup session one hour before the masquerade. The official time and place will be announced at a later date.

Masquerade Performance Guidelines

In order to provide a quality show for all of our patrons and to maintain order and a family-friendly environment, the following guidelines are in effect for all Masquerade performers:

• Skits must be no longer than 3 minutes in length. Performers are allotted 30 seconds to set-up and 30 seconds to exit in addition to the 3 minutes.

• Skit content must have a rating no higher than "PG-13". Tsubasacon is an all-ages event. Explicit swearing, nudity, and obscene gestures and mannerisms are prohibited, and can result in disqualification. If there are any questions pertaining to your skit, please contact the cosplay department head.

• All pre-recorded audio must be presented on a playable CD at time of registration. CDs must be clearly labeled with the names of the performer(s) and the name of the performance. Audio will NOT be queued (it must be ready to go as soon as the track is played). CDs are not returnable.

• Weapons and props must abide by the Weapons Policy (see Rules and Regulations section on the Tsubasacon website). Projectile weapons, jumping from the stage, and throwing objects of any kind into the audience is strictly prohibited.

• Due to safety concerns, all stage combat and stunts MUST be cleared with the cosplay department head. This includes martial arts, gymnastics, fighting with props, etc.

• Performances are restricted to the stage area.

• No confetti, rose petals, glitter, etc.

Masquerade Performance Awards

The following awards will be presented for excellence in Masquerade performance:

• Best Solo Performance

• Best Group Performance

Cosplay Contest Registration

Registration for the cosplay craftsmanship and masquerade contests will take place on Friday from 12:00 PM until 9:00 PM and Saturday from opening until 12:00 PM. There will be no registration for cosplay events after 2:00 PM Saturday. If you have not registered by this time, you will be unable to compete in the cosplay contests. The cosplay registration table is located at the convention center's entrance with admission badge registration.

Judging for the cosplay craftsmanship contest will be on Saturday and run from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. You will be given a designated time to appear for judging at your time of registration. In order to judge all cosplayers in a timely fashion, not appearing for judging at your designated time will result in disqualification from the contest.

Judging for the cosplay masquerade contest will take place at the Masquerade held Saturday at 7:00 PM in the Main Events room. Contestants for the masquerade contest must come to the preparation at 6:00 PM in the Main Events.

 Game Shows

We've been hammering out the details of what tournaments to do this year and we finally have reached a decision.

Featured Tournaments - $5 Entry Fee - Great Prizes

• Halo Reach 1v1
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 1v1
• Battlefield: Bad Company 2 1v1
• SSB Brawl -1v1
• Super Street Fighter 4 - 1v1
• Rock Band/Guitar Hero: Battle of the Bands

Impromptu Tournaments - FREE Entry - Recognition for winners

FPS:

• Halo 3 - 4 player FFA,
• Gears of War 2 - 2 Player Teams Co-Op, Highest Team Score
• Left4Dead - 2 Player Teams Co-Op, Highest Team Score
• UNREAL Tournament 3 - 4 Player FFA

Driving:

• Mario Kart Wii - 4 Player Grand Prix
• Mario Kart N64 - 4 Player Grand Prix

Fighting/combat:

• SSB Melee 2v2
• SSB Brawl 2v2
• Naruto: Clash of the Ninja 2 - 1v1
• Street Fighter 4 - 1v1
• Soul Calibur 4 - 1v1
• Tatsunoko vs. CAPCOM: 1v1
• Marvel vs. CAPCOM 2 - 1v1

Musical:

• Guitar Solo Challenge - Best Solo Performance
• Drum Solo Challenge - Best Solo Performance
• DDR/Step Mania Challenge - "So you think you can dance" Challenge

Tsubasacon's panels are fan-driven discussions and workshops on topics including anime and manga series, Japanese culture, cosplay construction, video gaming, and everything in between. Panels are a great way to learn about new topics and to meet new friends who have interests in the same topics. Tsubasacon will soon be accepting panel applications. If you are interested in running a panel for the 2010 convention, please check back soon for more information.

Application

If you are interested in hosting a panel or workshop, you are encouraged to fill out the online application. Applicants are expected to fill the application out as accurately as possible with special emphasis on the applicant's contact information and schedule preferences.

No Compensation Policy

Tsubasacon will not provide compensation in the form of free or reduced priced badges to panelists for hosting panels during the 2010 convention. All panelists are expected to purchase a badge in order to host a panel at Tsubasacon. This can be in the form of a weekend badge or a one day badge the day you host your panel. If you like to be reimbursement for your registration fees, we encourage you to sign up as a volunteer.

Panelist Check-in

When panelists first arrive at the convention and pass through registration, they are encouraged to check-in at the Panel Operations Desk, located outside Meeting Rooms #1 and #2. This allows the staff to take attendance of the panelists and review any equipment or technical needs for their event. Panelists are also expected to check-in to the Panel Operations Desk at least ten minutes prior to the start of their event.

Panel Room Information

Panels will be located in Meeting Rooms #1 and #2 on the East Hallway near the restrooms. Each 22'x28' room has a capacity of approximately 35 sets along with a table and chairs for the panelists. For panels and workshops requiring a larger capacity or more space, the Dogwood Room (38'x39', 100 seating capacity), located near the front of the conference center, may be available on special request. Each room will be equipped with a projector that can be hooked up to computers using a VGA cable. Projectors can also be hooked to gaming consoles using an S-Video or RCA cable. Make sure you specify desired connections on your panel request form. Wi-Fi internet access may be available but cannot be guaranteed for any panel room. Panelists are advised to have prepared presentations and screenshots in case an internet connection is not available. Whiteboards may also be available for each room.

Notes on Panel Length

When considering how long your panel will be, do not panic thinking that you must fill all of the time you requested. Give a best approximation of how long you believe your panel will take. If you have no idea how long your panel will last, then an hour is recommended. Tsubasacon also recommends that panelists to set aside at least five minutes at the start and end of their panels for setup and breakdown. If you need more time than this, incorporate it into you length request and make a note of it on your application.

Notes on Panel Content

Tsubasacon prides itself as being a safe environment for children and teenagers. While Tsubasacon allows Mature-themed (inappropriate for children aged less than 18) material to be viewed and discussed at the convention, Tsubasacon utilizes a rating system in order to better inform parents of the content of an event. When applying for a panel, you will be asked to give an age rating for the content of your panel. Panelists are expected to adhere to the age rating which they have given their panel so that Tsubasacon can maintain its positive reputation.

•    All ages: Content is appropriate for all ages.
•    Teen (13+): Content is appropriate for children 13 and up with moderate violence, suggestive dialogue, infrequent coarse language, and/or some sexual situations. Persons under 13 should be accompanied by an adult.
•    Mature (18+): Content is not suitable for persons under age 18 with intense violence, intensely suggestive dialogue, strong coarse language, and/or intense sexual situations. Picture ID with birth date must be show before being admitted into the event.

Additional Information

If you have any additional, please contact the Panel Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Cosplay for Dummies Q and A
Panelist(s): evilonigiri
Rated: All Ages
New to cosplaying? Want to make a costume? Ever wanted to enter a masquerade? This is the panel for you! Here you can ask questions on how things are made, what and what not to do at a masquerade, as well as some the background history of it. All ages are welcome.

Life as an Otaku in the Middle of Nowhere (West Virginia edition)
Panelist(s): evilonigiri
Rated: All Ages
Ever wondered what it's like being an otaku living in a not so populated area where anime is hard to obtain sometimes? Or even before internet got started? Remember trying to get fansubs on VHS? Or even going to cons before 2000? This is a panel that explains all of that as well as open discussion for anyone who has also experienced this.

Rangers in Retrospect
Panelist(s): Psychoblue
Rated: All Ages
Power Rangers has finally ended. You knew it was going to happen sometime, you just didn't know when. However, we still see their toys on the shelves, their blankets in the linen aisles, and their legacy still resounds in our culture. That's why we are proud to present "Rangers in Retrospect:" an action-packed farewell to those guys in helmets that'll have laughs, thrills, and prizes!

A Guide to Pullip Dolls
Panelist(s): Robyn Laubach and Johnathan Telin
Rated: All Ages
Ever wanted to know more about Pullip, Dal, and Taeyang Dolls? How they compare to other 1/6 scale dolls? Where to buy them? This panel will discuss all of that, plus talk about the Pullip body types, customizing, and the history of the dolls.

Pokémon: The Indigo Plateau
Panelist(s): Nick and Devin Seman
Rated: All Ages
Do you wanna be the very best? Like no one ever was. To catch them is our big task. To train them is our cause. We are Pokémon Trainers and want to prove ourselves as the greatest Pokémon master. So bring your DS and your copies of Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Heartgold, and Soulsilver and come join us for the Tournament of a lifetime. Ever for a chance to win special prizes.

Anime Dance of Evolution
Panelist(s): Listia
Rated: All Ages
Come in Tsubasacon new panel. Cosplay people and Non Cosplay people are welcome. This panel you will learn basic dancing and you will learn some Anime show dancing. After you learn the dancing, you can show off your new moves and show off a dance to friends, family, and etc. Come to the Anime Dance Evolution and enjoy the new experience Tsubasacon as this year. It will be fun and exciting.

Cosplay Skit Analysis
Panelist(s): Xehnis, Grey Prophet, True_Blue, Siri Mutt and Clay Saint
Rated: All Ages
Ever been interested in doing a cosplay skit for a masquerade or event? Takatobi Radio will be covering some tips and basics doing just that. This workshop will be continuing the cosplay segment for structuring cosplay skit for performance or event. This course will be for further information on do(s) and don't(s) for cosplay performance comedy and drama skits. We will do examples from videos and live in-person skits to show tips on how to captivate your audience.

Yaoi 801
Panelist(s): Gin Ichimaru
Rated: Mature (18+)
Men Loving Men for Female Intertainment. Lots of reasons for Girls to go into Fandom. If you love Yaoi and want to meet other Yaoi lovers, then this panel will set you up for a good time to watch yaoiness.

The Regression of Gaming
Panelist(s): Team Millionaire
Rated: Teen (13+)
The Regression of Gaming asks one basic question - is gaming fun anymore? We explore that simple question through a myraid of topics such as "Collecting Games: Do we want to catch them all" to "Sandbox gaming -- just a bit full to the brim of sand," presenting them with a humorous and sometimes sarcastic slant. Bring your 2-liter caffienated beverage of choice -- it's going to be a while...

Gundam Wing for Everyone
Panelist(s): Team Millionaire
Rated: Teen (13+)
2009 marked the thirtieth anniversary of one of the most iconic anime franchises: Mobile Suit Gundam. One of the series in the saga, Gundam Wing, celebrates its fifteenth anniversary of Japanese release and tenth anniversary in North America in 2010. What better time to look back at a series and a fandom which helped pave the way for the anime explosion in the early 2000s? Join hosts Dusty and Duochan as they give you a primer into the players, the plots, and the fandom that is still going strong after fifteen years. We'll also include a peek at one special piece of Gundam Wing merchandise that's sure to be a "hit"...

Video Game Essentials: Mega Man
Panelist(s): Team Millionaire
Rated: Teen (13+)
He is called many things: the Blue Bomber, Rock, Mega, or just "The Man." Well, ok, maybe not that, but to a lot of his faithful fans, he is the [Mega] Man. We'll talk about how the simple game play of Mega Man has inspired other games in the same vein, along with some humorous and not-so-glorious moments in Mega Man history.

Gundam Wing After Dark
Panelist(s): Team Millionaire
Rated: Mature (18+)
Gundam Wing brought many new anime fans into the world of fanfiction, fanart, and doujinshi, and was known (sometimes for the worse) for being a notably large and vocal fandom community. Nicole, Fred, and Dusty have been there for the ride, and some of the things they've seen would make the ZERO System look like a walk in the park. Join them as they look at the good, the bad, and the downright kinky of this long-standing fandom.

A Male Perspective on Yaoi
Panelist(s): Team Millionaire
Rated: Mature (18+)
It's widely known that most fans of yaoi, or male/male relationships in anime, are female. But what about the few, the proud, the male yaoi fans? What attracts them to the genre? Is it any different than what brings everyone else in? Dusty takes an up close and personal look at the stereotypes, the fandom, the semes and the ukes that make the yaoi fandom tick. There'll be lots of discussion, games, and even a pictorial surprise or two!

Strange Video for Two Hours
Panelist(s): Team Millionaire
Rated: Teen (13+)
Behold! Shock! Wonder! Team Millionaire's resident YouTube guru, Freddie, has gone through the popular video sharing site with a rusty scour pad, to bring you the wackiest, the weirdest, and the most laugh inducing videos the 'Tube has to offer. Come for one video or come for the whole two hour smorgasbord. You're sure to leave with a LOL. It's just like a mini-mall of hilarious videos!

Let's Play Sonic 3 & Knuckles!
Panelist(s): Team Millionaire
Rated: All Ages
Based on the series of playalong YouTube videos, Team Millionaire takes you back to their childhood (and possibly yours) to exploit the crazy stunts and antics that are the punchline to the joke, "So a hedgehog, a fox, and an echidna walk onto a fantasy island..." Learn rare secrets, discover hidden talents of our intrepid heroes, and find out what happens when you get more than 256 lives in one game. (It's not pretty.)

Bleach Character FAQ (general)
Panelist(s): Xehnis
Rated: All Ages
Have you ever wanted to ask a question to one of the Bleach characters? Now is your chance! Some of the Bleach cast is making a special trip to the world of the living. So stop by the Bleach Character FAQs and ask those questions!

Bleach Character FAQ (18+)
Panelist(s): Xehnis
Rated: Mature (18+)
Have you ever wanted to ask a question to one of the Bleach characters? I mean any question! Now is your chance! Some of the Bleach cast is making a special trip to the world of the living. See what they have in store for you!

How to Make a Fandub
Panelist(s): Nina Antalk
Rated: All Ages
How would you like to make your favorite anime into English? I can teach you the tricks and tips on creating and hosting a fandub. I will cover everything from video and audio editing to finding the right people for your fandub team! I am currently the host for a fandub of an anime known as Chrome Shelled Regios (aka Koukaku No Regios.) It is a terrific anime that is not very popular in America yet, and we want to be the first to dub it! The anime is highly popular in japan, and is based off of a popular novel by the same name. I am trying to make it more popular, so I am hosting my first ever fandub! I am in charge of everything I will be teaching you, and being midway through production, I can get you started with great management and editing techniques!

Fansub Ethics: Do They Still Matter?
Panelist(s): Carlos Myers
Rated: All Ages
Over the past several years, fansubs have increasingly become a serious topic among fans and the industry alike. In this panel, we will explore several ethical dilemmas and determine if the old fansub code of ethics still holds any relevancy in fandom.

Whose Line is it, Anime?
Panelist(s): Zeta X Blade Productions
Rated: Teen (13+)
From the cosplayers Sasori/Edward Elric, and Tobi/Boba Fett comes the revamped edition of "Whose Line is it, Anime?" All of your favorites games such as "Scenes from a Hat," "Weird News Casters," and "Props" will be performed and many more to follow. Hate 4Kids? Can't stand Naruto's English voice? Want to know if the cake is the truth? Come join the madness, not from Sparta, but from us at Zeta X Blade Productions!

OEL Manga: an Overview
Panelist(s): The History Follower
Rated: All Ages
OEL manga is the term used to describe comics which draw inspiration from the unique "form of presentation and expression" found in Japanese manga. What series are considered under this title? What are some of the characteristics of them? When and where did it start? How like the Japanese is it? A little panel to go over some of the OEL series that have been released and what they are like.

Anime Ballroom Dancing
Panelist(s): Falmosta and Listia
Rated: All Ages
Come into the new panel at Tsubasacon. Cosplay and Non-Cosplay players are welcome. In this panel you will learn some ballroom dances such as Waltz, Ramba, Tango and Quick step. After you learn the new moves you can show off your moves to your Family, Friends, and etc. Come to Anime Ballroom dancing and enjoy the new experience. It will be really fun and exciting.

The Dark Kiss
Panelist(s): Katsumi and Listia
Rated: Mature (18+)
Come in to The Dark Kiss. In this panel you will learn about Vampires. However, you will also learn about the violence and the sexuality about the Vampire. After you learn about Vampires, you can share your Knowledge to your Family, Friends and etc. Come to The Dark Kiss and enjoy the experience about the Vampires. It will be really fun and interesting.

Plushie Porn II - Magna Cum Laude
Panelist(s): Lonley Little Boy Productions
Rated: Mature (18+)
They wanted. They begged for it. And the gods said, "LET THERE BE FORNICATION AMONG THE PLUSHIES!" That's right boys and girls, Plushie Porn is back for another go around, with a vengeance with the world premier of the recently film "Passion of the Plushie 5: Forgetting Sarah Palin" wam bam, thank you Tsubasa Con

Phatom Dream, Tsubasa, Fruits Basket: The Works of Natsuki Takaya
Panelist(s): The History Follower
Rated: All Ages
Natsuki Takaya is the Mangaka of one of the world's most popular shoujo series, Fruits Baskets. This wasn't her first or only work. Learn and discuss the various works of Takaya-sensai.

The 2D girl complex
Panelist(s): Allie Douglass
Rated: Teen (13+)
Join us as we explore the 2D girl complex, and what this means for Japan today. We will look at Otaku who shun women in real life, and how it plays a part in various' social problems within Japan.

Pocky Pocky Revolution!
Panelist(s): Genma
Rated: All Ages
Yep, it's that time again for Genma and Margaret to dig out those wonderous sticks of wholesome pocky goodness to the otaku that craves it. There may be a surprise or two this year, so check out what they have to show and share...

Tsubasacon: You Will (Not) ROFL [Tentative Title]
Panelist(s): Doctor J
Rated: Mature (18+)
Four Tsubasacon staff members with morbid senses of humor, little sleep, and pent up frustration are given the opportunity to air their frustrations in a fast-paced, no-holds-barred panel. Be prepared to participate in such happyfuntime segments as "/b/ Dramatica", or wax nostalgic with "I Was an Eleven-year Old Douche-bag". Between trips to Chuckle Mountain, participants will be treated to some "Nightmare Fuel" and some inspirational anecdotes, courtesy Uncle Watford.