Otakon Bids Farewell to Baltimore But Will Forever Have Anime Nerds’ Hearts

August 12th, 2016 marked the beginning of the end of an era that for many nerds, including yours truly, helped jumpstart a life filled with fighting giant robots, magical girl transformations, and excitable Pokémon. I am speaking about Otakon’s last year in Baltimore, Maryland. True, this grand convention located on the East Coast would simply be relocating to Washington, DC next year, but Charm City holds a special place in my heart as being the very first anime convention I ever attended. I remember all those years ago, with my bright eyes shining, loving the crowds of people lining up outside of the Baltimore Convention Center wearing cosplays of Inuyasha, Sailor Moon, and Dragon Ball Z. My confused and protective parents insisted on attending that convention alongside my older sister, who to me, was the original nerd. While she went off traversing with her friend, I tagged along with my parents as we wandered along this behemoth of a palace, marveling at the wonders of the Dealer’s Room, awing at the break dancers in the halls, and gaping at the signs people had on their butts (“Come on, you know want to slap my ass.” It was a different time, before signs were banned). This was where my parents bought me an Ein plushie (Cowboy Bebop), which was later used for my first ever cosplay as Ed (which also debuted at Otakon). My God, this entire place was a wonderland for me.

Fast forward. Final year in Baltimore, before the big move to the nation’s capitol. I’m prepared to say …