October is truly one of my favorite times of the year.  Not because of all of the wonderful things that happen around us in nature, but because it is the month that celebrates my favorite genre in film, horror.  Yes, October is the month when we all head toward our DVD collection to grab some of our favorite scary movies and enjoy them before Halloween is upon us.  

October was made for horror, and you'll even find scary movies playing everywhere on television this time of year as well, and for us lucky folks in Denver, those of us who celebrate the wonder of these terrifying films get the chance to come together with other fans of horror at what has become a wonderful yearly tradition...the Mile High Horror Film Festival. 

Now entering it's fifth year and second at the incredible and amazing Alamo Drafthouse, the Mile High Horror Film Festival is the premier event for horror fans in the mile high city simply because it has so much to offer.  Not only are fans privy to high class horror films from top tier names in the business, but they can enjoy fresh and inventive films from filmmakers around the world. Not to mention, horror legends are always on hand at this event and the good news is, this year will be no different. 

Just to get an idea how awesome this year's event will be, which is taking place October 9-12, fans of classic monsters will be treated to a special screening of Creature From the Black Lagoon in 3-D with actress Julie Adams.  Actor Gunnar Hansen, the original Leatherface will be on hand for a 40th Anniversary screening of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Actor and horror legend Tony Todd will be present for a screening of Candyman and for you ghost buffs out there, Directors Dan Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez will be on hand for a 15th Anniversary reunion/screening of The Blair Witch Project.  

But the fun doesn't end there with plenty of incredible films being shown throughout the weekend.  If you love monsters you can enjoy, Exists, X Moor and Late Phases. Slasher fans can enjoy Preservation, Der Samurai and Dead Snow 2.  If you're in the mood for a psychological thriller then by all means settle in and enjoy The Man in the Orange Jacket, Blood Punch, Hooked Up, The Reconstruction of William Zero, Still Life and Housebound.  

Oh and by the way, there will even be a 90th Anniversary celebration of The Hands of Orlac with a screening of the film and a live original soundtrack performance by Paul Buscarello and if you love the V/H/S series, get ready, the third installment; V/H/S: Viral will be on display.  

As you can see, this is shaping up to be another incredible year for horror fans at the Mile High Horror Film Festival.  Tickets are on sale now, which you can snag here. If you want to learn more about this amazing festival, then head here.  Either way, I'm excited at this amazing lineup.  Guess it's time to grab my tickets as well, and I'll see all of you fellow horror fans at the Alamo Drafthouse in a couple of weeks!

It was a wonderful and amazing weekend at Nan Desu Kan this year, and of course what better way to bask in the memories than with photographs!  Enjoy! 

There was a sadness in the air this morning as we all got up and got ready for the day. Originally, we were supposed to cosplay, but after some thought, we decided to take the day easy. We got up, got ready, went down, and hit the dealer's room first thing. There was one last thing that we needed to get in the room of awesome. Having bought a keychain the day before for myself, I thought it would be great to get the rest of the team one. 

So Mattie and I each picked out some for the guys, and sought out to find a plush for Mattie's car. For some reason, my favorite thing about conventions are their dealer's rooms. Maybe its the ambiance, the pretty things to buy, or just the amazing stuff you can find there. For me, a con can be made or broken by a dealer's room. Oddly enough, on the last day of NDK, the dealer's room was absolutely packed.

Last days are always sad, and sometimes lacking a massive crowd, but this year was different. Many people had stayed from thursday night into the end of the day. I've never seen a crowed like this at NDK, and it was really cool to see so many people showing their love for anime. While I've been out of touch with the newest anime, I did see a lot of older ones that I did know, and even some people complying as characters from sci-fi shows. 

All in all, this convention was utterly amazing. While I didn't have the chance to make it to many panels, I did hear of how wonderful they were. On the last day of con, a two hour voice acting panel was offered with actor David Vincent. People could get advice from Mister Vincent who is a voice actor, and even practice with scripts. I've never heard of anything like that happening! That is pretty amazing.

While I'm sad for the weekend to be over, it's time to get back to planning our next costumes. After all, the con season isn't over, and there is another con just around the corner. NDK will always hold a special place in my heart. It was great to meet up with old friends, and make some new ones. As always, memories have been made, as well as some lasting friendships. What I love most about conventions is that we nerds and geeks get the chance to come together and share our nerdy obsessions together. And mochi! What's not to love about mochi?

The day began with a meeting of the press. The day was off to a quick start, and not too soon after we were in the dealers room. Now, if you guys know anything about me, you know that I love convention dealers rooms. This year was no exception. With a ton of vendors, and a lot of anime, there was only so much one could see in just one pass. 

Manga, DVDs, shirts, and so many plushies. It was hard to narrow things down, but eventually I found the perfect con present. Granted, not many look at a keychain and think "I must have this", but then again, there was a wall of them. With so many items to choose from it can be overwhelming. The only thing I'm sad over, was that I wasn't able to buy Mochi. They did have it, but I decided not to torture John.

A few more passes and another through Artist Alley and the afternoon was over! Before I could blink, the day flew by! A growing crowd has brought a new element to this con. I have never seen NDK this full before. It's good to see that anime is more popular now than it was when I was growing up. It affords opportunities as such for me to spend my weekends with some awesome people.

While the day was over there was still much to see! Panels were going on whilst the day carried on. Yet, for me, it was the costume contest. Contestants lined up in the most epic line I've ever seen to see their fellow cosplayers strut their stuff on the main events stage. The room was so packed, people were being held outside until room opened up. Eventually people lined the walls to see the contest. And let me tell you, people did not disappoint. With so many amazing costumes it was hard to pick a favorite. This weekend I have seen so many amazing cosplays, I don't even know how I'm going to feel Monday. Going back to the real world will be strange!

With that, the con's activities did not come to an end. Instead, a rave was set up, and some other later night panels and activities (like karaoke). The weekend is coming to an end and it is always sad, but we have one more day to go and that is something to still look forward too!

It really has come to the point where con season never quite ends anymore, it's just spaced out in healthy fashion throughout the year.  It's a wonderful thing because it allows each and every one of us to truly enjoy the conventions we attend on a regular basis.  There are no worries we are missing out, there is just the wonderful con before us.  

It's been slightly different for me over the last few years.  There's much to do when I get to a con, much to see and much to cover and it makes my weekend busy.  But I decided, as I walked through the doors of Nan Desu Kan this year, that it was time to cover this convention slightly different.  

This is the year I wanted to truly understand NDK.  As a man who has only watched a handful of Anime films, it was time to appreciate this convention in all its glory and I'd like to say my Friday night did just that.  This time around, while there were pictures snapped off and an agenda to be followed, I finally had the chance to just soak this con completely in.  

This was a great night to simply get lost in the crowd, to really take the time to look at all of the impressive cosplays and see the joy on people's faces as they settled in to see old friends and make new ones.  This was a chance to hear folks explaining their costume choices and designs to the people they impressed with their handiwork.  

It's quite the sight to see. How much these animated stories touch people in ways that go deeper than most of us can understand. There is a deep and powerful connection that the fans at NDK share with their Anime.  These stories enlighten them in ways that few of us will ever understand.  Unless of course we take the time to sit back and let it soak in, then it all becomes apparent.  I'm looking forward to learning more today, see all of you on the floor. 

This year we return to NDK. The first con in Colorado I went to. Having not been to a convention in three years, going to NDK 2005 was not only fun, but a nice reintroduction to the con world. I started out as an anime nerd and have ever since held a special place in my heart for all things anime. My first convention experiences were anime ones, and getting the chance to go back to the world of anime was amazing. NDK was so much fun, and I met some life long friends. Being back here has brought back some great nostalgia.

Last year, Mattie and I got the chance to go and cosplay. Sadly, though I had a broken elbow at the time, so my time here was fun but not as great as it could have been. This year, I am injury free and ready for some great fun. While I've not watched any new anime, I have been caught up in the newest Sailor Moon series, Sailor Moon Crystal. As an homage to my first love; I'll be cosplaying as Sailor Mars. 

Mattie has been working incredibly hard on the costumes and I have gotten the wigs done. We are all set to cosplay. And the best part, it's the 20th anniversary of my favorite anime! Being here is just great. Already I've seen several amazing cosplays, and the con is almost in full swing. The evening brought some great memories already.

First we met up with the great people and old friends that we haven't seen since....a few weekends ago. The stress of getting the costumes done on time was completely worth it once we got here. There's something wonderous about being at the Marriott Denver Tech Center. For me, this is where 90% of my con memories are here. Well, I haven't been able to make it to the dealers room, just yet, but I did get the chance to hit up Artist Alley. 

There is a booth....with dragons. Stuffed dragons you can wear as a cap. Stuffed dragons you can wear as a cap that i need to own. I might have to buy it. Amongst the amazing art, there are many talented venders selling jewelry, purses, and even wings. The Artist Alley is a site to see and the weekend is holding so much promise already. I cannot wait to see what today brings!

When it comes to the rich convention world that now exists in the lovely state of Colorado, we can now sync our favorite cons to the time of year.  We know what to expect in the spring, we know where our hard earned money will go in the summer and of course, when it comes to the fall...we know that the Denver Marriott DTC will fill to the brim with Anime fans of all ages when Nan Desu Kan arrives.  

Well, that time has come again.  Summer has said goodbye to all of us, the leaves have begun to change and our fall tradition of celebrating the wonder of Anime has come upon us at last as NDK kicks off today.  Yes, the wait is over.  Now is the time to dust off those incredible Anime cosplays and head down to a convention that is always so extremely popular.  If you have not had the chance to attend NDK before, well you are in for a treat.  

There are few conventions that draw out fans in droves like this one does.  In fact NDK never fails to impress with its crowds. Each year that I've had the honor of covering this con has been quite the treat since I'm always amazed at the lines that seem to never end.  In fact I have actually witnessed lines that manage to span the entire hotel because that's just how amazing and popular this convention is, and it just goes to show how rich and incredible the programming is for a convention like this.  I mean, if people are waiting in a line like that with smiles on their faces, you just know in your heart that their destination is going to be a good one.  

These fans are dying to celebrate their love of Anime and it makes for one fun weekend.  The festivities for this year's event begin at five p.m. with opening ceremonies and panels galore before the J-Pop dance concludes the evening at ten p.m. so if you've never been to NDK, I would say today's the day to give it a look.  

Whether you're a fan of Anime or not, this is a great convention to attend regardless.  It's filled to the brim with good people, good times and I know we at Girls of Geek are in for one incredible weekend and we look forward to seeing you there!