If it weren’t for a recent post over at The Anime Blog I would never have known about Tandokucon 2007, an anime convention taking place in my own backyard of Philadelphia from November 9th to the 11th. I’m surprised that a first year con rented out space at the PA Convention center, which is notorious for being a rip-off for exhibitors. It is however, a superb location and supremely accessible from public transportation, just a few blocks away from the Market Street station (plus the Reading Terminal Market on one side and Chinatown on the other makes eating convenient).

From what I can tell this is the first year for Tandokucon. I have to admit some skepticism about how well the con will be run, since the website seems a little neglected. On the other hand, I am going to be a lot more forgiving if it is their first year.

They do seem to have a solid guest list for fans of English voice actors. Any guest list that includes Crispin Freeman is good and hopefully he’ll conduct his mythology panel. Among the other guests is Johnny Yong Bosch (and his band Eyeshine), Vic Mignona and Liam O’Brien. They must really be trying to get the fangirls to show with those guys at the con. There’s a bunch more. The number of Japanese guests is nonexistant unless I missed it. Hopefully, they still have some announcements to shore up that weakness in their guest lineup.

I’ve already pre-registered for Tandokucon 2007 and look forward to it. Philadelphia is a funny city, so the turnout will be interesting. On the one hand, the city is often characterized as being tough, no BS, don’t be a freak backbone to it, yet it’s got the famous mummer parade where these same hardnoses dress up in glittery outfits and dance down the street. So I wonder, which Philadelphia will show up, the grumpy Philly or the one that knows how to have a good time?