That is a LOT of stuff up there.

And guess what; it’s not everything.

This is what’s in the picture:

• Rocket-punching Chogokin Hatsune Miku – $220
• AFA T-shirt MikuPa ver. – $35
• 2x MikuPa 2011 T-shirt – $50 each
• 2x MikuPa lanyard – $18 each
• MikuPa sling bag – $72
• Vocaloid pin badge kit – $35

There is also another MikuPa T-shirt not in the picture; the design consists of the official illustration by Osamu. You might remember him as the character designer of Rin/Len Append.

That also cost $50. That means everything bought on the night of the concert (that is, everything listed so far except the figure) amounted to nearly $300. Cripes.

We did manage to acquire a set of 3 ZANEEDS posters from their booth in the convention itself, which consisted of Miku, Rin and Luka in sexy outfits, the same characters in a burger, and Miku imitating our national animal, the merlion.

Sadly though, we couldn’t fit everything into one photo, and I’m actually rushing this post too, so you’ll have to use your imagination from our photo of the ZANEEDS booth. ^_^;

While Fariz was more than satisfied with all of this, I wasn’t, so I picked up this little box from the Artists’ Alley.

This box is actually a fanart set from Alice Overture in the theme of Black Rock Shooter. It doesn’t just contain an artbook though.

It comes with a pin badge, a card sticker, a bookmark and a printed microfiber cloth. The pin badge, card sticker and bookmark may have one of 3 designs each, and while they should be random, the booth was kind enough to build an entire set from scratch for me, letting me pick the designs I want. ( *A*)

The artbook contains a series of illustrations from several artists, ranging from pretty to downright gorgeous, or as Feidamu puts it, “fap-able”.

This one is a rendition of BRS by 礫音(Neptune).

Each illustration is accompanied with a piece of prose, be it a poem or a short passage. Now, I will be perfectly honest here: the grammar needs a little work. Other than that though, it’s a good attempt at showing a bit of “story” behind the picture.

One of the main reasons I bought this in the first place is that the circle actually focuses on all known aspects of BRS, including the game, the “Innocent Soul” manga and other “official” creations aside from the usual BRS vs Dead Master anime material. Here’s a rendition of BRS Beast by rosene.

Here’s a closer look at the pin badge, card sticker and bookmark. The design of the pin badge is BRS by 雪桜々, the one on the card sticker is BRS & Dead Master by Linsert.D, and the design of the bookmark is XNFE by 究.

I promise not to dirty you too much, Grey~

Finally, we have the printed microfiber cloth, which has an beautiful illustration of Grey by 雪桜々. I’m liking her art more and more. =3

Here are links to all the artists listed in the book, in order of appearance:

• 木shiyo
• feifei
• 礫音(Neptune)
• 雪桜々
• rosene (also the President of Alice Overture)
• 暴力社長の猫@主婦
• Linsert.D
• 究 (doesn’t seem to have any illustrations posted as of time of writing)
• centimetre

FYI, the set costs $40 in all. It may be a little exorbitant to the casual buyer, but I know true fandom and effort when I see it, and I think the price fits the product.

Not to mention that nearly everything MikuPa-exclusive is even more expensive.

Warning! The following post only contains thoughts of the author, and not much of actual coverage.

If you’re looking for proper coverage, you could head over to Fabrice Requin’s blog. He’s done several great posts on the convention. Otherwise, read on.

The reason I’m not going to do a proper event coverage post myself is because I’ve already attended 3 times. Say what you wish, but anything gets old after you’ve done it for a while.

(also laziness)

Now for my 2 cents.

First off, I’m not too sure how it happened, but they managed to screw up the infamous first-day queue. Again.

It may have been due to Suntec organizing 2 other major events on the same day, though, but you’d think Sozo would’ve worked out something by now. Or maybe they can’t. Maybe it’s a staple habit of Singaporeans, or events in general. Someone do enlighten me.

Other than that, AFA’11 was pretty awesome. They managed to rope in Nico Nico Douga of all things, offering streams of the convention and parts of the concert on both the English and Japanese versions of the site.

Crypton also had a presence there, though they were restricted to the Cool Japan Forum and a tiny booth in the Cool Japan Pavilion, in the back of the hall. They were promoting MIKUBOOK like no tomorrow, what with the itasha on display nearby.

Even ODEX (of all things) got into the fun, expanding their movie selection from 2 to 5, though you have to buy $10 tickets for each and watch in a separate theatre. And I’ll bet most old-timers burn the posters once they see the ODEX logo on them. ^_^;

To their credit, they did still air the 2nd Mardock Scramble movie and the 4th Gundam Unicorn for free. Only watched the latter though, but it was awesome.

Chiwa Saito came to answer questions, and also did live dubbing of Homura. Great stuff, especially when she dubbed that Kyubey shooting scene. People who haven’t watched the show got spoiler-ed lol.

It seemed that the technical issues haunting the MikuPa concert on Friday night were also present during the concerts on Saturday and Sunday, as well as some of the daytime stage events. While I didn’t attend the Saturday concert, I thought that there was way too much bass and reverb during the Kalafina portion.

Performance-wise, though, May’n actually turned out to be disappointing; she ended up singing only a few of her newer singles. Milky Holmes was meh (given since I’m not exactly a fan of the show), though I did get to see true Japanese fanboys in the act.

I think I became an angela fan after their portion though. They had the most enthusiasm and audience interaction among all the performances, and they even threw in Cruel Angel’s Thesis for good measure. Fuck yeah.

All in all, I think AFA’s really improved over the years in that they keep bringing things to the table, though I think the management needs to iron out the problems that have been hanging around since the previous conventions.

Up next, the obligatory swag post.

Also, thanks for some of the images, Subarashinki! Check out his AFA album here!

What a rush! Man, my arms are cramped now from all the frantic waving. T_T

If you look closely enough, you might be able to see me and Fariz waving our extra-long leek lightsticks in the front row. If you’re having difficulty, though:

Anyway, here are my thoughts on the concert.

The Fail:

While I was nearly deafened by the music, I can hand-wave it away with my inexperience with concerts and the fact that I was sitting in the front row (and didn’t have earplugs).

I thought the bass was way too deep and the VOCALOIDs’ voices could barely be heard over the accompanying band music. I guess out of all the things they tested, they goofed in the aural portion. Thankfully I was familiar with most of the songs so I could make out the words very easily.

Len sang Migikata no Chou. Alone. In fact, Rin and Len had no duet together. What the hell is this blasphemy.

Also, the concert could’ve used a little more hardcore fanboyism/fangirlism, IMO.

The Great:

I attended the concert expecting really great covers by the band, and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m not too sure who they are (couldn’t hear Miku introducing them), but they sure know how to rock out, especially the lead electric guitarist on the left. Thankfully, I sat near him so his guitar solos were more prominent throughout their performances.

The song selection was quite good, though I believe fans who have followed the past MikuPa concerts will find most of the songs and dance sequences very familiar.  I managed to predict a few after watching the free test stream (like Yellow and ARiA) but Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru as the first encore was a pleasant surprise (though Melt was a given). I totally didn’t see it coming, and man, did I cheer the loudest.

The projection and special effects were impressive, too! I was afraid we couldn’t see the VOCALOIDs clearly since we were sitting at a wide angle relative to the stage, and especially because we were sitting so close to the stage. Thankfully, we got to watch them dance in all of their virtual glory.

Afterword:

Although the concert lasted a full 2 hours, it didn’t feel very long when the time came for Miku to perform her encore songs. I was satisfied otherwise though, and I hope they’ll be able to pull off a concert again next year. And they probably will.

And hopefully even better than before.

P.S. To the stranger who snagged Project DIVA Extend from me: I actually thought you were my brother’s/friend’s friend LOL. Ah well, have fun with the game anyways.

And now for the first day of AFA itself.

I was originally planning to do a little write-up about this in the morning, but there’s no time for that now!

If you haven’t caught the last MikuPa (in Sapporo), here’s your chance to view a live (and free) screening! Head over here to watch it!

EDIT: It’s over now.

Also, I’m back, b*tches. For the time being.

Well, that stream was short-lived. No encore either. It was apparently a broadcasting test for the real concert tonight, and by the looks of it, the servers seem stable enough.

But enough about free-yet-outdated streams, the Promised Day has come.

We have seen Singapore’s 15-minute version of Miku’s part in Animelo on a video screen, with extra lagging-goodness!

We have seen gameplay videos representing Miku’s very presence at I LOVE ANISONG (and nothing else)!

But finally…5pb has answered our prayers! Now we’re getting a full-fledged, hologram-equipped concert, worthy of being referred to as a real Hatsune Miku Party concert. Hell, it’s actually a sequel to the last MikuPa in Sapporo.

Those overseas need not despair, Nico Nico Douga will also be streaming the concert itself! On two different sites, one for the Japanese and the other for the rest of the world!

With an event as big as this (and not to mention AFA itself), the Kyouran Kyōdai have come prepared!

I’ve applied for leave! (gasp!)

We’ve got VIP tickets! (shock!)

We’ve got front row seats! (awe!)

If you’ve managed to do the same (more or less) and are attending the concert too, yay-fications to you too! If you aren’t though…wait right there!

There’s still the exclusive MikuPa merchandise.

The KKnM-run booth will be located outside the concert hall, and will sell that delicious bag (and all those other things). In fact, there’s a rumour that they might start selling even before the concert starts. Hint hint.

We’re not sure which of the official MikuPa merch will be sold, though COSPA’s definitely confirmed at this point, being a KKnM0-run booth.

Now let’s just hope the concert will be worth the sudden gaping hole in my bank account. –_–

Comment: Yeah, so shad. Everyone was so happy.

THAT’S ALL FOR DAY 1! WAIT, YOU YELL. WHAT ABOUT THE MIKUCONCERT LAG? I calmly say, what Miku Concert? ;D

INB4 EVERYONE RAEGQUIT

Comment: I’m telling you, I WENT BLIND THERE AND THEN. 3.3

Comment: Really. NO HYPE MANAGED TO INFECT ME. oAo

Comment: Yeah, big shock and terror there. Luckily @Hit_TP was there and told me what happened really.

Oh no, GSC OBVIOUSLY did it intentionally. Later in the OVA the star on BRS’ windbreaker peels off during battle.

Later in the OVA, Black Gold Saw will lose her eyes too, and the figures will be shipped out faceless.

STR loses an arm, and Dead Master loses a horn and wing. The figurines are shipped armless and horn+wingless respectively.

So yeah, Fuzzy is like my Seersman forever. He is so awesome.

: D

–

DONE.

Comment: Yeah, so AFAX, very little impact actually. Sorry gais.

THAT’S RIGHT KIDS. I ONLY DREW ONE COMIC.

Nah, I’m staggering them because as a engineer in training, I support the steady flow notion.

MOAR TMR!

So is the Kaname and -aira- thing.

Actually, that’s because I just stop and ogle whenever -aira- photos pop up. :3c

So… Day 2 cosplay!

Situation first. So Zone 3 was cleared of debris and the peasant folk began to emigrate from the cargo hull of Error 404. Also, Suntec/AFAX management kinda got eco-friendly and left almost all the lights of 404 dead. I think Suntec did it. So lightning inside SUCKS.

Wait: OH WAIT OH WAIT THERE’S HATSU-NEWS TO BE SAID SO AFK THIS POST.

Back.

So… Wall of photogs already spawning…

Another Freyr from Chobits. Not sure if its Day 1′s.

Right. These must be Kingdom Heart Mask Riders! -shot-

This one… Something cool-looking. orz

Mashup

Unknown maid

World Embryo’s version of an Anbu. 8D

Some characters.

Madame Red?

Another Sandplay Luka. YES GUYS, I KNOW THERE’S WAY TO MANY VOCALOID COSPLAYS. BELIEVE ME, I KNOW.

Some angel thing.

Armor dude who sadly did not stay still for much so I got blurred shots due to slowpokenano

Went back in and saw DannyChoo for the bazillionth time and he was having pictures taken. Is this considered cosplay? It doesn’t look ninja IMO, more like Japanese houseservant. :/ Ignore that DC fanboy. They just kept posing with him for shots.

Deathnote’s Misa

MonitorOnHeadDJMan – I think it’s Airgear

Iunno.

BRS

Samurai girl thing

Saber Lily

Mr ANBU is crying because he’s not Mr ANBU.

Alice in Wonderland thing?

League of Generally Unknown – I have an inkling that it’s Granado Espada. Pirate Adeline & Default Musketeer?

KISS X SIS!!! orz-point: I only realised when I noticed the bandaid on one of their faces

Some Narutoos playing rock-paper-scissors

Defense Devil cosplay – They are Singapore’s representatives for the Cosplay Competition. Pretty cool duo.

That Roaring Guy From Sengoku Basara dude.

Nuclear Meltdown Rin (Is it Nuclear? Or just Meltdown. I wanna listen to Meltdown -headphones-)

Misa again

Here, a child wonders WTF Mr ANBU is

Went into the 404 chamber after that. At the later parts of AFAX, the people started to lose their inhibitions and began orgies. o_o

There was this strange wave after wave of yaoi pairings and everyone just ran in and out like the tides

SIMCA. OH GOD, WHY IS THAT PINK THING IN THERE DAMNIT. ARGH

NO IDEA. I THOUGHT IT WAS TETO. ORZ

Beato and Virgilia from When the Seagulls Cry. Or was it Sigh? Wait, is it even seagulls? Maybe it’s crows. Uhhh… Cross-check please?

Misa AGEN.

Like, the one Touhou cosplay I wanted to take photos off. MARISA-ALICE SHIPPERS UNITE!

Actually, I prefer Sakuya X Marisa more but there’s less of that. And there’s Yukari X Reimu and Yuyuko X Youmu. Haha, Nano is YuriBoy. :9

Not cosplay but this is what the queue (or lack of) for the Free-Standing Concert goers was like. WTF GAIS.

We end with MisaBookHammer

Well, does anyone want the Kaname -aira- or Cosplay Competion posts? And which one takes priority if so?

The stickmens WILL be up by… TOMORROW FOR SURE. PROMISE. I SWEAR THIS ON… FUZZY’S FUR.

I will be NON COMMUNIQUE from Friday till Monday so even if I’m doing the Kaname post, it would be next week. Sorry.

P.S. Moe tag for the Misa