At Florida A&M University, there are so many clubs and organizations for all types of interests and some are overlooked. One club that is repeatedly overlooked is the school’s Anime Club.
For those who are unfamiliar with anime, it is defined by Merriam Webster’s dictionary as, a “style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes.”
To unite and educate those who have an appreciation for anime, the organization recently took a trip to from Feb. 28 until March 1 for the annual MegaCon Convention.
The MegaCon Convention is held in Orlando every year and consists of themes like science fiction, comic books and Asian animation.
MegaCon also includes many activities for enthusiasts. According to the convention Web site, the event hosts “the biggest costume contest in Florida.”
For Britt Lyle, 20, a third year graphic design student from Orlando and current president of the Anime Club, the recent trip has a special meaning.
“We went because the anime club had never gone to any type of convention like this since being [founded] and I was determined to have the members have such an experience,” Lyle said.
Jonathan Smith, 19, a freshman mechanical engineer student from Sebring, said the trip allowed the group “to learn more about anime and a good time in Orlando and to learn about Japanese culture.”
Each person who attended the convention took a little something different from the trip.
“We should have a greater appreciation for all different types of art in the world, because anime is a form of art and sometimes it’s not seen as a form of art but [we] should learn to respect it” said Alyssa Rose, 19, a first year chemistry student from Tallahassee.
Although everyone in the organization has a fairly solid understanding of anime and all things associated with it, Alejandro Furells, said the convention was a learning experience.
“[I learned] not about anime per se, but met some voice actors learning about hard work that goes into it and showing anime as art,” Furells said.
Smith agreed and added it was liberating to be amongst many who had the same love for anime as he does and that no one felt out of place.
Members also said the trip served as a bonding experience for those in the organization.
“I am proud to say that I am the first Anime Club president to have taken its’ members to an actual convention,” Lyle said. “I hoped for the club to have gained more of an appreciation and understanding of animation and other various forms of entertainment.”
For more information on the MegaCon Convention visit www.megaconvention.com