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| Opening Ceremonies begins with
Anime Central 2K Chairman Ryan Gavigan and Emcee Carl Horn introducing this year's great
lineup of Japanese and American guests. For a detailed guest
roster, please visit our Guests section. |
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| Emcee Carl Horn introduces the
Japanese guests (second-left to second-right), Kunihiko Ikuhara, Chiho
Saito, Tomoko Taniguchi, Ryo Mizuno, assistant of Kotobuki, Daiken
Yoko-o, and Tsukasa Kotobuki. |
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| First to take advantage of the "Iron
Chef" concept, Anime Central enjoyed tremendous audience approval
from its own "Iron Guest" spectacle. Basically taking
cues from the world-renowned Japanese TV cooking competition, Iron Guest
paired two great Guest artists against another in a wild dueling feat
complete with simulcast cameras and a well-tuned four-judge commentary
panel. |
First up, Iron Guest Tsukasa Kotobuki of
Saber Marionette fame dukes it out with Challenger Philip Moy of
PowerPuff Girls fame. With a 30 minute time frame, artists were
given a surprise subject and then let loose to the awe of the audiences
as they drew up whatever came to mind. Fantastic! |
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| The four-judge panel consisted of (left to
right) Bruce Lewis, Elizabeth Kirkendall, Brett Weaver, and Ryan Gavigan. |
Simulcast cameraman steps up the stress
level on this competing Anime Central staffer Challenger David West as
he courageously proves his worth against the likes of celebrity Iron
Guest Takeshi Miyazawa of Sidekicks fame. |
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| Another view of Miyazawa,
showing his determination to win as the judges behind jokingly comment
on what is going on in the each of the artists' minds as the action
progresses towards the final seconds. Note: all of the guest
artwork was donated to the Art Auction and bidded by fans with all
proceeds going to charity foundations. |
