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Black and Queer Owned Anime Convention Coming to Novi

Author Kayla Morgan

In the Detroit area, there’s an exciting anime convention called IsshoCon happening this month. It’s organized by the owners of Otaku Detroit, a small business all about anime and Japanese culture. The idea for IsshoCon came from the community’s request for another anime convention in Michigan, and thanks to their support, it became a reality, according to the event website.

IsshoCon started with a single-day event at Beer Middle School in Warren. Over time, their mini-conventions grew with the help of the community. The inspiration for the name “IsshoCon” comes from the Japanese word “issho” meaning togetherness, reflecting the inclusive vibe of the convention.

Black and queer representation within the anime community.

One of the standout features of IsshoCon is its commitment to highlighting Black and queer representation within the anime community. The convention has a lineup of well-known voice actors, such as Zeno Robinson and Anairis Quiñones, as well as accomplished cosplayers like Clover Aura and Jade Aurora.

Anairis Quiñones is the voice behind characters like Mirko in My Hero Academia and Nessa in Pokemon: Twilight Wings. She’s also voiced characters in Street Fighter 6, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Zeno Robinson is known for being the voice of “Alan Albright” in Ben 10 Alien Force.

Clover Aura is a cosplayer and performer from Detroit. She’s also a founding member of the Chocolate Idol Network (CIN), a group that’s all about making black idols more visible and empowered in the international idol community. Jade Aurora, based in Michigan, wears many hats. She’s a pinup model, cosplayer, artist, and burlesque performer.

The support from local artists and sponsors, including Psychic Drive and Comix Wellspring, adds an extra layer of inclusivity to the event.

Happening from January 26 to 28 at the Sheraton Hotel in Novi, IsshoCon promises a great time. It includes gaming tournaments, anime parties, and karaoke over the three days. The vendors’ hall will feature a diverse array of anime memorabilia crafted by people of color (POC) and queer creators, ranging from art and figures to posters. Additionally, Panels with diverse voices will offer interesting discussions. IsshoCon is expected to attract anime fans and those into alternative culture.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

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