Anime Vice Anime/Manga News

As most of you know, I was on hand with my camera at the New People Center opening yesterday in Japantown, San Francisco. And what an event it was! It basically turned into a street fair. I didn't get to ALL the events (completely missed the fashion show-- wahh!), but you can still benefit from what I DID get-- the entirety of the building, on video, including VIZ Cinema, the new movie theater. Let's get goin'.
 
When you walk into the lobby you'll see stairs to the left that head to the mezzanine level (the New People store), an elevator, stairs going down to the basement where VIZ Cinema is, and a little cafe offering drinks, snacks, and even some bento from Delica, a popular bento shop in the Ferry Building in SF, with seating.
 
  
On the mezzanine level is New People the Store, which features merch and toys, including some VIZ products, art and art books, sort of like the center's 'gift shop,' as it were. There was some really fun stuff in there.
 
  
Most of the otaku who stormed the gates on opening day, however, were fans of the fashion designers whose wares are sold on the second floor. Those designers are Black Peace Now (rock fashion), Sou Sou (unique tabi socks and shoes), Baby the Stars Shine Bright (gothic lolita, decidedly on the sweet loli side), Alice and the Pirates (slightly more elegant lolita, I believe), and 6% Doki Doki (cute, sparkly stuff).
 
   
   
  
Moving on from the clothing floor, which was the busiest by a long shot...the third floor features the SuperFrog gallery, who managed to score Yoshitaka Amano for their first exhibit! The showing is called Deva Loka, and features Amano's take on classic characters from shows like Yatterman and Gatchaman. I also noticed it has a slightly superflat feel, at least compared to the illustrations most of us are used to ( Vampire Hunter D and Final Fantasy).
 
  
When I realized there was no floor above the third, I took the (very slow) elevator down to the basement, where VIZ Cinema is. It's a small theater, but pretty nice-- though I'm not sure what the ticket sale setup will be. I did find the projector room, though!
 
 
  
Whew! So as you can see, the center is pretty jam-packed with stuff to do, though I expect the second floor to be the busiest for some time to come. What floor do YOU most want to visit?