Press Release: The Anime Milwaukee Convention (abbr. AMKE) has just released its announcement for the 2012 convention. The convention will take place from February 17th through 19th, 2012 and will be held in the same location as last year, open Friday at 11:00 am through Sunday at 5:00 pm, in the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the adjoining Frontier Airlines Center (abbr. FAC), in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Hyatt is only blocks away from the Intermodal Station, which houses the Amtrak and Greyhound stations, and is near several Milwaukee Public Transit lines.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Anime Milwaukee 3 day ticket prices are $40 at the door. One day tickets are $25 on Friday and Saturday, and are $20 on Sunday. VIP pre-registration is $80 and includes line priority for guest autographs, front row seating, maid café seating priority, lounge area, exhibit hall early access, convention t-shirt, and more. Children under the age of six are admitted free with a paying adult. Group rates are available for groups over ten and for anime clubs. Returning attendees should note that registration will be situated on the first floor of the FAC. Registration questions should be directed to: registration@animemilwaukee.com.

EXCITING NEWS — The Secret World of Arrietty
Anime Milwaukee is proud to host Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Studio Ghibli’s trailer showing and giveaway for the new film "The Secret World of Arrietty." On Saturday from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm, attendees can see the theatrical trailer for "THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY" and receive an official movie poster (while supplies last), in the Main Programming hall.

ABOUT ANIME MILWAUKEE 
Founded by the Japanese Animation Association at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, Anime Milwaukee promotes the celebration, interest in and awareness of the culture of Japan, Japanese animation (anime) and Japanese comics (manga), as well as other related sub-cultures. Anime Milwaukee drew 2500+ attendees in 2011 and is now organized by the Entertainment and Culture Promotion Society (ECPS) and staffed by volunteers in Milwaukee and the Midwest area. The convention features industry guests, informative fan and guest panels, a Masquerade contest, children’s programming, the Hoshi No Yume maid cafe, a Lolita fashion show, a table top gaming room, a rave dance, adult programming, a video game room, karaoke, and so much more. For the latest news and information, visit www.animemilwaukee.com.

AMKE 2012 GUESTS

Robert Axelrod is the voice of Lord Zedd and Finster on the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” and has voiced countless anime features including “Akira.” He has also appeared in film and television shows, and is in the soon-to-be-released horror dark comedy, “The Revenant.”

Chris Cason is best known as the voice of Tien Shinhan and Mr. Popo in Dragon Ball Z, Gluttony in Fullmetal Alchemist, and Holy Roman Empire in Hetalia: Axis Powers. He is also one of the contributing guitarists in Guitar Hero 3.

Wendy Kay Powell is a voice actress and her most notable role is Envy in Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Wendy also plays numerous parts in anime, video games, commercials, radio, and film.

Spike Spencer: is known for the voice of Shinji in Evangelion. He voiced characters in anime, as well as a number of video games, including World of Warcraft-The Burning Crusades. Spencer is also an author/screenwriter and is in pre-production on his first feature film that he scripted, "Dwindle Down."

Doug Walker is an internet celebrity from ThatGuyWithTheGlasses.com. He is best known for his character The Nostalgia Critic, who reviews bad movies and TV shows from childhood. He also plays the role of That Guy With The Glasses, who answers the weirdest questions fans can come up with.

LittleKuriboh (AKA Martin Billany) is an internet celebrity, He is the creator of Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Abridged Series and the godfather of the abridged age. He has made cameos in the Death Note, Naruto, Sonic X, Trinity Blood, Pokemon, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Sailor Moon abridged series.

Trevor Mueller is the writer/ artist / creator of several popular award winning webcomic series including the fantasy epic The Temple Of A Thousand Tears and the teen-rated gag strip @$$HOLE!. Trevor has also written and self-published several other works.

Alan Evans is the creator and artist of the award winning wrestling webcomic Rival Angels. In addition, he has done spot illustration work for several wrestling companies and flatting work for The Dreamer, DC, Hi-Fi Color Design, Digital Webbing, and many other independent studios.

Uncle Yo performs his unique stand-up comedy aimed exclusively at the geek community. Uncle Yo celebrates all brands of nerdom: anime, comic books, video games, LARPing, Star Wars, RPGs and manga.

August Hahn is an American writer of science fiction, fantasy, and roleplaying materials. He has also worked on the Clone Wars era, Living Force Campaign, and is on LucasFilm’s list of approved authors. His first major fantasy novel, Rise of the Agarashi - Glory and Greed, publishes this year in mid-May.

Dan Keding is a storyteller and has appeared multiple times at the National Storytelling Festival. He has over a dozen recordings and five books and has won numerous awards. In 2000, he was inducted into the National Storytelling Network’s Circle of Excellence.

Kobudokan: Iaido is the Japanese martial art of drawing, cutting, and sheathing the sword. Dan Keding, Josh Stafford, and Mark Jeray will share techniques of the martial art, joined by Ellen Stafford, a professional dancer and teacher of the Alexander Method.

Gravity Benders Crew is a group of award winning, self-motivated Bboys. They have performed for some notable events such as the Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Team (Super Force) and the Chicago Bulls Basketball Team (Break-A-Bulls).

Bristol Renaissance Fair troupe is a community of actors from the Faire that entertain with an Elizabethan flair. Celebrating the Fair’s 25th anniversary, the troupe is holding multiple events, from meeting the magical Fantastikals faries, to a Jedi combat demonstration, using theatrical techniques.

PREVIOUS AMKE GUESTS — Throughout the years, Anime Milwaukee has featured voice actors Vic Mignogna, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Darrel Guillbeau, Mandy St. Jean, Sonny Strait, Todd Haberkorn, Wendy Powell, Chris Sabat, Monica Rial, internet celebrity Kirbopher, publisher Yamila Abraham; and the musical group The Spoony Bards. Anime Milwaukee is proud to welcome back voice actors Spike Spencer and Chris Cason; internet celebrities Doug Walker and Little Kuriboh; comedian Uncle Yo; and comic artists Trevor Mueller and Alan Evans.

Anime Milwaukee Convention 2012
http://www.animemilwaukee.com
Date: Friday, February 17 at 10:00 pm through Sunday, February 19 at 5:00 pm
Ticket price: 3 day tickets are $40, Friday/ Saturday tickets are $25, Sunday tickets are $20, and VIP tickets are $80. Under age 6 is free with paying adult.