Anime-SPARK!, the newest anime convention to be announced for Iowa, is excited to announce guest of honor Chris Rager will be attending the convention February 10-14, 2011.

Chris Rager is an American voice actor for Funimation studios. More notable performances are as Mr. Satan and King Yemma on “Dragonball Z”, as well as, Arlong the leader of the fish people on the popular “One Piece”. Chris has been seen in national and regional T.V. commercial ads like Taco Bell, Southwest Airlines and Visa. Although he enjoys the T.V. exposure, Christopher holds voice acting closer to his heart. You may have also heard Chris in Animes such as Blue Gender, Case Closed, Black Cat, Desert Punk, Lupin III, Full Metal Alchemist, Yu Yu Hakusho, Samuri 7 and Sgt. Frog. Chris has also been heard in such video games Spike out: Battle Street, Stuntman Ignition, Bloodrayne, Roadkill and many others. Chris always looks forwards to his next voice over role, hoping he can bring a high level of talent and professionalism to such characters.

Cedar Rapids's Anime-SPARK! is a festival celebrating Japanese art and culture, and the surrounding fan culture. The anime convention will be held on valentine's weekend in 2011, at the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center in eastern Iowa. Hotel reservations ($89 per night) can be made by calling the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center at 877-949-2992.

Several events throughout the convention will celebrate the valentine's holiday. Theme events include a date auction, otaku speed dating, formal balls, a host club, and several dances.

Other events happening include a cosplay masquerade, a rave, video gaming, anime screenings, a ConSuite, Panels, a dealer's room, anime-themed game shows and more.

Anime-SPARK! is a smaller convention organized by the planners of QC Anime-zing! QC Anime-zing! 2011 will be held June 17-19, 2011 at The RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa. More information about QC Anime-zing! can be found online at http://www.qcanimezing.com

Anime-SPARK! is produced in part by MaiOtaku.com, a fan-run "Otaku Dating" website. Learn more online at http://www.maiotaku.com/about

Registration for the convention is available online at http://www.animespark.org/register

Registration through August 20th, 2010 is only $15.