AnimeIowa

AnimeIowa is part of the Mindbridge family

Guests

Christopher Ayres (www.christopherayres-va.com)
Christopher Ayres has been working professionally in theatre, television and film since the age of 6. His work has been seen regionally, nationally and on Broadway. He currently works as a voice actor for ADV FILMS and FUNimation ENTERTAINMENT, and has recently started working as an A.D.R. Director for ADV FILMS. His first project for the studio is the hit anime musical comedy THE NERIMA DAIKON BROTHERS. In addition to that he is also the director for XENOSAGA: The Animation, and MAGIKANO. Some of the roles as a voice actor Chris is best known for are Kei Kourono in Gantz, Suitengu in Speed Grapher, Von Kampher in Trinity Blood, Hayashimizu in Full Metal Panic? Fummofu, Nakamaru in Maburaho, Yaminami in Peacemaker, DJ Plugman in Air Gear Yusuf Ali Mesa in Yugo the Negotiator, Koji in Godanner, Murato in Hakugei - Legend of the Moby Dick, Sawadust in A Tree of Palme, Dr. Pluto in BASToF Syndrome, Akimoto in Sakura Diaries, Multiple Villains in Gatchaman, Kenji Kurata in Diamond Daydreams, Oshodani in Pappuwa, Jimpachi Arishiama in Nanka 6/17, and Woogy in Michel. His voice can also be heard in Elfin Lied, Gravion Zwie, Utwararerumono, Coyote Ragtime Show and Desert Punk to name a few. Chris is also one of the Anime industry voice actors who sings on Voices for Peace. He is very proud to be a part of the "Voices For..." oganization. Chris also works as a professional fight director and has enjoyed bringing his workshop “Mock Combat for Cosplay” to many conventions.

Studio ONY (www.otakunoyen.com)
Studio O.N.Y. is the creative force behind the web comic Otaku –no- Yen, (Geeks Without Money). They are involved in creating Manga-style comics and artwork as a husband/wife team.

Richard Townsend- Writer, Story Creator
After a stint writing for the RPG TFOS: The Landing, Richard decided to try his hand at working alongside his wife Shannon. Richard's main focus is now the web comic "Otaku no- Yen" (aka. Geeks Without Money). He also occasionally speaks at libraries and conventions to help educate parents and kids alike in Anime and Manga and runs numerous panels at conventions each year, including his popular “Help! My Girlfriend’s OBSESSED with Yaoi!” Richard is also an avid gamer, and plays a mean round of Rock Band.

Shannon Townsend- Artist, Character Designer, Illustrator
Shannon has been drawing almost her entire life, but a chance channel-surfing incident when she was 16 turned her on to Anime, and she’s never been the same since. Aside from numerous freelance projects, Shannon is the artist and colorist for the web comic Otaku –no- Yen. Self taught in the art style of Anime and Manga, Shannon has worked on numerous projects, including the Manga “Otaku Antics” due out in 2008, “Fire and Snow” from Stone Arch Press, and of course “Otaku –no- Yen Book 1: As Seen On The Intarwebs.” Shannon is also a professional speaker and lectures at numerous libraries, colleges, and conventions each year, educating teens on the art style she has grown to love so much.