Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 22, 2013
Atlantas fast-growing convention of Anime, Animation, Gaming, and costuminghas added to its schedule a panel celebrating Cartoon Networks Toonami programming block. This new panel will be an exciting addition to a schedule already packed with events featuring celebrity guests, including voice actors, writers and cosplayers. Toonami holds a special place in the history of Animation as a significant influence in introducing Americans to Anime, Japanese animation. Jason DeMarco, co-creator of the Toonami block, and Steve Blum, the voice of Toonamis host T.O.M., will answer fan questions in the segments first live Q&A panel since Toonamis return last May. Blum is also known as the voice of iconic character Spike Spiegel on Toonamis Cowboy Bebop,
The Cartoon Network restored the Toonami programming block in response to massive online support from fans, following an April Fools Day Prank. Fans expected to see another rerun of cult film The Room, but the network broadcast six hours of episodes from Toonamis classic lineup. Episodes came complete with Toonami bumpers featuring the shows bipedal robotic host T.O.M. (voiced by Blum). The following day Cartoon Networks Adult Swim team tweeted fans and posted a hashtag #BringBackToonami, resulting in fans swarming Twitter, Tumblr and other social media channels to voice their support.
Within two months, Toonami returned in the Saturday late night block from 12 am to 6 am. DeMarco credits the fans for the successful return saying, THEY (the fans) DEMANDED ITand Adult Swim listened! On the eve of Toonamis return, DeMarco was promoted to VP of Marketing for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, a position he continues to hold. As to his upcoming appearance at Momocon, DeMarco expressed a great deal of excitement. MomoCons panel, he said, is the first Toonami panel in many years. We’re looking forward to meeting our fans and hearing their questions, as well as revealing some new stuff!
Steve Blums influence and voice are synonymous with Toonamis success and appreciation among fans. His voice-acting resume includes anime hits Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop and the Big O, with the latter being a huge hit on Toonami and a series in which he voiced the protagonist. For years, Toonami served as a destination for a generation, says Steve Blum. It was a safe place to go after school. A cool place to visit late at night. Regarding its recent revival, Blum said, I’m proud to take part in bringing Toonami goodness to the next generation and will be stayin’ gold for a long time to come.
Blum is also the voice of X-mens Wolverine in recent Marvel animated series among others. He was recently awarded the Guinness World Record for being the most prolific video game actor, clocking 261 credited appearances as of May last year.
MomoCon 2013 will mark the first Atlanta convention appearance for Steve Blum.
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