I was absolutely looking forward to this week since proposing the idea at the end of Semester One. As many of you know I am a huge fan of Pokemon (only the classic series!) But there are other club members are just as passionate as myself. It was a great way to explore the nostalgia that played a huge part in our childhood. I definitely felt like a child throughout Pokemon Week. It was a time to celebrate, reminiscence and just laugh at one of the most popular anime series in the world.
During Week Nine, every day was a different screening and activity. Each day featured a specific season and film that was released that same year. On the first day, Monday September 23 was the screening of the classic first episode. It was the episode that will soon capture the imagination of millions of children, including myself. Following that was the First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back (check out the reviews for each film during that week in separate posts). At the same time was a Trading Card Tournament. It was the perfect opportunity to learn how to play the game as well as encourage to purchase more cards. I am sure club members who read this post will appreciate “energy cards” a lot more now!
The next day, Tuesday September 24 transformed the common room into the Nintendo Gaming Center which in fact was the most successful activity held during that week. Fortunately the Nintendo was set-up quite smoothly and minutes later, crowds of spectators joined in to reminiscence in the nostalgia of the video game that dominated our lives during the 90s. Games included Pokemon Snap! Pokemon Stadium 1 and 2. There was nothing but positive feedback which makes us consider holding a similar event like this later in the future. That same day was the screening of episodes from Season Two titled ‘The Lost Lapras’, ‘Pikachu Revolts’ and the ‘Movie 2000’.
On Wednesday September 25 saw the campus quite gloomy and quiet. Considering it was the school holidays, there was an expectation that kids would be interested in participating in our activities. Unfortunately there was a limited turn out and the extreme hot weather was against at some moments. The activity was a Scavenger Hunt where 25 images of Pokemon are placed around campus. Participants have to find all 25 Pokemon to win a prize. Three prizes were up for grabs including a Trainer Kit, Ash’s Hat and a Plush Toy. Although the participation rate was small, it still gained attention and interest. Upon reflection of this activity, another day might have been a better time to hold the event. Nevertheless, it might be considered later in the future if a larger portion of participants are expected. The screening that afternoon included the first episode from Season Three titled ‘Don’t Touch that dile’ and ‘Pokemon 3 the Movie’, which is in fact my favorite movie (see the review).
The following day, Thursday September 26 was expected to be another successful day with both the fundraiser and a Pokemon Trivia to be held. The day began with a screening of an episode from Season Four titled ‘A Goldenrod Opportunity’ followed by ‘Pokemon 4ever’, another brilliant Pokemon film I also reviewed. At noon, the fundraiser stand was held selling homemade Pokemon shaped cookies. They were made and specially put together by one of our club members. A big shout out to Cynthia for taking the time to make them!! Pokemon bookmarks were also made and the opportunity to sign up was there too. But the turnout was quite small but most cookies were sold which proves to be a success. However the trivia had a decent number of participants. It delivered many good laughs and recalling all the good stuff that came from the series.
Due to Friday being the final day of the week and the last day before the mid semester break, we decided to tune it down for an easy end. By this point of time we were all tired from all the fun so instead of trying to run on empty batteries trying to run an event we watched the 13th movie, ‘Pokemon: Zorua Master of Illusions’. This was an excellent way to end the week as it allowed us draw comparisons between the first few seasons and the newer seasons. It also allowed comparisons to be drawn between the differences in art styles, from the 3rd and 4th pokemon movies which used CG at a basic level to a point where it has been better grasped and incorporated in the movies art style. It also showed that although the plots and themes expressed in the movies were different, it is still able to be the pokemon that we all know and love.
I cannot express how much I really appreciate every club member who had been patient with me during this busy week of the semester. Considering it was something myself and other club members worked really hard for, it was absolute ball to enjoy what was amazing about this series. Reliving our childhood would have to be the highlight of this week. I hope that this will happen again with even more success and smiles!!
ACU Anime Club 