Sabaku Con gets animated this weekend in ABQ

By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper – Anime, cosplay, gaming and community will take center stage this weekend as Sabaku Con returns to Albuquerque for another year of fandom-focused entertainment and programming.

The convention, which has been running in Albuquerque for nearly a decade, is one of the Southwest’s longest-running anime and gaming conventions. Organized by Monkey Paw Entertainment, the event brings together fans of Japanese animation, manga, gaming, cosplay and music for a weekend packed with panels, workshops, concerts and community events.

“We’re a Japanese animation, manga, Japanese music convention, so really, anybody who’s a fan of anything anime or manga, they’re going to find something to do,” says Greg Fennell, owner and president of Monkey Paw Entertainment.

This year’s convention will also feature an international musical guest, including a performance from Australian stuntman, profesional wrestler and singer Babybeard during Saturday night programming.

Fennell explains that one of the things that separates Sabaku Con from other anime conventions is its focus on entertainment and community throughout the entire weekend, rather than centering only on celebrity appearances and autograph sessions.

“A lot of anime conventions really just focus on the guest aspect,” says Fennell. “We focus from the beginning to really be an entertainment-based event over the entire weekend as well.”

According to Fennell, attendees can expect one of the region’s larger programming schedules, with events taking place throughout the convention weekend. Guests will also be able to explore the vendor hall, attend panels and workshops, participate in cosplay events and connect with fellow fans.

“We really want the attendees to come in, have fun,” says Fennell. “Don’t just come in for an autograph and leave. Come in and get your autograph if you’re looking for it, but then check out a couple panels, check out the masquerade on Saturday night, check out Babybeard, who has his concert on Saturday night, and just enjoy the entire weekend.”

The convention is entering its second year at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque, after relocating to the venue last year. Fennell explains that organizers are expanding further into the hotel space this year and are hopeful attendance will continue growing.

“Just the excitement of starting to see the attendee base starting to come back last year,” says Fennell. “The hope is this year with the second year back at the Crowne, we start to see a little bit bigger attendance pool than what we had last year as well.”

For Fennell, the convention is ultimately about creating a welcoming environment where fans can relax, connect and enjoy shared interests.

“Life’s tough right now, and we’re all looking for something to kind of make us smile,” says Fennell. “Our hope is that people come to enjoy the show, have a great time, but walk out and maybe make a new friend.”

Sabaku Con will take place May 22 through May 24 at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque (1901 University Blvd NE ) and will feature cosplay, panels, concerts, workshops, guest appearances and community events for anime and gaming fans across the Southwest. Additional information, schedules and registration details can be found on Sabaku Con’s official website (sabakucon.com).