Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* BastardBoyfriend: Derek to Christie in the first volume. He ignores her, repeatedly hits on other girls in front of her, and PlaysTheVictimCard whenever Christie calls him out on his behavior. [[spoiler:He finally gets drunk and tries to rape Christie when she decides they're finished, but she thankfully gets him off before he goes further.]]
* {{Gaslighting}}: Christie's ignored and belittled by Derek throughout the first volume, and whenever she tries to call him on this he flips it around acting like she's either imagining things or is acting worse by not trusting him.
Changed line(s) 102 (click to see context) from:
* NoodleIncident: The "coffee scene" in the manga that Christie and Derek [[spoiler: later replaced by Beth]] create.
to:
* NoodleIncident: NoodleIncident:
** The "coffee scene" in the manga that Christie and Derek [[spoiler: later replaced by Beth]]create.create.
** After Christie mentions that Derek claimed Lida said their comic sucked and they should go back to school, Lida and Tamara briefly mention an incident where Lida was accused of throwing someone's art in the trash.
** The "coffee scene" in the manga that Christie and Derek [[spoiler: later replaced by Beth]]
** After Christie mentions that Derek claimed Lida said their comic sucked and they should go back to school, Lida and Tamara briefly mention an incident where Lida was accused of throwing someone's art in the trash.
Changed line(s) 113 (click to see context) from:
* PutOnTheBus: After the first volume, [[spoiler:Derek isn't seen for the duration of the second volume.]] Opal and Brett also disappear and don't return at all.
to:
* PlayingTheVictimCard: Derek gaslights Christie into thinking she's blowing things out of proportion, accusing her of not trusting him to remain faithful despite him hitting on every single hot girl he sees. [[spoiler:After he reveals he saw Christie kissing Matt and says "Guess I can't trust you after all," Christie hits her limit and refuses to let Derek keep doing this.]]
* PsychologicalProjection: It's subtly implied that Beth's DisappearedDad is the real reason her mother wants her to get a "real" job. We're given a hint that he's in the entertainment business when Beth mentions seeing him on the cover of a magazine, which causes Mary to get even angrier when demanding to know if Beth is "following his ass."
* PutOnTheBus: After the first volume, [[spoiler:Derek isn't seen for the duration of the second volume.]] Opal and Brett also disappear and don't return at all. This is a JustifiedTrope in their case, since [[spoiler:Brett was Derek's cousin, there's no reason why he or Opal would appear again if Derek's not relevant to the story anymore.]]
* PsychologicalProjection: It's subtly implied that Beth's DisappearedDad is the real reason her mother wants her to get a "real" job. We're given a hint that he's in the entertainment business when Beth mentions seeing him on the cover of a magazine, which causes Mary to get even angrier when demanding to know if Beth is "following his ass."
* PutOnTheBus: After the first volume, [[spoiler:Derek isn't seen for the duration of the second volume.]] Opal and Brett also disappear and don't return at all. This is a JustifiedTrope in their case, since [[spoiler:Brett was Derek's cousin, there's no reason why he or Opal would appear again if Derek's not relevant to the story anymore.]]
Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* RedeemingReplacement: Beth as Derek's replacement on ''Wary City'', in that her art's much better, Beth and Christie manage to do more together with the concept, and Beth is a million times nicer and supportive than Derek was.
to:
* RedeemingReplacement: Beth as Derek's replacement on ''Wary City'', in that her art's much better, Beth and Christie manage to do more together with the concept, and Beth is a million times nicer and more supportive than Derek was.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* TakeOurWordForIt: The "coffee scene" in the first "Wary City" story is so good Lida Zeff and her editor Tamara both openly praise it as brilliant, but we never get to see it for ourselves.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 35 (click to see context) from:
* ConstructiveCriticism: In the first volume, Lida Zeff offers some constructive criticism to both Derek and Christie regarding "''Wary City''", their fanzine/doujinshi, separately. She told Derek that his artwork was promising but there was a lot he needed to work on and suggested art school. But Derek took it poorly and told Christie Lida was a "stuck-up bitch". Lida, then, told Christie that her writing was quite excellent but there were areas she needed to work on as well. Christie took it a ''lot'' better than Derek and even wrote down Lida's suggestions.
to:
* ConstructiveCriticism: In the first volume, Lida Zeff offers some constructive criticism separately gave this to both Derek and Christie regarding "''Wary City''", about their fanzine/doujinshi, separately. She told work on "Wary City."
** Derekthat was told his artwork art was promising promising, and Lida even referred to him as "a head above the rest," but there was a lot wasn't near professional level due to several inconsistencies and weak spots he needed to work on and on. She suggested he go to art school. But school to refine his talent. Derek took it this ''very'' poorly and told gave Christie an "abridged" version claiming Lida was a "stuck-up bitch". Lida, then, told them to go back to school.
** Christiethat is told she has a knack for creating strong, believable characters and engaging dialog but her writing was quite excellent storytelling flow needs work. According to Lida, "Wary City" starts strong but there were areas she needed to work on has a weak ending, although the repeatedly mentioned "coffee scene" is frequently described as well. "brilliant." Christie took it a ''lot'' better than Derek and even wrote makes an effort to write down Lida's suggestions.suggestions, which moves Lida to tears.
** Derek
** Christie
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 103 (click to see context) from:
** [Invoked] Lida is incredibly ashamed of her earlier work, "''Nightbloom''".
to:
** [Invoked] InUniverse, Lida is incredibly ashamed of her earlier work, "''Nightbloom''".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Dewicked trope
Deleted line(s) 11 (click to see context) :
* AdultFear: Opal and Brett are both shocked and horrified when they return to their hotel room to discover [[spoiler:Derek got drunk thanks to the beer they left out in the open and he tried to assault Christie, with Sandra implied to be calling them out for not paying better attention to the two]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
''Dramacon'' is an [[{{OEL Manga}} original English-language manga]] by Svetlana Chmakova about a perky girl named Christie who falls in love with a TallDarkAndSnarky cosplayer over the course of [[RuleOfThree three]] volumes, each of which involves one annual three-day anime convention. While the love story is the main focus of the book, in telling it the book deftly tackles the oddities of pop culture conventions, and the fans and people of the industry who attend them.
to:
''Dramacon'' is an [[{{OEL Manga}} original English-language manga]] by Svetlana Chmakova about Chmakova, which was published by Creator/{{Tokyopop}} from 2005 to 2007.
The story centers on a perky girl named Christie who falls in love with a TallDarkAndSnarky cosplayer over the course of [[RuleOfThree three]] volumes, each of which involves one annual three-day anime convention. While the love story is the main focus of the book, in telling it the book deftly tackles the oddities of pop culture conventions, and the fans and people of the industry who attend them.
The story centers on a perky girl named Christie who falls in love with a TallDarkAndSnarky cosplayer over the course of [[RuleOfThree three]] volumes, each of which involves one annual three-day anime convention. While the love story is the main focus of the book, in telling it the book deftly tackles the oddities of pop culture conventions, and the fans and people of the industry who attend them.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
While glomps are still around, they've mostly fallen out of favor
Changed line(s) 55 (click to see context) from:
* TheGlomp: Given that the series focus mostly on anime conventions, this is expected to happen.
to:
* TheGlomp: Given that the series focus mostly on anime conventions, conventions in the TurnOfTheMillennium, this is expected to happen.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* AuthorsRetaliation: In the third volume of ''{{Manga/Dramacon}}'', Monica, Christie, and Hyu-Jeong all discuss [[ShipperOnDeck the possibility of Beth and Raj dating]], and realize that the two are almost ''absurdly'' perfect for each other. Monica wonders aloud where the tension and drama is, saying this pair would be ''too'' [[BetaCouple simple and happy together compared to the other couples they know]]... and then makes the mistake of saying, "[[BreakingTheFourthWall I call bad writing]]." Cue a [[SuperDeformed chibi version]] [[AuthorAvatar of the author]] in the margins muttering, "Why you little...", and Monica promptly being tackled by a random background character.
-->'''Caption:''' [[LampshadeHanging RANDOM TOOL OF AUTHOR REVENGE]].
-->'''Caption:''' [[LampshadeHanging RANDOM TOOL OF AUTHOR REVENGE]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 22 (click to see context) from:
* BetaCouple: Beth and Raj
to:
* BetaCouple: Beth and RajRaj. They develop romantic feelings for each other in the third volume and Raj’s subplot focuses on his finally telling Beth how he feels about her. [[spoiler:By the end, they have become a couple.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* LackOfEmpathy: Derek completely and unashamedly hits on every hot girl he sees at the convention, even or especially when Christie is right next to him. Christie is incredibly hurt by this but Derek constantly tries to downplay her anger, and even has the gall to get pissed when she shows more attention to Matt to the point he says "Guess I can't trust you after all" when Christie decides she wants to break up. Eventually Christie points out it doesn't matter if Derek doesn't kiss or make out with the other girls, his hitting on them is still incredibly gross because it's a basic lack of respect in Christie.
-->'''Christie''': You flirt with girls left and right, even though you know I hate it!
-->'''Derek''': I didn't ''make out'' with any of them!
-->'''Christie''': ''It still HURTS, you unbelievable ass!''
-->'''Christie''': You flirt with girls left and right, even though you know I hate it!
-->'''Derek''': I didn't ''make out'' with any of them!
-->'''Christie''': ''It still HURTS, you unbelievable ass!''
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* AdultFear: Opal and Brett are both shocked and horrified when they return to their hotel room to discover [[spoiler:Derek got drunk thanks to the beer they left out in the open and he tried to assault Christie, with Sandra implied to be calling them out for not paying better attention to the two]].
Added DiffLines:
* TheUnapologetic: After Derek tries to guilt trip Christie for dancing with Matt, Christie reaches her breaking point and not only states she's ''not'' sorry but spells out what a complete and utter shithead Derek has been since the convention started (like how it was Christie's first convention and he did nothing to help calm her anxiety as a first time creator because he was too busy flirting with every girl he saw ''right in front of her'').
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
yourCheatingHeart is being detroped per TRS.
Deleted line(s) 134 (click to see context) :
* YourCheatingHeart: While Derek hasn't kissed a girl in front of Christie, his constant flirting with other girls does get on Christie's nerves.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* FanConvention: The story revolves around Yatta!Con, a fictional anime convention. Each volume takes place during the three days the convention runs for.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Changed line(s) 63 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Monica''': ([[ClaspYourHandsIfYouDeceive steepling her fingers]] as she and her friends glare at the girl) That was our friend you were harassing just now. [[{{Oh Crap}} Welcome to the rest of your day at the Artist's Alley with us]].
to:
-->'''Monica''': ([[ClaspYourHandsIfYouDeceive ([[FingerTenting steepling her fingers]] as she and her friends glare at the girl) That was our friend you were harassing just now. [[{{Oh Crap}} Welcome to the rest of your day at the Artist's Alley with us]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Renamed to Token Black Friend. Re-add with proper context if it fits — this is not just about any black friend; they have to basically be a Satellite Character
Deleted line(s) 24 (click to see context) :
* BlackBestFriend: Beth and Raj, even though [[AmbiguouslyBrown Raj's name implies he is Indian]] and he first appears wearing a bindi-like accessory on his forehead.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 122 (click to see context) from:
* TakeThat: Te boy Beth encounters is essentially one to "purist" fans who think all true manga and anime should only come from Japan and anyone who does it outside the nation are just imitators aping the style. A bit of a shallow sentiment that was going around at the time when anime and manga started taking off in the U.S and some shows (like ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' and ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'') adapted the style to their works.
to:
* TakeThat: Te The boy Beth encounters is essentially one to "purist" fans who think all true manga and anime should only come from Japan and anyone who does it outside the nation are just imitators aping the style. A bit of a shallow sentiment that was going around at the time when anime and manga started taking off in the U.S and some shows (like ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' and ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'') adapted the style to their works. The boy being a child basically shows how the artist sees said people.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 56 (click to see context) from:
* HalfTruth: Bethany convinces her mother to let her go to the convention by describing it as an international culture exhibit knowing her mother, being a stringent EducationMama, wouldn't approve if she told her what it really is. Beth isn't wrong, it doesn't celebrate Asian culture, the geek side of it but still.
to:
* HalfTruth: Bethany convinces her mother to let her go to the convention by describing it as an international culture exhibit knowing her mother, being a stringent EducationMama, wouldn't approve if she told her what it really is. Beth isn't wrong, it doesn't does celebrate Asian culture, the geek side of it but still.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* BrattyHalfPint: Beth deals with one who comes to her table and mocks her works. She handles it pretty amicably since he's just a kid, until he starts getting a little worked up culminating with him yelling that she can't be a manga artist because she isn't Japanese. His mother overhears this and punishes him by buying one of Beth's books with intent to force him to read it and leaving the convention early.
Changed line(s) 55 (click to see context) from:
* HalfTruth: Bethany convinces her mother to let her go to the convention by describing it as an international culture exhibit.
to:
* HalfTruth: Bethany convinces her mother to let her go to the convention by describing it as an international culture exhibit.exhibit knowing her mother, being a stringent EducationMama, wouldn't approve if she told her what it really is. Beth isn't wrong, it doesn't celebrate Asian culture, the geek side of it but still.
Added DiffLines:
* TakeThat: Te boy Beth encounters is essentially one to "purist" fans who think all true manga and anime should only come from Japan and anyone who does it outside the nation are just imitators aping the style. A bit of a shallow sentiment that was going around at the time when anime and manga started taking off in the U.S and some shows (like ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' and ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'') adapted the style to their works.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 42,44 (click to see context) from:
-->''(after a girl answered when Christie called Matt)''
-->'''Angel:''' I--I'm sure it's just a roommate or something. It's always a roommate or something!
-->'''Devil:''' [[SarcasmMode Or, he got a sex-change operation.]] In which case we're supportive but still straight as a ruler and suddenly uninterested.
-->'''Angel:''' I--I'm sure it's just a roommate or something. It's always a roommate or something!
-->'''Devil:''' [[SarcasmMode Or, he got a sex-change operation.]] In which case we're supportive but still straight as a ruler and suddenly uninterested.
to:
-->'''Angel:'''
'''Angel:''' I--I'm sure it's just a roommate or something. It's always a roommate or
-->'''Devil:'''
'''Devil:''' [[SarcasmMode Or, he got a sex-change operation.]] In which case we're supportive but still straight as a ruler and suddenly uninterested.
Changed line(s) 72,73 (click to see context) from:
-->Cosplayer 1: Now '''THAT'S''' cosplay. Where'd she get the special effects?
-->Cosplayer 2: Hmpf, Japan, probably. [[LeaningOnTheFourthWall Needs more color]].
-->Cosplayer 2: Hmpf, Japan, probably. [[LeaningOnTheFourthWall Needs more color]].
to:
-->Cosplayer
Cosplayer 2: Hmpf, Japan, probably. [[LeaningOnTheFourthWall Needs more color]].
Changed line(s) 77,85 (click to see context) from:
-->''(Matt and Christie are talking)''
-->'''Matt:''' [[PunctuatedForEmphasis STOP. PLAYING. GAMES.]]
-->'''Christie:''' Why? Afraid you'll lose?
-->'''Matt:''' ...you want to play? What happened to the shy girl I met two years ago?
-->'''Christie:''' She's not here right now... ''(they lean in)'' Would you like to leave a message...?
-->''(they are about to kiss when a camera flashes)''
-->'''Monica:''' ''(totally oblivious to Matt and Christie boiling over with rage)''Aw! The flash wasn't supposed to go off!
-->'''Hyu-Jeong:''' Told you a video would've been better.
-->'''Caption:''' ''Privacy at a con = hahahahahaha''.
-->'''Matt:''' [[PunctuatedForEmphasis STOP. PLAYING. GAMES.]]
-->'''Christie:''' Why? Afraid you'll lose?
-->'''Matt:''' ...you want to play? What happened to the shy girl I met two years ago?
-->'''Christie:''' She's not here right now... ''(they lean in)'' Would you like to leave a message...?
-->''(they are about to kiss when a camera flashes)''
-->'''Monica:''' ''(totally oblivious to Matt and Christie boiling over with rage)''Aw! The flash wasn't supposed to go off!
-->'''Hyu-Jeong:''' Told you a video would've been better.
-->'''Caption:''' ''Privacy at a con = hahahahahaha''.
to:
-->'''Matt:'''
'''Matt:''' [[PunctuatedForEmphasis STOP. PLAYING. GAMES.
-->'''Christie:'''
'''Christie:''' Why? Afraid you'll
-->'''Matt:''' ...
'''Matt:''' ...you want to play? What happened to the shy girl I met two years
-->'''Christie:'''
'''Christie:''' She's not here right now... ''(they lean in)'' Would you like to leave a message...
-->''(they
''(they are about to kiss when a camera
-->'''Monica:'''
'''Monica:''' ''(totally oblivious to Matt and Christie boiling over with rage)''Aw! The flash wasn't supposed to go
-->'''Hyu-Jeong:'''
'''Hyu-Jeong:''' Told you a video would've been
-->'''Caption:'''
'''Caption:''' ''Privacy at a con = hahahahahaha''.
Changed line(s) 93,97 (click to see context) from:
* OldShame: [Invoked] Lida is incredibly ashamed of her earlier work, "''Nightbloom''".
-->'''Lida:''' I thought that atrocity was finally out of print.
-->'''Christie:''' O-oh, I... I thought it was pretty good.
-->'''Lida:''' It's a crime against the comics artform. [[KillItWithFire Let's burn it]].
-->'''Christie:''' No, no...Just a signature is fine!!
-->'''Lida:''' I thought that atrocity was finally out of print.
-->'''Christie:''' O-oh, I... I thought it was pretty good.
-->'''Lida:''' It's a crime against the comics artform. [[KillItWithFire Let's burn it]].
-->'''Christie:''' No, no...Just a signature is fine!!
to:
* OldShame: OldShame:
** [Invoked] Lida is incredibly ashamed of her earlier work, "''Nightbloom''".
-->'''Lida:''' --->'''Lida:''' I thought that atrocity was finally out of print.
-->'''Christie:'''print.\\
'''Christie:''' O-oh, I... I thought it was prettygood.
-->'''Lida:'''good.\\
'''Lida:''' It's a crime against the comics artform. [[KillItWithFire Let's burnit]].
-->'''Christie:'''it]].\\
'''Christie:''' No, no...Just a signature is fine!!
** [Invoked] Lida is incredibly ashamed of her earlier work, "''Nightbloom''".
-->'''Christie:'''
'''Christie:''' O-oh, I... I thought it was pretty
-->'''Lida:'''
'''Lida:''' It's a crime against the comics artform. [[KillItWithFire Let's burn
-->'''Christie:'''
'''Christie:''' No, no...Just a signature is fine!!
Changed line(s) 106,107 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Monica:''' Come on! She's your best friend! You ''owe'' her a good meddling in her love life!
-->'''Christie:''' Or lack thereof.
-->'''Christie:''' Or lack thereof.
to:
-->'''Monica:''' Come on! She's your best friend! You ''owe'' her a good meddling in her love life!
-->'''Christie:'''life!\\
'''Christie:''' Or lack thereof.
-->'''Christie:'''
'''Christie:''' Or lack thereof.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 90 (click to see context) from:
* NoAntagonist: There's no technical villain in any of the volumes, just a few {{Jerkass}} characters who make things difficult for Christie and her friends without being evil. The first volume had Derek, the second volume had the snotty anime purist screaming at Beth and Lida as well as the rude neighbors in the artist alley, and the third volume had Beth's mother. The worst things they do are [[spoiler: Derek attempting to rape Christie while drunk, the purist fan saying Beth can't draw manga because she's Black, and Beth's mom disowning her for wanting to have a career in manga. Derek, by the third volume, seems to have become a much better person and is getting married, and Beth's mom finally lets her do what she wants after being a car crash.]]
to:
* NoAntagonist: There's no technical villain in any of the volumes, just a few {{Jerkass}} characters who make things difficult for Christie and her friends without being evil. The first volume had Derek, the second volume had the snotty anime purist screaming at Beth and Lida as well as the rude neighbors in the artist alley, and the third volume had Beth's mother. The worst things they do are [[spoiler: Derek attempting to rape Christie while drunk, the purist fan saying Beth can't draw manga because she's Black, the snotty neighbor accusing Beth of kissing Lida's ass, and Beth's mom disowning her for wanting to have a career in manga. Derek, by the third volume, seems to have become a much better person and is getting married, and Beth's mom finally lets her do what she wants after being injured in a car crash.]]
Added DiffLines:
* RedeemingReplacement: Beth as Derek's replacement on ''Wary City'', in that her art's much better, Beth and Christie manage to do more together with the concept, and Beth is a million times nicer and supportive than Derek was.
Added DiffLines:
* WhatTheHellHero: While there's no dialog involved, in one scene Sandra can be seen laying into Opal and Brett after [[spoiler: Derek tried to rape Christie, most likely lecturing them about having left their beer out in the open and not paying better attention to the two since they were chaperoning.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 62 (click to see context) from:
* JerkAss: The snooty "table neighbor" in the second volume. Spurns Christie's friendly greeting, rudely interrupts when Christie and her friends are talking about their favorite author, and calls Bethany "a kiss up" when she saw said author offering her a job. It nearly gets her slapped but Beth takes the high road and leaves her be. Christie and Beth's friends, on the other hand, aren't so lenient.
to:
* JerkAss: The snooty "table neighbor" in the second volume. Spurns Christie's friendly greeting, rudely interrupts when Christie and her friends are talking about their favorite author, and calls Bethany "a kiss up" when she saw said author offering her a job. It nearly gets her slapped but Beth takes the high road and leaves her be. [[LaserGuidedKarma Christie and Beth's friends, on the other hand, aren't so lenient.]] [[PutOnABus She isn't back the next year.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* AbusiveParents: Beth's mother, mixed both with EducationMama and MyBelovedSmother, goes straight into abusive territory when she screams at Beth for "keeping tabs" on Beth's DisappearedDad, and then [[spoiler: disowns her the minute Beth refuses to follow her plan. It takes a car accident to get her to stop being such a bitch.]]
Added DiffLines:
* NoAntagonist: There's no technical villain in any of the volumes, just a few {{Jerkass}} characters who make things difficult for Christie and her friends without being evil. The first volume had Derek, the second volume had the snotty anime purist screaming at Beth and Lida as well as the rude neighbors in the artist alley, and the third volume had Beth's mother. The worst things they do are [[spoiler: Derek attempting to rape Christie while drunk, the purist fan saying Beth can't draw manga because she's Black, and Beth's mom disowning her for wanting to have a career in manga. Derek, by the third volume, seems to have become a much better person and is getting married, and Beth's mom finally lets her do what she wants after being a car crash.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: "Hyu-Jeong", while phonetically possible, is NOT a very common name in South Korea. "Hyo-Jeong" would have been far more plausible, and common.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* CrazyJealousGuy: Derek turns into this in the first volume. [[spoiler:His jealousy and his drunken rage almost leads him to rape Christie.]]
** Matt sometimes acts like this, but he's not as bad as Derek.
** Matt sometimes acts like this, but he's not as bad as Derek.
Added DiffLines:
* {{Hypocrite}}: Derek calls out Christie for hanging around Matt, even though he was seen flirting with other girls at the con.
Added DiffLines:
* PutOnTheBus: After the first volume, [[spoiler:Derek isn't seen for the duration of the second volume.]] Opal and Brett also disappear and don't return at all.
** TheBusCameBack: [[spoiler:In the third volume, though, he returns, reformed and officially settled down with another girl.]]
** TheBusCameBack: [[spoiler:In the third volume, though, he returns, reformed and officially settled down with another girl.]]
Added DiffLines:
* YourCheatingHeart: While Derek hasn't kissed a girl in front of Christie, his constant flirting with other girls does get on Christie's nerves.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 10 (click to see context) from:
* AllThereInTheManual: Lots of the questions that were raised in the series aren't properly addressed until Chmakova answers them at the end of the third volume.
to:
* AllThereInTheManual: Lots of the questions that were raised in the series aren't properly addressed until Chmakova answers them at the end of the third volume.volume, such as why Lida was crying at the beginning of volume 2 [[spoiler: an old friend was apparently asserting wrongly that they were co-creator with Lida on an early work of hers, which Lida needed to fight legally]].
* AmicableExes: Matt and Emily in the third volume. [[spoiler: Emily eventually admits that she was playing this up to a certain extent to troll Christie]]
Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
* AuthorAvatar: Despite there is some speculation that perhaps Lida or Christie are Svetlana's avatars... she appears in the third volume in the background getting Lida's autograph, and she also shows up in the {{omake}} chapters of the third book as well, where she usually ends up feuding with [[AnimatedActors her characters]] over their opinions on the plot. This carries over into the main story at one point, where she inflicts the "Random Tool of Author Retribution" on Monica for [[BreakingTheFourthWall criticizing the writing]].
to:
* AuthorAvatar: Despite there is some speculation that perhaps Lida or Christie are Svetlana's avatars...avatars (furiously denied by the author in her notes in the third volume)... she appears in the third volume in the background getting Lida's autograph, and she also shows up in the {{omake}} chapters of the third book as well, where she usually ends up feuding with [[AnimatedActors her characters]] over their opinions on the plot. This carries over into the main story at one point, where she inflicts the "Random Tool of Author Retribution" on Monica for [[BreakingTheFourthWall criticizing the writing]].
Added DiffLines:
* BetaCouple: Beth and Raj
Added DiffLines:
** Also Emily, who is essentially a more blunt and less broody female version of Matt, but who proves to be deep down (''very'' deep down) a nice person, even to Christie [[spoiler: and even after it becomes clear that Christie is interested in dating her ex-boyfriend]]
Added DiffLines:
* [[ThoseTwoGuys Those Two Girls]]: Monica and Hyu-Jeong in volumes 2 and 3, and Raj to a certain extent in volume 2 (in volume 3 his storyline is more independent from his teammates, and so he fits into the trope less)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 92 (click to see context) from:
* RecurringExtra: The raccoon from the HesOkay entry pops up in the background in all three volumes. He even makes a cameo in the first volume of Svetlana's other work, ''{{Nightschool}}''.
to:
* RecurringExtra: The raccoon from the HesOkay entry pops up in the background in all three volumes. He even makes a cameo in the first volume of Svetlana's other work, ''{{Nightschool}}''.''{{Manga/Nightschool}}''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
** TruthInTelevision: Lida's "assistant" is her ''editor,'' and one of the jobs of editors is to ride herd on flaky writers.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 18 (click to see context) from:
* BlandNameProduct: And in spades. There are brands and products as "[=McBurger=] Queen", "Daylodge", "Taco Hut", "Pawky", "Photoo-Shoop", "[[Creator/{{Tokyopop}} Mangapop]]", and series titles as such "''[[Manga/SailorMoon Sailing Moon]]''" "''[[Anime/WolfsRain Wolf's Reign]]''", "''[[Manga/FruitsBasket Fruity Basket]]''", "''[[Manga/FullmetalAlchemist Half Metal Alchemist]]''", "''[[Franchise/YuGiOh Yo-Gi-U]]''", and "''[[MegaTokyo Minitokyo]]''".
to:
* BlandNameProduct: And in spades. There are brands and products as "[=McBurger=] Queen", "Daylodge", "Taco Hut", "Pawky", "Photoo-Shoop", "[[Creator/{{Tokyopop}} Mangapop]]", and series titles as such "''[[Manga/SailorMoon Sailing Moon]]''" "''[[Anime/WolfsRain Wolf's Reign]]''", "''[[Manga/FruitsBasket Fruity Basket]]''", "''[[Manga/FullmetalAlchemist Half Metal Alchemist]]''", "''[[Franchise/YuGiOh Yo-Gi-U]]''", and "''[[MegaTokyo "''[[Webcomic/MegaTokyo Minitokyo]]''".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 43 (click to see context) from:
* EyeScream: [[spoiler: Matt has a horrible scar over one of his eyes, implying he lost it in an incident (WordOfGod mentions it was because of a fireworks' accident he had as a kid). He was also bullied because of it.
to:
* EyeScream: [[spoiler: Matt [[spoiler:Matt has a horrible scar over one of his eyes, implying he lost it in an incident (WordOfGod mentions confirms it was because of a fireworks' accident he had as a kid).kid)]]. He was also bullied because of it.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[quoteright:250:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Dramacon.jpg]]
''Dramacon'' is an [[{{OEL Manga}} original English-language manga]] by Svetlana Chmakova about a perky girl named Christie who falls in love with a TallDarkAndSnarky cosplayer over the course of [[RuleOfThree three]] volumes, each of which involves one annual three-day anime convention. While the love story is the main focus of the book, in telling it the book deftly tackles the oddities of pop culture conventions, and the fans and people of the industry who attend them.
----
!!''Dramacon'' contains examples of:
* AllAnimeIsNaughtyTentacles: Opal, Brett, and Derek joke about the anime screening they are going to watch, just to freak Christie out, since (granted) they are going to watch a hentai anime featuring girls and tentacles. One doesn't have to think why Christie [[{{Squick}} doesn't]] join them.
* AllGirlsWantBadBoys
* AllThereInTheManual: Lots of the questions that were raised in the series aren't properly addressed until Chmakova answers them at the end of the third volume.
* {{Animesque}}: It has to be expected from an OELManga short series.
* AscendedFan: It is implied that Lida is one of them.
* AttemptedRape: [[spoiler:Derek, drunk, goes a ''little'' berserk on Christie after he saw her and Matt being ''too'' friendly and tries to have his way with her that night. That is, until Christie knocks him over with an alarm clock]].
* AuthorAvatar: Despite there is some speculation that perhaps Lida or Christie are Svetlana's avatars... she appears in the third volume in the background getting Lida's autograph, and she also shows up in the {{omake}} chapters of the third book as well, where she usually ends up feuding with [[AnimatedActors her characters]] over their opinions on the plot. This carries over into the main story at one point, where she inflicts the "Random Tool of Author Retribution" on Monica for [[BreakingTheFourthWall criticizing the writing]].
* BadassLongcoat: Matt wears one for his cosplay in volume one.
* BeleagueredAssistant: Subverted with Lida and her assistant. Unlike [[Manga/FruitsBasket Shigure and Mitsuru]], Lida's assistant fights back. At one point, she stresses that the assistants put up with more than the writers, referring to an incident where Lida failed to get a manuscript in on time. Deep down, though, they love each other.
* {{Bishonen}}: Matt Green qualifies as such, much more because he is TallDarkAndSnarky. It gets lampshaded in the illustration on the back of the ''Ultimate Edition'', which has convention badges for the main characters, with Matt's reading as "Resident Bishonen".
* BlandNameProduct: And in spades. There are brands and products as "[=McBurger=] Queen", "Daylodge", "Taco Hut", "Pawky", "Photoo-Shoop", "[[Creator/{{Tokyopop}} Mangapop]]", and series titles as such "''[[Manga/SailorMoon Sailing Moon]]''" "''[[Anime/WolfsRain Wolf's Reign]]''", "''[[Manga/FruitsBasket Fruity Basket]]''", "''[[Manga/FullmetalAlchemist Half Metal Alchemist]]''", "''[[Franchise/YuGiOh Yo-Gi-U]]''", and "''[[MegaTokyo Minitokyo]]''".
* BlackBestFriend: Beth and Raj, even though [[AmbiguouslyBrown Raj's name implies he is Indian]] and he first appears wearing a bindi-like accessory on his forehead.
* BrickJoke: [[spoiler:Sexy Joe, a one-off joke in volume one, briefly returns in volume three. And yes, it is hilarious]].
* BroodingBoyGentleGirl: Matt and Christie.
* CatGirl: Opal appears cosplaying as such in volume 1, and Hyu-Jeong and Monica too in the other two volumes.
* ClingyJealousGirl: Emily, but she eventually [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy backs off]].
* CoolBigSis: Sandra, Matt's sister, who not only cares for her brother, but also for Chrsitie.
* CoolShades: Matt uses a pair, in the SunglassesAtNight variant.
* ConstructiveCriticism: In the first volume, Lida Zeff offers some constructive criticism to both Derek and Christie regarding "''Wary City''", their fanzine/doujinshi, separately. She told Derek that his artwork was promising but there was a lot he needed to work on and suggested art school. But Derek took it poorly and told Christie Lida was a "stuck-up bitch". Lida, then, told Christie that her writing was quite excellent but there were areas she needed to work on as well. Christie took it a ''lot'' better than Derek and even wrote down Lida's suggestions.
* CosplayOtakuGirl: Monica and Hyu-Jeong
* CrashIntoHello: Christie first meets Matt while running away from her (ex)boyfriend's flirting with other female attendants and his negligences on her feelings.
* CueTheFlyingPigs: In the third volume, Beth's aunt Jaz comments that "somewhere, a herd of pigs is taking off in flight" in response to [[spoiler: Beth's mother apologizing for the way she treated her]].
* DatePeepers: Hyu-Jeong and Monica.
* DeadpanSnarker:
** Matt, though it backfires him so coldly.
** Emily is just as blunt and snarky as Matt is, which seems to be why they get on so well.
** Christie's shoulder devil is like this in response to the shoulder angel sometimes.
-->''(after a girl answered when Christie called Matt)''
-->'''Angel:''' I--I'm sure it's just a roommate or something. It's always a roommate or something!
-->'''Devil:''' [[SarcasmMode Or, he got a sex-change operation.]] In which case we're supportive but still straight as a ruler and suddenly uninterested.
* DrivesLikeCrazy: Brett.
* EducationMama: Beth's. Her sister pretty accurately calls her out on it.
* ElegantGothicLolita:
** Sandra and Greta run a shop dedicated to Gothic Lolita's clothes and accesories called "D'elusion".
** Monica and Hyu-Jeong prefer to cosplay as such, and Christie and Beth both wear it as well in the third volume.
* EyeScream: [[spoiler: Matt has a horrible scar over one of his eyes, implying he lost it in an incident (WordOfGod mentions it was because of a fireworks' accident he had as a kid). He was also bullied because of it.
* TheGlomp: Given that the series focus mostly on anime conventions, this is expected to happen.
** At one point, in the third book, Matt wears a shirt saying "Glomp me and DIE", which was much more better than using a tee saying "Your village called, their cosplayer is missing".
** Lida Zeff gets the "Fan Club Glomp", twice in the second book. And Matt gets glomped by a random fan, [[spoiler:causing a scuffle]].
* GoodAngelBadAngel: Christie's Good Angel is quite the drama queen.
* HalfTruth: Bethany convinces her mother to let her go to the convention by describing it as an international culture exhibit.
* HesOkay: Brett assures Christie that the raccoon [[DrivesLikeCrazy currently plastered to his front bumper]] at the start of the first book is "just resting."
* HeadbuttOfLove: Quite literally in book 3.
* HideYourLesbians: It is ambiguously implied that [[spoiler:Sandra and Greta]] are lesbians, since they can be seen holding hands and even sharing a bed in the background, but nothing is ever explicitly stated. While sharing beds during conventions at least, is a pretty standard procedure, [[spoiler:Greta]] also quietly calls [[spoiler:Sandra]] "love" at one point.
* IronicEcho: [[spoiler: "If he loves you, he shouldn't do things that hurt you."]]
* IWishedYouWereDead: [[spoiler:Bethany to her mom (not to her face, though) in the third volume]], and it leads to a close BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor moment.
* JerkAss: The snooty "table neighbor" in the second volume. Spurns Christie's friendly greeting, rudely interrupts when Christie and her friends are talking about their favorite author, and calls Bethany "a kiss up" when she saw said author offering her a job. It nearly gets her slapped but Beth takes the high road and leaves her be. Christie and Beth's friends, on the other hand, aren't so lenient.
-->'''Monica''': ([[ClaspYourHandsIfYouDeceive steepling her fingers]] as she and her friends glare at the girl) That was our friend you were harassing just now. [[{{Oh Crap}} Welcome to the rest of your day at the Artist's Alley with us]].
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Matt, who turns out to be more of a social inept guy rather than an ''actual'' JerkAss.
* LeaningOnTheFourthWall: Emily complains that people keep on glomping her because apparently, she looks like some manga character.
* LeaveTheTwoLovebirdsAlone: The group does this to Matt and Christie in volume 3. Christie is pissed off at them for this, at least at first.
* LoveAtFirstPunch: That's how Matt and [[spoiler:Emily]] met in the second book.
* LoveTriangle: The second book focuses in this in between Christie, Matt and [[spoiler:Emily]].
* MangaEffects: Many, many effects. Lampshaded in the third book.
** The first time manages to draw a lot of attention.
-->Cosplayer 1: Now '''THAT'S''' cosplay. Where'd she get the special effects?
-->Cosplayer 2: Hmpf, Japan, probably. [[LeaningOnTheFourthWall Needs more color]].
** The second time makes it onto the local news.
* MomentKiller:
** Mostly involving Monica and Hyu-Jeong when they are around with Chistie and Matt.
-->''(Matt and Christie are talking)''
-->'''Matt:''' [[PunctuatedForEmphasis STOP. PLAYING. GAMES.]]
-->'''Christie:''' Why? Afraid you'll lose?
-->'''Matt:''' ...you want to play? What happened to the shy girl I met two years ago?
-->'''Christie:''' She's not here right now... ''(they lean in)'' Would you like to leave a message...?
-->''(they are about to kiss when a camera flashes)''
-->'''Monica:''' ''(totally oblivious to Matt and Christie boiling over with rage)''Aw! The flash wasn't supposed to go off!
-->'''Hyu-Jeong:''' Told you a video would've been better.
-->'''Caption:''' ''Privacy at a con = hahahahahaha''.
** [[spoiler:Matt does this in the last scene of the last book. Christie is less than amused]].
* MyBelovedSmother: Beth's mom.
* NakedPeopleAreFunny: Sexy Joe, who in the first volume joins in the masquerade just so he can go on stage and drop his pants, and returns in volume three to run around in a ConspicuousTrenchCoat and flash the Artist's Alley.
* NiceGuy: Raj, who's really a great guy, but as is pointed out, doesn't stand out much.
* NoodleIncident: The "coffee scene" in the manga that Christie and Derek [[spoiler: later replaced by Beth]] create.
* NotGoodWithPeople: Matt is the second type, He gets better though.
* OldShame: [Invoked] Lida is incredibly ashamed of her earlier work, "''Nightbloom''".
-->'''Lida:''' I thought that atrocity was finally out of print.
-->'''Christie:''' O-oh, I... I thought it was pretty good.
-->'''Lida:''' It's a crime against the comics artform. [[KillItWithFire Let's burn it]].
-->'''Christie:''' No, no...Just a signature is fine!!
** Which seems to double as a TakeThatMe, as the title and cover art are very similar to another title/cover-art of a series drawn by Svetlana herself, who has gone on the record to say her older art/writing embarrasses her.
* OneHeadTaller: Matt and Christie, considering he's older.
* OppositesAttract: Christie and Matt.
* RecurringExtra: The raccoon from the HesOkay entry pops up in the background in all three volumes. He even makes a cameo in the first volume of Svetlana's other work, ''{{Nightschool}}''.
* ShipperOnDeck: Pretty much everyone for Christie/Matt besides [[ClingyJealousGirl Emily]], but even she backs off after a while. Hyu-Jeong and Monica avidly ship Beth/Raj, and eventually get Christie on board, too.
-->'''Monica:''' Come on! She's your best friend! You ''owe'' her a good meddling in her love life!
-->'''Christie:''' Or lack thereof.
* ShirtlessScene: Matt gets a brief one in volume three.
* ShoutOut:
** Ties in with BlandNameProduct above. On the back of volume 1, there's a picture of Christie dressed as [[Manga/FruitsBasket Tohru, with Yuki, Kyo, and Hana]] plushies in the bag next to her. There's also the hats at Matt's table in the Artist Alley, which have an angry looking mouse hat and a bored looking cat hat. Christie's kitty hat is clearly Kyo. There's also many other shout-outs by way of cosplayers, like the [[WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender guy with an arrow pointing up on his head and someone with hair-loopies]], and when Beth's cousin buys a [[Manga/{{Naruto}} headband]] with a [[WesternAnimation/TeenTitans T in a circle]] on it.
** Also to fellow Creator/{{Tokyopop}} OEL manga MBQ (as in, [=McBurger=] Queen) which started its run at about the same time.
** In volume one, one of the omakes has Matt reading [[Literature/HarryPotter Porry Hatter]].
** In volume two, Christie and Beth discuss musical tastes such as [[Music/JustinTimberlake Tustin Jimberlake]] and [[Music/MarilynManson Narilyn Nanson]].
* ShownTheirWork:
** In volume three, Hyu-Jeong, Monica, and Matt all comment (with varying degrees of politeness) on Christie's use of satin for her first handmade cosplay. Most experienced cosplayers will tell you to avoid using shiny fabrics like satin unless you really know what you're doing, as it tends to show off every wrinkle and flaw, and low quality satin can make a costume look cheap and flimsy.
** The anime conventions depiction in general from going as a fan to working the tables or staff/security. It's a bit exaggerated but, yes, sometimes cons can get that crazy due to the fact that most are entirely volunteer-run and the staff can only do so much. Especially when the majority of the people that go to them are teenagers and young adults. So for a first-timer as Christine in the first volume (and Beth in the second) were, it can be a little overwhelming especially to those that don't understand the material (Beth's family in the third volume).
* SlapSlapKiss
* TallDarkAndSnarky: Matt fits as such, given his personality and mysterious "aura" behind his CoolShades.
* [[TruthInTelevision Truth In Manga]]: Plenty about conventions of this nature (in this case an anime convention), especially for first timers. It's very easy to get overwhelmed by the craziness of the fans and rules.
* {{Tsundere}}: Christie is Type B.
* UnreliableNarrator: Christie at the start of the second book.
* WartsAndAll: ''Dramacon'' tries to show all sides towards conventions and cosplaying, as well as attempting to write manga in America and the pratfalls that come with professional comic creating, though it tends to lean more towards optimism most of the time.
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Incredibly prevalent and infuriating in the third book, even though some of these questions do GET resolved in the "Ultimate Book" compilation. To name the most glaringly obvious: What happened to Bethany and Raj and [[spoiler:Derek and his fiance]]?
** [[spoiler: What happened to Christie and Matt? Well, they had a date at the zoo just before separating to start their new long-distance relationship. What happened to Bethany's new art job? She didn't get to meet the guy from Mangapop, but he left her a message to say that they're still interested, so she'll probably take it when they next meet]].
* WhyCouldntYouBeDifferent: Bethany's mother, who doesn't approve of Bethany 1) liking anime and 2) not wanting to be a lawyer. [[spoiler: They get better]]
* WillTheyOrWontThey [[spoiler: TheyDo.]]
* WriterOnBoard: At one point Bethany is confronted by a kid who claims that OELManga is not "real" manga. He's 10, has a black headband and a [[Franchise/YuGiOh Yo-Gi-U]] t-shirt, and communicates only by shouting. And swearing. And [[spoiler: being racist]].
* WouldntHitAGirl: According to Sandra, Matt would never do it.
----
''Dramacon'' is an [[{{OEL Manga}} original English-language manga]] by Svetlana Chmakova about a perky girl named Christie who falls in love with a TallDarkAndSnarky cosplayer over the course of [[RuleOfThree three]] volumes, each of which involves one annual three-day anime convention. While the love story is the main focus of the book, in telling it the book deftly tackles the oddities of pop culture conventions, and the fans and people of the industry who attend them.
----
!!''Dramacon'' contains examples of:
* AllAnimeIsNaughtyTentacles: Opal, Brett, and Derek joke about the anime screening they are going to watch, just to freak Christie out, since (granted) they are going to watch a hentai anime featuring girls and tentacles. One doesn't have to think why Christie [[{{Squick}} doesn't]] join them.
* AllGirlsWantBadBoys
* AllThereInTheManual: Lots of the questions that were raised in the series aren't properly addressed until Chmakova answers them at the end of the third volume.
* {{Animesque}}: It has to be expected from an OELManga short series.
* AscendedFan: It is implied that Lida is one of them.
* AttemptedRape: [[spoiler:Derek, drunk, goes a ''little'' berserk on Christie after he saw her and Matt being ''too'' friendly and tries to have his way with her that night. That is, until Christie knocks him over with an alarm clock]].
* AuthorAvatar: Despite there is some speculation that perhaps Lida or Christie are Svetlana's avatars... she appears in the third volume in the background getting Lida's autograph, and she also shows up in the {{omake}} chapters of the third book as well, where she usually ends up feuding with [[AnimatedActors her characters]] over their opinions on the plot. This carries over into the main story at one point, where she inflicts the "Random Tool of Author Retribution" on Monica for [[BreakingTheFourthWall criticizing the writing]].
* BadassLongcoat: Matt wears one for his cosplay in volume one.
* BeleagueredAssistant: Subverted with Lida and her assistant. Unlike [[Manga/FruitsBasket Shigure and Mitsuru]], Lida's assistant fights back. At one point, she stresses that the assistants put up with more than the writers, referring to an incident where Lida failed to get a manuscript in on time. Deep down, though, they love each other.
* {{Bishonen}}: Matt Green qualifies as such, much more because he is TallDarkAndSnarky. It gets lampshaded in the illustration on the back of the ''Ultimate Edition'', which has convention badges for the main characters, with Matt's reading as "Resident Bishonen".
* BlandNameProduct: And in spades. There are brands and products as "[=McBurger=] Queen", "Daylodge", "Taco Hut", "Pawky", "Photoo-Shoop", "[[Creator/{{Tokyopop}} Mangapop]]", and series titles as such "''[[Manga/SailorMoon Sailing Moon]]''" "''[[Anime/WolfsRain Wolf's Reign]]''", "''[[Manga/FruitsBasket Fruity Basket]]''", "''[[Manga/FullmetalAlchemist Half Metal Alchemist]]''", "''[[Franchise/YuGiOh Yo-Gi-U]]''", and "''[[MegaTokyo Minitokyo]]''".
* BlackBestFriend: Beth and Raj, even though [[AmbiguouslyBrown Raj's name implies he is Indian]] and he first appears wearing a bindi-like accessory on his forehead.
* BrickJoke: [[spoiler:Sexy Joe, a one-off joke in volume one, briefly returns in volume three. And yes, it is hilarious]].
* BroodingBoyGentleGirl: Matt and Christie.
* CatGirl: Opal appears cosplaying as such in volume 1, and Hyu-Jeong and Monica too in the other two volumes.
* ClingyJealousGirl: Emily, but she eventually [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy backs off]].
* CoolBigSis: Sandra, Matt's sister, who not only cares for her brother, but also for Chrsitie.
* CoolShades: Matt uses a pair, in the SunglassesAtNight variant.
* ConstructiveCriticism: In the first volume, Lida Zeff offers some constructive criticism to both Derek and Christie regarding "''Wary City''", their fanzine/doujinshi, separately. She told Derek that his artwork was promising but there was a lot he needed to work on and suggested art school. But Derek took it poorly and told Christie Lida was a "stuck-up bitch". Lida, then, told Christie that her writing was quite excellent but there were areas she needed to work on as well. Christie took it a ''lot'' better than Derek and even wrote down Lida's suggestions.
* CosplayOtakuGirl: Monica and Hyu-Jeong
* CrashIntoHello: Christie first meets Matt while running away from her (ex)boyfriend's flirting with other female attendants and his negligences on her feelings.
* CueTheFlyingPigs: In the third volume, Beth's aunt Jaz comments that "somewhere, a herd of pigs is taking off in flight" in response to [[spoiler: Beth's mother apologizing for the way she treated her]].
* DatePeepers: Hyu-Jeong and Monica.
* DeadpanSnarker:
** Matt, though it backfires him so coldly.
** Emily is just as blunt and snarky as Matt is, which seems to be why they get on so well.
** Christie's shoulder devil is like this in response to the shoulder angel sometimes.
-->''(after a girl answered when Christie called Matt)''
-->'''Angel:''' I--I'm sure it's just a roommate or something. It's always a roommate or something!
-->'''Devil:''' [[SarcasmMode Or, he got a sex-change operation.]] In which case we're supportive but still straight as a ruler and suddenly uninterested.
* DrivesLikeCrazy: Brett.
* EducationMama: Beth's. Her sister pretty accurately calls her out on it.
* ElegantGothicLolita:
** Sandra and Greta run a shop dedicated to Gothic Lolita's clothes and accesories called "D'elusion".
** Monica and Hyu-Jeong prefer to cosplay as such, and Christie and Beth both wear it as well in the third volume.
* EyeScream: [[spoiler: Matt has a horrible scar over one of his eyes, implying he lost it in an incident (WordOfGod mentions it was because of a fireworks' accident he had as a kid). He was also bullied because of it.
* TheGlomp: Given that the series focus mostly on anime conventions, this is expected to happen.
** At one point, in the third book, Matt wears a shirt saying "Glomp me and DIE", which was much more better than using a tee saying "Your village called, their cosplayer is missing".
** Lida Zeff gets the "Fan Club Glomp", twice in the second book. And Matt gets glomped by a random fan, [[spoiler:causing a scuffle]].
* GoodAngelBadAngel: Christie's Good Angel is quite the drama queen.
* HalfTruth: Bethany convinces her mother to let her go to the convention by describing it as an international culture exhibit.
* HesOkay: Brett assures Christie that the raccoon [[DrivesLikeCrazy currently plastered to his front bumper]] at the start of the first book is "just resting."
* HeadbuttOfLove: Quite literally in book 3.
* HideYourLesbians: It is ambiguously implied that [[spoiler:Sandra and Greta]] are lesbians, since they can be seen holding hands and even sharing a bed in the background, but nothing is ever explicitly stated. While sharing beds during conventions at least, is a pretty standard procedure, [[spoiler:Greta]] also quietly calls [[spoiler:Sandra]] "love" at one point.
* IronicEcho: [[spoiler: "If he loves you, he shouldn't do things that hurt you."]]
* IWishedYouWereDead: [[spoiler:Bethany to her mom (not to her face, though) in the third volume]], and it leads to a close BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor moment.
* JerkAss: The snooty "table neighbor" in the second volume. Spurns Christie's friendly greeting, rudely interrupts when Christie and her friends are talking about their favorite author, and calls Bethany "a kiss up" when she saw said author offering her a job. It nearly gets her slapped but Beth takes the high road and leaves her be. Christie and Beth's friends, on the other hand, aren't so lenient.
-->'''Monica''': ([[ClaspYourHandsIfYouDeceive steepling her fingers]] as she and her friends glare at the girl) That was our friend you were harassing just now. [[{{Oh Crap}} Welcome to the rest of your day at the Artist's Alley with us]].
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Matt, who turns out to be more of a social inept guy rather than an ''actual'' JerkAss.
* LeaningOnTheFourthWall: Emily complains that people keep on glomping her because apparently, she looks like some manga character.
* LeaveTheTwoLovebirdsAlone: The group does this to Matt and Christie in volume 3. Christie is pissed off at them for this, at least at first.
* LoveAtFirstPunch: That's how Matt and [[spoiler:Emily]] met in the second book.
* LoveTriangle: The second book focuses in this in between Christie, Matt and [[spoiler:Emily]].
* MangaEffects: Many, many effects. Lampshaded in the third book.
** The first time manages to draw a lot of attention.
-->Cosplayer 1: Now '''THAT'S''' cosplay. Where'd she get the special effects?
-->Cosplayer 2: Hmpf, Japan, probably. [[LeaningOnTheFourthWall Needs more color]].
** The second time makes it onto the local news.
* MomentKiller:
** Mostly involving Monica and Hyu-Jeong when they are around with Chistie and Matt.
-->''(Matt and Christie are talking)''
-->'''Matt:''' [[PunctuatedForEmphasis STOP. PLAYING. GAMES.]]
-->'''Christie:''' Why? Afraid you'll lose?
-->'''Matt:''' ...you want to play? What happened to the shy girl I met two years ago?
-->'''Christie:''' She's not here right now... ''(they lean in)'' Would you like to leave a message...?
-->''(they are about to kiss when a camera flashes)''
-->'''Monica:''' ''(totally oblivious to Matt and Christie boiling over with rage)''Aw! The flash wasn't supposed to go off!
-->'''Hyu-Jeong:''' Told you a video would've been better.
-->'''Caption:''' ''Privacy at a con = hahahahahaha''.
** [[spoiler:Matt does this in the last scene of the last book. Christie is less than amused]].
* MyBelovedSmother: Beth's mom.
* NakedPeopleAreFunny: Sexy Joe, who in the first volume joins in the masquerade just so he can go on stage and drop his pants, and returns in volume three to run around in a ConspicuousTrenchCoat and flash the Artist's Alley.
* NiceGuy: Raj, who's really a great guy, but as is pointed out, doesn't stand out much.
* NoodleIncident: The "coffee scene" in the manga that Christie and Derek [[spoiler: later replaced by Beth]] create.
* NotGoodWithPeople: Matt is the second type, He gets better though.
* OldShame: [Invoked] Lida is incredibly ashamed of her earlier work, "''Nightbloom''".
-->'''Lida:''' I thought that atrocity was finally out of print.
-->'''Christie:''' O-oh, I... I thought it was pretty good.
-->'''Lida:''' It's a crime against the comics artform. [[KillItWithFire Let's burn it]].
-->'''Christie:''' No, no...Just a signature is fine!!
** Which seems to double as a TakeThatMe, as the title and cover art are very similar to another title/cover-art of a series drawn by Svetlana herself, who has gone on the record to say her older art/writing embarrasses her.
* OneHeadTaller: Matt and Christie, considering he's older.
* OppositesAttract: Christie and Matt.
* RecurringExtra: The raccoon from the HesOkay entry pops up in the background in all three volumes. He even makes a cameo in the first volume of Svetlana's other work, ''{{Nightschool}}''.
* ShipperOnDeck: Pretty much everyone for Christie/Matt besides [[ClingyJealousGirl Emily]], but even she backs off after a while. Hyu-Jeong and Monica avidly ship Beth/Raj, and eventually get Christie on board, too.
-->'''Monica:''' Come on! She's your best friend! You ''owe'' her a good meddling in her love life!
-->'''Christie:''' Or lack thereof.
* ShirtlessScene: Matt gets a brief one in volume three.
* ShoutOut:
** Ties in with BlandNameProduct above. On the back of volume 1, there's a picture of Christie dressed as [[Manga/FruitsBasket Tohru, with Yuki, Kyo, and Hana]] plushies in the bag next to her. There's also the hats at Matt's table in the Artist Alley, which have an angry looking mouse hat and a bored looking cat hat. Christie's kitty hat is clearly Kyo. There's also many other shout-outs by way of cosplayers, like the [[WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender guy with an arrow pointing up on his head and someone with hair-loopies]], and when Beth's cousin buys a [[Manga/{{Naruto}} headband]] with a [[WesternAnimation/TeenTitans T in a circle]] on it.
** Also to fellow Creator/{{Tokyopop}} OEL manga MBQ (as in, [=McBurger=] Queen) which started its run at about the same time.
** In volume one, one of the omakes has Matt reading [[Literature/HarryPotter Porry Hatter]].
** In volume two, Christie and Beth discuss musical tastes such as [[Music/JustinTimberlake Tustin Jimberlake]] and [[Music/MarilynManson Narilyn Nanson]].
* ShownTheirWork:
** In volume three, Hyu-Jeong, Monica, and Matt all comment (with varying degrees of politeness) on Christie's use of satin for her first handmade cosplay. Most experienced cosplayers will tell you to avoid using shiny fabrics like satin unless you really know what you're doing, as it tends to show off every wrinkle and flaw, and low quality satin can make a costume look cheap and flimsy.
** The anime conventions depiction in general from going as a fan to working the tables or staff/security. It's a bit exaggerated but, yes, sometimes cons can get that crazy due to the fact that most are entirely volunteer-run and the staff can only do so much. Especially when the majority of the people that go to them are teenagers and young adults. So for a first-timer as Christine in the first volume (and Beth in the second) were, it can be a little overwhelming especially to those that don't understand the material (Beth's family in the third volume).
* SlapSlapKiss
* TallDarkAndSnarky: Matt fits as such, given his personality and mysterious "aura" behind his CoolShades.
* [[TruthInTelevision Truth In Manga]]: Plenty about conventions of this nature (in this case an anime convention), especially for first timers. It's very easy to get overwhelmed by the craziness of the fans and rules.
* {{Tsundere}}: Christie is Type B.
* UnreliableNarrator: Christie at the start of the second book.
* WartsAndAll: ''Dramacon'' tries to show all sides towards conventions and cosplaying, as well as attempting to write manga in America and the pratfalls that come with professional comic creating, though it tends to lean more towards optimism most of the time.
* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Incredibly prevalent and infuriating in the third book, even though some of these questions do GET resolved in the "Ultimate Book" compilation. To name the most glaringly obvious: What happened to Bethany and Raj and [[spoiler:Derek and his fiance]]?
** [[spoiler: What happened to Christie and Matt? Well, they had a date at the zoo just before separating to start their new long-distance relationship. What happened to Bethany's new art job? She didn't get to meet the guy from Mangapop, but he left her a message to say that they're still interested, so she'll probably take it when they next meet]].
* WhyCouldntYouBeDifferent: Bethany's mother, who doesn't approve of Bethany 1) liking anime and 2) not wanting to be a lawyer. [[spoiler: They get better]]
* WillTheyOrWontThey [[spoiler: TheyDo.]]
* WriterOnBoard: At one point Bethany is confronted by a kid who claims that OELManga is not "real" manga. He's 10, has a black headband and a [[Franchise/YuGiOh Yo-Gi-U]] t-shirt, and communicates only by shouting. And swearing. And [[spoiler: being racist]].
* WouldntHitAGirl: According to Sandra, Matt would never do it.
----
