ANIMATION CELEBRATION

Damn that fluffy bear for trying to sell us fabric softener while giggling like a post-op Pillsbury Dough Boy. At least we'll have the chance to meet (and playfully punch) the human behind the static-eating voice at the inaugural Zentrancon anime convention. It's there you'll be able to shake Corinne Orr's hand and thank her for giving up the Snuggle gig for a prosperous career in anime overdubs (Speed Racer, Ultraman). Focusing on underground Japanimation, as well as horror and sci-fi films, the all-day convention offers an adult playground replete with video game tournaments, autograph sessions, raffles, costume contests, tabletop gaming, film screenings and dealers who'll be more than happy to feed your cartoon addiction. Also making time: Japanese DJ/pop vocalist D-chan (Damien Christopher) and Eric Bresler, the producer/director of the definitive anime-in-America documentary Otaku Unite! The latter is especially exciting for Matilda Madden, the CEO of the Delaware Anime Society and co-chair of Zentrancon, as she hopes to raise awareness of the art form's history. "Most anime conventions pay little attention to the classics and roots of anime," says Madden. "Those titles should be acknowledged and appreciated along with the newer titles. There is something for everyone [at Zentrancon] — we want to cater to all fans, not just hardcore ones."

Zentrancon 2005, Sun., Oct. 16, noon-8 p.m., free, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-3234, www.geocities.com/zentrancon.