Kawaii Kon 2008 kicks off a three-day gathering of lovers of anime Friday at the Hawai'i Convention Center. That's right, superheroes: Step aside, because this weekend isn't about you. You're just not cute enough or dark enough or Japanese-inspired enough. This one's for people who know what a persocom is and that Hideki Motosuwa's magical girlfriend is named Chi. And brace yourselves, Risembool Rangers — Vic Mignogna is back. Manga/anime writers/editors/creators Robert and Emily DeJesus (that's Robert DeJesus' depiction, above), are among the presenters. Information: www.kawaii-kon.org.

— Kawehi Haug

BE BROADWAY-BOUND

SEE ABLES SAYRE IN 'SOUTH PACIFIC'

To cheer on Loretta Ables Sayre in her Broadway debut, Diamond Head Theatre is assembling a New York visit this fall. "We are absolutely obsessed here!" said Deena Dray, DHT's managing director. DHT is going to New York May 21 with fans, and a second tour, Nov. 5-12, is possible now that the production has been held over, based on enthusiastic reviews for the "South Pacific" revival in which Ables Sayre, a DHT alum is making her Broadway debut. 733-0277, ext. 301.

— Wayne Harada

FINAL WORD

"At the moment, I've actively chosen to be in the theater and not anywhere else."

— Patrick Stewart | best known for playing Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and Professor Charles Xavier in three "X-Men" films, now touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company in "The Tempest"