Cap’n Ed
Ed Smith, also known as Cap’n Ed, is known in the gaming and modeling community for his work with science-fiction mecha. His work has appeared with Catalyst Game Labs, Cool Mini or Not Annual, and the Internet Modelers Handbook. In the academic community, his work focuses on East Asian intellectual history with research interests in cross-cultural transmission and long-term influences of ideas over time. His day job is principal of an OKC-area high school with 1,900 students and 200 staff.
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6:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Aliens & the Occult in Dan Da Dan: A Dive into Yokai and Japanese Mythology
Dan Da Dan blends sci-fi and the supernatural, pulling from Japan's rich folklore of yokai and occult traditions. In this panel, we'll explore the eerie and fascinating creatures that populate the series, tracing their origins in Japanese culture and mythology. From alien encounters to supernatural powers, we'll uncover how these elements are woven into the story and discuss their deeper cultural significance. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Dan Da Dan, join us for a captivating journey through the world of yokai and the occult!
Moderator: Cap’n Ed
Panelists: Sally Hamilton, Cap’n Ed, ChiiVanna, Levi Hornsby
12:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Aliens Among Us: How Sci-Fi Reflects Our Relationship with "The Other"
Aliens in science fiction often symbolize the unknown or "the other." This panel delves into how depictions of extraterrestrial life mirror real-world attitudes toward cultural differences, migration, and coexistence. What do our aliens say about us, and how can they challenge our perspectives?
Moderator: Cap’n Ed
Panelists: Gypsy Jess, Tim Frayser, Cap’n Ed, David Carrico, A. Lee Martinez
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Humanity, F*ck Yeah!
In the vastness of the cosmos, humans might seem small, but we've got something no alien race can match: pure, unrelenting grit. This panel dives into the Humanity, F*ck Yeah!* (HFY) genre, where we're the underdogs who rise to the occasion, outsmarting or outlasting advanced civilizations. From clever survival tactics to showing our superiority in unexpected ways, discover why HFY stories celebrate humanity's surprising strength in the face of cosmic challenges.
Moderator: Cap’n Ed
Panelists: Gypsy Jess, David Rike, Cap’n Ed, Rhonda Eudaly, A.C. Smart
6:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Star Wars: Sci-Fi or Space Fantasy?
Let's settle the debate -- what genre does Star Wars truly belong to? Is it science fiction or more of a space fantasy? Is the Force just space magic, or does it have a deeper meaning? Join us as we explore the fine line between science and fantasy in this iconic universe.
Moderator: Cap’n Ed
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Cap’n Ed, Michael A. Stackpole, Caleb Masters, Diego Tezen
12:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 1 Boardroom
Miniature Painting - Weathering your Spaceship
Learn to paint and weather a spaceship in this hands-on miniature painting workshop! Discover techniques for battle damage, grime, and environmental effects to make your model tell a story. All materials provided, no prior experience needed!
Click here to reserve your spot.
Limit: 14
Moderator: Cap’n Ed
Panelists: Cap’n Ed