La Blanke
La Blanke has been into all kinds of pop culture for as long as she can remember: memorizing Disney stories and songs from 45s, reading Tolkien in 4th grade, rushing home from school to watch RoboTech and Battle of the Planets, and watching Star Trek. Then it was staying up late on Sundays to watch Doctor Who, moving into the realms of Monty Python and Piers Anthony, and reading Wonder Woman and The Huntress comics. So many things too numerous to name. She loves it so much she volunteered to help teach Superhero School at New World Comics for five years. She is excited to continue the tradition of volunteering at Soonercon!
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Lost Legends: Forgotten Faves from Childhood
Remember that one show, cartoon, or movie from your childhood that seemed to vanish into obscurity? The one you can't stop talking about, but everyone else swears it never existed? This panel is for you! Join fellow fans as we dig into those hidden gems -- TV shows, cartoons, and movies that didn't get the love they deserved. Let's share memories, rediscover lost favorites, and see if we can convince others these lost legends were real!
Moderator: Dr Paisley
Panelists: Dr Paisley, La Blanke, Trina Jacobs, Mark Alfred, GalaxyGh0st
7:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+
Bad Boys & Bad Girls: The Allure of the Antihero (18+)
Antiheroes: We love them, we hate them, but we can't stop thinking about them. In this saucy panel, we'll discuss the bad boys and bad girls of sci-fi, fantasy, and comics that we can't help but be attracted to. From their brooding stares to their smoldering charisma, we'll break down what makes them so irresistible, and why we want to fall for them, even when they're bad for us.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: Ela Evella, Stephen Patrick, Michael A. Stackpole, La Blanke, Mike Kennedy
11:00 AM | Location: Sooner B
Super Hero School
New World Comics presents Superhero School, featuring TV and comic-book favorites in this interactive cosplay experience. Learn about your favorite characters! Ask them about their adventures and take time for pictures
Moderator: La Blanke
Panelists: Sentinelbait, Levi Hornsby, Buck Berlin, SithPrincess cosplays, TKM Cosplay, La Blanke
7:00 PM | Location: Sooner A 18+
Modern Fan Service: From Senshi to Okarun (18+)
Fan service in anime has evolved -- what was once primarily geared toward female characters has now flipped, with a growing focus on male characters as well. Join us as we discuss how fan service has changed over the years, shifting from the classic tropes of Sailor Moon to the new wave of characters like Okarun and beyond. Explore how these changes reflect shifting audience expectations and the impact on anime storytelling, while diving into the complex role fan service plays in both modern anime and fandom culture.
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: La Blanke, FoxDaddy, Ogawa Burukku, Clinton Girkin
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Anime vs. Hollywood: Who Does Space Best?
Gundams or starships? Mecha battles or laser duels? Join us for a heated discussion comparing how anime and Western sci-fi approach space exploration, storytelling, and world-building. Audience participation highly encouraged -- who will win the ultimate showdown?
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: La Blanke, Red Bard, Birdie, Cowboy Villain Cosplay, Stephen Patrick