Red Bard
Red Bard is a YouTuber, writer,
medievalist, longtime congoer, and self-proclaimed “yaoi paddle
historian” whose work mostly focuses on anime and anime fan culture from
yesteryear. Their channel boasts over 250,000 subscribers and millions
of views. Among their favorite achievements: They made the first
comprehensive history of the yaoi paddle, created an over two-hour-long
video on the events of Izumicon 2018, and became the first person to
post the formerly lost “Evangelion AIDS PSA.”
Follow Red Bard online at
4:00 PM | Location: University B
Behind the Scenes with Anime Voice Actors
Ever wonder what it’s like to bring your favorite anime characters to life? Join a lively roundtable with professional voice actors as they share stories from the recording booth, talk shop about the dubbing process, and reveal the joys and challenges of working in the anime industry.
Moderator: Red Bard
Panelists: Red Bard, Emi Lo, Jad Saxton, Allegra Clark, Brian Mathis
6:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Manga vs. Western Comics: A Tale of Two Mediums
What makes manga distinct from Western comics, and why do readers gravitate toward one over the other? Dive into the cultural and artistic differences between these two storytelling traditions and how they continue to influence one another.
Moderator: Jeff Provine
Panelists: Jeff Provine, Red Bard, Joshua Caudill, Ogawa Burukku
10:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+
LGBTQ+ in Anime: From Subtext to Spotlight (18+)
Anime has a rich (and sometimes messy) history of LGBTQ+ representation. Join us for an uncensored look at the best and worst examples of queer themes in anime, from progressive portrayals to questionable subtext, in this 18+ panel.
Moderator: Birdie
Panelists: Red Bard, Ted Pennella, Veronica Brodsky, Birdie
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
Opening Themes That Slap: Anime and Sci-Fi Edition
What makes an opening theme truly iconic? From Attack on Titan's soaring anthems to Star Wars' unforgettable scores, we'll rank, discuss, and debate the best intros of all time. Bring your favorites and join the fun!
Moderator: Red Bard
Panelists: Red Bard, Birdie, Caleb Masters, Clinton Girkin
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Historical Accuracy in Anime: What's Real and What's Not?
Anime often draws inspiration from real history, but how much of it is actually accurate? This panel breaks down how anime portrays historical events, cultures, and figures, separating fact from fiction.
Moderator: Rachel Karch (R Karch Photography)
Panelists: Cowboy Villain Cosplay, Red Bard, Rachel Karch (R Karch Photography)
9:00 PM | Location: Boomer B 18+
Monsters, Myths, and Smut: A Fanfic Reading (18+)
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of risque readings! Our panelists will dive into the wild world of monster-f*cker fanfic, delivering dramatic (and possibly over-the-top) readings from the steamy, strange, and scandalous stories fans create across fandoms. From tentacles to eldritch horrors, this is where trashy, smutty, and absurd stories come to life in all their glory. Grab your popcorn and your sense of humor -- things are about to get spicy! (18+ only, prepare for explicit content!)
Moderator: The Alice of Hearts
Panelists: Steven E. Wedel, The Alice of Hearts, Birdie, Red Bard
12:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Voice Acting Showdown: The Ultimate Character Face-Off!
Get ready for an energetic, laugh-out-loud panel as voice actors Allegra Clark, Emi Lo, Brian Mathis, and Jad Saxton go head-to-head in the ultimate character face-off! Watch as they bring some of their most iconic roles to life on the spot—whether it’s an epic battle, a heartwarming scene, or a hilarious improv challenge. This interactive panel will let you experience the raw talent and spontaneity of these talented voice actors as they take on unexpected character prompts, fan suggestions, and maybe even a few off-the-wall requests. From dramatic monologues to comedic skits, it’s an action-packed hour you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of voice acting, this session is all about having fun and celebrating the magic of voices!
Moderator: Red Bard
Panelists: Jad Saxton, Red Bard, Emi Lo, Allegra Clark, Brian Mathis
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