Featured Guest

Red Bard

Red Bard is a YouTuber, writer, medievalist, and self-proclaimed “yaoi paddle historian,” whose work mostly focuses on anime and anime fan culture. Their channel boasts over 200,000 subscribers and several millions of views. Among some of their favorite achievements: They made the first comprehensive history of the yaoi paddle, and got to be the first person to post the formerly-lost Evangelion AIDS PSA.

Fun fact: They’re also from right here in Oklahoma!

Follow Red Bard on Social Media

ASSEMBLE · ENGAGE · TRANSFORM

Join us for Oklahoma's Premier Pop Culture Convention.

Buy Membership

1:00 PM | Location: University C

The Red Bard Panel

Wanna know what kinda projects Red Bard's been working on? Got some burning questions for them? Do you just wanna hang out and talk anime and/or history? Stop by and see what the self-proclaimed yaoi paddle historian's been up to, and perhaps watch a video preview in their first ever Q&A panel as a convention guest.

Moderator: Red Bard

Panelists: Red Bard

Tracks: Content Creation & Podcasting, Anime

2:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E - Back Wall Table

Autographs

One-hour signings.

Tracks: Autographs

4:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

YouTubers Roundup: Breaking Past Your First One Hundred Follows

It's the hardest thing to do on a new social account, especially on YouTube and other streaming platforms. Hear from these established influencers on what it takes to get it there and tips for cultivating your budding channel to net new audiences and up your visibility (despite the algorithm!) during early stages -- and how to maintain this momentum.

Moderator: Red Bard

Panelists: Brent Amberger AKA Goobertown Hobbies, Erika Harlacher, James Farr, Red Bard, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay

Tracks: Content Creation & Podcasting

6:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Opening Ceremonies

Soonercon 31's official opening. Emcee John Eads/Jim Shorts will Declare Our Independence!

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Brent Amberger AKA Goobertown Hobbies, Caleb Haldane, Chaz Kemp, Christina Dark Cosplay, Daniel Soto, Dark Side Cosplay, James Farr, John Eads/Jim Shorts, John Scalzi, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Loretta McKibben, Matthew Cavanaugh, Red Bard, RedWebb Cosplay, Rynaga, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay

Tracks: General Interest, Meetup

7:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

VIP Friends of Soonercon Reception

VIP Friends of Soonercon membership-exclusive social event with Soonercon 31 guests of honor and featured guests. Refreshments and beverages provided. Thank you to our 2023 VIP Friends of Soonercon!

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Brent Amberger AKA Goobertown Hobbies, Chaz Kemp, Christina Dark Cosplay, Dark Side Cosplay, James Farr, John Eads/Jim Shorts, John Scalzi, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Loretta McKibben, Red Bard, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay

Tracks: Meetup

11:00 AM | Location: University C

Historicity in Anime and Manga with Red Bard

Like anime? Like history? Like history in your anime? Let's talk about the ways history is portrayed in anime and manga, and which titles get it more right than others. There'll be recommendations, fun facts, and games galore!

Moderator: Red Bard

Panelists: Red Bard

Tracks: Anime, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment

2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Old Anime Magazines 101 with Red Bard!

Ever want to get a sense for what the anime industry or the landscape of anime fan culture was like at any given time? In this panel, we'll be exploring the world of anime fandom from yesteryear through old anime magazines.

Moderator: Red Bard

Panelists: Red Bard

Tracks: Anime, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment

3:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E - Back Wall Table

Autographs

One-hour signings.

Tracks: Autographs

1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E - Back Wall Table

Autographs

One-hour signings.

Tracks: Autographs

2:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Who Decides High Culture?

Jim Grealy: “Popular culture is the culture of a subordinate class.” Do you agree? What pop culture trends have achieved recognition by the cognoscenti (think Andy Warhol)? Is it only a matter of time before a work or artist can ascend to Art? Don't forget college classes on Trek or pulp detectives. Turns out, pop culture creation and collecting is BIG MONEY nowadays and it's still the art of the people.

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Kevin Dilmore, Mark Alfred, Red Bard

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs, Art, Writing & Publishing

4:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House