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.
Creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster occupy a strange space between folklore, mystery, and popular culture. Stories about these beings continue to spread through eyewitness accounts, hoaxes, and modern media. This panel explores why cryptid legends persist and what they reveal about our fascination with the unknown. Do these creatures survive because of evidence, or because people want to believe they might exist?
From the Golden Age of piracy to blockbuster films, One Piece arcs, and queer reimaginings like Our Flag Means Death, pirate stories remain a huge engine of fandom and cosplay energy. We explore the many faces of the pirate myth: rebellion and freedom, strict shipboard hierarchies, treasure-and-myth storytelling, performance and aesthetic, and cultural reworkings.
Comics have become a powerful medium for a wide range of voices and experiences. Writers face the challenge of creating characters who seem authentic while avoiding stereotypes or shallow representation. This panel explores research, collaboration, and storytelling techniques that support thoughtful and inclusive writing. How can creators tell diverse stories that resonate with readers?
This tutorial by Cap'n Ed will go over a variety of techniques through the application of dazzle camo, including masking with tape and other materials.
This workshop is a ticketed event. Visit soonercon.com/workshops for more information and to RSVP for this event. Note: Some workshops incur an additional fee to attend.
Dark colors like black and grey have some of the most intimidating perceptions of colors amongst miniature artists. In this panel, Cap'n Ed will teach a variety of techniques and theories to use dark colors on mechanical miniatures. These include understanding warmth and tonal variety to add variety in work.
This workshop is a ticketed event. Visit soonercon.com/workshops for more information and to RSVP for this event. Note: Some workshops incur an additional fee to attend.
Did you participate in this year's Miniature Painting Competition? Meet with the judges and get feedback about your entry.
This workshop is a ticketed event. Visit soonercon.com/workshops for more information and to RSVP for this event. Note: Some workshops incur an additional fee to attend.