Tobi Ogundiran is the award-winning author of the Guardian of the Gods duology, and the critically acclaimed short-fiction collection Jackal, Jackal, which was a Publishers Weekly Top Ten Summer Read. He is the recipient of the Ignyte and British Fantasy Awards. Other honors include: finalist for the Shirley Jackson, Locus, World Fantasy, British Science Fiction Association, and Nommo awards. His stories have been featured in several year’s best anthologies, educational anthologies, and twice in the hit podcast LeVar Burton Reads. Born and raised in Nigeria, he now lives and works in the US.
Stories set aboard ships often highlight bonds formed through shared danger, isolation, and purpose. These relationships have captivated audiences in fantasy, sci-fi, historical adventure, and modern fiction. This panel explores why the idea of a crew resonates so deeply and why found families remain a powerful force in character-driven storytelling.
Resistance movements are a core element of many popular franchises. This panel explores why stories about defiance resonate across cultures and eras. Discussion focuses on hope, collective action, and moral courage in fiction.
Many classic myths and folktales had adult content long before modern adaptations sanitized them. This panel uncovers the darker, weirder, and more mature origins of beloved stories—and how creators use these themes in today’s fantasy, comics, and games. Creepy, clever, and very After Dark.
The creative world continues to change, and artists must adapt to stay relevant and successful. This panel discusses practical strategies for navigating shifting economic and cultural landscapes. Panelists will share experiences about finding work, building audiences, and sustaining creative careers. Learn how artists can continue creating while adjusting to a changing world.