What is Context?

Context is a friendly convention focused on speculative fiction literature and related games, comics and films.

If you enjoy manga, anime, science fiction, fantasy, or horror, you'll find plenty to entertain you at this convention.

Who Will Be There?

Tanya Huff and Brian Keene are our main GoHs; there will be many other guests.

When/Where Is It?

Context will be held September 26-28, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio, at The Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center.

 

Books From Context Authors (Past and Present)

 

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Site content © respective authors. Contact us for more info.

Monday, October 22, 2007


2007 Context Panels



(For more panels offered in 2007, please also see the Science and the Future Symposium, Game-Related Programming, Writing-Related Programming, and Science and the Future Symposium)

Science Fiction in Comics
Diana Botsford, Chun Lee, D. Harlan Wilson, Ferrett Steinmetz, Matt Cook
A discussion of past and current science fictional themes in comics.

The Rocky Horror Phenomenon
The Fishnet Mafia
Join Columbus' own Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast group as they discuss the ongoing popularity of this cult classic.

Universal Monsters
Gary Braunbeck, Tim Waggoner, Juanita Coulson, Dan Young, Mark Evans
A look back at the universal monsters that made up the classic horror movies. To be followed later in the day with a viewing of the original Mummy in the video room.

Why Should We Mind? SF/F and Consciousness
Robert Pyatt, Matt Greenfield, Paul Melko, Matt Jarpe
Telepathy, life after death, uploaded consciousness, etc. When did these ideas become so popular and where are they going in the future?

Out of Context
Diana Botsford, Samuel T. Clemmons, Jim C. Hines, Paul Melko, D. Harlan Wilson
Come see our panelists think fast as they test their creativity in our Science fiction version of Beyond Balderdash.

Fan Groups
Have you ever wondered what the story is with all the fan groups? How they got started, or what they do when they get together? Well, here's your chance to find out. We're getting a person from each of the fan groups in attendance at the con together to talk about their group and answer questions. That's right, this is the time to ask them anything, nothing is too weird for these people....

Military Tactics in Science Fiction
Walter Hunt, Joseph Martino, Daniel O'Riordan
Many science fiction stories have a military background. Heinlein, Dickson, Pournelle, and many others have used space-faring soldiers as the centers of their stories. But how would those tactics work in "real life"? Who gets it right? What should be done better?

Filking 101
Tom Smith, Luke Ski, Juanita Coulson, Samuel T. Clemmons
An introduction to what filk is with our musical guests.

Real Aliens
Dave Creek, Jackie Gamber, Mark Evans
Aliens in science fiction come in virtually all shapes, sizes, and colors. But, if they're out there, what will real aliens be like? Not just physically. How will they think? Will they have the same type of emotions and moral/ethical feelings we do? How will they say "Hello"?

Interview With Tim Powers
Tim Powers, Dan Young
This is your chance to learn more about our Guest of Honor.

Roast of Juanita Coulson
Juanita Coulson, Dan Young, Tom Smith, Samuel T. Clemmons, Bruce Coulson
Come join us for an amusing look at the life and accomplishments of author and filker Juanita Coulson.

The Dark Ascent: Contemporary Horror
Gary Braunbeck, Rae Carson, Fran Friel, Geoffrey Girard
If quality is any measure, the horror genre may once again be rising from the grave. Do dark times hinder or help horror? What themes are becoming frighteningly fashionable: gore or ghosts? Kinky sex or the straight supernatural? We'll discuss old stalwarts plus dark new stars such as Caitlin Kiernan, Holly Phillips, M. Rickert, Laird Barron, Joe Hill, and some of our own panelists.

Female Fandom
CarrieLynn Reinhard, Tiffany Grant, Karen Nagel, Erin Hoffman
An educated look at the world of fandom and women. What areas of fandom are the most appealing to the fairer sex, and why do others drive them away?

Interview With Michael Arnzen
Michael Arnzen, Gary Braunbeck
An enlightening look into the work of Michael Arnzen, folled by the viewings of his short film Exquisite Corpse, and the short film "One of Those Faces", based on Gary Braunbeck's story "Rami Temporales".

Voice Acting
Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield
Have you ever wondered how character voices and personalities were created? Well, here's your chance to find out from the professionals. Come listen to Tiffany and Matt share stories and information about the creative world of voice acting.

Religion in SF/F
Tim Powers, Walter Hunt, Joseph Martino, Samuel T. Clemmons, Sandy Lender, Daniel O'Riordan
Is it too simplistic to say that C.S. Lewis's and J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy promoted Christianity, while Philip Pullman's subverts it? How is creating a credible religion like creating a workable economy? Who are the best fantasy writers at this? Must you believe, even a little, in a god you make yourself?

Twenty Years of Star Trek:TNG
U.S.S. Maximillian
This panel is a retrospective of TNG, tracing its humble and uncertain origins to the cultural phenomenon it is today. A panel by fans, for fans. Come join the crew of the U.S.S. Maximillian as they look back fondly on Star Trek the Next Generation on it's 20th anniversary.

Time Travel -- Just Who Is Your Grandfather?
Jackie Gamber, Dave Creek, Mark Evans
Time Travel is a staple of science fiction, but just what is it that fascinates us about traveling to another time and place? Is it possible? What are the benefits and paradoxes of time travel?



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