The multigenre convention SoonerCon is scheduled for June 19-21, 2026 at the Embassy Suites in Norman, with the theme “Through Salt and Storm.”

The following is my panel lineup for the convention.

Panel: Modern Icons: The Art of the Variant Cover with Travis Mercer

University B Friday : 3:00:00 PM – 3:45:00 PM

Join DC Comics artist Travis Mercer for a deep dive into the high-stakes world of modern illustration. From the streets of Gotham to the final frontier of Star Trek, Travis discusses his process for creating dynamic layouts and collector-favorite variant covers in today’s fast-paced industry.

Matthew Price – Moderator; Travis Mercer

Panel: 30 Minute Toy Commercials: Saturday Morning Cartoons Under a Microscope

Boomer A Saturday : 10:00:00 AM – 10:45:00 AM

Are today’s kids missing out by not having the ritual of Saturday-morning cartoons? Or are we just romanticizing excessive Hasbro ads wrapped in subpar animation? Was there ever a good era for kids’ TV, or do we all grow out of it for a reason?

Aaron Bossig – Moderator; Sally Hamilton, Evan T. Wardwell, Matthew Price

Panel: Titans, Lanterns, and Legacy: Heroes in Modern Comics

Boomer A Saturday : 3:00:00 PM – 3:45:00 PM

Legacy characters are the backbone of modern comic storytelling. This panel looks at teams like the Teen Titans and the Green Lantern Corps—how they evolve, reinvent themselves, and stay relevant across generations. Creators discuss character arcs, redesigns, mentorship themes, and what it means to inherit a mantle in today’s comic universes.

TKM Cosplay – Moderator; Bat Boughner, Matthew Price, Chaz Kemp

Panel: The Anatomy of an Anti-Hero

Main Programming (Oklahoma HIJ) Sunday : 12:00:00 PM – 12:45:00 PM

Join legendary artist Sam de la Rosa /., (the hand behind the definitive look of Venom and Carnage) and modern DC/Marvel powerhouse Travis Mercer (Justice League, Green Lantern) for a deep dive into the darker side of comics. This panel explores the visual and narrative evolution of the Anti-Hero. Together, Sam and Travis will discuss how they use art to convey moral ambiguity, the challenge of redesigning classic villains, and why the anti-hero continues to dominate our pop-culture landscape.

Matthew Price – Moderator; Travis Mercer, Sam de la Rosa.

Panel: Okie Originals: The Creative Identity of the Sooner State

Sooner A Sunday : 2:00:00 PM – 2:45:00 PM

Oklahoma has produced a wide range of creators whose work reflects the landscapes, cultures, and communities of the Sooner State. What perspectives emerge from growing up, living, or creating here? This panel brings together Oklahoma artists and writers to discuss how place influences their creative voice and identity. How does Oklahoma shape the stories we tell and the art we make?

Elizabeth Campbell – Moderator; Dennis Spielman, Matthew Price, J.D. Woods, Karen Thrower

Embassy Suites Norman is located at 2501 Conference Drive in Norman, Oklahoma.

For more information about SoonerCon, or to purchase memberships, visit SoonerCon.com.