Stellar Fest returns for second year; FHP panel information

It's almost April, and you know for us that means convention season is about to start in earnest! Stellar Fest - Atlanta's ultimate event for Sci-Fi enthusiasts - returns for its second year April 24-26, 2025 in Duluth, GA. A companion show to CONjuration (the fantasy convention held in November), Stellar Fest offers a family-friendly, family feel gathering for those fans who dream of worlds beyond the stars. Stellar Fest will include special media guests, authors, performances, vendors, and fan panel discussions on a variety of topics. Ticket prices are less than $50 and you can purchase them here. 

Anthony, Hanako, Michael, and Michele will be participating on several panels throughout the course of the weekend. While the final schedule is not confirmed, here is a list of the panels you can find us. As always, information is subject to change until the con is over :)

40 Years of Howard the Duck (Michael) - Forty years ago the genius behind Star Wars gave us something SO BOLD that many audiences just couldn't handle the awesomeness. If you love Howard the Duck, come join us as we look back at Quack Fu, Dark Overlords, and love conquering all like no one had ever seen before. If you're a hater, you're welcome too, but be warned: you might walk out a changed person!

The Counselor Will See You Now: Therapy Among the Stars (Anthony, MIchele) - What happens when the galaxy's heroes never get the chance to process their trauma? The Counselor Will See You Now is an interactive panel where mental health professionals apply real counseling theories and interventions to some of science fiction's most psychologically complex characters. We will examine characters like Kelvin Timeline Spock, Paul Atreides, and Saw Gerrera, exploring trauma, identity, and healing through a psychological lens.

Celebrate 25 years of Atlantis: The Lost Empire (Hanako) - Atlantis: The Lost Empire is considered by many to be one of the most underrated and under-appreciated Disney films ever made. Join us as we revisit Milo and Kida, and discuss the legacy of a film that has stuck with many of us for a quarter of a century. 

Defending Phase 4 of the MCU (2021-2022) (Anthony, Hanako, Michael) - After Endgame a lot of us felt like Marvel lost its way. Phase 4 included a lot of good stuff that was torn apart by critics and fans or overlooked because of the questionable bits. Join us as we look back at some of the forgotten wins and underappreciated gems of the MCU’s Phase 4 (Black Widow to Wakanda Forever). And if screaming goats or Awkafina aren’t your thing, this is a safe space. We may disagree, but we’re all fans.

Defending Phase 5 of the MCU (2023-2025) (Anthony, Hanako, Michael) - After Endgame a lot of us felt like Marvel lost its way. Phase 5 included a lot of good stuff that was torn apart by critics and fans or overlooked because of the questionable bits. Join us as we look back at some of the forgotten wins and underappreciated gems of the MCU’s Phase 5 (Quantumania to Thunderbolts). And if MCU Modok or a space station full of Flerkens aren’t your thing, this is a safe space. We may disagree, but we’re all fans.

Defending Season 1 of Star Trek The Next Generation (Anthony) - We will look at greatest hits and pivotal moments from the much maligned first season of ST:TNG. Episode by episode, with a focus on the characters and scenes that are *vital* for an emerging fan.

The Great Time Travel Debate - Year 2 (Anthony, Hanako) - Join us as we talk about the best technology time travel, the most questionable, and we try and convince Anthony that he's too harsh. The panelists and audience will talk about Time Travel favorites and what makes them so. And if you've got time travel pet-peeves, this is a safe space to vent! Let's get into it.

Luke Kokotek Interview (Hanako) - Get your questions ready! Luke Kokotek splashed onto our screens at the end of 2025 as the young Will Byers in season 5 of Stranger Things and NAILED that role! Let's find out all we can about this young actor with such a promising career!  We can't wait to hear his stories!

Robocop and Starship Troopers: Social Satire or Testosterone Fest? (Anthony, Hanako) - I'd buy that for a dollar!" In 1987 Paul Verhoeven directed Robocop, a movie that some see as biting social commentary and others see as 103 minutes of ass-kicking action. Then he did it again ten years later with Starship Troopers. We'll get into the subtext, the themes, and we won't judge anyone who just wants to enjoy their popcorn and explosions.

Rogue One Ten Years Later (Anthony) - Our panelists will discuss, praise, criticize, and dig into the world of Rogue One and the two successful and beloved Andor seasons that followed it. If you love Rogue One and the world of Andor, come share your favorite moments with us. If it's not your favorite, we want you to come share too, because talking about Star Wars is really fun, even if there aren't lightsabers. We may bring our own.

Silly Sci-Fi Symposium (Anthony) - Boldly debating what no one has debated before. Our distinguished panelists will rigorously evaluate the galaxy’s most critical questions: Which Star Trek captain would be the best babysitter? Whats the Best spaceship to take on a roadtrip? Which Sci-Fi Villain Would Be the Worst Motivational Speaker?