John Blanche kicks off the first Warhammer 40k academic conference with topics discussing women, politics, fanfiction, and more in the hobby!
John Blanche Kicks Off the First Warhammer Academic Conference
Ever wondered what it would be like to see Warhammer 40k discussed in academic circles? Well, wonder no more! In September 2024, the University of Heidelberg is hosting the first-ever Warhammer 40k academic conference, and it’s got fans and scholars buzzing. With an ambitious mission to officially place the grimdark future of Warhammer 40k on the academic map, the event invites participants from across fields like philosophy, literature, theology, and even science and tech. Whether you’re presenting a paper, tuning in for panels, or just curious, this gathering is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing crossovers between pop culture and academia.
Keynote Speakers:
John Blanche — The Godfather of Grimdark
Let’s be real: John Blanche doesn’t need much introduction to anyone familiar with Warhammer. He’s the creative wizard responsible for much of the terrifying, baroque imagery that defines the universe. Blanche’s keynote is expected to be a real treat, with plenty of insights into the early days of Grimdark, how those iconic Space Marines came to be, and what it was like leading Games Workshop’s art and miniature departments through some of the most revolutionary phases in the hobby’s history.
If you’ve ever looked at a grimy piece of 40k artwork and thought, “Wow, that’s unsettling in the best way possible,” you have Blanche to thank. He took the general chaos of the Warhammer universe and gave it form—more specifically, the form of eight-foot-tall superhumans clad in skulls and chains. Expect his talk to cover all of that and more, from the creative chaos of the early days to how Games Workshop pulled off world-building on a scale few other franchises have.
- Wargames, Wombat (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 218 Pages - 11/16/2023 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Victoria Hayward- The Jungle Made Us
Catachans and Tyranids are some of the most recognizable factions in Warhammer 40k, but what’s it actually like to write about them? Black Library author Victoria Hayward sheds some light on this in her debut novel Deathworlder. She offers a glimpse into her creative process, breaking down how she approached these iconic factions, built up the world around them, and developed her characters. Plus, Deathworlder holds the distinction of being the first full-length novel set during the Tyranid consumption phase—so, no pressure, right?
- Audible Audiobook
- Victoria Hayward (Author) - Gabrielle Nellis-Pain (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 04/20/2024 (Publication Date) - Black Library (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Warhammer 40K Conference Panels & Abstracts: Grimdark Meets Academia
Ever thought about Warhammer 40k’s potential as a form of therapy? One of the more surprising panels is about using Warhammer 40k for PTSD treatment in veterans. Researchers are starting to look at how immersive storytelling and gaming, particularly in dystopian worlds like 40k, might offer a fresh way to engage trauma sufferers in ways that traditional therapies sometimes struggle to reach. Who knew the grim darkness of the far future might help heal the wounds of the present?
Then there’s the world of fanfiction. Yes, fanfic. A panel will dive into the surprising gender dynamics in Warhammer 40k fanfiction. Though Warhammer is stereotypically a “guy thing,” fanfic is largely dominated by female creators. The discussion around how these contrasting demographics intersect within the fandom is bound to be fascinating. On a more philosophical note, some panels are set to tackle heavy subjects like rule consequentialism through the lens of Warhammer lore, with the infamous Edict of Nikaea from the Horus Heresy as a focal point. Ethical debates in the real world are tough enough—try adding psychic space wizards into the mix!
The Theology and Politics of Warhammer 40k
In a universe where the lines between church and state are pretty much non-existent, another set of panels will take a crack at the religious and political underpinnings of Warhammer 40k’s sprawling Imperium of Man. Think the Imperial Cult is just a thinly veiled medieval church in space? Well, you’re not entirely wrong, but it’s a bit more complex than that. Expect discussions on how real-world theological schisms and historical conflicts inspired the dogmatic, brutal faith of the Imperium.
You’ll also see some panels focusing on how Warhammer 40k borrows heavily from medieval crusades, which sounds like a fun (if not terrifying) time. The Imperium’s endless war isn’t just about survival—it’s a grim reflection of how humanity has often justified some of its darkest actions in the name of higher causes.
The Iconic Miniatures and Aesthetics of Warhammer 40k
If there’s one thing that’s consistently jaw-dropping about Warhammer 40k, it’s the miniatures. A panel on constructing and playing with these iconic figures will break down the design process that has kept Games Workshop at the top of the industry for decades. You’ll hear about rules like “True Line of Sight,” which has always been a topic of debate among players, and how the craftsmanship of these miniatures influences gameplay.
From the Tyranids to the mighty Space Marines, expect conversations about how these figures are not just game pieces but artistic masterpieces in their own right. And who better to discuss it than people who have spent years building, painting, and playing with them?
Women in Warhammer 40k: The Adepta Sororitas and Beyond
What do you get when you cross nuns with power armor? The Adepta Sororitas. These gun-toting holy warriors are the stars of yet another panel, and they’ll be discussed through the lens of medieval spirituality. The discussion will explore how religious and gender roles have been twisted and amplified in Warhammer 40k, with the Sororitas standing as both a symbol of devotion and destruction.
In a universe largely dominated by hulking dudes, this is a great time to shine a light on the strong female characters and factions that have made their mark. And it’s not just about the battlefield—Warhammer 40k’s novels and stories are increasingly featuring women, and this trend will be front and center during the conference.
Final Thoughts on the First Warhammer 40k Conference
In the grim darkness of academic conferences, it seems Warhammer 40k has finally carved out a place where lore nerds and scholars can unite. From the towering gothic cathedrals of the Imperial Cult to the intricate strategies of miniature construction, the franchise offers something for everyone—whether you’re wielding a bolter or just a well-thumbed copy of Rogue Trader. And let’s be honest, there’s something delightful about watching academia try to make sense of a universe where the only real constant is war, and the solution to everything is either prayer or plasma. So, whether you’re new to the lore or you’ve painted more Space Marines than you care to admit, this conference proves one thing: there’s always room for more heretics… and a whole lot of skulls.
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
