A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To P-Con

by Robert E. Hampson, Sandra L. Medlock (Editor), Greg Radabaugh

A funny thing happened on the way to What do you get when science fiction and fantasy collide with convention chaos? A collection as unpredictable—and as fun—as the P-Con convention itself. The stories in this anthology support the operation of the P-Con Science Fiction & Fantasy annual convention. Purchases of this Kindle or Paperback go directly to the operating fund.

Inside these pages you’ll writer isekai’d into a world built from the very tropes he pens.Superheroes (registered and unregistered) braving the most dangerous gauntlet of Texas' Interstate 35.Prophecies delivered over breakfast at Waffle House.And road trips all the alien invasions, bumbling investigators, and mysteries that may never be untangled.And yes … talking squirrels. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the weird, wonderful spirit of P-Con, or science fiction and fantasy, these stories will make you laugh, cheer, and maybe wonder what’s really lurking behind the dealer’s table. Come for the convention. Stay for the chaos. And enjoy the ride along the way!

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

Reviews

[Erin Penn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Disclosure - I wrote one of the stories in this anthology, so I might go a little nice, especially since I am at the con right now with all the people who wrote this charity anthology. But, well, I still loved it a lot. A fun theme, driving to the con, and handled differently by everyone. I loved the storms everyone hit; is it the same storm? (BTW - the storms were not listed as part of the theme, but if you have ever driven any time in the Texas, ... yeah ... storms out of nowhere.)

The best two stories are absurdist and farcical, but I think they best captured the lore and joy that is P-Con: #3 Waffle Master and #4 Tanks for the Pies. Now onward to short-one(ish) sentence reviews of the nine short stories, well seven short stories (10-20 pages) and two novelettes of over 50 pages each.

1. What a Way to GOH by Robert E. Hampson - Portal fantasy. I think it ran a little long, but villains are going to monolog. Exploration of tropes. Not my favorite story of the lot but I understand the reasons it is first. (One of the two long stories.)

2. Fear and Loathing on the Way to P-Con by Greg Radabaugh - Satire super spy alien abduction thriller.

3. Prophecy of the Waffle Master by Wally Waltner - Absurdist Urban Fantasy capturing a P-Con tradition in a single golden syrup moment. Best of the stories.

4, Tanks for the Pies by Lizz Yarbrough - First day of con fever fantasy crossed with friend shenanigans. Squirrels, pies, Lizz, and a tank - the world is not safe. Second best (and very close to the best) story.

5. The Story She Left Behind by Sandra L. Medlock - Ghost story wish fulfillment of quiet voices getting their stories told.

6. The Scenic Route to Nuts by C.V. Walter - Light anime-touched science-fiction. Always help the strays.

7. Aliens among Us by Jesse M. Slater - Science Fiction about being out of place, sometimes the world is hostile, and sometimes you are exactly where you should be with those you love at your side.

8. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to P-Con or did it? by Stephen Patrick and David Rike - A comedic interlude of fools; a farce in the manner of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Not to my taste.

9. Teamup Road Trip by Erin Penn - Well, this one is mine. Superheroes driving from point A to point B, with some unexpected stops. I love the blurb the editor created for it "Superheroes braving the most dangerous gauntlet of all: Interstate 35." (Second of the two long stories.)