In less than a month, Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure makes its debut, taking over the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4. Celebrating pop culture and fandom of all sorts, this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience is set to immerse attendees in a world where comics, sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming collide with music and comedy.
Adding to the impressive list of already announced music and comedy talent, Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure has released details on a variety of experiences and activations that attendees can participate in and observe during the weekend. Attractions include panels featuring the casts and creators of IFC’s Stan Against Evil and TBS’s Wrecked, live podcast tapings from Alison Rosen Is Your Best Friend and Cool Playlist Featuring Eliza Skinner, the ultimate gamer’s lounge and retro arcade from Machinima and Super Deluxe, a Nerdbot Media Compound with photo ops, a zombie shooting range and more, the Stone Blade Tabletop Gaming area with daily tournaments, demos, and cool prizes, Superfight LIVE where you have the chance to play the hit card game against fandom celebs, the Image Artists Alley, The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest, hosted by Bernie Bregman, and much more! There will also be a variety of fan groups exhibiting, including popular Star Wars groups featuring The Saber Guild, The Mandalorian Mercs, and the 501st Legion!
During each day at Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure, attendees will have the opportunity to see some of their favorite cast members and special guests during the panels, participate in interactive fan experiences, tabletop and video gaming, tech demos, and visit the artist alley where some of the comic book industry’s top artists and creators will be speaking about their craft, selling artwork, meeting fans and signing autographs. In the evening, the focus will shift to live performances, when fans will witness sets from acclaimed comedians including Patton Oswalt and Jim Jefferies, along with some of today’s top alternative and dance music artists including Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, Cold War Kids, What So Not, Rusko, and many more, spread across three entertainment stages. This all-ages event is free for kids 10 and under (with an adult paid admission). All tickets grant access to everything happening within the event.
More details on the newly announced experiences and activations at Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure can be found below:
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Stan Against Evil, featuring guests John C. McGinley, Janet Varney, Dana Gould, Deborah Baker Jr., and Nate Mooney, moderated by Nerdist Senior Editor Dan Casey
IFC’s original horror-comedy series Stan Against Evil stars John C. McGinley (Scrubs) as Stan Miller, the curmudgeonly retired police sheriff of Willard’s Mill, and Janet Varney (You’re the Worst) as Evie Barrett, the current sheriff determined to wipe out the demons that plague their quaint New England Town. Deborah Baker Jr. (The Greet Indoors) and Nate Mooney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) return to co-star as Denise Miller, Stan’s absent-minded, do-good daughter, and Deputy Leon Drinkwater, Evie’s right-hand man, respectively. Season 3 premieres Wednesday, October 31 at 10PM on IFC with eight all-new episodes. Stan Against Evil is created, written and executive produced by Dana Gould and produced by RadicalMedia.
![]() Wrecked, featuring guests Ally Maki, Zach Cregger, Brooke Dillman, Brian Sacca, Asif Ali, Will Greenberg, and Jessica Lowe
Wrecked is TBS’s hit survival comedy about a diverse group of airplane passengers stranded on an uninhabited island, a dangerous new world where they must face many threats – mostly brought on by themselves. After surviving a pirate invasion and finally recovering from the loss of wi-fi, the gang most recently found themselves shipwrecked on a mysterious billionaire’s private island where they’re forced to hunt each other to the death in a basic-cable battle royale.
![]() Podcast: Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend
A twice weekly podcast hosted by veteran interviewer and everyone’s new best friend Alison Rosen featuring surprisingly honest conversations that are equal parts silly and serious. Plus an eternal quest to find out if that thing you think or do is normal in a segment called “Just Me or Everyone?” More info at: https://www.alisonrosen.com/
![]() Podcast: Cool Playlist Featuring Eliza Skinner
On Cool Playlist, host Eliza Skinner and a guest create a playlist for a specific life event, moment, or occasion. From Bar Fights, to Break-ups, to Goth Weddings – we’ll soundtrack it all. Not only do you get a great playlist but new insight into some of your favorite comedians, actors, musicians, and more! More info at: https://coolplaylist.libsyn.com/
![]() Superfight LIVE, hosted by Superfight creator Jack Dire
Be a part of Superfight Live! Hosted by the game’s creator Jack Dire, comedian Monty Franklin, Stone Blade Entertainment founder Justin Gary, a to-be-announced comic book artist and audience member will hash it out in real time, live on stage, for the coveted title of champion. Guests on stage will argue about and joke about absurd fictional fights, and the audience will choose the winners. Fans are encouraged to check in and be ready and waiting for a chance to play onstage as the game’s fourth player.
![]() Charge, Chill and Game With Machinima & Super Deluxe at Big Adventure Festival
Machinima is teaming up with Super Deluxe to create the ultimate gamers lounge at this year’s Big Adventure Festival. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit Machinima’s Retro Arcade featuring classics like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, NBA Jam, The Simpsons, NFL Blitz, Pac Man and many more. Super Deluxe will also be providing a spot for festival goers to chill and charge in their one of a kind lounge. Be sure to stop by as there will be no shortage of games, contests, giveaways, and good times.
Nerdbot Media & Nerdbot.com Compound
The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest, hosted by Bernie Bregman
Hosted by Bernie Bregman, producer and owner of Nerds Like Us and host and associate producer of Club Cosplay, the all ages contest will feature over fifty of the best cosplay costumes in Southern California, where a panel of expert judges will choose the most outstanding cosplayers in a variety of categories. Space is limited, so enter now at www.bigadventurefest.com. Winners will be announced on the main panel stage on Sunday, November 4th at 4:30 p.m., with prizing to be awarded for the following categories: Best In Show, Best Fabrication (Sculpting & Building), Best Construction (Sewing & Use Of Fabric), Best Hero, Best Villain, Best Sci-Fi, Best Group or Couple, and Best Kid. DJ Chuck None will be spinning tracks during the competition, as well as kicking off the music to follow at the Dance Stage.
Stone Blade Tabletop Gaming Area
Sponsored by Justin Gary and Stone Blade Entertainment, come by the Tabletop Gaming Area to play some games with the Stone Blade team! The area will be running tournaments with cool prizes for novices and experts alike, along with demos all day long. They may even have a preview version of the next Ascension release to show off! Stone Blade is the maker of hit games including Ascension, Shards of Infinity, and You Gotta Be Kitten Me, and Justin Gary has been in the gaming industry for over 20 years, first as a US National Magic: the Gathering Champion, then as designer and CEO of Stone Blade, and now as the author of his newly published book: Think Like a Game Designer.
Image Artists Alley
Image Comics will host Image Artists Alley, a branded section in the artists alley dedicated specifically to Image Comics creators. Some of Image Comics most well-known works include The Walking Dead, Spawn, Saga, East Of West, Deadly Class, and The Wicked + The Divine.
The Belegarth Medieval Combat Society LARP Battles
The Belegarth Medieval Combat Society is a live-action battle game organization devoted to simulating Dark Age and medieval combat. Belegarth will be at Big Adventure, hosting LARP (live-action role playing) battles throughout both days.
Escape Room
Jack Dire of Superfight is bringing a custom built escape room for attendees to attempt to escape from, built specifically for Big Adventure. Attendees are encouraged to get there early as slots will fill up, and are on a first come, first serve basis.
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Produced by Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure will also boast a massive comic con exhibitor village, a marketplace with a variety of handmade and exclusive items, carnival rides and games, and wandering cosplay performers.
The performance lineup for Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure is as follows (subject to change):
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Live Stage: Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, Cold War Kids, Echos, Nvdes, Allie X, and Party Nails
Comedy Stage: Patton Oswalt, Jim Jefferies, Emo Philips, Hari Kondabolu, Kristen Schaal, Maria Bamford, Monty Franklin, Natasha Leggero, Rhys Darby, and Ron Funches, hosted by Marcella Arguello
Dance Stage: What So Not, Rusko, Bro Safari, Feed Me, Bonnie X Clyde, Luca Lush, Party Thieves, Ducky, Nitti Gritti, Chime, and Chuck None
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Participating comic companies include Skybound, Image Comics, Kodansha Comics, Boom! Studios, and Top Cow Productions. Comic artists will include Andrew Robinson, Andy Belanger, Becky Cloonan, Chris Burnham, Ivan Brandon, Matt Hawkins, Nick Dragotta, Andy Kuhn, Robert Wilson IV, Ande Parks, Brent Schoonover, Farel Dalrymple, Jai Nitz, Justin Greenwood, Matt Horak, Matt Wilson, Matthew Southworth, Morgan Beem, Ramon Villalobos, Brian Level, Tess Stone, Tim Doyle, and more to be announced.
Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure partners include: Machinima, Angel City Brewing, Corona, Kraken Rum, Lime Crime Cosmetics, Rockstar Energy Drink, Deep Eddy Vodka, Cosmic Fog, Musicians Institute, Mike’s HARDER, and D-Link.
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Movie
The rise of Japanese anime in India

In recent years, the Indian entertainment landscape has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Japanese anime, leading to an increasing demand for localized content. Recognizing this trend, several platforms have begun offering anime dubbed in regional Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making these captivating stories more accessible to a broader audience.
Streaming services have played a pivotal role in this cultural integration. For instance, Animedub.pro provides a vast collection of anime dubbed in languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali. Popular series like “Naruto,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” are available in these regional languages, allowing fans to enjoy content in their preferred dialects.
Similarly, Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform, announced a slate of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs for series such as “Dr. STONE,” “BLUE LOCK,” and “Haikyu!!” between May and June 2024, further catering to the diverse linguistic demographics of India.
The success of dubbed anime is significantly attributed to the talented Indian voice artists who bring these characters to life. Notable examples include:
Prasad Barve: Renowned for voicing Ash Ketchum in the Hindi version of “Pokémon” during the early 2000s, Barve’s portrayal became iconic among Indian audiences.
Sonal Kaushal: Known as ‘The Motor Mouth,’ Kaushal has been the Hindi voice of Doraemon since 2005, endearing herself to a generation of viewers.
Ankur Javeri: Celebrated for his portrayal of Goku in the Hindi dub of “Dragon Ball Z,” Javeri’s performance has electrified fans at events like Zee Cafe’s Anime Fest.
Javed Jaffrey: While not an anime series, Jaffrey’s humorous narration of the Japanese game show “Takeshi’s Castle” in Hindi showcased his versatility and contributed to the show’s cult status in India.
The localization of anime through regional dubbing has not only broadened the genre’s appeal but has also fostered a deeper cultural exchange between India and Japan. By experiencing stories that blend universal themes with distinct cultural nuances, Indian audiences have developed a greater appreciation for Japanese storytelling. This trend has also opened new avenues for Indian voice artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent and connect with audiences nationwide.
In conclusion, the dubbing of Japanese anime into Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu signifies a harmonious blend of cultures, enriching the entertainment experiences of audiences and paving the way for a more inclusive media landscape.
Streaming
Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles

Directed by: Rajesh Kumar | Written by: Rajesh Kumar | Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi
Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Available on: Netflix | Studio: Red Studios
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Thandel is a gripping drama-thriller that examines the deep-rooted social and political issues prevalent in rural India. Directed and written by Rajesh Kumar, the film brings to light the stark realities of human suffering, class divides, and systemic oppression while weaving a powerful narrative of hope and resistance. With stellar performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi, this film offers more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful commentary on society.
The story centers around Karthik (Vijay Sethupathi), an idealistic young man who returns to his village after years of studying in the city. He quickly realizes that his community is being threatened by a corrupt political system that is destroying the very fabric of rural life. His attempts to restore justice and bring about change lead him into a whirlwind of tension, deceit, and violence. As Karthik allies with Anjali (Nayanthara), a strong-willed social activist, the two face constant opposition from powerful forces.
The narrative is slow-burning at first but quickly accelerates, with each twist revealing more about the characters’ motivations, fears, and hopes. The layered storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end.
Vijay Sethupathi delivers yet another powerful performance, effortlessly transitioning between the earnestness of his character and the complex moral dilemmas he faces. Nayanthara, as always, excels in portraying the fiery yet vulnerable activist, and her chemistry with Sethupathi elevates the emotional depth of the story.
Pasupathi, in a key supporting role, steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of a villain who is more human than one might expect, further adding complexity to the story.
Rajesh Kumar’s direction is both poignant and precise. His attention to detail in capturing the rural landscape of India creates a sense of place that is both beautiful and haunting. The cinematography is immersive, with sweeping shots of the village contrasted by intimate close-ups that highlight the emotional turmoil of the characters. The direction adds weight to the social commentary while never sacrificing the entertainment value of the plot.
The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is another standout element of Thandel. The haunting score perfectly complements the film’s dark themes, while songs like “Thamizh Puthu” bring an uplifting energy to the narrative at the right moments. The sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension in key scenes, immersing the viewer further into the tense atmosphere.
At its core, Thandel is a powerful examination of social inequality, the exploitation of rural communities, and the complex relationship between political power and the people. The film touches on corruption, justice, and the role of activism in driving societal change. Through its nuanced portrayal of its characters and their personal struggles, it urges viewers to think about the impact of systemic oppression and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Thandel is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged film that blends drama with thriller elements. Its intelligent screenplay, solid performances, and striking visuals make it an essential watch for anyone interested in socially relevant cinema. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the emotional payoff and the film’s profound message make it well worth the wait.
Rating: 9/10
Movie
Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat

Runtime: 2h 17min
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
Director: Manoj Rathi
Writer: Veerendra Pal Singh
Studio: Rathi Films India
Cast:
Gavie Chahal as Veeru
Aarushi Sharma as Meera
Karamveer Choudhary as Chaudhary Saab
Manjit Singh as Inspector Malik
Rajendra Bhatia as MLA Dhillon
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Jaat comes galloping in with the firepower of a rural action epic and the emotional core of a revenge drama. Directed by Manoj Rathi, this gritty North Indian action film pulls no punches, delivering a hard-hitting tale about honor, family, and retribution.
Gavie Chahal commands the screen as Veeru, a former army man turned vigilante who returns to his village only to find it ravaged by corruption and political thuggery. Chahal brings stoic intensity to the role, capturing both the silent rage and explosive force required of a righteous hero. Aarushi Sharma as Meera provides warmth and emotional grounding, while Karamveer Choudhary adds gravitas in his portrayal of an old patriarch trying to hold on to fading traditions.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its raw action sequences, beautifully choreographed and grounded in realism. Hand-to-hand combat, shootouts in mustard fields, and gripping chase scenes through narrow village lanes are highlights that keep you on the edge of your seat.
What Worked:
Authentic setting: The dusty lanes, village politics, and vibrant Haryanvi culture feel lived-in and immersive.
Powerful soundtrack: Folk-infused music enhances key moments, especially during confrontations.
Action choreography: Brutal, believable, and satisfying for fans of grounded action.
Strong lead performance: Gavie Chahal delivers a breakout role with screen presence and emotional depth.
Pacing issues: The second act lingers due to subplots that could have been trimmed. Predictable plot points: The revenge arc follows a familiar path and would benefit from more unexpected twists. Underdeveloped antagonist: Although the villain is effective, they lack depth and backstory, which would make the rivalry more engaging..
Rating: 7.5/10
Verdict: Jaat is a must-watch for fans of desi action with heart. It wears its rustic flair with pride and delivers a satisfying punch of drama, action, and cultural resonance. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it revs up the rural revenge saga with style and sincerity.