Connect with us

CCI 2018: Blizzard Entertainment makes its return to Comic-Con

Published

on

Blizzard Entertainment makes its return to Comic-Con® International: San Diego this July 18–22 with a full lineup highlighted by panel opportunities, event-exclusive items, talent signings, product news, and more. Featured this year are the company’s acclaimed Overwatch®, StarCraft®, World of Warcraft®, and Hearthstone® franchises as well as various activities from its Blizzard Publishing book label.

BLIZZARD’S SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

Panels:
Behind the Cards: The Art of Blizzard’s Hearthstone, Thursday July 19, 12:00pm–1:00pm Room 5AB
Ben Thompson (art director), Hadidjah Chamberlain (senior FX artist), Jomaro Kindred (senior concept artist), and Matt Dixon (illustrator) offer a deep dive into the world of card creation for Blizzard Entertainment’s hit digital card game Hearthstone. Surprise and delight await as panelists walk attendees through the development of cards from the upcoming expansion, The Boomsday Project™, from initial concept sketches to final card art.
Behind the Scenes of Overwatch’s Newest Hero, Friday July 20, 3:15pm–4:15pm Room 6BCF
Overwatch developers Michael Chu (lead writer), Arnold Tsang (assistant art director), Geoff Goodman (lead hero designer), and Geoffrey Garnett (senior sound designer) present a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process of developing the story, art, and gameplay kit for Overwatch’s newest hero, Wrecking Ball. Learn more about Overwatch hero design and participate in Q&A with the developers after the panel.
Chapters and Panels: Blizzard Publishing, Saturday July 21, 3:30pm–4:30pm Room 5AB
See how Blizzard’s many worlds are crafted into compelling art and narrative through an array of books and comics. Some of the industry’s top authors discuss how they bring to life engaging stories that expand and widen the universes of Blizzard’s games through the perspectives of some of gaming’s most unique characters. Panelists will highlight recent releases, hint at what may be yet to come, and perhaps unveil a surprise or two. Moderated by Blizzard Publishing senior editor Cate Gary. Panelists include Christie Golden, Jody Houser, Mark Evanier, and Steve Danuser.
Blizzard Featured Items July 18–22:
Attendees will be able to purchase the following items from the Blizzard Entertainment Booth #140
Cute But Deadly: D.Va with MEKA
Cute But Deadly: Banshee Sylvanas and Holy Light Anduin 2-Pack
Overwatch: Goldimari Mini Plush
Cute But Deadly: Twilight Orisa
Funko POP! Vinyl: Roadhog & Junkrat 2-Pack
Overwatch Blizzard World fine art
Blizzard Licensed Partner Exclusives (available for purchase):
Grillmaster 76 SDCC Exclusive Funko, July 18–22 Funko POP! Booth #5341
New StarCraft Comic #1 Exclusive SDCC cover, July 18–22 Dark Horse Booth #2615
Overwatch X Tokidoki The Heroes Collection Launch (brand-new release available for purchase):
Overwatch X Tokidoki The Heroes Collection, July 18–22 Tokidoki Booth #5037 & Blizzard Booth #140
Blizzard Booth Activations:
Tokidoki Signing, July 21 2:00pm–4:00pm Blizzard Booth #140
Attendees will have the chance for a signature from Simone Legno, founder of Tokidoki
Signing is limited, wristband distribution will be Saturday morning at the Blizzard Booth
Christie Golden Signing July 21 5:00pm–6:30pm Blizzard Booth #140
Writer of the New York Times bestselling World of Warcraft novel Before the Storm
Overwatch Activations:
Overwatch Payload Tour, July 18-22 Omni Hotel Floor 4 Grand Ballroom
Choose from a selection of Overwatch weapons (Henchmen Studios-created props)
Step onto the 360-degree rotating stage, where you’ll be transported into an Overwatch map
Share a video of the experience with friends and the Overwatch community
Every participant will receive an exclusive Overwatch pin
GameStop Grillmaster 76 Cosplayer Photo Op from Henchmen Studios, July 20 SDCC Show Floor
Find the Grillmaster 76 Cosplayer on the show floor for a unique photo-op!
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Blizzard Entertainment’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about content and activities at San Diego Comic-Con, are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Blizzard Entertainment’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Blizzard Entertainment and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Blizzard Entertainment nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Blizzard Entertainment or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Continue Reading

Movie

The rise of Japanese anime in India

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Streaming

Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles

Published

on

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

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

Continue Reading

Movie

Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat

Published

on

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

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2012 - 2025 That's My Entertainment All Rights Reserved May not be used without permission