Next week, IDW Publishing will celebrate its 20th anniversary at San Diego Comic-Con with sensational booth appearances by such fan-favorite talents as George Takei, Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodríguez, Kim Dwinell, Magdalene Visaggio, B. Dave Walters, Stan Sakai, Walter Simonson, Delilah S. Dawson, Kevin Eastman, Sam Maggs, Rod Fergusson, the cast of Wynonna Earp, and so many, many more!
Our complete list of booth guests, panels, and show exclusives can be found below. Be sure to visit Booth #2729 for IDW’s coolest Comic-Con signings and swag!
Of special note, IDW is now taking Comic-Con preorders on special They Called Us Enemy items: the Hardcover and Signed & Numbered Hardcover editions, to be picked up at Booth #2729 during show hours. A stunning graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei‘s childhood imprisoned at American concentration camps during World War II, this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love – by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, and Harmony Becker – allows readers to experience the forces that shaped an American icon… and America itself. (And don’t miss the They Called Us Enemy signings and panels – see below for details!)
BOOTH #2729 SIGNING SCHEDULE
Wednesday July 17th Preview Night
6:00 – 7:00 Ragnarök – Walter Simonson
(*Convention exclusives available!)
7:00 – 9:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Bobby Curnow
(*Ticketed signing, see employee for details)(*Convention exclusives available!)
Thursday July 18th
10:15 – 11:00 Rick & Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons – Jim Zub
11:00 – 12:00 Dungeons & Dragons: A Darkened Wish – B. Dave Walters
11:00 – 12:00 Surfside Girls – Kim Dwinell
(*Book debut!)
11:00 – 12:00 Red Panda & Moon Bear – Jarod Rosello
(*Book debut!)
12:00 – 1:00 Clyde – Jim Benton
12:00 – 1:00 V-Wars – Jonathan Maberry
12:00 – 1:00 X-Files – Sam “Mister Sam” Shearon
1:00 – 2:00 Star Trek: Year Five – Brandon Easton, Jim McCann, Jody Houser, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, J.J. Lendl
(*Convention exclusives available!)
1:00 – 2:00 Coin-Op Comics – Maria & Peter Hoey
2:00 – 3:00 Ragnarök – Walter Simonson
(*Convention exclusives available!)
2:00 – 3:00 Ghost Tree – Bobby Curnow
3:00 – 4:30 Locke & Key – Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez
(*Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
(*Convention exclusives available!)
4:00 – 5:00 Highwayman – Koren Shadmi
4:00 – 5:00 Limbo Lounge – Dave Calver
5:00 – 6:00 From Hell – Eddie Campbell
5:00 – 6:00 Transformers – John Barber, Fico Ossio
6:00 – 7:00 Transformers/Ghostbusters – Erik Burnham
(*Convention exclusives available!)
6:00 – 7:00 Gears of War – Creator Rod Fergusson, Narrative Director Bonnie Jean Mah
Friday July 19th
10:00 – 11:00 Clyde – Jim Benton
10:00 – 11:00 Johnny Boo – James Kochalka
10:00 – 11:00 Star Wars Adventures – Delilah Dawson, Chris “Doc” Wyatt, Kevin Burke
(*Convention exclusives available!)
11:00 – 12:00 Star Trek – Mike Johnson, J.K. Woodward, Scott Tipton
11:00 – 12:00 Surfside Girls – Kim Dwinell
(*Book debut!)
11:00 – 12:00 Penny Nichols – M.K. Reed, Greg Means
12:00 – 1:30 They Called Us Enemy – George Takei, Harmony Becker, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott
(*Convention exclusives available!)
(*Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
2:00 – 3:00 Star Wars Adventures – Chris Fenoglio, Cavan Scott, Arie Kaplan, John Barber, Derek Charm, Tony Fleecs, Michael Moreci, Mauricet
(*Convention exclusives available!)
2:00 – 3:00 Highwayman – Koren Shadmi
3:00 – 4:00 Usagi Yojimbo & Ragnarök – Stan Sakai & Walter Simonson
(*Convention exclusives available!)
3:00 – 4:00 Canto – David M. Booher, Drew Zucker
(*Convention exclusives available!)
4:00 – 5:00 Locke & Key – Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez
(*Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
(*Convention exclusives available!)
4:00 – 5:00 Road of Bones – Rich Douek
5:00 – 6:30 Wynonna Earp – Melanie Scrofano, Katherine Barrell, Chantel Riley, Greg Lawson, Emily Andras, Beau Smith
(*Convention exclusives available!)
(*Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
Saturday July 20th
10:00 – 11:30 Wynonna Earp – Melanie Scrofano, Katherine Barrell, Chantel Riley, Greg Lawson, Michael Eklund, Emily Andras, Beau Smith
(*Convention exclusives available!)
(*Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
11:00 – 12:00 Sh*t My President Says – Shannon Wheeler
11:00 – 12:00God is Disappointed in You, Apocrypha Now! – Mark Russell
11:00 – 12:00 Gumballs – Erin Nations
12:00 – 1:00 Ragnarök – Walter Simonson
(*Convention exclusives available!)
12:00 – 1:00 Star Pig – Delilah Dawson
(*Convention exclusives available!)
12:00 – 1:00 Sonic The Hedgehog – Jennifer Hernandez, Caleb Goellner
1:00 – 2:00 Locke & Key – Gabriel Rodriguez
(*Convention exclusives available!)
1:00 – 2:00 Marilyn Manor – Magdalene Visaggio
1:00 – 2:00 October Faction – Steve Niles
2:00 – 4:00 They Called Us Enemy – George Takei, Harmony Becker, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott
(*Convention exclusives available!)
(*Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
4:00 – 5:00 Ghostbusters – Erik Burnham, Keith Dallas, Cavan Scott
(*Convention exclusives available!)
4:00 – 5:00 Johnny Boo – James Kochalka
5:00 – 6:00 Transformers – John Barber, Fico Ossio, Mairghread Scott, Brendan Cahill
5:00 – 6:00 Care Bears – Agnes Garbowska
(*Convention exclusives available!)
6:00 – 7:00 Transformers: Galaxies – Tyler Bleszinski
(*Get a free signed promo poster!)
6:00 – 7:00 Marvel Action: Captain Marvel – Sam Maggs
(*Get a free signed promo poster!)
6:00 – 7:00 Marvel Action: Spider-Man – Fico Ossio
6:00 – 7:00 Eve Stranger – Philip Bond
6:00 – 7:00 Red Panda & Moon Bear – Jarod Rosello
(*Book debut!)
Sunday July 21st
10:00 – 11:00 Sons of Chaos – Chris Jaymes
(*Book debut!)
10:00 – 11:00 Usagi Yojimbo – Stan Sakai
(*Convention exclusives available!)
11:00 – 12:00 Locke & Key – Gabriel Rodriguez
(*Convention exclusives available!)
11:00 – 12:00Night Moves – V.J. & Justin Boyd
12:00 – 2:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Bobby Curnow
(*Ticketed signing, see employee for details)
(*Convention exclusives available!)
1:00 – 2:00 My Little Pony – Sara Richard, Tony Fleecs, Thom Zahler
2:00 – 3:00 Goosebumps – Jen Vaughn, Denton Tipton, Chris Fenoglio, Jeremy Lambert
2:00 – 3:00 Canto – David M. Booher, Drew Zucker
(*Convention exclusives available!)
3:00 – 4:00 Sonic The Hedgehog – Jennifer Hernandez, Evan Stanley
(*Convention exclusives available!)
The Top Shelf section of the booth will be filled all weekend with more great creators, too!
And for the kids, enjoy surprise visits on Saturday and Sunday by Cheer Bear and Grumpy Bear of Care Bear: Unlock the Magic fame!
PANEL SCHEDULE
IDW Publishing: The Next 20 Years
Thursday, 7/18/19, 12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m.
Room: 9
The past is prologue! IDW’s 20th anniversary celebrations lead here—as we set the course for the next 20 years of comics and more! IDW Editor in Chief John Barber leads a lively panel looking behind-the-scenes at what’s coming next and how we’re getting there, featuring New York Times bestselling author Delilah Dawson, Surfside Girls’ Kim Dwinell, and more favorites—plus top secret guests talking mind-blowing new projects. All this and a no-holds-barred Q&A!
IDW Games: Other People’s (Intellectual) Property
Thursday, 7/18/19, 2:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
Room: 9
Pop culture is virtually built upon the foundation of intellectual properties, and geek fandom loves to delve deep into the lore of the fictional worlds that we love. So how do companies get the chance to create products with other people’s I.P.s, and what does it take to make sure a product is going to please die-hard fans? Join Jerry Bennington and Spencer Reeve (IDW Publishing), and David Preti and Geoff Skinner (CMON Limited), as they discuss creating games and merchandise based on beloved I.P.s like Batman The Animated Series, God of War, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Bloodborne, and Dragon Ball Z.
Star Trek: Year Five – The Writer’s Room
Thursday, 7/18/19, 11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.
Room: 28DE
Step into the Writer’s Room of the critically acclaimed Star Trek: Year Five comic series! Join series writers Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Jody Houser, Brandon Easton, and Jim McCann as they discuss their collaboration on the first issues of the series and the wild places the Enterprise will go on its way back home.
IDW & Hasbro: Transformers – A Bold New Universe
Thursday, 7/18/19, 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m.
Room: 29AB
Celebrating 35 years of everyone’s favorite Robots in Disguise, IDW Publishing and Hasbro are proud to present a bold new universe with the launch of multiple new TRANSFORMERS titles! Join artist Livio Ramondelli (Transformers: Galaxies, Optimus Prime), writer Tyler Bleszinski (Transformers: Galaxies, Vox Media), Hasbro’s Michael Kelly (VP, Global Publishing), Erik Burnham (Transformers/Ghostbusters), and a few surprise guests as they talk about what’s new in Transformers comics, announce upcoming projects, and talk about how to make the next 35 years of TRANSFORMERS great! This More Than Meets the Eye panel is moderated by IDW Transformers editor David Mariotte.
Creating for Change: Tackling Big Issues with Great Books
Friday, 7/19/2019, 4:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.
Room: 4
In this exciting era of comics storytelling, marginalized communities, voices, and topics are being brought to the attention of audiences everywhere. Join creators Marc Andreyko (Love is Love), Harmony Becker (Himawari Share, They Called Us Enemy), Regine Sawyer (Women in Comics NYC Collective),and additional guests for a thoughtful discussion on the utility of sequential storytelling for stimulating meaningful debate, and dare we hope… change. Moderated by They Called Us Enemy co-author, Justin Eisinger.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Road to 100
Friday, 7/19/19, 2:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
Room: 23ABC
Join moderator Patrick Ehlers as he talks with TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, writer Tom Waltz and editor Bobby Curnow as they share behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of the longest running TMNT comic ever! The team will also share advance looks at the upcoming issues leading to the monumental milestone #100 issue which comes out this fall in addition to other news from IDW Publishing’s TMNT line!
Spotlight on Joe Hill & Gabe Rodriguez: Locke & Key Spectacular
Friday, 7/19/19, 12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m.
Room: 32AB
Locke & Key co-creators Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez re-unite to discuss the series’ impact, the all-new con-exclusive Locke & Key comic, the coming Netflix streaming series, and the (strong) likelihood of even more new L&K comics, too! Come join the authors and moderator/Locke & Key editor/IDW CCO Chris Ryall for a celebration of the landmark series in all its forms!
IDW Presents: Spotlight on Walter Simonson & Stan Sakai
Saturday, 7/20/19, 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m.
Room: 23ABC
Two industry legends for one low price! Walter Simonson and Stan Sakai need no introduction, but Scott Dunbier will give them one anyway! Come for the latest news on their creator-owned masterworks Ragnarök and Usagi Yojimbo, stay for fascinating tales of comic industry lore, Norse legends and feudal Japan! A must-see panel for any fan of these two talented, and longstanding artists. LATE ADDITION ADDED BONUS: The equally legendary Louise “Weezie” Simonson will be joining the fun!
IDW & Oni Press: Rick & Morty vs Dungeons & Dragons
Saturday, 7/20/19, 12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m.
Room: 25ABC
Oni Press, IDW, and Dungeons & Dragons are busting out the twenty-sided die for a second roll at Rick and Morty™vs. Dungeons & Dragons II: Painscape this fall, and we’re giving Comic Con attendees an exclusive sneak peak! The world’s greatest role-playing game returns to plague the world’s most dysfunctional animated family in the newly announced second series! Fan-favorite dice-dependent writer Jim Zub is joined by editor Chase Marotz, and Wizards of the Coast game designer Nathan Stewart for a full hour guaranteed to be more fun than any line for convention exclusives!
George Takei: They Called Us Enemy
Saturday, 7/20/19, 1:00p.m. – 2:00p.m.
Room: 25ABC
In his brand-new graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy, the beloved actor, author, and activist George Takei revisits his haunting childhood in American concentration camps, as one of 120,000 Japanese Americans imprisoned by the U.S. government during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon — and America itself — in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love. You’ll hear firsthand from George Takei, as well as his co-authors Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker, about this dark chapter of our nation’s history, its impact on Takei’s astonishing life, and its urgent relevance for today’s world.
SYFY and IDW Entertainment: Wynonna Earp
Saturday, 7/20/19, 5:00p.m. – 5:50p.m.
Room: Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Saddle up, Earpers! SYFY’s hit series and the 2018 People’s Choice Award Winner for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show is back. Just because a mind-blowing season finale put an end to Bulshar and the Earp curse, doesn’t mean Wynonna’s done kicking demon-ass or putting up one hell of a fight to rescue Waverly from the Garden of Eden. Join the cast and creators of the award-winning series based on the IDW Publishing comic book created by Beau Smith, as they tease the upcoming 4th season and look back at the show’s most hell-raising moments.
IDW: Comics for Kids!
Sunday, 7/21/19, 10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m.
Room: 23ABC
Ever wonder what it takes to make an all-ages comic? Ever want to try your hand at making your own? Join Kim Dwinell (Surfside Girls), James Kochalka (Johnny Boo), Sam Maggs (Marvel Action: Captain Marvel, My Little Pony), Jarod Roselló (Red Panda & Moon Bear), Evan Stanley (Sonic the Hedgehog), and IDW Publishing for a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite comics are made! It’s sure to be a morning full of fun activities, secret surprises, and much, much more! And bonus: a free comic for every kid in attendance!
IDW Publishing: Artist’s Editions & More!
Sunday, 7/21/19, 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Room: 32AB
Accept no substitutes! The one and only Artist’s Edition panel is here! The format pioneered by Scott Dunbier has blossomed into its own industry, with gorgeous original art books on shelves worldwide. But for the info on the Real McCoy, this is the place to be! Join Scott and a special guest or two, for inside info, and announcements of upcoming Artist’s Editions, Artisan Editions…and more!
IDW CONVENTION EXCLUSIVES
Only available for pick up at IDW’s SDCC booth #2729 throughout the convention!
COMICS
Canto #1
New cover by Drew Zucker
$10 each, Limited to 250 copies (*Limit 1 per person)
Care Bears #1, Con variant
Logo-free Cover by Agnes Garbowska
$5 each, Limited to 500 copies
GI Joe Real American Hero #264, Con Silent Master Variants
Toy Packaging Cover of Snake-Eyes, 5 different designs
$25 each, Limited to 100 copies each day
Each day, we will release 100 copies of one of the different Silent Master variants featuring the various toy packaging artwork of everyone’s favorite Ninja, Snake Eyes! Come back each day to build the set!
Locke & Key: Nailed It one-shot, Con variant
New Cover by Gabriel Rodriguez
$5 each, Limited to 1000 copies
Locke & Key: Nailed It one-shot, Deluxe Con variant
Logo-free Premium Cover by Gabriel Rodriguez
$10 each, Limited to 500 copies
Sonic Tangle & Whisper #1, Con variant
New Cover by Evan Stanley
$10 each, Limited to 500 copies
Star Pig #1, Con variant
Spot-Color Cover by Francesco Gaston
$10 each, Limited to 250 copies
Star Trek Year Five #1, Con variant
Negative Painted Cover by Greg Hildebrandt
$10 each, Limited to 500 copies
Star Wars Adventures #23, Con variant
Logo-free Cover by Tony Fleecs
$10, Limited to 500 copies
TMNT #93, Con variant
Blue Line Cover by Kevin Eastman
$10 each, Limited to 500 copies
***JUST ANNOUNCED***
TMNT #95, Surprise Reveal Con Variant
Cover by Dave Wachter
$100 each, Limited to 200 copies (*Limit 1 per person)
Due to the recent storyline in TMNT: City At War, we have created a unique “Spoiler Reveal” variant of TMNT #95 to commemorate the newest Turtle, Jennika! We’re bringing 200 copies of this book and limiting it to 1 per person. Not listed on the CCI Exclusives page, but find it at our booth #2729!
Transformers/Ghostbusters #1, Con variant
New Cover by Dan Schoening
$10 each, Limited to 500 copies
Usagi Yojimbo #1, Launch Tour variant
New Cover by Stan Sakai
$10 each, Limited to 150 copies
Wraith #7, Con variant
Photo Cover from NOS4A2 TV show
$10 each, Limited to 500 copies
BUNDLES
Ghostbusters 35th Anniversary Bundle Pack, 4 diff one-shots
New covers by Dan Schoening
$40 each, Limited to 500 packs
Pick up all 4 of our Ghostbusters 35th anniversary one-shot comic, each with a new “Movie-Poster” themed cover by Ghostbusters artist Dan Schoening!
GI Joe Silent Master Variant Ultimate Bundle, 10 comics in 1 bundle
Various artists & Toy Packaging art
$200 each, Limited to 50 bundles
Instead of coming each day to pick up the ultra-rare Silent Master Variant comic for that day, get all 5 regular Silent Master Variant comics (featuring various Snake Eyes Toy Packaging art) and get a BONUS 6th cover of Snake Eyes that is ONLY available in this bundle! We include 4 rare GI Joe variants from the past year, to make this the bundle you MUST own at the convention!
TMNT 35TH Anniversary Bundle, Box set plus free variants
Covers by Kevin Eastman
$50 each, Limited to 100 bundles
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by getting the 35th Anniversary Box Set of key reprints of Mirage TMNT #1-4 plus the Raphael one-shot! As a bonus, we are including THREE free Kevin Eastman TMNT variants from the last few years at NO additional charge!
Usagi Yojimbo & Ragnarok 2-pack, Connecting Virgin Variants
New covers by Walter Simonson & Stan Sakai
$20 per pack, Limited to 500 packs
Here’s your chance to own 2 limited edition variant comic books featuring a spectacular jam image of creators Stan Sakai and Walter Simonson drawing each others’ signature characters, all colored by Laura Martin! These 2 virgin comic books have color artwork on the front, and the inked version on the back! Grab them both and meet the creators during the show!
Wynonna Earp Deluxe Pack
$20, Limited to 150 packs
Pick up a Wynonna Earp Deluxe pack, containing a recent Convention photo variant, a RARE limited giveaway photo variant, and several bonus comics featuring photo covers of your favorite Wynonna Earp cast members!
TRADES / HARDCOVERS
Godzilla Kingdom of Monsters TP, Con variant
Sketch Cover by Alex Ross
$20, Limited to 250 copies
Legendary painter Alex Ross provides a con-exclusive sketch cover to this trade paperback! This trade paperback of Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters, by Eric Powell, is just in time for the newest release of Godzilla: King of Monsters in movie theaters, and the 55th anniversary of Godzilla!
Star Trek vs. Transformers TP, Con variant
Animation Cel Cover by Derek Charm
$20 each, Limited to 250 copies
Surfside Girls Volume 2, Show debut
Cover by Kim Dwinell
$15, 100 copies at the show
They Called Us Enemy Hardcover Edition, First release at SDCC!
Cover by Harmony Becker $30 each, 300 copies at the show
Get the hardcover version of George Takei’s gripping memoir, They Called Us Enemy, detailing his childhood where his family was sent to a Japanese American interment camp during World War II.
Available for Preorder – Click Here!
They Called Us Enemy Signed and Numbered Hardcover Edition, First release at SDCC!
Cover by Harmony Becker
$75 each, 300 copies at the show
Get a special signed and numbered hardcover version of George Takei’s gripping memoir, They Called Us Enemy, detailing his childhood where his family was sent to a Japanese American interment camp during World War II. This Signed and Numbered edition comes with a bound-in signature plate signed by the entire creative team, including George Takei!
Available for Preorder – Click Here!
Transformers vs. G.I. Joe Quintessential Collection HC, Signed/Numbered variant
Cover by Tom Scioli
$40 each, Limited to 200 copies
This special deluxe release hardcover collects the entire Transformers vs. GI Joe storyline written and drawn by visionary creator Tom Scioli, and comes with a bound-in signature plate, which is signed by Scioli and numbered to a scarce run of 200 copies.
Walter Simonson Star Wars Artist Edition, Con Foil Stamp variant
Cover by Walter Simonson
$125 each, Limited to 100 copies
This special Artist Edition, with a foil stamped cover by creator Walter Simonson, contains a wonderful run of Star Wars comics in the early 1980s that comics legends Walter Simonson and Tom Palmer collaborated on, before the release of The Empire Strikes Back.
MERCHANDISE
Locke & Key Logo & Emblem Enamel Pin Set
Crafted by Israel Skelton
$20, Limited to 100 sets
Locke & Key Replica Keys, 5 re-issued designs
Crafted by Israel Skelton
$26 each, Limited to 100 per design
Ragnarok & Usagi Yojimbo Jam Lithograph
$20 each, limited to 250 copies
Own the 24” by 18” lithograph featuring a spectacular jam image of creators Stan Sakai and Walter Simonson drawing each others’ signature characters, all colored by Laura Martin! Each lithograph will come with a poster tube, and you can get it double signed at our booth during the convention!
Zombicide TMNT pack #1, Con variant
Designed by CMON Games
$25 each, Limited to 1500
It’s an outbreak of high-flying, Zombie-killing, ninja action as the TMNT invade CMON’s hit board game, Zombicide! This SDCC exclusive pack #1 contains 4 characters from TMNT done in the iconic Zombicide style! Also, you can get pack #2 exclusively at the CMON Games booth #4928.
Director: Adhik Ravichandran
Starring: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Das, Trisha, Simran
Genre: Action / Crime Drama
Rating: 4.5/5
“Good Bad Ugly” centers on Red Dragon (Ajith Kumar), a notorious gangster who chooses to surrender himself in the hopes of turning over a new leaf and reuniting with his estranged son. However, when unforeseen threats emerge, Red Dragon is forced to step back into the dangerous underworld to protect the only family he has left.
“Good Bad Ugly” plays to the strengths of Ajith Kumar, delivering a fan-pleasing portrayal of both his vintage villainy and his matured emotional depth. Ajith’s powerful screen presence, coupled with his iconic voice, shines against Arjun Das’s brooding and intense new-age antagonist, creating an electric old-school versus new-school dynamic. The nostalgic return of Simran is a clever nod to longtime fans, bringing heart and familiarity. Trisha brings a strong, grounded performance as the moral compass in Red Dragon’s life, helping move the emotional threads of the story. The film smartly balances action, comedy, and sentimental fan-service moments.
While the film delivers on fan expectations, its narrative could have benefited from tighter pacing and deeper character development for its supporting cast. Some plot conveniences and an overreliance on nostalgia may limit broader audience appeal beyond the fanbase. Certain dramatic beats felt rushed, leaving little time for emotional resonance to fully land.
The ambition to blend high-octane action with heavy emotional stakes sometimes leads to tonal inconsistencies. At moments, the shift from gritty underworld drama to lighter fan moments feels abrupt. Additionally, though Ajith Kumar’s effort to showcase his dancing skills is commendable and welcomed by fans, it slightly disrupts the otherwise darker tone the film establishes.
“Good Bad Ugly” is a tribute to Ajith Kumar’s enduring legacy, offering vintage thrills while teasing new dimensions to his craft. It’s a solid entertainer that successfully taps into fan nostalgia while hinting at an exciting evolution for AK. While not without its flaws, the film’s heart, energy, and performances make it a must-watch for fans and a compelling action-drama for broader audiences.
In these uncertain times, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned horror movie. Unfortunately, Presence is not an old-fashioned horror movie. Yet, as I discovered, this is a good thing!
When I heard about the premise of this movie, I was intrigued. The stylishly subtle trailer was, appropriately, haunting. And was that Lucy Liu? A haunted house movie from the perspective of the ghost? As a seasoned horror movie buff, I was all in!
Like the majority of people I missed the films brief theatrical release. Luckily I was able to catch it on streaming. Visually the film is easy to enjoy from your own home, as it’s rather cosy looking. I never thought I’d be describing a horror movie as ‘cosy’ looking but it’s true! This is not a James Wan type creepy, dusty, decrepit house harbouring a haunting. No, this is a 100 year old jewel toned, oak finished colonial style home.
Despite this the story follows the beats we are all familiar with: troubled family of four move into a new house. The big deviation from the trope is we, the audience, are seeing events unfold from the POV of the ghost or presence.
Director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven) chose to film the entire piece using a small (14mm) hand-held digital camera. Soderbergh himself acted as the ‘presence’ following the actors around. From the audiences perspective it is like watching the family through a barrier or pane of glass. Cleverly, windows and mirrors are hugely prominent and integral throughout.
The presence mainly follows and tries to interact with the daughter of the family, Chloe (Callina Liang), who has recently suffered the trauma of her best friend dying suddenly. Through Soderbergh’s experimental filming, we feel the dysphoria and frustration the ‘ghost’ is feeling at trying to affect the world around it, particularly during the anxiety-inducing final scene!
However, in what could be yet another mismarketing of a film, the trailer promised to be the ‘scariest movie you will see this year’ and ‘terrifying’; instead, they delivered this subversive, character-driven, family drama. If you are expecting jump scares and dramatic music stings, this is not your movie. I could understand if someone was disappointed that the only seemingly scary thing is the mother’s and son’s relationship, right up until the gut-punch of the final scene.
Presence is definitely a slow burn, tension building until the final scene, and the unveiling of the ‘presence’ giving us a new understanding of the whole story. The ending is disturbing and stays with you as you re-analyse earlier scenes.
My one complaint is that the character Ryan (West Mulholland) with his Chesney Hawkes hair, perhaps needed more subtlety. The rest of the cast was completely solid and believable as a family with so many unspoken issues.
I wouldn’t recommend this film for everybody but maybe be as so bold to say it’s a horror movie for people that don’t like horror movies. It’s well-lit and cerebral with realistically flawed characters.
Presence is available to stream.
Three and a half stars.
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Historical
Runtime: Each episode runs approximately 20-30 minutes
Director: Lin Hun (also the Creator)
Studio: Samsara Animation Studio
Main Voice Actors (Chinese Cast):Liu Zhi Shi as Wen Ren Yu Xuan Zhou Qi as Shen Nong Fang Yuan as Xuan
Overview
Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a breathtaking Chinese anime (donghua) that merges traditional Chinese ink-painting aesthetics with high-intensity martial arts action. Created and directed by Lin Hun, this series delivers a spellbinding visual experience that rivals, and in many ways surpasses, mainstream Japanese anime. Produced by Samsara Animation Studio, the anime is a labor of love, known for its hand-drawn animation and meticulous detail.
Set in a mythological world where elemental beasts roam free, the series follows the Five Elemental Envoys tasked with protecting humanity. The story focuses on Wen Ren Yu Xuan, the Fire Envoy, whose actions set off a chain of events threatening the delicate balance between humans and beasts. The tale is steeped in Chinese folklore and myth, weaving a complex narrative of duty, power, and sacrifice.
Without question, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is one of the most visually stunning animated series in recent memory. The blend of traditional Chinese ink wash painting with modern dynamic action scenes is masterful. Every frame looks like a moving scroll painting, with fluid character movements and kinetic fight choreography that puts many mainstream series to shame.
The characters are deeply tied to traditional archetypes found in Chinese legends but are fleshed out with emotional depth and conflict. Voice acting by Liu Zhi Shi, Zhou Qi, and Fang Yuan brings authenticity and gravitas to their respective roles. The dialogue is steeped in poetic language, enhancing the mythic feel of the story.
The soundtrack complements the epic visuals with traditional Chinese instrumentation mixed with modern elements. The sound design heightens the impact of every battle and emotional moment.
Rating: 9/10
Fog Hill of the Five Elements earns a 9 out of 10 for its groundbreaking animation style, deep mythological storytelling, and heart-pounding action. The only downside is its limited number of episodes and slow release schedule, which leaves fans craving more.
Pros
- Unparalleled hand-drawn animation
- Unique art direction inspired by traditional Chinese painting
- Rich mythological lore
- Epic fight choreography
Cons
- Sparse episode release
- Story pacing can be uneven at times
Final Verdict 9/10
If you’re an anime enthusiast or a fan of animation artistry, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a must-watch. Its fusion of stunning visuals, martial arts action, and mythological storytelling makes it one of the standout titles in modern animation. Whether you’re into Japanese anime or Chinese donghua, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Review of “Good Bad Ugly”
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