Announcing Amazon Prime Video’s lineup for Comic-Con International in San Diego, featuring the Amazon Original Series The Tick and kids series Danger & Eggs and Niko and the Sword of Light.
In addition to cast and creator panels, autograph signings and sneak peeks at all three series (complete schedule below), Amazon is creating an immersive Tick experience for Con attendees.
“Citizens” will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in world of The Tick at Amazon Prime Video’s Tick Takeover, a movie set level design experience positioned directly across from the San Diego Convention Center on MLK Promenade (on the corner of 1st and J streets). With fully built out buildings from “The City,” a twenty-foot tall animatronic Tick head, and “Easter eggs” harkening back to the show, The Tick Takeover is poised to give fans the journey of a lifetime. Additional details include a unique queueing experience, challenge-based scavenger hunt and the Amazon Prime Member Lounge.
In addition to the activation, Con attendees will be able to call upon the #TeamTick street team for help when they are in a bind. Need help with that selfie? Have a painful blister? Have no fear… Team Tick is here! In true Tick form, Team Tick will be taking to the streets of San Diego helping the helpless and defending the defenseless. Citizens seeking assistance from the street team need only flag down a member of Team Tick, adorned with blue antenna, to get help.
Amazon Prime Video Comic-Con Schedule
– Amazon Prime Presents: The Tick Takeover
Thursday, July 20: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday, July 21: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday, July 22: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday, July 23: 9:00am – 5:00pm
MLK Promenade (corner of 1st and J streets).
– The Tick Autograph Signing
(limited signing – drawing for line tickets to be held Friday 9:00am – 10:00am in the autograph area)
Friday, July 21, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
San Diego Convention Center, Sails Pavilion Booth AA07
– The Tick Panel
Friday, July 21, 4:45pm – 5:45pm
San Diego Convention Center, Room 6A
Moderator: Ralph Garman
Panelists: Executive Producer Barry Josephson, David Fury, Executive Producer Ben Edlund, cast members Peter Serafinowicz, Griffin Newman, Jackie Earle Haley, Valorie Curry, Yara Martinez, Brendan Hines, Scott Speiser and Michael Cerveris
Panelists subject to change
– Danger & Eggs Panel
Sunday, July 23, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
San Diego Convention Center, Room 24ABC
Moderator: Chris Hardwick (Executive Producer)
Panelists: Creator and Executive Producer Shadi Petosky, Creator and Executive Producer Mike Owens, cast members Aidy Bryant, Eric Knobel, Jasika Nicole, Charlyne Yi and Stephanie Beatriz
Panelists subject to change
– Niko and the Sword of Light Panel
Sunday, July 23, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
San Diego Convention Center, Room 24ABC
Moderator: Tom Kenny
Panelists: Executive Producer Rob Hoegee, Executive Producer Jim Bryson, Executive Producer Bobby Chiu, cast members Kari Wahlgren, Dee Bradley Baker and Jim Cummings
– Danger & Eggs and Niko and the Sword of Light Autograph Signing
limited signing – drawing for line tickets to be held Sunday 9:00am – 10:00am in the autograph area)
Sunday, July 23, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
San Diego Convention Center, Sails Pavilion Booth AA05
The Tick
The Tick, a new Amazon Original, centers on an underdog accountant, Arthur Everest, with zero powers who comes to realize his city is owned by a global super villain long-thought dead. As he struggles to uncover this conspiracy, he falls in league with a strange blue superhero…The Tick! Join cast members Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy, Parks and Recreation), Griffin Newman (Search Party), Jackie Earle Haley (Preacher), Valorie Curry (The Following), Yara Martinez (Jane the Virgin, True Detective), Brendan Hines (Suits, Scorpion), Scott Speiser (The Young and the Restless), Michael Cerveris (The Good Wife), and moderator Ralph Garman (Kevin and Bean Morning Show, Family Guy), and executive producers Ben Edlund (the creator of The Tick), Barry Josephson (Bones), and David Fury (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) for an exclusive world premiere screening of the second episode of The Tick followed by an audience Q&A. The Tick premieres on August 25 on Amazon Prime Video. The series is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television.
Danger & Eggs
Danger & Eggs, a new Amazon Original for kids, follows the endless adventures of a fearless, teal-haired girl named D.D. Danger (Aidy Bryant) and her ever cautious best friend, a giant talking egg named Phillip (Eric Knobel). D.D. is always chasing her next big thrill and luckily for her, Phillip is always there by her side with jerry-rigged safety mechanisms to make her thrill-seeking dreams come true. Join moderator Chris Hardwick (Talking Dead, @midnight) as he talks with the show’s voice talent Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live) and Eric Knobel (Huge Theater), along with guest voice talent Charlyne Yi (Knocked Up), Jasika Nicole (Fringe), Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and the show’s creators Shadi Petosky (Yo Gabba Gabba!, Mad) and Mike Owens (Yo Gabba Gabba!, Animaniacs), for a screening of an episode of Danger & Eggs and an audience Q&A. Danger & Eggs is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video.
Niko and the Sword of Light
Niko and the Sword of Light is based on the motion graphic comic by Imaginism Studios, Inc., the studio behind character and concept designs for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Men in Black 3, and Studio NX (The Carrot and Rabbit Show, Tree Fu Tom). Executive produced by Rob Hoegee (Generator Rex, League of Super Evil, Storm Hawks, Teen Titans) and animated by Titmouse (Motorcity, Metalocalpyse, Turbo FAST, Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja), Niko and the Sword of Light follows ten-year-old Niko who is the last of his kind in a strange, fantastical world. He must embark on an epic quest to defeat the darkness and bring the light back to his land. Armed with his magic sword, brave Niko journeys to the Cursed Volcano, making new friends and powerful foes along the way, all while uncovering secrets about his mysterious past. Moderated by Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), join the show’s additional voice talent Kari Wahlgren (Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness), Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad!) and Jim Cummings (Shrek), along with Rob Hoegee, Imaginism’s Bobby Chiu, and Studio NX’s Jim Bryson for a sneak peek and an audience Q&A.
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
Movie
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
Movie
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.