War Machine Marketing has teamed up with artists throughout North America to create some of the most intricate, special, limited-edition items. Though their custom trade is year-round, some incredibly special items are being made for San Diego Comic Con 2018. From Star Wars characters that have never had their own action figure, to the re-imagining of some of our favorite characters, War Machine Marketing creates pieces SO limited and exclusive that to own one puts the collector in a category all their own.
War Machine Marketing is doing 4 different custom items based on the Funko line of figures. Each item will be sold to the winners of a lottery. One per day. Tickets will be given out each morning between 9-11am and the drawing will occur at noon each day. Winners must be at the booth to make the purchase immediately following the drawing.
The maniacal clown, PENNYWISE from the hit movie, IT, gets a brand-new treatment from the hands of amazing artist, Richie Mitchell. Pennywise is presented in his underground home next to a sewer pipe where words inside the pipe read “WE ALL FLOAT DOWN HERE”. The artist has also added a way to put batteries in the scene, to make the lights of Pennywise’s eyes and the words in the sewer pipe light up! It’s an amazing effect and one that will blow away fans of the movie. The Pennywise scene is limited to 5 numbered pieces at $350 per piece.
Artist Ben Flater has created 5 glitter-encrusted crustacean creations! Pop figures of Tamatoa from the hit Disney movie, MOANA, have been hand-foiled in shiny glitter to complement the character’s song in the movie. His entire body is covered in colorful glitter, giving him an amazing shine in any light. Even HE would be impressed with the shiny veneer! The Tamatoa figure is limited to 5 numbered pieces at $200 per piece.
War Machine’s DIAMOND TRIBUTE to the one and only Carrie Fisher debuts at SDCC as well. A crystal-encrusted version will be made available of her Princess Leia character from STAR WARS EPISODE 4: A NEW HOPE. This beautiful figure took over 12 hours to create by hand with over 2,400 crystals adorning every part of her from her signature hair buns to her skin to her white dress. This truly highlights the artist’s and company’s love of Star Wars. This piece is limited to 5 numbered pieces with commemorative card inserts at $200 per piece.
Ben Flater’s amazing Merc With A Mouth, DEADPOOL, is like nothing that has ever been seen! Deadpool has had many iterations of his character over the years from samurais to cooks to even a version of friendly artist, Bob Ross. This mash-up is of him laying down as a mermaid. We wanted to make sure that our makeover included multicolored crystals to highlight his…*ahem* added attributes. He is covered with over 2,400 crystals by hand taking over 7 hours per figure. This piece is limited to 3 numbered pieces.
War Machine Marketing will also be a sponsor for the sold-out 501st Legion Party during San Diego Comic Con 2018. For this event, and to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the insanely bizarre (and often reviled) Star Wars Holiday Special which debuted and was shown only once back in 1978, War Machine Marketing is proud to have created an action figure of the late Bea Arthur’s bartender character, ACKMENA. She will come with 8 points of articulation as well as a blaster pistol, a pitcher and cup. Her action figure was created by long time War Machine Marketing collaborator, Kevin Ferrier for SWK ACTION FIGURES and the custom card was done by Scott Kruger of Scott Kruger Graphic design. This is a one of a kind action figure and the lucky winner of this item will have the ONLY carded version of this figure in the world!
War Machine Marketing will also be showcasing many other custom action figures at their booth (#1415) at San Diego Comic Con including action figures that were never put into production, custom action figures of people, and mash ups that will blow people’s minds!
Streaming
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Rating: (4/5)
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, is a visually ambitious sci-fi film featuring an ensemble of Indian cinema legends, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. The film is set in a dystopian future with a storyline that weaves mythology and science fiction, creating a unique cinematic experience for viewers.
The film’s narrative unfolds in a futuristic society where technology and ancient themes intersect. It begins with an immersive setup that introduces us to Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, who grapples with complex moral and existential questions in a world marked by political and ethical turmoil. Although the pacing can feel slow in parts, especially as it establishes the mythological underpinnings, the intensity and scope build significantly as the story progresses.
One of the most captivating aspects is the stunning visual effects. The production team, with a budget reportedly over 400 crore INR, utilized advanced CGI to craft expansive landscapes, dramatic space battles, and futuristic cityscapes that resemble scenes from Hollywood sci-fi giants. The action sequences, particularly those featuring Bachchan, stand out with their thrilling choreography and careful dramatic build-up. These sequences balance between traditional Indian cinema stylings and Hollywood’s polished sci-fi tropes.
While Kalki 2898 AD relies heavily on genre conventions, it manages to bring a fresh twist by blending mythological symbolism with modern sci-fi elements. However, some may find the film’s narrative occasionally predictable, and the focus on visual spectacle occasionally overshadows character development. Yet, the powerhouse performances from the lead cast, particularly Bachchan and Padukone, provide the emotional depth needed to keep audiences engaged.
In summary, Kalki 2898 AD is an impressive venture into the sci-fi genre for Indian cinema, successfully balancing myth with high-tech fantasy. While not without flaws, it’s an enjoyable and bold cinematic experience that’s worth a watch for fans of both Indian mythology and science fiction.
Movie
Gladiator 2 Builds On The Legacy Of Its Predecessor,
Gladiator 2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, delivering a captivating story that honors the original while forging a compelling new path. The cast shines in their roles, with Paul Mescal delivering a powerhouse performance as Lucius, the now-grown son of Maximus. Mescal captures a blend of vulnerability and strength, embodying a character driven by both honor and revenge. Alongside him, Denzel Washington commands the screen, adding gravitas and depth to a key supporting role
The screenplay is a triumph, keeping the audience engaged at every turn. While the overarching story gives you a sense of where it’s headed, the journey remains unpredictable, and packed with twists. The film balances themes of legacy, vengeance, and redemption, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.
Action sequences, particularly the gladiatorial combat, are visually pleasing. The fights are brutal and visceral, with just enough gore to feel authentic without veering into excess. Visually, Gladiator 2 is stunning. The production design, cinematography, and score come together to create a visceral and immersive experience.
As a follow-up to a beloved classic, Gladiator 2 meets expectations, proving to be both a thrilling spectacle and a worthy successor. It’s a 9/10—a tale of honor and legacy.
Movie
Wicked Soars As A Dazzling Spectacle
Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, the long-awaited cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical, soars as a dazzling spectacle that captivates audiences with its lush visuals, heartfelt performances, and rich storytelling. The film, the first in a two-part series, delves into the origins of Elphaba and Glinda, exploring their unlikely friendship and the events that transform them into the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) lead the cast with exceptional performances. Erivo’s powerful vocals and nuanced portrayal of Elphaba’s internal struggles bring depth to the character. Grande, in her most notable film role to date, is both hilarious and heartfelt as Glinda, perfectly capturing her charm and comedic timing. Supporting performances by Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard) add layers to the narrative, enriching the world of Oz with compelling subplots.
Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, brings his signature style to Wicked, blending vibrant visuals with emotional resonance. The production design by Nathan Crowley is stunning, vividly rendering Oz with grandeur, from the Emerald City to Shiz University. Paul Tazewell’s costume design is equally striking, updating the Broadway look with cinematic flair. The score, by Stephen Schwartz and John Powell, retains iconic musical numbers like “Defying Gravity” while incorporating new arrangements that heighten their cinematic impact.
Critics have hailed Wicked as one of the best musical-to-film adaptations in decades, rivaling Chicago and Mamma Mia. Chu’s decision to split the adaptation into two parts allows for a deeper exploration of the story, giving audiences time to connect with the characters and their journeys. Fans of the Broadway show will appreciate its faithfulness to the source material, while newcomers will be enchanted by its universal themes of acceptance, ambition, and friendship.
With Wicked, Jon M. Chu has delivered a masterpiece that sets a new standard for musical adaptations. The film is a visual and emotional triumph, showcasing unforgettable performances and a meticulously crafted world. Whether you’re a fan of the original musical or new to the story, Wicked is a must-see cinematic event.
Rating: 3.5/5