The #1 digital comic platform, Webtoon, is set to return to New York Comic Con with an unprecedented five panels, lanyard sponsorship, and annual Green Room event, announced today. Webtoon will celebrate NYCC with an admirable slate of new and returning titles launching this week including the return of 2018 Eisner Nominee for Best Webcomic Brothers Bond (Kevin Grevioux, Ryan Benjamin), the next installment of Ringo Award Winner for Best Webcomic 1000 (Sanford Greene, Chuck Brown), Backchannel (Stan Lee, Tom Akel, Andie Tong), season 2 of The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn (Tri Vuong), Caster (Austin Harrison, Zach Howard, Mike Raicht, artist Jason Masters, original score and music by Robert Glasper and original song by Common), Finality (Warren Ellis, Colleen Doran), season 3 of Dents (Beth Behrs, Matt Doyle, Sid Kotian), Shadow Pirates (Sean Galloway, Ian Hopps, Cassey Kuo), season 2 of Nothing Special (Katie Cook), and Eat Fighter (Fred Van Lente, Crystal Skillman, Fernando Pinto) – more information below or visit webtoons.com.
Webtoon’s Road to NYCC follows an impressive number of Ringo Awards at last weekend’s 2018 Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards at Baltimore Comic-Con with a total of seven including Favorite Hero: Mags (Assassin Roommate), Favorite Villain: Arlo (unOrdinary), Favorite New Series: I Love Yoo, Favorite New Talent: Quimchee, Favorite Publisher: Line Webtoon, Best Comic Strip or Panel: Sarah’s Scribbles, and Best Webcomic: 1000, Chuck Brown and Sanford Greene! Webtoon featured creator Katie Cook (Nothing Special) – returning October 9! – gave the keynote address celebrating the success of this digital frontier. Click to watch the Ringo Awards.
Road to NYCC Launch Summary:
Dents (Beth Behrs, Matt Doyle, Sid Kotian) – Available NOW
Dents is an apocalyptic journey to the year 2111, where more than half of the world’s population has been wiped out by an ancient plague. After a vaccination is developed, there is a massive increase in the birth of identical twins possessing extraordinary powers, known in society as “Dents.” Following an incident at school, Eleanor learns that she herself is a Dent, separated from her twin at birth, and is quickly swept into an underground society of other Dents trying to survive. Dents returns for its final season and epic conclusion.
Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/sf/dents/list?title_no=671
Shadow Pirates (Sean Galloway, Ian Hopps, Cassey Kuo) – Available NOW
Mao, leader of The Yakooza Group, is stuck behind bars in Old San Diego following an unfortunate run in with The Shadow Pirates. After convincing a group of teenagers to aid in his escape by promising them a greater power than they can imagine the ultimate burst they are transported to New San Diego where they begin their adventure to unlock the burst in the form of The Four Horseman: war, pestilence, famine, and death.
Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/shadow-pirates/list?title_no=1455
Brothers Bond (Kevin Grevioux, Ryan Benjamin) – Available NOW
2018 Eisner Nominee for Best Webcomic – An exiled prince and his two blind samurai protectors set on a dangerous journey to reclaim their kingdom from demonic forces.
Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/action/brothersbond/list?title_no=1458
Backchannel (Stan Lee, Tom Akel, Andie Tong) – Available NOW
From Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment comes a sci-fi story following teenager Tom Tanner, a comic loving, engineering prodigy who was raised by his single father Martin, a police detective. On the surface, Tom is having an average high school life – struggling to stay on the lacrosse team, hiding his affections for his friend Sally, and trying to keep his head down and grades up. What his father and friends don’t know is that Tom is being recruited by BACKCHANNEL, a decentralized hactivist group causing havoc at prisons across the U.S.
Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/super-hero/backchannel/list?title_no=1456
The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn S2 (Tri Vuong) – Available NOW
Continues to follow the journey of the world’s greatest paranormal investigator – Oscar Zahn. Friend to lost souls, enemy of evil, he may lack a body but that doesn’t mean he’s missing a heart!
Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/the-strange-tales-of-oscar-zahn/list?title_no=685
Caster (Austin Harrison, Zach Howard, Mike Raicht, artist Jason Masters, featuring original song by Common and score by Robert Glasper) – October 4
Caster is an original multi-media comic series created by the team at Noble Transmission and featuring an original song and score from Oscar-Winning artist and actor, Common. Bringing together action-packed art and storytelling with original music to set the tone, Caster follows the adventures of a world traveling rare antiques dealer who gets caught up in a world of international espionage.
Finality (Warren Ellis, Colleen Doran) – October 5
Finality is a heightened crime drama about Felicity Rockall, the world’s greatest criminal investigator, and Amy Ash, the young DCIS special agent assigned to try and control the eccentric genius as they deal with a frightening murder mystery that may prove to be Felicity’s final case.
Eat Fighter (Fred Van Lente, Crystal Skillman, Fernando Pinto) – October 6
Eat Fighter is a competitive eating, zombie murder epic that follows Miss, a thirty-something fitness nut who throws away her kale and step-counting ways to become a superstar on the competitive eating circuit.
Nothing Special (Katie Cook) – October 9
Callie thinks that in the grand scheme of the worlds at large, she’s nothing special. With the unexpected addition of friendship and adventure into her life, she’s about to find out that she was very, very wrong.
Link: https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/nothing-special/list?title_no=1188
1000 (Sanford Greene, Chuck Brown) – October 11
2018 Ringo WINNER for Best Webcomic – Set in a modern world of aliens, warlocks, zombies, and ancient beasts, 1000 transports readers to a world like no other. The series follows Dragon Son – a supreme entity who’s abandoned all creation – as he struggles to return to his true Dragon form by completing 1,000 acts of repentance.
Season 1:
https://www.webtoons.com/en/action/one-thousand/list?title_no=1217
Webtoon embark on the Road To NYCC celebrating the 2018 New York Comic Con at the Javits Center in New York, October 4 -7, 2018. Webtoon is the lanyard sponsor and have five panels featuring appearances by top creators including Dean Haspiel, Sanford Greene, Common, Monica Gallagher – more information on panels below.
Thursday, October 4
WEBTOON PRESENTS “CASTER” FEATURING COMMON
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Location: Room 1A10 – Javits Center
Description: Please join us for the launch of Caster, an all-new original digital comic series premiering on Webtoon from Noble Transmission and Freedom Road Productions and featuring original music and score by Common and Robert Glasper. Join Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy and 3x Grammy Award winner Common, Freedom Road Productions Managing Partner Derek Dudley, co-creator Austin Harrison, artist Jason Masters, writer Mike Raicht, and Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel for a special look at the series and discussion of this unique series.
Link: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Sessions/66475/Webtoon-Presents-Caster-Featuring-Common
Friday, October 5
SPOTLIGHT ON MONGIE (LET’S PLAY)
Time: 3:15pm – 4:15pm
Location: Anime Fest – Mirai Stage – Pier 94 – NOTE: TIX STILL AVAILABLE
Description: Fans will get a one-on-one experience with the popular creator of Webtoon’s Let’s Play (1.7million subscribers, more than 88 million views, with more than 3 million views per week–and it’s her debut comic!), Leanne “Mongie” Krecic. Her artwork can be seen on IGN, AdultSwim, YouTube, Freeblades, and ImagineFX Magazine.
Speakers: David Lee, Leeanne “Mongie” Krecic
Link: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Contributors/6647236/Leeanne-Krecic-aka-Mongie
WOMEN INCORPORATED: WEBTOON EMPOWERS CREATORS
Time: 6:45pm – 7:45pm
Location: Room 1A21 – Javits Center
Description: Webtoon has one of the most diverse rosters of creators, with more than 65% female creators and 75% female readership – astonishing figures in the entertainment community! Our female creators cover multiple genres including Fantasy, Slice of Life, Horror, Romance, and more. Hear from some of Webtoon’s top creators on how they broke into the business, found their voice, and some of the challenges they met along the way.
Speakers: Tom Akel, Yen Ee aka Fishball (My Giant Nerd Boyfriend), Monica Gallagher (Assassin Roommate), Leeanne Krecic aka Mongie (Let’s Play), Katie Cook (Nothing Special), and Chelsey Han aka uru-chan (unOrdinary)
Link: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Sessions/65974/Women-Incorporated-Webtoon-Empowers-Creators
Saturday, October 6
WELCOME TO THE DIGITAL AGE OF COMICS
Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: 1B03 – Javits Center
Description: Panel discussion from the big three on the success of digital comics. No longer does a creator have to wait for print and ship, you can go live when you are ready and get immediate feedback from fans. For creators what it takes to join a platform. For readers, the diversity of content is endless.
Speakers: Heidi MacDonald (Moderator, Editor The Beat), Tom Akel (Head of Content, Webtoon; co-writer Backchannel), Dean Haspiel (creator The Red Hook, War Cry), Michael Son (Editor in Chief, Tapas), Michi (creator Born Sexy Tomorrow, The God in the Field), Ben Wolstenholme (CEO/co-founder Madefire; creator MO NO)
Link: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Sessions/65982/Welcome-to-the-Digital-Age-of-Comics
Webtoon Creators – Interview SyFy Live stage
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Show Floor, Level 3, Booth 174
Details: Fabian Nicieza, Reilly Brown, Monica Gallagher, M. Victoria Robado, Tom Akel
BREAKING IN AND MONETIZING YOUR COMICS WITH WEBTOON
Location: Room 1A02 – Javits Center
Time: 7:45pm – 8:45pm
Description: Looking to break into creator-owned comics with the world’s largest comics publisher? Hear from creators including Shen (Blue Chair), Fabian Nicieza (Outrage),
M. Victoria Robado (#Blessed), Sanford Greene (1000), and Jin Kim (Webtoon Community Manager/Creator Care) on what it takes to break into the industry, how they’ve built their fanbases through Webtoon, and how to survive once you’re a full-time creator. Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel will walk you through how to publish and promote your own IP on the Discover platform, provide details on Webtoon’s new ad sharing program, their partnership with Patreon, and the eight finalists will be introduced.
Link: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Sessions/66890/Breaking-In-And-Monetizing-Your-Comics-With-Webtoon
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.
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
Devara Part 1 dives deep into the heart of coastal India, merging high-stakes action with rich, emotional storytelling. Directed by Koratala Siva, this movie delivers both visually arresting cinematography and a gritty, dramatic narrative that examines the impact of power, loyalty, and revenge. The film stars Jr. NTR as Devara, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, both in pivotal roles. With its mix of action, suspense, and drama, Devara has quickly become a must-watch on Netflix.
The film is set in a fictional coastal region, where Devara, played by Jr. NTR, emerges as a man caught in the crossfire of a world rife with ambition and betrayal. The narrative pivots around land issues and the power struggles within the community, which expose Devara’s journey from a common man to a feared figure within his circle. Saif Ali Khan’s antagonist is a complex and calculated character whose machinations add depth to the storyline, setting the stage for a high-stakes conflict with Devara.
The film uses classic Bollywood tropes of revenge and honor but explores them through a modern lens. Devara’s journey is marked by his raw emotional drive and relentless courage, and the character’s depth makes him a gripping protagonist. Janhvi Kapoor adds a softer, more vulnerable counterbalance as Devara’s love interest, providing relief amid the film’s intensity.
Jr. NTR shines in the title role, embodying Devara with both intensity and vulnerability. His transformation into this hardened figure is subtle and believable, allowing viewers to empathize with his struggles. Saif Ali Khan, as the antagonist, is charismatic yet menacing, bringing layers to his role that make him much more than a standard villain. Janhvi Kapoor, while not the primary focus, delivers a grounded performance, effectively conveying the emotional depth needed in a film as intense as this.
One of the strongest elements of Devara Part 1 is its cinematography. Siva and his team bring the coastal setting to life, with expansive shots that capture the rugged beauty of the region. Each scene is meticulously crafted to capture the landscape’s natural colors and textures, lending authenticity to the story. The high-quality production value, along with the tight pacing and impressive action sequences, ensures that the audience remains engaged from start to finish.
Korotala Siva’s direction keeps the narrative’s emotional core intact while focusing on action and drama. The way he layers tension and reveals character motives adds a degree of realism rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
At its core, Devara is about the moral complexities that arise when survival and loyalty collide. It tackles themes of power, corruption, and revenge, all within a tightly woven plot that never strays too far from the human element. The film also dives into social issues, shedding light on the systemic corruption affecting the lives of ordinary people in coastal India. Devara’s journey is one of self-discovery and confrontation with societal norms, and this depth keeps the film compelling beyond its action sequences.
The film also sets up exciting possibilities for Devara Part 2, hinting at an even deeper exploration of these themes, as the stakes rise and alliances shift.
Devara Part 1 combines strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a gripping storyline. While it does lean on some familiar tropes, the story’s authenticity and Siva’s nuanced direction make it a worthwhile watch. The movie’s pacing, engaging plot twists, and character-driven drama make it hard to turn away.
Rating: 4.3/5 Devara Part 1 is a compelling drama that balances action and emotion, making it a standout in Netflix’s lineup. It’s perfect for viewers looking for a powerful storyline mixed with well-executed action. Highly recommended for fans of Bollywood cinema and anyone who appreciates stories with moral complexity.
Gladiator 2 Builds On The Legacy Of Its Predecessor,
Wicked Soars As A Dazzling Spectacle
Movie Review: Devara Part 1 (Streaming on Netflix)
How the TV Show ‘Buffy’ handled SA
SDAFF 2024 presents ‘All We Imagine As Light’: A beacon in the darkness
Is This the Scariest Movie Ever?
Sweetpea
How the TV Show ‘Buffy’ handled SA
Venom Last Dance Delivers a Solid Conclusion To Eddie Brock and Venom’s Chaotic Journey
Anime Review: Tower of God
Comic-Con 2024: Arthur C Clarke’s Venus Prime TV series
Comic-Con 2024: Max Collins’s TRUE NOIR
Comic-Con 2024: Will Wight’s Cradle
Interview With Heroes & Villains Creative Director Doug Johnson
Thatsmye Interviews: Les Weiler on Henchin’: the Series
