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Dispatch Review: Hilarious With The Ability To Replay Infinitely

Tessa Smith
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Dispatch Review: Hilarious With The Ability To Replay Infinitely

AdHoc and Critical Role’s game Dispatch is a hilarious workplace comedy that gives gamers the chance to play it over and over again.

"I Just Saw a Mustache and I Was In": Talking Dispatch's Shady Superheroes with the Cast

Dispatch, the collaborative interactive narrative from AdHoc Studio and Critical Role, immediately sets itself apart from other games, as you have never really played one like this before. It took me less than ten minutes to become completely addicted, and I found myself playing it over and over again so that I could explore different narrative paths.

The game’s premise is hilarious: imagine a group of super-powered misfits and reformed villains forced into the mundane, bureaucratic life of a call center. You play as Robert Robertson (yes that is his real name), who was once a hero himself but due to extenuating circumstances, was forced into a bit of a sabatical. He takes a job as a dispatcher, sending reformed supervillians out to help solve crimes and the like. The key to the game is to pick the right person for the job, which is often easier said than done.

"I Just Saw a Mustache and I Was In": Talking Dispatch's Shady Superheroes with the Cast

What truly drives the experience is the incredible replayability offered by the branching narrative. Every time you play again, you can explore the various consequences of your choices, mixing and matching, making the possibilities seem endless.

On top of that, visually, the game is a feast. The animation is absolutely gorgeous. Honestly, its quality puts Dispatch on a level rarely seen in video games. This polish complements the chaotic charm of the Z-Team – a collection of profoundly flawed characters who are ultimately relatable. It is easy to find yourself invested in each one, and their respective story lines. Once again, making it almost impossible not to replay Dispatch over and over.

At the core, Dispatch embraces the powerful theme that redemption is possible. The player is tasked with guiding these lovable losers to do the right thing, making it a uniquely essential entry in the interactive genre.

About Dispatch

Dispatch is a superhero workplace comedy where choices matter. Manage a dysfunctional team of misfit heroes and strategize who to send to emergencies around the city, all while balancing office politics, personal relationships, and your own quest to become a hero.

Dispatch will be available to play on Steam October 22nd, 2025.

NEXT: “I Just Saw A Mustache & I Was In”: Talking Dispatch’s Shady Superheroes With The Cast

“I Just Saw A Mustache & I Was In”: Talking Dispatch’s Shady Superheroes With The Cast

Tessa Smith
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0
“I Just Saw A Mustache & I Was In”: Talking Dispatch’s Shady Superheroes With The Cast

The Dispatch cast reveals the chaos, comedy, and redemption of rehabilitating super-villains, the focus of the new AdHoc and Critical Role game.

AdHoc Studio and Critical Role’s new interactive narrative game, Dispatch, offers gamers a unique, chaotic, and hilarious take on the superhero genre. The game puts players into the world of the Z-Team, a motley crew of rehabilitated super-villains forced to perform everyday hero tasks under the watchful – and often bewildered – eyes of their dispatchers. The power to influence the story and forge relationships with this deeply flawed, yet endearing, cast of characters is at the heart of the game’s appeal. The decision-based format gives the game high replay value (Yes, I have already played the first four episodes through multiple times).

Mama’s Geeky recently sat down with several members of the star-studded cast – Laura Bailey (Invisigal), Erin Yvette (Blonde Blazer), Alanah Pearce (Malevola), Mayanna Berrin (Coupe), Thot Squad (Prism), Travis Willingham (Phenomaman), Joel Haver (Waterboy), and the hilarious in-character Lance Cantstopolis (also known as Flambae) – to discuss what drew them to the project, their characters’ designs, and the diversity that a branching narrative offers.

Navigating The Branching Narrative Of Dispatch

"I Just Saw a Mustache and I Was In": Talking Dispatch's Shady Superheroes with the Cast

The replayability of Dispatch is a major draw for those who get invested in the games they play. The branching narrative allowing players to make dramatically different choices on subsequent playthroughs – and yes, it is really, really fun! This design choice, reminiscent of classic narrative games, was a key factor for the cast.

Travis Willingham, who voices the intergalactic hero Phenomaman, notes the immediate addiction: “I, too, played halfway through the game, went back, played it a second time, played it through to completion, and then started my third playthrough. So I know the pain.”

Erin Yvette, the voice of superheroine Blonde Blazer, spoke about the thrill of this narrative style as both a gamer and a voice actor. “I grew up playing branching narrative games,” she shared. “I’m the type of person who platinumed Heavy Rain. I played through Heavy Rain… I love this sort of storytelling because it puts a huge onus on the player to have fun and explore and wonder… But as a voice actor, it’s so fun to be a part of that story for people.”

She also highlighted the artistic joy of recording the different emotional paths: “Just even as a voice actor to be in the booth and just do so many different ways, like something will happen and then you get to do it five different ways. You’re sad, then you’re angry, is fun as a performer.”

The unique structure demands immense organizational effort, which Mayanna Berrin (Coupe) credits to the AdHoc team. “It can be really tough, keeping track of different directions things are heading in and being reminded of where your character is at a certain time,” she admitted. “But the team at AdHoc was just so good about making sure we knew where we were and what we were doing or what choices had happened in context.”

The Art & Comedy Of Superhero Messes

"I Just Saw a Mustache and I Was In": Talking Dispatch's Shady Superheroes with the Cast
Left to Right: Erin Yvette (Blonde Blazer) & Laura Bailey (Invisigal),

A key element that sets Dispatch apart is its gorgeous animation and its commitment to comedic chaos. The creators, including former Telltale veterans Nick Herman and Pierre Shorette, sought to break new ground both narratively and visually.

“I love when artists free themselves of their shackles to do something new and exciting,” Yvette explained. Seeing the early animation tests, she knew the project was special: “This is so new for video games to have this high fidelity of hand made animation… it’s really exciting to be involved with a game that is pushing the boundaries narratively and also visually in such a beautiful way.”

The inherent humor of putting flawed, superpowered individuals into mundane yet critical situations is a recipe for laughs. Lance Cantstopolis (also known as Flambae) described the game as “effed up superheroes meets The Office.” This blend of superheroics and workplace comedy clearly resonated with the cast.

Travis Willingham’s character, Phenomaman, even serves as the hilariously stilted voice of the in-game tutorial, a role he relished. “They were very keen on him not understanding the subtlety of that and being very stilted in the read, like trying to put on a powerful voice. But his emphasis is falling in wrong places… That that was so fun and interesting to me because it helps not just the in-game tutorial move by faster, but if we can make you laugh while it’s happening, then it’s sort of serving double duty.”

Getting To Know The Z-Team

"I Just Saw a Mustache and I Was In": Talking Dispatch's Shady Superheroes with the Cast
Left to Right: Lance Cantstopolis (Flambae), Travis Willingham (Phenomaman) & Joel Haver (Waterboy),

During our interview, cast members also revealed what they love most about the chaotic heroes they bring to life.

Laura Bailey as Invisigal

Laura Bailey’s Invisigal (a cool assassin who uses psychic knives) is described as deeply guarded and working against herself. Bailey explains the core of her character: “She has a mask up, right, of a self-defense of just, like, I don’t want to get hurt, and therefore I’m going to hurt before you have the opportunity to come at me.” She cherishes the moments when the player’s choices can penetrate that façade.

And, of course, a fun, meta moment came up when discussing the game’s origin. The interviewer mentioned that Travis Willingham was convinced to join the project after seeing Laura’s work. To this, Bailey lightheartedly quipped:

“I figured I probably broke a couple NDAs with allowing him to see that, but thank goodness I did. I think it really changed the trajectory of even like Critical Role’s [involvement], what we did because of that vertical slice.”

Bailey also touched on the joy of working with her Critical Role friends on other projects: “It’s always a blast… anytime we get to work together outside of Critical Role, it’s like, ‘Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.’ You know, you feel like your buddies are joining the cast. It’s the best.”

Erin Yvette as Blonde Blazer

Erin Yvette views her character as the superhero ideal: “I think Blazer’s what a lot of people have in their heads as the quintessential super heroine… She’s a do-gooder. She sees the good in everyone… and then she also gets to have this really human side of her, which is the desire to not always be seen as the superhero, but also a woman of many qualities.”

Alanah Pearce as Malevola

For Alanah Pearce, the appeal of her character, Malevola, was beautifully simple: “There are many cool things about Malevola, but I think a hot demon lady with a giant sword who can teleport through portals. Yeah. It’s pretty awesome. You can’t really go wrong.”

Mayanna Berrin as Coupe

As both a writer and actor on the project, Mayanna Berrin had a unique perspective on Coupe: “I think the thing I love about Coupe is that if you do get a chance to get to know her well, you find there’s little things about her that are really sweet and warm that she maybe isn’t comfortable sharing with everybody.”

Thot Squad as Prism

Thot Squad’s character, Prism, is defined by her absolute self-confidence and refusal to compromise.

“I love my character, her, I don’t give a f–k, I do not care attitude. I don’t know what the rules are. She’s going to say what she wants when she wants. She’s going to do what she wants… She doesn’t shrink down for nobody. That’s my favorite thing. She’s herself.”

Thot Squad also shared a touching personal reflection on seeing a Black character in the game who looks like her, who is “allowed to exist in a world where she’s not being told to be anything other than what she is,” highlighting the importance of representation.

Travis Willingham as Phenomaman

Travis Willingham’s Phenomaman is a classic, big superhero type, but with a twist. The hero is from another planet and “doesn’t understand subtlety.” Willingham admits that after seeing what his wife, Laura Bailey, was working on, he called up the AdHoc team, asked them everything he could, and was “just absolutely smitten”.

Travis goes on to explain, “They were like, ‘we actually have this other character Phenomaman… He’s got that big, typical superhero type sound… Are you interested?’ And I was like, yes, I don’t know what that means. But yes, let’s dive in.” He adds that the first time he saw Phenomaman, he was thrilled. “I just saw a mustache and I was in. I am a sucker for a power stache.“

Joel Haver as Waterboy

Waterboy, voiced by Joel Haver, is described as lanky and awkward.

“My guy is lanky and weird. I like how his arms are always dangling by his side.”

The Relatability Of The Misfits

"I Just Saw a Mustache and I Was In": Talking Dispatch's Shady Superheroes with the Cast
Left to Right: Thot Squad (Prism), Alanah Pearce (Malevola) & Mayanna Berrin (Coupe)

Part of the charm of Dispatch is the group of misfits that, even though they are terrible at times, you just cannot help but love them. During the interview I asked the cast what it is about a group of misfits that draws people in.

Willingham summed up the sentiment perfectly: “We’re all misfits. We’re all just trying not to f–k it up too much and string together a couple of wins if possible.” He contrasted this with traditional superhero narratives: “There are plenty of superhero stories over the decades where people are altruistic… It’s 2025, man. Everything’s a mess. People are intricate and complicated. And I think there’s so much humor in there as well that when you throw these personalities together from all these various backgrounds… there’s got to be interesting humor that ensues.”

The idea of redemption also heavily features, as Joel Haver noted: “Playing a game like this reminds you you can get back on top… The redemption is possible. And that’s a beautiful theme… Every character in this game shares that same feeling, which I think is the theme that brings us all together.”

Dispatch Is A Video Game Like You’ve Never Seen Before

"I Just Saw a Mustache and I Was In": Talking Dispatch's Shady Superheroes with the Cast

If someone hasn’t heard of the game, how would the cast describe it?

Travis Willingham offered a succinct summary: “It is a unique take on the superhero genre where you take crackpot supervillains being rehabilitated as superheroes and set out on everyday tasks.”

Mayanna Berrin elaborated on the player’s role: “It’s a call center for if you need help from superheroes, but they’re all kind of shady. And you have to try to help this team of misfits do the right thing and hope they don’t burn houses down.”

With its stunning animation, laugh-out-loud writing, and a narrative that genuinely reacts to player choices, Dispatch is set to be a standout title. As the cast members – who themselves are eager to continue their own playthroughs – attest, this is one superhero call you’ll want to answer again and again.

Dispatch releases on October 22nd. Be sure to check out our full Dispatch interview for even more fun anecdotes and behind-the-scenes details.

NEXT: Critical Role Campaign 4 Interview: “The Unpredictability Of It Is Really Exciting And Fun.”

Brock Powell on Playing Leatherface & Honoring Horror History

Tessa Smith
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0
Brock Powell on Playing Leatherface & Honoring Horror History

He’s Netflix’s Leatherface AND Disney’s Santa. Brock Powell talks Monster: The Ed Gein Story, paying homage to horror, and his acting duality.

Brock Powell on Playing Leatherface & Honoring Horror History

Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story has captivated audiences, climbing to the #1 spot as one of the platform’s most-watched true crime horror dramas. The series dives into the chilling true story that inspired some of horror’s most enduring characters, including Leatherface, who is brought to life by actor Brock Powell.

Brock Powell‘s career is a masterclass in range, spanning nearly 100 animated series, blockbuster video games, and, now, this deeply unnerving role. We sat down with Brock Powell to discuss the cultural impact of Monster, the challenges of stepping into an iconic role, and the surprising parallels between horror and holiday cheer.

On the Cultural Commentary of Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Brock Powell on Playing Leatherface & Honoring Horror History

Mama’s Geeky: What is it like for you being a part of something like that?

Brock Powell: Well, my wife and my partner, Cameron, is a big true crime girly. So we watch a lot of true crime podcasts. And then prior to being involved in the show, I’d watched Dahmer and the Menendez brothers. And I think what I love about strictly from the audience perspective first, what I love about the shows is each iteration is so unique, not just in the story they’re telling, but how they tell the story. And I think season three, the Ed Gein story, Ian Brennan, who wrote the season, he just had such a specific vision and I love it. And I also love that it’s kind of pointed back at the audience. And I love that it’s provocative in the way that was, it’s not provocative. like horror sometimes is just for the sake of being provocative. It takes you back and forth going, this is what maybe happened. This is what happened around the same time. Here’s what was inspired by it. But none of this would be something that you would even know about if the audience wasn’t there. So before you start judging us for telling this story, before you judge on how we tell the story, we just want to, and every couple episodes, another Tom Holland or as Hitchcock says it, the monster is us, right? He’s so good. And it basically is like, well, look, say what you will about the content and say what you will about the stories we’re telling. You’re watching it. Ed Gein literally says, David Perkins, you’re the one who can’t look away, right? And it’s like directly to the audience. So being a fan of this stuff, and I am, I’m much more on the horror side than the true crime side, but it’s a dream to be part of something that is not just in the genre, but also I think making such a commentary on where we are right now as a culture and the way we consume stories and the way we watch these narratives. I think that it’s really interesting and clearly audiences have really responded to this season. So it’s been really cool.

Stepping Into an Icon: Playing Leatherface and Gunnar Hansen

Mama’s Geeky: How did you get involved in this? Did you ever expect you’d play like Leatherface? He is such an iconic character.

Brock Powell: You can’t go out and like dream something like this, right? You can’t be like, hey, you know what I’m gonna do? I’m gonna be in a show that’s the third season of a show and they’re gonna include one of the most iconic horror movies and I’m gonna be in that playing the original guy. So it came across my desk and my agent was like, hey do you wanna read on this? What I will say, and I have shared a little bit, it is technically my third time playing Leatherface. I’ve played Leatherface in other projects, small projects. One of which was at Universal Studios, Halloween Horror Nights. Okay. Everyone could do the math there. The last time Leatherface was there. Right now that Texas Chainsaw Maze is in Vegas at their Horror Unleashed pop-up at Area 15. And I think we’re gonna be getting out there to check that out, which will be crazy. But I was in the Leatherface maze in the Terror Tram section many years ago, playing Leatherface. And that was the first time. Second time was my friend Zoran, who works at Dead Meat, did a music video called Social Media Assassins 2, which was sort of like a take on the iconic horror characters working in an office environment and trying to sort of like Freddy versus Jason, trying to fall in love with Carrie. Really, really super fun. I played Leatherface in that.

And so ironically, when it came up, it was like, yeah, I could do that again. I had no idea how involved it would be and what a different experience it would be because I wasn’t just playing Leatherface. I was also playing Gunnar Hansen. And so that was nothing short of an honor, which is like, you get to play these iconic characters, but sort of the conversation that we started here was like, we’re in a moment where audiences are craving this content and they’re craving these stories and these shows and movies. But we’re also in a moment where a lot of these franchises, like Texas just turned 50 last year. It’s crazy, right? And so to be able to point back to the source material and also those original actors and artists and everyone involved in that project. So that was what was really, really powerful to me as an artist was being able to step in and pay homage and bring Toby Hooper back into conversation, bring Gunnar Hansen back into conversation, Bob Burns who designed the masks back into conversation. Because I think we where our industry is right now, I think there has been a lot, the artists have lost a lot of power in conversation. I think that it’s been very intentional to kind of disrupt the connection between the people who created the franchise and the people who own the franchise.

And I think what, for me just personally, I love that it’s not about, obviously Texas Chainsaw, the feature film rights are up for bid and they may have landed somewhere and that’ll be exciting to see that in that next iteration. But in this moment, to be able to talk about the people who made this movie happen and specifically Gunnar, connecting this back in this moment. And I’ve also said, we’re in this moment where AI can so easily be used and right, and to have the intentionality where a production is really invested in getting it right and paying tribute to these moments, it just wasn’t lost on me. And I feel like that’s also something I was really excited about this, which was, no, it’s not just Leatherface, it’s talking about Gunnar, it’s talking about the actors 50 years ago who made this movie iconic and yeah, credit where credit’s due, I think.

Working Inside the Mask and the Prosthetics

Brock Powell on Playing Leatherface & Honoring Horror History

Mama’s Geeky: What is it acting in a mask like that, because it’s covering your eyes and everything.

Brock Powell: Yeah, I mean, it’s not supposed to fit. Right. Nicely on the face. It’s someone else’s face on a head frame that’s much bigger. So it’s supposed to bow out, there’s supposed to be places where it doesn’t fit quite right. There were three versions of the mask, two from the film, and then an alt version of the killing mask, which is the traditional Leatherface mask, where our mask designer for this project was Noah Rivers, incredibly talented artist. And there are moments where the Leatherface mask actually has, when you look in some of the photos of the original, when Gunnar’s in the frame, after he’s like, just hit someone and dragged them in, they actually have a little bit of like black darkening fabric or some sort of thing covering the eye holes. So you can’t actually see his eyes until the big reveal with like- Yeah, yeah, yeah. Right, when he chops Franklin. And that was so scary because that was like the moment that you see, oh my God, there’s a person behind this mask. Yeah.

So we had some moments where, yeah, the eyes were blacked out with fabric. And so that obviously created a little bit of a vision thing. And then wearing the killing mask at night with a chainsaw running through the woods, which was all, that was all me. That was all real. That was all, we really did that. And so that, we had to have our stunt coordinator and then one of the directors like run the path for me because I needed to know exactly. So I would, I’d stand and everyone was amazing because safety is obviously first on these sets. Yeah, yeah, of course. But yeah, our stunt coordinator, she ran down and made sure there were like some moments, but it’s gravel. And I was really running after the actors who play Marilyn, like we were just doing the thing. So yeah, it was super fun. The masks were great and they do most of the work. I will say Gunnar built an amazing character, but once I was in the mask, it didn’t really matter what I did because the mask really takes over, moves your head forward. You have to gawk a little bit. And so that also is where Leatherface gets a little of that, like the puppy with the cock head, so when they cock their head like that. So yeah, I mean, the mask does a ton of work. It was as comfortable as it could have been to wear, but it obviously was like there’s little bits of metal and stuff like that, so.

Mama’s Geeky: Oh my God, there’s metal?

Brock Powell: Around the mouth, there is some sort of Leatherface used some sort of like hunting wiring to keep the, cause it’s a real person’s face, right? It was supposed to be. Yeah, right. So there’s like metal stitching around the mouth that actually was like, I had never asked Noah what it was, but basically the consistency of like a straightened paper clip around your mouth like this. So, and that’s what caused the teeth to come out and that sort of stuff. So that’s pressed against your face. And then you have the prosthetic teeth that AFX created that, were the Bubba teeth that he has under the mask. So talking through that, so the one scene where I’m talking as Gunner getting into the Leatherface, that was with under the mask with the prosthetic teeth in, and again, those elements help because those were really the things they really did have to wear those all day. They had to wear that all day. Yeah.

Researching Gunnar Hansen

Mama’s Geeky: When you are approaching a character that’s a real person, like Gunner, for example, how does that differentiate when you’re playing fictional characters?

Brock Powell: There’s a little more research involved in like who the person was. Obviously it’s just, it was a few moments that we needed to cover, but I think it was important to know the headspace of like, hey, he was not the original actor. All the accounts would say he was not the original actor to play Leatherface. There was someone else that was cast and some accounts seemed to vary, but something happened and he had to come in and step in. And I think he was Icelandic. He was a poet. He was a big guy like me. He was a gentle giant and he took the role really seriously. He went and did a lot of research and spent time with folks that might’ve been having some really severe spectrum-related nonverbal episodes. He studied some folks that had some developmental considerations that allowed him to kind of inform where Leatherface may have been and kind of try to explain like what’s going on with Leatherface, outside of just the trauma of being in that family. So I think the way he created the character, he informed it in a way that was so intentional. I read his book, Chainsaw Confidential, which talks all about his process and how he got into the project and also like his experience on it.

So I just was really trying to think of those things and try to figure out like how you interchange, like maybe the little dynamics where he’s not really super getting along with Toby Hooper sometimes, or just like any actor or artist that is having a really tough job, you know? And I think that’s the thing is that it was a project that I don’t know that everyone involved knew it was going to be a phenomenon. And I don’t know that the experience was quite up to par of what you think this should have been. There was a lot of blood, blood, sweat, and tears put into making this happen. And so I think that was what you tried to embody was being in it and activated when you’re Leatherface and the character’s primal drive to like protect and also provide and the fear. And then Gunner, which is like, I’m over it. So there’s one moment in episode three where the mask comes off and you can kind of see the frustration a little bit and the shift between the character and the guy, just again, as an actor, like, oh my God, my neck. So, and they gave Will a great line. Toby Hooper’s got a great line. You wanna hear an actor complain? Give him a job. And I think that’s really true to life.

The Ultimate Character Duality: Leatherface and Santa Claus

Mama’s Geeky: Well, speaking of voices, it’s so funny to me that like you’re Santa… and your Leatherface.

Brock Powell: It’s gonna be a rude awakening because I had a lot of people follow me from this project that are Texas Chainsaw fans. Obviously I’m so excited about this role and this project and it’s very Halloween centric. So I’m curious to see what happens when we get back to the switch of like, back to your regularly scheduled programming. Yeah. And so, yeah, I do. I step in for Santa. Santa’s really busy. So sometimes I’ve got to come in and do Santa’s voice for him and go, ho, ho, ho, ho.

And that’s been amazing because again, there’s a lot of weird like mirroring in my career where like, oh, this happens. And then five years later, this happens. So I was a theme park performer. As I mentioned, I played Leatherface and I also was an in park Santa at a certain theme park in Anaheim. Uh-huh. Yeah. And so it was really kind of wild when Disney was like, hey, do you want to voice Santa? And I was like, well, I have a little bit of experience. So it’s so fun. And every Christmas they find a new way to utilize the Santa character. I think I can say there, we’ve been doing these really fun stop motion shorts, which they just evoke Christmas, like Rankin Bass and Nightmare Before Christmas. And we have been doing some really cool collaborations with Stupid Buddy. And there might be some cool holiday songs coming out that are Christmas based.

They both have workshops. They both make things. And both might break into your house at some point in the cover of darkness. These are the things I think about all the time. But I think it just speaks to one, obviously I love the holidays. I love the season and not just Halloween, but the whole season is just a blast. It’s fun to be a part of that. It’s fun now to have something that every Halloween, I know we’re going to rewatch. And probably not the last time I’ll get to participate in an on-camera horror role. So that’s really cool, too. Because I’ve been a fan of horror for so long, but most of my career has been in the animated kid space.

Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story is streaming now on Netflix.

NEXT: EPEX on “FOOL,” Evolution, & Connecting With Their Fans

P1Harmony P1ustage H : MOST WANTED Tour Review

Tessa Smith
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0
P1Harmony P1ustage H : MOST WANTED Tour Review

P1Harmony knows how to rock the stage and entertain P1ece: From Keeho’s hilarious technical glitch to epic solo stages.

P1Harmony Concert Review

I first saw P1Harmony at Jingle Ball back in 2023, and to be honest, I was hooked from the first beat. Their stage presence was incredible, their chemistry was undeniable, and I just knew they were going places. After seeing them command the stage again at KCON LA 2025, I knew that when they announced the “P1ustage H : MOST WANTED” world tour, I had to be there.

AMPERS&ONE P1Harmony tour

The night started on a high note with their juniors, AMPERS&ONE, opening the show. It’s always a treat to see fresh talent, and these boys delivered. They performed three songs with so much precision and charisma that they successfully hyped up the entire crowd for their seniors. By the time they finished their set, they had officially made a fan out of me.

P1Harmony Concert Review

Then it was time. P1Harmony – consisting of Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob – burst onto the stage with a level of intensity that didn’t let up for the next two hours. The setlist was a perfect curation of their discography, leaning heavily into the high-energy hits that allowed fans to jump around and forget their worries. “Killin’ It” and “JUMP” had the entire arena shaking, while “SAD SONG” provided that perfect vibe that P1ece (their fandom name) lives for.

P1Harmony Concert Review

One of the things that sets P1Harmony apart is how much fun they have with their fans. It never feels like a rehearsed, robotic show. This concert really felt like a massive party with friends. Keeho, our fearless leader, had me cracking up the entire night. He is naturally hilarious, but he reached a peak when he had a technical issue with his microphone. Instead of it being an awkward silence, he leaned into it, joking about how he sounded like a Transformer. He went on a total tangent about it for several minutes, and his comedic timing was so spot-on that the whole arena was in stitches.

P1Harmony Concert Review

A major highlight for me – and something I desperately wish Western groups would adopt – was the solo stages. This is where you truly see the individual colors of the members. Theo captivated us with his soaring vocals, proving why his tone is so essential to their sound, while Jiung showed off his incredible versatility.

Intak and Jongseob absolutely set the stage on fire with their rap and dance prowess, reminding everyone why they are considered top-tier performers in the industry. Meanwhile, Soul provided one of the most mesmerizing moments of the night with his freestyle-influenced dancing. His movement is so fluid and unique that you can’t take your eyes off him.

Seeing each member shine individually only made the group numbers feel more powerful. It showcases the depth of talent within the team brilliantly. Solo stages will always be one of my favorite parts of a K-Pop concert.

P1Harmony Concert Review

I also have to say – the production value was top-tier. From the intricate outfits that transitioned from edgy streetwear to sleek, polished suits, to the pyrotechnics and screen visuals, every detail was thought out. You can tell how much effort these members put into their craft and it absolutely pays off.

As the night closed out with an encore of high-energy fan favorites, I realized how much they’ve grown since that 2023 Jingle Ball set. P1Harmony are powerhouse performers – and I can’t wait to see them grow even more.

Shop P1Harmony merch and keep up with the group HERE.

NEXT: Jackson Wang’s MAGICMAN 2 Concert Takes Fans On A Journey

EPEX on “FOOL,” Evolution, & Connecting With Their Fans

Tessa Smith
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EPEX on “FOOL,” Evolution, & Connecting With Their Fans

K-Pop group EPEX sits down with Mama’s Geeky to discuss their evolution since debut, their English track “FOOL”, connecting with their fans, and more.

The dynamic K-Pop landscape continues to be shaped by groups like EPEX. The eight-member boy group – composed of Wish, Keum (currently on hiatus), Mu, Amin, Baekseung, Ayden, Yewang, and Jeff – has captured the attention of fans worldwide with their impactful concepts and deeply relatable storytelling. Following their latest EP, Prelude of Love Chapter 3. ‘Lovestory’, the group gifted their global fanbase, known as ZENITH, with a special English version of their track, “FOOL.”

The song offers a fresh perspective on love, moving away from simple gratitude to a more complex, slightly regrettable reflection. Member Ayden noted the difference between the Korean and English tracks: “With the definition of the word ‘fool,’ ‘FOOL’ has a different vibe than the Korean version, which has lyrics that express gratitude.” He added, “This version has lyrics that are more like, you tricked me, I was a fool for you. We wanted to release a version that was a little bit different than the Korean version. It seems like our fans are really liking it, so looking back, it was a good choice to release it.”

EPEX recently sat down with Mama’s Geeky for a candid discussion about the making of “FOOL,” their growth as artists, and what sets them apart in the competitive K-Pop industry. From tackling the challenges of English pronunciation to teasing future concepts, the members gave an insightful look into their creative world.

The Making Of “FOOL”

EPEX on "FOOL," Evolution, & Connecting With Their Fans

Mama’s Geeky: What was the most challenging part of recording the English version of this song?

WISH: I think because we’re all Koreans, the English pronunciation was the most challenging part.

Mama’s Geeky: Can you share a specific line from “Fool” that resonates with you the most, and why?

WISH: One of my lines opens by indicating that I’m smiling, but my body is doing something different. That line encompasses that feeling of wanting to express something, but my body not listening. I think it reminded me of the signals that you can feel when what you want to express isn’t coming out through physical reactions, so I could really relate to that line.

EPEX’s Growth & Evolution

Mama’s Geeky: How would you say you’ve evolved since your debut, in your sound and your image?

A-MIN: Since debut, we’ve been sharing stories about people our age. As we’re getting older, our message has also been expanding, which has been the biggest change. In terms of EPEX’s music, we try a lot of different genres, so I think from a sonic perspective, there’s really something good for everyone.

Mama’s Geeky: What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you’ve debuted?

AYDEN: For me, I think being able to catch opportunities when given is really important. We’ve had a lot of opportunities, but there are also some that we’ve missed. I often regret that we missed out on those chances, but I think moving forward, we’ll also have a lot of opportunities that are coming our way, so we’ll work hard to be able to take those chances and grab those opportunities.

Mama’s Geeky: Having explored themes like anxiety and love through your past songs, how did you feel that this Youth chapter has really let you grow as artists?

BAEKSEUNG: As we sing about youth, it feels like we’re learning more about what that really means and growing individually as people. We’re singing more mature songs recently, and it feels that we’re growing our ability to connect with our fans, and it’s become an avenue for us to grow and explore how we want to live our lives as well.

Defining EPEX’s Unique Style

EPEX on "FOOL," Evolution, & Connecting With Their Fans

Mama’s Geeky: How would you describe your unique musical style and performance style to someone who’s just getting to know you?

MU: We want to show people that we are a group that can handle all types of styles. We sing about youth, and as we are all in our twenties, I think we are able to share songs that really suit us.

Mama’s Geeky: From the initial planning stages of an album to when it releases, what excites you most, and what is your favorite part of the creative process?

JEFF: For me, when we listen to the demo version, I tend to feel overwhelmed with emotion. I can take that out when we record, so I think I’m always the most excited for the recording part of the process.

Mama’s Geeky: What themes and concepts are you excited to explore in the future?

YEWANG: Also, we aren’t perfect, so the members fill in for the parts that the other members are missing. As a team, we pull the collective weight of one person.

Be sure to watch our full interview with EPEX.

NEXT: xikers Interview: Opening For ATEEZ, Hit Single ICONIC, More

Collectible Card Craze Arrives Stateside: Kayou Launches U.S. Expansion

Tessa Smith
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Collectible Card Craze Arrives Stateside: Kayou Launches U.S. Expansion

Kayou launches its U.S. expansion with My Little Pony, Naruto, and tokidoki officially licensed trading card series, bringing its brand global.

Collectible Card Craze Arrives Stateside: Kayou Launches U.S. Expansion

Kayou, China’s number one collectibles company and top trading card brand, has officially announced its launch in the U.S. this holiday season, bringing its wildly popular, high-quality collectible trading cards to a new market as part of its global expansion.

The company, which nearly quadrupled its revenue in 2024 to an impressive $1.4 billion, is primarily driven by the explosive success of its trading cards, which account for 80 percent of its sales. Kayou has cemented its status in the collector community with a “fan-first mission” and a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship, utilizing a studio approach to product design and state-of-the-art smart factories.

“Kayou has become a status brand for superfans,” said Sergio Godinho, general manager and COO, U.S., Kayou. “With trading cards spanning nearly 100 beloved properties, we give fans a new way to celebrate and connect with the brands they love. We can’t wait to bring that experience to American collectors – because if you’re crazy for it, there’s a Kayou card for it.”

Officially Licensed Trading Cards for Fan-Favorites

Kayou is debuting in the U.S. with officially licensed trading card series for three global, fan-favorite franchises: MY LITTLE PONY, NARUTO, and tokidoki. Each series, already a blockbuster hit across Asia, will also feature a U.S. exclusive chase card.

MY LITTLE PONY: Friendship Eternal Cards – Moon Edition

Collectible Card Craze Arrives Stateside: Kayou Launches U.S. Expansion

Bringing the magic of Equestria to life, the MY LITTLE PONY Friendship Eternal Cards–Moon Edition features stunning cross-cultural artistry. The rarest treasures, Crystal Fantasy – Secret Rare (SC) cards, reimagine The Mane 6 as Greek goddesses, with laser etching and glitter silk screening making each cutie mark gleam. Collectors can also chase the Four Seasons–Super Golden Rare (SGR) cards, inspired by Chinese elegance, depicting the ponies in traditional-style outfits on serene ink-wash landscapes. The series offers 186 cards across 8 rarity levels.

NARUTO: Smriti Collectible Cards – Heaven Scroll Edition

Collectible Card Craze Arrives Stateside: Kayou Launches U.S. Expansion

For anime fans, the NARUTO Smriti Collectible Cards–Heaven Scroll Edition retells the ninja saga’s origin story, beginning with the Land of Waves Arc. The ultra-rare Interlude Theater–Scenario-E (SE) cards pair together to form cinematic tableaux of pivotal battles in a luxurious ukiyo-e style. Meanwhile, the stunning Custom Color Window–Special (SP) cards showcase heroes in large-scale, 3D-effect stained-glass compositions, enhanced with gold silk screening and holographic foils. This collection features 158 cards across 10 rarity levels.

tokidoki: Wonder Voyage Collectible Cards – Roaming Edition

Collectible Card Craze Arrives Stateside: Kayou Launches U.S. Expansion

Celebrating the brand’s 20th anniversary, the tokidoki Wonder Voyage Collectible Cards–Roaming Edition takes fans on an “Adventure Journey” through Simone Legno’s imaginative world. The rarest Four Seasons Parade Train–Brush Rare (BP) cards connect to form a colorful, panoramic train mural. Other chase cards include the theatrical Romantic Adventure–Extreme Rare (XR) cards and the Peking Opera Adventure–Cute Rare (QR) cards, which reimagine tokidoki characters as Chinese opera icons. The series offers 157 cards across 12 rarity levels.

A Fan-First Launch and Major Retail Rollout

Kayou is launching its three U.S. card series by the end of September through a fan-first experience with Crossing, the livestream commerce company. This innovative approach blends real-time community interaction with collectibles retail, directly bringing the thrill of card pulls and exclusive drops to fans.

Following the launch, Kayou’s card series will roll out at major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Gamestop, Target, and Walmart. Trading cards are packaged in sleek foil-wrapped booster packs, each containing eight cards across varying levels of rarity, and will be accessible to fans at an MSRP of $3.99 per booster pack.

With cutting-edge printing techniques, innovative embossing, holographic finishes, and anti-counterfeiting protection, every Kayou card is designed to be a miniature piece of art, promising an extraordinary experience for American collectors.

NEXT: KPop Demon Hunters Interview: HUNTR/X & Directors Talk Global Phenomenon

‘Good Fortune’ Review – A Muddled, Funny Mess

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‘Good Fortune’ Review – A Muddled, Funny Mess

Good Fortune was a movie I saw the trailer for at CinemaCon 2024, and I was intrigued by the premise. Then it was sort of radio silence for the movie after that. It was supposed to be released in early 2025 and was then moved to its final release date of October 2025. The movie combines the premise of Freaky Friday with a little bit of It’s A Wonderful Life and comedic elements of more modern movies. Realistically, you could have gotten my ass into a seat by saying that Keanu Reeves was playing someone’s guardian angel.

There’s more to like with Aziz Ansari directing, writing, and starring in the film, and Seth Rogen also starring in it. Ansari stars as Arj, a gig-worker who is massively down on his luck. He does small-time jobs, works part-time at a hardware store, and is just on the struggle bus currently. Seth Rogen is the opposite end of the coin; he plays Jeff, a tech bro who’s “self-made” millions give him a life of luxury and a house on the hill that physically looks down on all the people of Los Angeles. Keke Palmer plays Elena, a love interest for Arj and someone he meets at his part-time hardware store job. Finally, Keanu Reeves plays Gabriel, a lower-end angel who protects people from texting and driving, of all things.

Arj comes into a job cleaning up Jeff’s garage and sees the absolute luxury on display. One thing leads to another. Arj gets a job as an assistant with Jeff, but then loses that job in the span of a week because of a silly mistake. Gabriel then intervenes and wants to show Arj that his life is worth living, but that backfires.

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That premise for Good Fortune is gold. However, my biggest gripe with the film is the message, though. It does do an admirable job of trying to make it seem like your own life is worth it. But it still doesn’t do a good enough job. The film even makes plenty of jokes about it. Arj’s life sucks. He lives in his car. Jeff’s life rocks. He doesn’t have to work, really. He can just cold plunge-sauna all day and have rocking sushi. There’s plenty more people like Arj than Jeff, and the film feels a bit disingenous in that way. You’re watching it, but you know that Ansari, Reeves, Rogen, and almost everyone else involved is in the Jeff camp, rather than the Arj camp.

With that being said, Good Fortune is still absolutely hilarious. Ansari and Rogen are a given for being funny, but Keanu Reeves is the highlight when it comes to the laughs here. His role changes throughout the film, from that of an angel to a normal human, who must live a life of hardship and pain.

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The score and soundtrack for the film is a particular highlight as well. There are loads of great needle drops that accentuate the scenes on display. In a lot of movies these days, the score and soundtrack feels like an afterthought. Here, it feels like another character.

Good Fortune ends up as a film that wants to tell you to love your life and live it to the fullest. It just muddles that message a bit. The hilarity shines through any of the issues and Seth Rogen even gives a speech at the end of the movie that you wish anyone in his tech bro situation would actually give. There’s a lot to like here, so if you get past the issues, you’re in for a great time.

Good Fortune releases in theaters on October 17th.

82MAJOR Kicks Off Pre-Sales for ‘TROPHY’

Tessa Smith
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82MAJOR Kicks Off Pre-Sales for ‘TROPHY’

82MAJOR Kicks Off Pre-Sales for ‘TROPHY’ Including 4 Tracks with Title Song ‘TROPHY’…Showcasing Musical Growth as ‘Self-Producing Idols’.

82MAJOR Kicks Off Pre-Sales for ‘TROPHY’

82MAJOR’s long-awaited new album has finally been unveiled. The group 82MAJOR (Nam Seong-mo, Park Seok-jun, Yoon Ye-chan, Cho Sung-il, Hwang Seong-bin, Kim Do-gyun) officially began pre-orders for their 4th mini album, TROPHY (October 14) through various online music retailers.

The album is available in two versions – Classic and Special. The Classic version includes a photobook, CD & jewel case, polaroid photo, bookmark, sticker, folded poster, and selfie photocard – all designed to appeal to fans’ desire to collect. The Special version features a photobook, CD with envelope, cut-out stickers, postcard, and selfie photocard. Produced as a limited edition, this version highlights a different charm of the members not found in the Classic edition, making it a must-have for fans.

The mini album contains four tracks, including the title song “TROPHY,” a tech house track driven by an addictive bass line.

The remaining tracks – “Say More,” “Suspicious,” and “Need That Bass” – showcase 82MAJOR’s dynamic range and growth as artists. The members actively participated in songwriting and composition across the album, further solidifying their identity as self-producing idols.

Meanwhile, 82MAJOR’s 4th mini album, TROPHY, will be officially released on October 30 at 6 p.m. (KST) through various online music streaming platforms.

About 82MAJOR

82major

82MAJOR has quickly become the band to watch in the Korean music industry. 

The six-member South Korean boy band hit the scene with their album ON in 2023. Formed by Great M Entertainment, the group’s name cleverly merges South Korea’s international calling code “82” with “Major,” symbolizing their ambition to become a global K-pop powerhouse.  The band brilliantly blends hip-hop, R&B, and pop with charismatic choreography and genre-bending tracks. Members include Nam Seong-mo,  Park Seok-joon, Yoon Ye-chan, Cho Seong-il, Hwang Seong-bin, and Kim Do-gyun.

Soaring on the Billboard charts, 82MAJOR has captivated global audiences with their dynamic discography. Their journey began with the single, “Sure Thing,” followed by the 2024 album, X-82, featuring the infectious hit, “Stuck,” that marked their Billboard debut. In 2025, they amplified their momentum with the release of “Silence Syndrome” and the electrifying single “Takeover,” cementing their status as a rising K-pop sensation commanding international acclaim.

Connect With 82MAJOR On Social

NEXT: JO1 Drops Explosive Single “Handz In My Pocket” with an English Version, Ahead of Upcoming EP

Roll Initiative for Rescue: Anjali Bhimani’s The Puppy Roll 2

Tessa Smith
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Roll Initiative for Rescue: Anjali Bhimani’s The Puppy Roll 2

Anjali Bhimani reveals her inspiration behind The Puppy Bowl and what fans can expect for round two, as well as working with Critical Role.

Roll Initiative for Rescue: Anjali Bhimani’s The Puppy Roll 2

Actress and producer Anjali Bhimani is rolling high on the die for charity with her one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons livestream, The Puppy Roll. This heartfelt and hilarious event features a star-studded cast of celebrity players who bring their beloved canine companions to life as adventurers, weaving a tale of fantastical fun and furry heroism.

More than just a game, the event is a dedicated fundraiser for Petco Love, a national non-profit committed to saving pet lives and raising awareness for animal rescue and welfare initiatives. This includes Petco Love Lost, the organization’s innovative image recognition registry that helps reunite lost animals with their humans. Bhimani’s creation perfectly marries the collaborative storytelling of TTRPGs with a deep passion for animal welfare, proving that even a game of fantasy can make a tangible difference in the real world.

The upcoming The Puppy Roll 2 continues the tradition of blending comedy, heartfelt play, and impactful fundraising. This year’s event promises even more delightful chaos and includes not just dogs, but a few cats joining the adventuring party, as well. The enthusiasm for the cause – and the inherent silliness of the concept – makes The Puppy Roll an unmissable event that showcases the best of the gaming community’s generosity and collaborative spirit.

The Inclusive Power Of The TTRPG Community

Anjali Bhimani’s passion for using the game as a force for good is rooted in her deep appreciation for the TTRPG community. When asked what it’s like working with Critical Role, she immediately praises their consistent and genuine nature. “They’re the same people all the time. They’re the same kind, wonderful, open, and embracing people all the time,” she says, noting that this welcoming culture extends to “everyone who works there, not just the founders.”

This spirit of inclusion is what first drew her to D&D as a child. Bhimani, who started playing when she was eight, had an epiphany that the game offered a safe, diverse space: “You can be an orc, you can be a halfling. It doesn’t matter. You can still save the day.”

This built-in celebration of variety and difference is what she loves most about the entire community. It creates an environment where people are actively encouraged to be exactly themselves, providing a powerful example of how to “take care of each other” – a necessity she feels cannot be emphasized enough in today’s world. She concludes that the folks at Critical Role and Dimension 20 set this precedent for kindness and community support.

From Player To Purveyor Of Fun: The DM Life

Roll Initiative for Rescue: Anjali Bhimani’s The Puppy Roll 2

For Anjali Bhimani, stepping into the role of a Dungeon Master was initially a daunting prospect. Fellow Critical Role founder Marisha Ray told her years ago, “You should DM,” to which Bhimani replied, “The hell I should. I am… I don’t want to be in charge of anything.” However, while preparing to DM a one-shot, she realized that the true task of a DM is not about being perfectly in charge of the rules, but being the “purveyor of fun” for the players.

This mindset helped inspire The Puppy Roll. The game’s unique premise allows for maximum silliness, leaning into the idea that there are “no wrong answers, as long as we’re all enjoying each other’s company and telling a good story.” That core philosophy – the fun and silliness of it all – is what inspired her to finally take the plunge and DM the first Puppy Roll last year.

Reflecting on her return to the game as an adult, Bhimani was asked what it was like to play for the first time again. She notes that her first TTRPG back wasn’t D&D, but a zombie apocalypse horror show called We’re Alive Frontier. That experience, which immediately made her invested in saving her party, solidified the emotional and communal hook of TTRPGs: “that investment that came from sitting at a table with a bunch of people who were equally invested in the story… that hooked me.” Her first D&D game was a Doom one-shot with Critical Role – a ridiculous, fun adventure that was exactly what she wanted.

Now, she’s constantly thinking about TTRPG classes, even for her own acting roles. She jokingly confessed that during a panel with her Overwatch castmates, she was internally assigning them classes. For example, she believes her character Symmetra is a combo between an Artificer and a Clockwork Sorcerer.

The Puppy Roll Is The Legacy Of Charley

The real inspiration for The Puppy Roll came from Bhimani’s late dog, Charley, who unfortunately recently passed away. The initial idea to play D&D as him during a Kickstarter sparked the question, “Why is this not a thing?” Though she initially wasn’t sure if she could handle organizing the sequel event so soon after his passing, she ultimately realized it had to happen: “This is Charley. He made this… He’s the one who inspired all of this.”

The project now provides a wonderful way to have her dog have a legacy. Charley, a Bard of the College of Glamour, will be making his appearance once again as the “dashingly adopted male,” complete with fun new surprises cooked up by the production team.

For The Puppy Roll 2, Anjali Bhimani is thrilled to welcome new players, including the incredibly talented Ginny Di and Emily Axford. Axford, whom Bhimani calls a “sweetheart,” is expected to bring delightful chaos to the table.

In a nod to a surprise twist from the first stream, this year will indeed include some feline adventurers: “There are indeed some cats,” she confirmed. And of course, the event will be full of dog and cat puns, including re-skinned spells like “mage paw and prestidogitation.”

A Community Of Support

Anjali Bhimani highlights that the support for The Puppy Roll is a true community effort, with companies like Hero Forge, Misty Mountain Gaming, and Wizards of the Coast providing surprises and resources. She notes this is unique to the TTRPG space: “The companies support each other… You don’t see Sony and Paramount being like, ‘Hey, let’s swap executives for this season.'”

Beyond the charity stream, Bhimani is also a co-producer on The 20-Sided Tavern, a live, touring production that blends D&D with theater and improv, allowing the audience to vote on game choices via a mobile app. This show, which Anjali Bhimani calls a combination of her great loves, D&D and theater, is all about inviting people to the party and reaching underserved communities.

The success of The Puppy Roll has even sparked grand, arena-sized dreams. When jokingly asked if she’d be able to do The Puppy Roll live in a stadium, Bhimani’s eyes lit up. “You just gave me a bucket list moment,” she exclaimed. She noted that the “roar of the crowd” at TTRPG arena shows is akin to a rock concert or athletic event, and she’s ready to manifest a live charity event: “We need to think this into being!”

For now, fans can affect the current game by visiting the event’s Tiltify page to donate, affect the game’s outcome through polls, and unlock milestone rewards, all in the name of saving animal lives.

The Puppy Roll 2, featuring Anjali Bhimani, Matthew Mercer, Ashley Johnson, Aabria Iyengar, Ginny Di, Maggie Robertson (and more) will return on October 20th at 6 PM PT.

NEXT: Showrunner Tasha Huo on the Epic Animated Journey of The Mighty Nein

Showrunner Tasha Huo on the Epic Animated Journey of The Mighty Nein

Tessa Smith
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Showrunner Tasha Huo on the Epic Animated Journey of The Mighty Nein

Showrunner Tasha Huo talks about Critical Role’s The Mighty Nein’s animated journey, deep drama, D&D mechanics, and those 44-minute episodes.

The Mighty Nein First Look Images + Meet The Characters - Tasha Huo interview
L-R: Beau (Marisha Ray), Fjord, Jester, Molly, Caleb, Nott the Brave (Sam Riegel),

The phenomenon that is Critical Role is set to expand its animated universe on November 19th with the highly anticipated new series, The Mighty Nein. Following the massive success of The Legend of Vox Machina, this new chapter on Prime Video adapts the beloved second campaign of the actual play Dungeons & Dragons web series.

The story introduces a new band of misfits – fugitives and outcasts bound by secrets and scars – who must band together to save their realm. Mama’s Geeky sat down with showrunner Tasha Huo at New York Comic-Con 2025 to discuss the long journey to the screen, the show’s deeper, more dramatic tone, and the joy of translating Critical Role’s magic for a new medium.

Tasha Huo Is A Critical Role Fan Herself & Cannot Wait For Everyone To See The Mighty Nein

The Mighty Nein First Look Images + Meet The Characters
Mark Strong as Trent Ikithon

Mama’s Geeky: How excited are you for fans to see The Mighty Nein?

Tasha Huo: I can’t even handle it, to be honest, because I’m such a fan of the original live show. I just feel like everyone’s going to lose their minds, because I lose my mind every time I see it. It’s so exciting. So exciting to finally see all these characters we fell in love with for years, finally moving around in the same place together. It’s bonkers.

Mama’s Geeky: What was it like to be in the room during the NYCC Critical Role panel and hear the fan reactions?

Tasha Huo: It’s so great to see just people really excited and just popping at all the things, you know, like Jester being Jester. And again, like finally seeing, you know, Caleb and Nott together for the first time, just relationships that we all loved. I think everyone, including myself, just like losing our minds over getting to see it actually be real, finally.

The Mighty Nein First Look Images + Meet The Characters
Auli’i Cravalho as Toya

Mama’s Geeky: I know animation takes a long time. How long a process has this been for you?

Tasha Huo: It’s been, it’s been years. Gosh, so many years. I think it’s like, it’s been like three years since I like started. I started talking to them about the project and, you know, sitting in a room with Critical Role and saying, “Okay, let’s talk about your characters and let’s talk about things that maybe didn’t make it into the campaign that you really loved, or this one moment that I really remember.” And as a fan, I think we all will, you know, “What were you really feeling at the table that time?” So, you know, kind of, those were our initial conversations and that was probably about three years ago.

Capturing Critical Role’s Undeniable Chemistry

Showrunner Tasha Huo on the Epic Animated Journey of The Mighty Nein

Mama’s Geeky: What was your reaction when you first saw everything come together in the first finished clip?

Tasha Huo: Honestly, the first moment I saw them all in the record studio, getting to do scenes together was sort of like the bigger moment, because A, it was like we were back at the table. And that was just really awesome because it’s been so many years since we got to see that. But B, just, you could see the joy of them being able to step back into their characters after so long. And they just fell right into it. And like the chemistry was there. They were able to play off each other. Because oftentimes, you know, you record someone and it’s just one person and they have to act against nothing. But because we get the joy, the specialness of all of them being able to be in the same room. It’s just like watching the show in front of you. And, you know, some of the ad-libbing was fantastic. We kept a lot of that too. So yeah, I mean, that was really sort of the big aha moment of like, “Oh my God, we’re doing this.” But then, yeah, when you see them all on screen and they’re fully realized and they’re walking towards the camera and these epic slow-mo poses, like all of that shit is the best. It’s amazing.

Mama’s Geeky: I can imagine how unhinged it must be to be with all of them at once.

Tasha Huo: It’s a dream. They’re all fantastic human beings. They’re so generous and kind and the biggest nerds. It’s the best, it’s the best. Because we all fall in love with them, you know, from across the screen and they are as lovely as we want them to be and hope that they are. So yeah, it’s just, it’s great, it’s great.

Working With Exciting Guest Stars LIke Lucy Liu

The Mighty Nein release schedule and guest stars

Mama’s Geeky: Obviously they teased some big-name guest stars that will be a part of the series, which is super exciting. I know you can’t really talk about it, but Travis did confirm that Lucy Liu is voicing the Bright Queen. Can you talk about working with her?

Tasha Huo: I mean, come on, she’s incredible. She is fantastic. And I think he used the word powerhouse and that’s absolutely right. I mean, she gets in there and she’s like such a little, little small thing, but she brings a power in it that you’re like, that’s exactly who you want for the Bright Queen. You know, she’s someone who in the campaign, I think was always seen as extremely terrifying and brilliant. And she brings a nuance to that role that you can see how intelligent she is, but also how fierce, she’s Lucy Liu. She just manages that balance. So yeah, she was great.

The Mighty Nein First Look Images + Meet The Characters
Liam O’ Brien as Caleb

Mama’s Geeky: I love that these episodes are going to be 44 minutes in length. Can you talk about what liberties that gives you?

Tasha Huo: Yeah. I mean, we always wanted it to be a show that really delved into these characters’ histories and their past and the trauma that built them and really tell more of a dramatic story, a more adult story. And 44 minutes allows us to have quieter moments. And I think we’re going to find a lot more of that in Mighty Nein than we did in Vox Machina, which is just like sort of wall to wall, just a ride, right? And I think we’re a different kind of roller coaster in the Mighty Nein. There’s a lot of ups and there’s a lot of downs. We have the privilege of being able to sit with people when they’re really, really emotional in their lowest points, instead of having to gloss over it. So that’s going to be really exciting. Everyone is going to cry so hard.

Adapting D&D For The Screen

The Mighty Nein First Look Images + Meet The Characters
L-R: Laura Bailey as Jester, Travis Willingham as Fjord

Mama’s Geeky: As a player and as a DM, how fun is it for you to adapt gameplay?

Tasha Huo: It’s so great. It’s so great because, you know, I hope that when you watch the show and you have played D&D, if you’ve ever played D&D, it’ll be an amazing show. But if you play D&D, you’ll be like, “Oh, that’s that spell.” Or, “Oh, that’s like, they rolled this way.” Or, “Oh yeah, bards can’t do that. They can only do this,” or whatever the case is. You know, rogue can’t do this or can’t do that. So there’s a lot of D&D mechanics sort of baked into it. But if you are a D&D nerd, you’re going to see all of that stuff, which is really great. Like, you know, Caleb’s magic, which we saw on the trailer. You know, it’s very meticulous kind of magic because he’s a wizard. And of course the way that they play components are very important. When I DM, no one wants to play with components. So we just skip that part. But these are more intense nerds. So they, you know, deal with components. And so that becomes a big part of Caleb’s magic. And so you’ll see those D&D things inside the show, which is cool.

The Mighty Nein First Look Images + Meet The Characters
Anika Noni Rose as Marion

Mama’s Geeky: Can you talk about working to cut a trailer? I am always curious about who makes the decisions on what to include.

Tasha Huo: Everyone who put that trailer together is genius and amazing. And I sort of sit back and watch cuts come in and say, “Eh, like maybe we can, don’t forget this shot.” Or like, “This is a really great shot, use this.” But you know, they’re pretty much doing their genius thing. You know, they watch the show and everyone who works on it are fans of the show. So they’re able to, you know, come at it with different perspectives. If I cut it together, it would be very different. It’s probably not good at all because I’m in love with different things, you know? So yeah, it’s super cool to just like see it come back to you one day in your email box and be like, “Holy shit.” Yeah, we did it. People are gonna flip.

Adapting Beloved Projects For The Screen

The Mighty Nein First Look Images + Meet The Characters
L-R: Marisha Ray as Beau, Sam Riegel as Nott the Brave (Sam Riegel), Talisen Jaffe as Molly

Mama’s Geeky: You’re no stranger to this. You’ve been doing animation stuff for a while, including Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, recently. How did that help you, and what have you done differently with this show than with others in the past?

Tasha Huo: Well, Tomb Raider was also 22 minutes. So it is more like the luxury of like, “Oh, like we can have emotions here.” We don’t have to just sort of like move past them really quickly. You know, something I learned, I think, was sort of the economy of storytelling. Both of those have like really big worlds, really big lore. And you have to figure out how to adapt that for the format. But still bring the audience through that amazing experience you had when you played that game or you watched the live show. You’re really thinking about the audience’s experience as you’re writing it. Because you want to share your love of the thing. And so you want to make sure that they’re feeling it the same way that you did, but that you’re also telling a tight story that still fits in 22 minutes or 44 minutes, which is, it’s the job. It’s the tough part of the writing.

The Mighty Nein First Look Images + Meet The Characters
Ming-Na Wen as Dairon

Mama’s Geeky: How many episodes is The Mighty Nein?

Tasha Huo: Eight episodes per season.

Mama’s Geeky: Is it one episode per week?

Tasha Huo: Three at launch, and then one per week.

Tasha Huo’s passion for the original campaign and her commitment to a deeper, more dramatic narrative promise an epic journey for The Mighty Nein fans, both new and old. Be sure to tune in for the three-episode premiere of The Mighty Nein on November 19th!

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