In 'AFK' The Web Series - Gamers Are Mystically Transported Into Their Gaming World

The New Zealand fantasy-comedy web series AFK (Away From Keyboard) imagines what would happen when gamers of a fictional MMOG (massively multiplayer online game) find themselves magically transported inside the world of the game, inhabiting the gender-swapped bodies of the characters they created.

Created by Peter Haynes, AFK was inspired by his addiction to the popular, real-world MMOG World Of Warcraft - a game that served as inspiration for another web series, the cult hit The Guild.

While The Guild followed a group of gamers as they forged relationships amongst themselves outside of gaming, AFK takes the inverse approach and imagines what would happen if gamers had to navigate the fantastical world of their game made very real.

As of this writing, the pilot episode (the first two series episodes conflated) is now available with 11 other installments set for weekly release.

Watch the pilot double episode here ...

I found the pilot episode extremely promising due to its self-referential, comedic tone certain to be popular with gamers. Also, the overall production value is very impressive.

The cast give solid performances. The makeup and costume designs are outstanding too. 

However, the unspoken character of the project is definitely its setting.

The scenic backdrops are courtesy of filming in magnificent New Zealand. The country's gorgeous vistas seem otherworldly in their beauty.

These vistas are perfect stand-ins for the mysterious fantasy realm our protagonists must learn to negotiate in order to survive; while they unravel the mystery behind their predicament.

To watch all current episodes of AFK, visit its official channel on YouTube: AFKWebSeries On YouTube.

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The 7th Matrix Reviews The Fantasy-Comedy Digital Series 'Riftworld Chronicles'

Riftworld Chronicles is the eight-episode fantasy-comedy digital series created by writer and director Jonathan Williams.

It tells the story of Alar (Tahmoh Penikett), a wizard who has inadvertently traveled to our world by means of a mystic portal.

Unfortunately, Alar's magic doesn't work in our reality; he finds himself trapped in a sprawling, modern metropolis.

Soon he encounters Kim (Erin Karpluk), a fledgling journalist frustrated with her current career path.

While Kim thinks the charismatic Alar is insane, he must navigate a world completely foreign to him.

Will Alar convince Kim of the truth of his origins?  And what is the surprising connection they both share?

By the end of season one, some of these questions are answered while new ones are raised.

Riftworld Chronicles is a thoroughly enjoyable mix of fantasy and comedy.

The series resists the temptation to overload viewers with over-the-top cheesiness and exaggerated caricatures.

Instead, writer/director Jonathan Williams opts to mine comedy gold through his script filled with sharp wit and the situational humor indicative of most fish-out-of-water narratives.

The other chief series highlight is the cast.

Tahmoh Penikett as Alar.  Image property of First Love Films

Casting Tahmoh Penikett as Alar was an inspired choice.

Penikett (best known for his role as Helo on the reimagined Battlestar Galactica) is thoroughly convincing as a dimension-hopping mage suddenly stranded in our modern world.

He plays the part straight, which makes his bewildered interactions with various city denizens genuinely smile-inducing.

The other series lead, Erin Karpluk (Being Erica) is terrific as struggling journalist Kim.

Erin Karpluk as Kim. Image property of First Love Films

Karpluk imbues Kim with a very grounded sensibility that makes her very relatable.

When the two lead characters finally meet, their chemistry is undeniable.  

While there is definitely sexual tension between the two, it's very refreshing Williams avoided having them begin a romance.

Part of what makes this web series work is, at first, Kim truly believes Alar is suffering from some sort of mental breakdown - which is the normal reaction most of us would have toward anyone claiming to be a wizard from another world!

Having the characters begin a romance almost immediately would feel wildly inappropriate and damage the central premise of the show.

Riftworld Chronicles also features exceptional overall production value, including gorgeous props, intriguing Riftworld costumes, solid visual effects, and excellent creature makeup.

Check out the official series trailer ...

To view the entire 8-episode first season, the series is available on Tubi: Riftworld Chronicles On Tubi

Being a die-hard fantasy fan, this outstanding digital/web series gets my highest recommendation. So step inside the portal, and visit the alluring world of Riftworld Chronicles.

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MisSpelled - A Charming Web Series Featuring Witches Of Color

MisSpelled is a supernatural web series about the misadventures of a coven of five young witches of color.

Created by Lindsey McDowell (who also stars), the show focuses on the friendship and rivalries between the young women as they cope with high school - as well as the emergence of their magical powers.

Think of the series as the love child of the cult film The Craft and the tv show Charmed.

The main plot focuses on how the coven must  cope with a crisis after one of their own loses control of her powers and makes a catastrophic  mistake.

Check out the series trailer ...

Listen to our EYE ON SCI-FI podcast episode featuring MisSpelled!

Watch all seven episodes of MisSpelled on YouTube.

Ms. McDowell has created  a refreshing web series that provides vital representation to a much underserved audience in fantasy and science fiction -  young women of color.

The witches of MisSpelled are intelligent, funny, and incorrigible.

They also provide a welcome contrast to overwhelmingly lily-white depictions in genre entertainment.

The young cast is terrific, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.

Due to the strength of their performances, you won't doubt for a minute the close - and often contentious - friendship shared by these young women.

MisSpelled is sure to enchant with its engaging story, strong cast performances, solid visual effects, and depictions of diverse, relatable young women.

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