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https://trademarkfilms.com/films/d121a6f6-231f-481d-86bc-3fe5ee83847f

Available for preorder now, out Sept 19, one man's quest for the soul of Grimdark.

So I got a chance to watch a review copy and what can I say? It's niche of course, cute and nice. I wonder who exactly it's for, it spends a lot of time talking to fans around the world about what is Grim Dark art, Grim Dark games and Jon Heder's reaction to them. It's almost like trying to explain 40k, Mordheim, Necromunda, et al to our families and friends. So the people who know and/or care who John Blanche is might find most of the film just sort of obvious.

Blanche does not appear in person until about an hour in and the interview with him is interesting. He's had major health issues in recent years, including a stroke IIRC, and it's good to hear from him, y'know, what we still can. I'd have liked more of that.

There's a lot in there that's good for the audience ego, we're not gamers, we're artists and we're writers and creators and collaborators in creating a shared world. Yay us!

There's some neat humor and good transitions and it really is not just a love letter to Blanche, but also one to the miniature hobby and the grimdark aesthetic as a whole. Jon Heder is charming throughout.

Could it be improved? Yeah, sure. But it's good.

Does that make it worth your $12, that's up to you. As the proud owner of multiple Blanche art books from Ratspike to Voodoo Forest this is very much up my alley so yes for me. If he's not your bag, then maybe not.

 Apple fox wrote:
I was thinking, this Is the kind of thing I would like to watch on Warhammer plus, and GW should at least be trying to license it.

I would love more documentaries with the people who built the Warhammer worlds, since well who knows how much longer any of us will be here.

But I don't think GW are the ones to do it since nearly all of them have departed GW (is Goodwin the only one left?).

Now as I think about it GW was very conspicuous by their absence in the documentary. No statements from the company, no current creators saying how Blanche inspired them, no footage from old Games Days, nothing. It is mentioned, but has not overt presence. I would guess they declined and the filmmakers moved on. So we don't really get the sort of stuff we'd expect about the development of the game, its look and and its growth into novels, video games etc.

For what it's worth...

Today's the day!

https://trademarkfilms.com/films/d121a6f6-231f-481d-86bc-3fe5ee83847f

I already saw but will get a copy anyway, it's a fun little flick.