Witch Doctor is a renowned Battlebot that has made a name for itself in the competitive world of robot combat. Created by the team of Andrea Gellatly and Mike Gellatly, this bot is a force to be reckoned with. Witch Doctor stands out from the crowd with its distinctive design and fearsome appearance. It is painted in a vibrant red and green color scheme, with a spooky skull adorned on its top. This attention to detail not only adds to the bot's aesthetic appeal but also helps intimidate opponents. But Witch Doctor is not just about looks.
— Jean Comaroff, Alfred North Whitehead Professor of African and African American Studies and of Anthropology, Oppenheimer Research Fellow, Harvard University
Jean Comaroff , Alfred North Whitehead Professor of African and African American Studies and of Anthropology, Oppenheimer Research Fellow, Harvard University. A magisterial overview of the ebullient religious imagination in contemporary Thailand, Capitalism Magic Thailand gives compelling evidence of the ways in which market-based modernity breeds novel, enchanted means of pursuing auspiciousness and profit.
But Witch Doctor is not just about looks. It is a powerful and agile machine that is built for battle. It is armed with a vertical spinning disc that can wreak havoc on opponents.
New Books in SEAsian Studies: Craig Reynolds’ Power, Protection and Magic in Thailand
In this episode of New Books in Southeast Asian Studies we travel with Craig J. Reynolds to the mid-south of Thailand in the first half of the twentieth century, where we meet with a legendary policeman who trained in martial arts and the occult so as to protect himself in mortal combat with dangerous foes. That policeman was Butr Pantharak, also known as Khun Phan. Though he already has quite a number of biographers in Thai, Reynolds’ Power, Protection and Magic in Thailand: The Cosmos of a Southern Policeman (ANU Press 2019) is the first book to tell the story of Khun Phan’s life and times for English-language readers. It is available for free download from the ANU Press website, where it is accompanied by a series of beautiful videos that build on the contents of each of its chapters, the making of which we discuss in this episode.
Thai-language readers might also be interested in Craig Reynold’s new collection of essays, จดหมายจากสุดขอบโลก คิดคำนึงถึงอดีตในปัจจุบัน (Letters from the Edge of the World: Thinking of the Past in the Present, Sayam Press, 2022), which we talk about at the end of the interview.
Like this interview? If so you might also be interested in:
- Thongchai Winichakul, Moments of Silence: The Unforgetting of the October 6, 1976, Massacre in Bangkok
- Sam van Schaik, Buddhist Magic: Divination, Healing, and Enchantment through the Ages
Nick Cheesman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political & Social Change, Australian National University. He hosts the New Books in Interpretive Political & Social Science series and contributes to the New Books in Southeast Asian Studies channel on the New Books Network.
“ Peter Jackson offers the most comprehensive and theoretically sophisticated analysis of modern Thai ritual and magic available. He not only summarizes the work of the top scholars in the field, but also contributes his own provocative insights into the myriad ways money, politics, power, aesthetics, entertainment, and individual religious aspiration influence the vast diversity of Thai Buddhist, Hindu, Animist, Taoist, and other practices. His clearly written and accessible book will be a welcome addition to the fields of anthropology, religious studies, history, and political science and generate new and contentious debates among scholars for years to come. ”
The disc is capable of delivering devastating blows, often causing significant damage to the opponent's armor or disabling their weapons altogether. To complement its offensive capabilities, Witch Doctor is also equipped with a set of sturdy and durable wheels that allow it to swiftly traverse the arena. This mobility is crucial in maneuvering around opponents and launching strategic attacks. The team behind Witch Doctor has put an immense amount of effort into refining and improving their bot over the years. They have consistently showcased their expertise in engineering and robotics, making Witch Doctor a formidable opponent in every battle it enters. Witch Doctor has competed in several seasons of Battlebots, impressing fans and judges alike with its performance. Thanks to its relentless aggression and powerful attacks, it has earned a spot as one of the top competitors in the competition. What sets Witch Doctor apart is not just its physical abilities but also the passion and dedication of its creators. Andrea and Mike have poured their hearts and souls into perfecting their bot and have become fan favorites in the process. Their innovative design choices, strategic gameplay, and indomitable spirit have earned them respect and admiration within the Battlebots community. In conclusion, Witch Doctor is an exceptional Battlebot that has earned its place among the top competitors in the sport. With its fearsome design, powerful weaponry, and the unwavering dedication of its creators, it continues to make a significant impact in robot combat. Fans eagerly anticipate its appearances in future seasons, ready to witness the awe-inspiring battles that Witch Doctor never fails to deliver..
Reviews for "Battlebots Witch Doctor: A Journey of Triumphs and Setbacks"
- John - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "Battlebots Witch Doctor" after hearing so much hype about it. But I was sorely disappointed. The fights were lackluster, and there was no real suspense or excitement. The robots seemed poorly designed and their movements were clunky. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
- Sarah - 1 star - I found "Battlebots Witch Doctor" to be incredibly boring. The concept of robot fighting is intriguing, but the execution in this show fell flat. The fights were slow-paced and predictable, and the robots lacked any real personality or unique features. I felt like I was watching a poorly choreographed dance instead of an intense battle. I was hoping for more excitement and innovation, but instead, it was a complete snoozefest.
- Mark - 2 stars - "Battlebots Witch Doctor" didn't live up to my expectations. The fights were overhyped, and the robots failed to deliver any real thrills. The commentary was lackluster and the editing made it difficult to follow the action. I also found the constant replays and slow-motion shots to be repetitive and unnecessary. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and I wouldn't bother tuning in again.