December 31st, 2017

Goodbye 2017. In many ways you were amazing. In many ways you were terrible. I'm glad you're gone and can't wait to see what 2018 brings.  However, there were lots of things I did enjoy over the last 12 months.

Movies:

BLADE RUNNER 2049 was my standout favourite film. Indulgent in every way. It was beautifully shot and an awe-inspiring experience in IMAX 3D. I loved how nothing was rushed and nothing was expected. Rarely have I been transported into another world so effectively.

THOR: RAGNAROK was fab. In a grim year, it was one of the things that just made you feel good about life. I do hope though that it's success doesn't see all superhero films become comedies, in the same way I don't want every film to be dark and grim like Batman. My favorite character in the movie wasn't Thor or Hulk though, it was Valkyrie. Kick-ass women rule.

I have very mixed feelings about The Last Jedi. I'm hoping to go and see it again today. There was lots I liked and lots I didn't. However I'm glad I live in a world where there are new Star Wars films coming out regularly now and I love that Rey is a kick-ass character that doesn't need any rescuing from anyone.

Speaking of which, Wonder Woman was another great film that just made you feel good. Considering it was a film set in World War I, it shone with love and positivity.

At the opposite end of the spectrum was Logan, a film about old white men who'd screwed it all up. A brilliant, brave film. I loved it - even though it touched a few raw nerves.

Finally Atomic Blonde. An 80's flashback. Loved the style, the action, the clothes, the music. Great fun.

Books:

Without a doubt, my favorite of the year. A fresh take on GrimDark. Swords, magic, incredible characters and scary monsters. The audiobook is incredible too.

Another new author. This is fun and funny. Sits hand in glove with Thor: Ragnarok. When the world's crap, you need art like this to make it better. Bravo.

Peter finishes off the Demon Cycle with style. He does it so well. I'll miss these characters but can't wait to see what he does next.

Comics:

I discovered Enrico Marini this year. His Scorpion series has been going awhile but I loved it. His linework and use of color is effortless. I wish I could draw half as well as he can. He also had a brilliant Batman book out at the end of the year, The Dark Prince Charming.

Lazarus by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark continues to be my favorite anything. Very excited by the potential TV series too. Incredible world-building. Great cast. Amazing artwork.

The Old Guard by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez was also incredible. Guns, immortals by the modern world. Nice.

So there you have it. A few of my favorite things of last year. I hope 2017 was good to you. If it wasn't, don't worry - 2018 will be better. It has to be. Good always wins out in the end.