(Sung to the tune of Enigma’s “Sadeness”)
Chanting. Ummm…yeah, uh…a bunch of Latin-sounding stuff that I don’t understand, but the perfect soundtrack for contemplating the things we love. Welcome to…
Donist World 2020 Year-End Roundup (Part 2)!
***Probably NOT Spoilers Below***
If you have a moment, check out our past FSoH/SitW Year-End Roundups to see all things heavenly including Part 1 for 2020. Now, keep in mind that some of the items listed below might have come out before 2020, but 2020 was the year that we read, watched, drank, or ate them, thus their inclusion here. We at Donist World, thank you for reading and hope you enjoy our selections as much as we do.
Donist World 20 Heavenly Things (In No Particular Order)
1) Alvarado Street Brewery (Beer)
My favorite brewery of 2019 was again my favorite brewery of 2020 and I was thrilled to find out that in these COVID-19 times I could order a mix of 24 cans and have them delivered right to my home. If you are a fan of IPAs (regular, hazy, double, triple, dry-hopped, double dry-hopped, etc.) then this is the brewery for you. Be warned, though, don’t fall too deeply in love with anything outside of their flagship Mai Tai Tropical IPA, as offerings come and go quickly, but that just means you are rushed to try as many as you can find. If you live in California, you can order from https://burphopsnow.com/.
2) Blade Runner 2019: Vol. 1: Los Angeles (Graphic Novel from Titan Comics)
When I was a child and first saw Blade Runner in the theater back in 1982, I absolutely hated it. I was bored, not much action, no lightsabers, no aliens, not enough nudity; it was a bit much for my 12-year-old brain to handle. Fast forward a few decades later and it is one of my all-time favorite sci-fi films. Move even closer to our present and I was enthralled by its tremendous successor, Blade Runner 2049, where I fell even deeper in love with this fascinating dystopian world. Then I started to hear great things about the new series from Titan Comics that bridges the gap between the two films and I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. This series follows a Blade Runner named Ash as she seeks to recover the wife and daughter of a wealthy businessman from what looks to be a kidnapping by Replicants. Twists, turns, action, and moments that made me gasp, this is one helluva sci-fi series that left me hungry for more. The series boasts beautiful art—in storytelling, character acting, and mood—from Guinaldo and co-written by the writer of the Blade Runner 2049 film. I just read Volume 2 in 2021 and I will be eagerly awaiting a chance to pick up Volume 3 this March. (Written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson, illustrated by Andres Guinaldo, colored by Marco Lesko, lettered by Jim Campbell, published by Titan Comics)
3) DCeased (Graphic Novel from DC Comics)
My first thought about this DC superhero zombie comic was Didn’t Marvel already do this idea ages ago? But then after reading a lot of buzz about the series, I decided to take the plunge which was the right thing to do. 100% outside of continuity and “events,” this miniseries has spawned multiple follow-up series (all of which I MUST now read) and involves Darkseid, a techno-organic virus, and a brutal look at what happens when Earth’s mightiest heroes become the undead. You will see your favorite heroes and villains fall victim to the virus in ways that are shocking and horrifying but will keep you flipping through the pages from beginning to end. DCeased will keep that ol’ heartrate elevated and I suspect you won’t be able to put it down. (Written by Tom Taylor; illustrated by Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Guadiano, Laura Braga, James Harren, Darick Robertson, Richard Friend, Trevor Scott, and Neil Edwards; published by DC Comics.)
4) 11 O’Clock Comics (Podcast)
Yup, David, Jason, and Vince B. continue to produce my favorite podcast after all these years. This is not just my favorite comic book podcast, but my favorite podcast. Period. The boys and the occasional special guest keep me running an extra block or two or three when I’m out exercising as I listen to their thoughts on my favorite comics and so they can give me new ideas of what I need to read. They discuss everything from current mainstream comics, to lesser-known titles, to books of the past, to the comics industry as a whole, to other media, and regularly have comic creators take up the fourth chair. I’ve never met these cats, but they feel like family at this point and I simply adore their show.
5) Harley Quinn (Television Show on HBO Max)
So, a good chunk of the television show exclusives that used to be on the now-dead DC Universe thing were starting to appear on HBO Max. One night I thought, Why not check out a 30-minute show before bed? I chose Harley Quinn and stayed up far later than I had intended because I fell into the “just one more episode” trap. Hilarious, thrilling, a great overarching story, beautifully animated, and so much fun from beginning to end, I fell instantly in love with the show and Harley Quinn. 100% NOT FOR KIDDIES! There’s blood and guts, f_bombs enough to make a sailor blush, sexual inuendos, and adult humor that had me laughing out loud with each episode. Oh my goodness, I cannot wait for a new season and I will definitely be watching seasons 1 and 2 a few times before it eventually does arrive.
6) House of Mystery: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 2 (Graphic Novel from DC Comics)
Speaking of workouts…you can grab hold of this behemoth of a book and get some great tricep extensions in or if you need to change out a flat tire you can prop up your car because this 26-issue, 840-page monster is definitely big enough for you to do those things but this series is meant for reading. Hosted by the devilish Cain, the issues within were originally published in the early ’70s and I remember ”reading” through many of these stories as a young Donist and trust me, it is a TRIP experiencing the images over four decades after first seeing them and it is a joy to actually understand the stories now that I am an adult. There are definitely more “hits” than “misses” in this wonderful collection and even without the nostalgia behind my remembrances of this series, it is definitely worth checking out for the great stories and oftentimes gorgeous (and scary) art. Fingers crossed for a Volume 3!
7) House of Secrets: The Bronze Age Omnibus Vol. 2 (Graphic Novel from DC Comics)
It’s not really that far of a reach that I love The House of Secrets book every bit as much as its big brother, The House of Mystery. This collection contains issues 112 through to the series end of 154. Horror host Abel leads you through all sorts of spine-tingling stories brought to you by such greats as Bernie Wrightson, Len Wein, Alex Niño, Marv Wolfman, Jack Oleck, and so very many others. Reading each of these massive tomes over the course of 2020, I have learned that pretty much all children are evil, if you are picked on don’t try to change your lot in life just accept it, leave cursed artifacts alone, leave witches alone, NEVER mess with ghosts, vampires and werewolves are everywhere, aliens are always invading the Earth, and wives should never nag their husbands as it ends up being bad for both parties. Love love love these books.
8) The Last of Us Part II (Playstation 4 Video Game)
The first The Last of Us video game is the best video game I have ever played and I have played through it three times. It has a cool twist on zombies, a vast post-apocalyptic world, a lush score, characters who I absolutely fell in love with, immense loss, touching moments, beautiful graphics, cool game mechanics and skill/item leveling, and an overall gorgeous/distressing mood. When I finished, I desperately wanted a follow-up and I waited. And waited. And waited some more. But then the video game about a fictional devasting pandemic arrived in the summer of 2020 during a very real pandemic that is still raging across our world. Part II picks up a few years after the first installment and it is every bit as visually stunning and atmospheric and engrossing. I loved all of the new characters, I wanted to scream during one portion early on that I did not see coming and that is completely devastating, and I relaxed and became conflicted once I began to understand various character motivations. I also loved roaming around Santa Barbara (yes, part of the game is set in Santa Barbara, California) especially the recognizable-yet-slightly-different train station that had begun to succumb to the elements. I still prefer the first game, but The Last of Us Part II is a close second. Do not listen to the negative reviews as I suspect a good portion of those are from trolls who have a problem with LGBTQ themes and characters.
9) The Last Podcast on the Left (Podcast)
At over 400 episodes (not counting a ton of “Side Stories” installments) of cryptids, serial killers, conspiracy theories, reptilians (like Moscow Mitch McConnell), and all other assortments of oddity subject matter, I have listened to every episode—some multiple times. I generally listen to Ben, Henry, and Marcus at work and there have actually been a few times I had to press pause and “walk it off” because I was cracking up and starting to scare my coworkers; at least back in the pre-pandemic days this was true. Give ’em three episodes or so on something you’re interested in like Jeffrey Dahmer (icky!) or Albert Fish (brrrrrrr) and you will be hooked. I also love having random people say “Hail Yourself!” when I’m wearing my TLPotL t-shirt. Be sure to check out The Last Book on the Left book! TLPotL is hands-down my favorite “crime” podcast.
10) Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Television Show on HBO Max)
2020. Yeah, it was a massive pile of dog doo that the twice impeached 45 and his vile, criminal enablers in the GOP have steadily kept America walking through while convincing a smaller percentage of the populace—who inexplicably worship him—to thank them for the privilege to do so. It was one hell of a downer of a year, but John Oliver managed to bring some levity to the myriad of situations that steadily and repeatedly assailed those of us who can tell the difference between fact and fiction. Although every episode managed to bring a laugh here and there for this news weary Donist, I did notice that even Oliver found it difficult at times to find the humor in the massive amounts of stupid the tRump administration had heaped upon America over the course of the previous week. I cannot wait for the show’s return in mid-February 2021 now that things are a little bit better.
11) Luthor Strode: The Complete Collection (Graphic Novel from Image Comics)
Late in the year, as one is want to do, I was thinking about Tradd Moore’s art on the positively stunning Silver Surfer: Black, and I began looking at other comics he had worked on and one book caught my eye: Luthor Strode Vol. 1, The Strange Talent of Luthor Strode. I began digging through my computer files and found that I had the book from a Humble Bundle I purchased from a bunch of years ago; I just had not checked it out yet. I read the first issue in the collection and BAM! I was in love. I ordered Luthor Strode Vol. 2, The Legend of Luthor Strode, and Luthor Strode Vol. 3, The Legacy of Luthor Strode. Oh, my goodness, not only is the early art of Moore freaking amazing, the Justin Jordan story completely pulled me in. The story is about a puny kid who gets tired of being bullied and orders a “tired of getting sand kicked in your face” self-help book from an ad in a comic book and in turn becomes an absolute murder machine. Think video games with boss levels in a comic book format and a heck of a lot of super-violent good times. Luthor Strode has been optioned for film, which is why I suspect the Luthor Strode: The Complete Collection is not currently in print and hopefully pending a newer, awesomized release in the future. (Written by Justin Jordan, illustrated by Tradd Moore, colored by Felipe Sobreiro, published by Image Comics.)
12) Magic Puzzles (Puzzle)
Early in the Pandemic, I somehow came across a Kickstarter for the Magic Puzzle Company and I decided to contribute at the level that meant I would eventually receive all three of the first series puzzles. The Kickstarter was a huge success and my estimated September delivery date passed. Then October. Then November. But in December, all three puzzles arrived and Amy and I settled on beginning with the one titled “The Happy Isles.” The puzzle is pretty dang difficult, has all sorts of weirdly shaped pieces, and once we delved into it and through to near completion, we began to notice various “oddities” to how things were laid out. We eventually finished and then returned to the box that had an envelope that warned us not to open it until the puzzle had been completed. Inside was a sheet that listed a bunch of quests like finding all 17 cats, finding an astronaut, and those sorts of things, which was cool, but it was the envelope inside the envelope that made us go “WHOA!!!” after we followed the directions inside. What did it contain? You’ll have to buy it and find out, just know that each image is beautiful, it’s challenging, it is fun, and the mystery and the mechanics of this puzzle are unlike anything I have ever seen.
13) Marvel Puzzle Quest (Video Game for iOS)
This game has steadily transitioned from being a casual pastime to something of an obsession. Every morning, before I get out of bed, I fire up the app and see what updates have been made, what new characters have arrived, and if there are new challenges to work my way through. Think of it as a marriage of Bejeweled and the MCU and you get the idea for the style of the game, but the fun revolves around acquiring new characters of varying power (one-star beginners up to five-star powerhouses). Each character has three+ powers/abilities that you can use as well as supports, team abilities, and the hope for a good amount of luck for a favorable board. My current strongest lineup is Polaris (once she gets going she is unstoppable, four-stars), Kitty Pryde (she increases Polaris’s tiles every turn, five-stars), and Medusa (she racks up color points and heals while stealing enemy strike tiles, four-stars); these ladies bring the smackdown! That said, Deadpool (Spirit of Vengeance) just leveled up again last night and is becoming a force to be reckoned with, and with Adam Warlock recently added to the mix, no telling what my favorite team might switch to being. This game is a blessing and a curse.
14) The Old Guard (Movie on Netflix)
Based upon the comic book The Old Guard (written by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Leandro Fernandez, published by Image Comics, and a book I have not yet read and need to remedy ASAP), the show stars Charlize Theron as she and her team of immortals who have protected Earth throughout history discover a new immortal while becoming targets of a mysterious group who knows of their fantastic abilities. I LOVED this movie and even Amy the intern said it was one of her favorite movies that she watched in 2020, which coming from someone who generally does not like comic book movies is the highest of praise. If you have not yet watched The Old Guard, get thyself to Netflix and start watching.
15) Pod Save America (Podcast)
It’s kind of hard to say that I “enjoy” this podcast as it is a response to the horror/shit show that is everything Trump and the GOP. Former aides of President Obama—Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor—recap the week’s calamities, bringing actual facts and insights into the world of politics. Yes, they skew to the “Left,” but that just means they are critical of both sides (god, I hate those words…both sides, ugh) and call out where the crimes, lies, and injustices are taking place. Pod Save America cheers me up when the news of the world is so damn horrendous and political criminals seem to get away with robbing us of our money, our healthcare, our retirement, and our rights as the uber-wealthy get richer and richer and racism attempts to become normalized.
16) Something is Killing the Children (Graphic Novel from BOOM! Studios)
Erica Slaughter kills monsters. In fact, she is one of the very few adults who can see them. Children, however, can see the monsters just fine and as more and more children disappear in the small town of Archer’s Peak, only Erica believes the tales surviving children tell of horrendous things that live in the shadows and that prey upon them. (Written by James Tynion IV, illustrated by Werther Dell’Edera, colored by Miquel Muerto, published by BOOM! Studios)
I had been hearing about this comic for some time and on a whim picked up the recently released first graphic novel only to be completely blown away by this immensely dark horror comic. Thankfully, I only had to wait a few months to pick up the second volume and it looks like the third will be out towards the beginning of summer which is too long of a wait for a comic of this caliber. Pair this comic series with Tynion IV’s fantastic The Department of Truth and you have two of my favorite comic series of 2020.
17) Supernatural, Season 15 (Television Show Available to Watch on Netflix)
Well, it’s been a hell (get it?) of a run for a 15 season television show that Tulip, Amy the Intern, and I have enjoyed since the very beginning through to this series finale. Sure, some episodes were slight misses, but most definitely were not. I mean, what’s not to enjoy about a show where the protagonists hunt down monsters, demons, devils, angels, gods, and even the all-mighty himself? We all fell in love with Sam and Dean over a decade ago, welcomed Castiel to the fold, and even found ourselves cheering for Jack when he first made his appearance. I will admit to being a little torn as to whether or not the final episode was needed as the penultimate episode could have been the series ender but, hey, I’m also not denying my peepers weren’t exactly dry by the end of that final episode either. Who knows, maybe in a year or two, we’ll begin it all again, but until then, carry on my wayward son.
18) Swamp Thing (Television Show on Blu-Ray)
I only got around to watching this great show on Blu-ray at the beginning of December but I was definitely tempted to sign up for the recently deceased DC Universe service to watch it as it aired only to be dissuaded by the fact that the show had been canceled despite critics and fans being generally happy with the series. Once I finished the first episode and got all of the “that’s not like what Alan Moore did at all and why is Abby’s hair black?” out of my system, I found a unique, creepy, and completely enjoyable series that was cut down WAY before it should have been. I love all of the characters and the introduction of the Blue Devil and the Phantom Stranger gave glimpses of what the writers hoped to show us had the series not been so cruelly canceled. Damn. It would have been amazing to see where things could have gone after Jason Woodrue’s transformation and with the inevitable introduction of Anton Arcane. Who knows, maybe HBO Max can someday grow something great from the wonderful seed that we actually received.
19) Swamp Thing Omnibus by Nancy A. Collins (Graphic Novel by DC Comics)
Up until now, Nancy A. Collins’s take on my much-loved Swamp Thing was a blindspot. Her run began around the time I had thrown in the towel on comics after the glut of events and the speculation boom had shredded my enjoyment of the medium but now, over two decades later, I am finally catching up on everything I missed after the Rick Veitch issues. I am so glad that I did. Collins brings a fantastic take from one who is familiar with the swamps of Lousiana, the myths, and the people and adds murderous priests, pirates, Lady Jane, and the occasional Constantine and Anton Arcane to bring it all home. Granted, this omnibus carries a hefty price tag, but I plowed through this massive tome in all but a few weeks because I loved what I was reading so much. Well worth it.
20) Young Justice, Season 3 (Television Show on HBO Max)
I had watched the first and second seasons of Young Justice a few years back and was completely hooked. But, like most great animated shows, I thought that was the end of it, which was a bummer. Then I learned that there was a third season and it was coming to HBO Max and I couldn’t wait to check it out. So, almost every evening, once Tulip and Amy the intern had gone to sleep, I would watch an episode or two. Although this season is not as great as the first two seasons, it is still really good and better than any of the live-action movies DC has been putting out. Here a new group of heroes takes the lead, becoming the Outsiders and taking on all sorts of villains who have been kidnapping children and attempting to give them superpowers. Again, this season of Young Justice is really good, but I am even more excited for what season four has to bring—*cough*…Darkseid…*cough*.
That wraps up this year’s roundup. If you think of anything I should be reading, watching, playing, or drinking, then please let me know. I hope you had a fantastic 2020 and I wish you all the best for 2021! Thank you for reading.
