It is that time of year again, difficult decisions must be made as we sit down and decide our Best of 2017 list. While most people will expect this article to be filled with Jem and the Holograms, I hope to diversify at least a bit. Now on to what you came here for, River’s Best of 2017!
Best Ongoing Comic
Big Trouble in Little China: Old Man Jack
BOOM! Studios
Written by: John Carpenter, Anthony Burch
Art by: Jorge Corona
In a world where everything is being rebooted, I was very happy to see somebody get it right! I do not know if it is simply the genius of John Carpenter, or some unearthly magic, but this is the comic the 1980s film deserved. The perfect blend of nostalgia and newness. If you are a fan of the cult classic film this is based on, you better already be caught up. If you have never heard of Jack Burton, now is the time to get to know him!
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Best Event Comic
Dark Nights Metal
DC Comics
Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Greg Capullo
I have to agree with out Editor-In-Chief about this category. Dark Night Metal blows me out of the water with each new issue. I thought that it was going to be more of the same, but I could not have been more wrong. What starts as a typical Justice League story in issue one, quickly jumps into a dark and entertaining run that I hope never ends (though it sadly will come March).
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Best Indie Comic
Last Song
Black Mask Studios
Written by: Holly Interlandi
Art by: Sally Cantirino
Anybody familiar with my comic book reviews knows I love bright, vibrant colors. So, it was quite a surprise to me that one of my favorite things to come from 2017 would be a black & white comic. The story that Holly brings to the page is one that could not have been told any other way, though. Even though the monochrome pages, the characters become real and jump right off.
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Favorite Movie
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Disney/Marvel
Directed by: James Gunn
I had to change the title of this one to Favorite instead of Best because I know there were better films. I understand that GotG cannot compete with a western like Logan or a game-changers like Wonder Woman. That being said, Guardians 2 is a film I have watched multiple times and will probably watch again and again throughout 2018. While this film does cover almost all of the tropes of any superhero movie, they do it a unique way. It is the perfect blend of comedy, action, and heart. Also, it has the best soundtrack ever!
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Best TV Show
Star Trek Discovery
CBS All Access
Created by: Bryan Fuller
Any time a new show attaches the title Star Trek to it, there is bound to be criticism. Either the captain will not be right, or an alien will not have the right look. Discovery was no different. Before the first episode aired, there were naysayers to this new look into the Trek-verse. To them, I give a Vulcan Hello. This vision of Star Trek is not like one that we have seen before and that is what makes is amazing. The casting is amazing and each script is well written and intriguing. One of the best things, though, is that you do not know who is safe on this show. Aside of Mudd, any character could die, leave, or get lost in each episode. I find it rare to have a show that leaves me guessing.
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Most Anticipated of 2018
The New Mutants
20th Century Fox (or Disney now?)
Directed by: Josh Boone
While I love superhero films as much as the next geek on here, I am also looking for something new. It seems that so many of these movies are becoming more and more cookie cutter. I am looking at you, Thor: Ragnarok and Justice League! It is a wanted relief to see that Marvel, or is it Fox… no, maybe it is Disney, is going to take a horror route this time. I wait now with baited breath and fingers crossed.
Do you have a BEST OF 2017 List? We would love to hear it, share in the comments below!
PS: I only left out Jem because I think my reviews are a good indicator of how I feel about those comics. See you in 2018!