2023 a year in review

 This is my looking back at 2023 blog, wherein I plan to talk about my favorite things from 2023.\

Favorite book: Generations: The Real Differences Between Gem Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents- and What They Mean for America's Future by Jean M. Twenge PhD

 

I've always kind of discounted the generational differences. I figure I'm too much of a individual to fit into any such category anyway. However, it turns out we're called Gen X precisely because we're so hard to categorize! I really did connect with not only what Dr. Twenge says about my generation, but also her writings on my parents' generations and how things have changed. The biggest change through the years is always technology and how it affects our daily lives. And trends in social areas such as work, marriage, and children reflect our increasing lifespans and slower maturation as it currently takes much longer for people to finish schooling and begin a career. These are just some of the highlights of what I learned through this book. I recommend everyone give it a read!

Favorite comic book, new: It was very nice to get to read some new Ms. Marvel comics this year! Co-written by Iman Vellani (the actress who plays Kamala in the MCU) Ms. Marvel: New Mutant was a good, fun series. Also I have to give a shout out to Avengers, INC. An Avengers series focusing on the Wasp, as she tries to solve a few mysteries, such as why her old foe Whirlwind had died and come back as Victor Shade. Great art on this one by one of my long-time favorites, Leonard Kirk!

 

Favorite comic book, old: I decided this year to read all the Black Panther solo series, most of which I had never read before. Starting with writer Don McGregor's Jungle Action run, which was the very forst solo series for T'Challa. McGregor created most of what we have of Wakanda today, as he centered most of his series on the fictional home of the Black Panther and created many of the supporting cast and villains that we still see today. These earliest stories are very different than current comics, and the writing seemed very non-comic booky to me. I don't know how else to describe it, but it has it's good and bad points. Mostly it is amazing to read the stories that really started the legend. 

 

The later run by Jack Kirby is incredible fun. Sure, it's very 70's Kirby, and some of the stories could involve just about any character (very Mister Miracle I'd say) but Kirby has a way of showing how regal and commanding T'Challa's presence is. The best part of the story is when Jack gets the King of Wakanda back to his homeland.

And two more quick notes: McGregor's other big Black Panther story, most of which I had read when it was first published, was a series in Marvel Comics Presents drawn by the legendary Gene Colan. It was the main factor in my buying all those MCP comics back then! And I've currently gotten into Christopher Priest's run from the late 90's-, which really makes T'Challa a superstar and also powers him up quite a bit with much more Wakanda tech! 

Favorite small press comic: The Ninja Pandemica, which I discussed here

Favorite concert I attended: The Warning, of whom I have hailed many times in previous posts. I feel fortunate to have been able to see them live, and I listen to their music all the time. Check out their performances at the MTV video awards! It's great to hear such young people playing great rock music. Do like I do, and buy their physical media!

Okay, that's plenty for now. Maybe someone will leave a comment as to their favorites of 2023.