One of the questions we love to ask ourselves is “What if?”, well in fiction we have the luxury of answering that question anyway we like. Here are some of the cleverest answers I’ve come across in the genre of Alternative History. The Plot Against America– Charles Lindbergh defeats FDR in the 1940 presidential election leading to a rise of antisemitism across the country. What’s chilling is how much this fictional work echoes what we see in America today. The Man in the High Castle– The Axis powers win WWII with Japan and Germany dividing up the defeated United States.…
Author: eclecticeccentric
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Dark Fantasy Films
Dark Fantasy doesn’t have a strict definition, it’s one of those know it when you see it genres. But I think you’ll agree with me that these ten films qualify. And they are perfect for late-night viewing when you don’t want to go full horror. Pan’s Labyrinth– a modern fairytale but not the polished Disney kind, the old school Brother’s Grimm kind. Absolutely mesmerizing. Coraline– Based on the Novella from Neil Gaiman. This story follows a girl who finds a doorway to a parallel world that is seemingly far better than her own. As is typically the case, this…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Fictional Bands
Ever see a band in a movie and wish they get together and put out an album for real? Me too. Unfortunately, I can’t help you on that front; but I have gathered together a few tracks from some of my favorite fictional bands for you to listen to. You can find this playlist on Spotify here. Opening: I Can’t Turn You Loose- The Blues Brothers, Joe Gastwirt Everybody Needs Somebody to Love- The Blues Brothers Soul Man- The Blues Brothers Gimme Some Lovin’- The Blues Brothers Chain of Fools- The Commitments In The Midnight Hour- The Commitments Take Me…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Horror Series
Horror is a difficult genre to get right on television. The conventions of the genre don’t really lend themselves to long-form storytelling. Which makes it all the more impressive when a series gets it right. Here are ten horror shows that are sure to give you chills. The Haunting of Hill House- This single-season horror story is a slow burn, but that’s what makes it so tense. This series takes a deep dive into its characters’ states of mind and really stands out as a psychological drama as it does a horror story. American Horror Story- This anthology series uses…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Fantastic Four Comics
Marvel’s First Family has gotten the short end of the stick recently due to its movie rights belonging to Fox. But now that Marvel Studios has them back, they are pouring everything they have into revitalizing the franchise. If you want to get pumped for things to come here are ten Fantastic Four stories to get you going. 1234– Grant Morrison tries his hand at the Fantastic Four and doesn’t disappoint. This mini-series puts each member of the group into their own personal crisis and at the end, as always, Doom awaits. Back to Basics!- This is the start of…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Spy Novels
Everybody loves a good spy story. They tend to have a little bit of everything mystery, suspense, political intrigue, action; they’re like the Neapolitan ice cream of fiction. Personally, I love the spy craft and the intellectual duels with an unseen enemy. Here are ten great spy novels that you can binge through while lounging on your favorite chair. Patriot Games– This is not the first Jack Ryan book Tom Clancy wrote but it is chronologically first in the main sequence of books (not including spinoffs or prequels from other authors). The story is great. Good action and intrigue while…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Martial Arts Films
If you’re like me during this lockdown, there are times when you think to yourself “Boy, I really wish I could stop thinking for a little while.” Martial Arts movies are perfect for those occasions; just simple, uncomplicated plots stuffed full of action and choreography. Here are some of my favorites. Drunken Master- Jackie Chan fights better when he’s plastered is the best story pitch in the history of cinema and you will never convince me otherwise. IP Man- A biographical film about the Wing Chun master who trained Bruce Lee. It’s awesome. Hero- The story is unnecessarily complicated but…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Steampunk Rock
Do you wear goggles, gloves, and a top hat? Do you use steam to power everyday household appliances? Do you still call them airships? If you answered yes to any of these questions this might be the playlist for you. You can find it on Spotify here. Building Steam- Abney Park Dark Carnivale- Frenchy and the Punk The Surgeon’s Widow- Escape the Clouds The Death of the Cog- The Cog is Dead Doing It For The Whigs- The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing The Industrial Revolution (And How It Ruined My Life)- Aurelio Voltaire Steampunk Revolution- Abney…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Con-Artist Series
People have always been obsessed with con artists, long before Clooney and Pitt came along to suave up our movie screens. Personally, I think it’s the human need to be in the know and to feel smarter than the poor saps who fall for the games that get run on them. But you’re not here for pop psychology, you’re here for the cons. Leverage- “Sometimes the bad guys are the good guys” Basically a bunch of thieves play Robin Hood by taking down a new soulless corporate suit/one-percenter every episode and making restitution to their victims. Fun and Funny. This…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Crime Comics
Not all comics are about superheroes. In fact, in the early days of the medium westerns and crime fiction were the predominant story genres. In honor of that long lineage here are some great crime comics for you to sink your teeth into. Criminal– An anthology series written by Ed Brubaker with each arc featuring a new self-contained story. Brubaker goes out of his way to subvert the expectations of the genre while still adhering to its conventions. A compelling read. Sin City– Frank Miller’s classic black and white noir series of stories that spawned two feature films. Gritty, fun,…