While I do love mainstream comics, if you want the good stuff, the highly experimental and deeply personal stuff, indie comics are where it’s at. Here are some of my favorites I’ve read over the years. Maus- The first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize. Artist Art Spiegelman tells the story of his father who survived the Holocaust. The work is profound and unique and as important a piece of literature as you’ll find on any library shelf. My Favorite Thing is Monsters- A young girl investigates her neighbor’s death in 1960’s Chicago. And there are werewolves. And Nazis.…
Category: The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Poetry Collections
We’re all spending a lot of time staring out windows longingly these days. Longing for what varies by person but whether its nature, family, or just plain old human intimacy these master poets are sure to have the words that capture those inexpressible feelings deep inside you. I’m forgoing my regular blurbs for this list other than author and year. I want you to go into each of these without preconceptions. Prelude to Bruise– A 2014 collection from Saeed Jones. On Cats- A 2015 collection from Charles Bukowski. Cien Sonetos de Amor- A 1959 collection from Pablo Neruda. The Dream…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Film Musicals
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all occasionally broke into a spontaneous but somehow choreographed song and dance routine every now and again? If you agree these next ten films are for you. Hello Dolly- This movie is most famous for Louis Armstrong’s rendition of the title song and rightfully so but don’t overlook the other fantastic things this film has going for it. Notably, Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau (still playing an old curmudgeon even in the sixties). Hairspray– I’m going two for one on this one as I’m a big fan of the original as…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: 90s’ Alt-Pop-Rock
Today I want you to cast your mind back to a simpler time, when our collective nihilism was far more cheerful. To help you do that here are some Alt-Pop-Rock hits from the decade for you to sing-along-to. You can find this list on Spotify here. No Rain- Blind Melon Run-Around- Blues Traveler Roll To Me- Del Amitri Walkin’ On The Sun- Smash Mouth Two Princes- Spin Doctors Life is a Highway- Tom Cochrane Blister in the Sun- Violent Femmes All For You- Sister Hazel Breakfast at Tiffany’s- Deep Blue Something Save Tonight- Eagle-Eye Cherry She’s so High- Tal…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Superhero Television Series
For this list of recommendations, I thought I’d through the nerds a bone. Or better yet create some new nerds. Here are ten tv shows to binge about superheroes and superpowers. Arrow- This is the series that launched half of The CW’s programming schedule. Eight seasons of vigilante justice, brooding, and Oliver Queen growling “You have failed this city.” The first two seasons are excellent while the rest of the run can be a little hit or miss. But when it’s on, Arrow is as good as any other superhero show out there. The Boys- A show where the superheroes…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- X-Men Comics
The X-Men were my first fandom. More than that X-Men comics are what turned me into an avid reader, a trait that has defined me my whole life. So, I’m always trying to share my love of Marvel’s Merry Mutants with others. Here are ten great jumping-on points if you’re looking to expand your x-men knowledge during this lockdown. Gifted– Joss Whedon of Buffy, Avengers, and Firefly fame got his own X-title called Astonishing X-men. It was genius. Gifted is the first arc of that run. Age of Apocalypse– Twenty-five plus years later this is still one of the most…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Books of Philosophy
Many of the posts in this series have been about helping you escape from reality into an engaging fictional world, but maybe you want to use your time at home to grow yourself and expand the way you think. You know, ponder the big questions. If that’s the case, then here are some engaging reads on philosophy to get you thinking. Meditations– Basically the personal journal of Emperor Marcus Aurelias. It contains a variety of thoughts about ethics and personal responsibility. A great read that is easy to read and understand. Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None-…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Screwball Comedy Films
While I have a great appreciation for all genres of film, the one that stands out for me as a personal favorite is the Screwball Comedy. Unfortunately, nowadays not enough people watch the classics to share my love of these films. But you can just watch the ten films below and you’ll have a new favorite genre guaranteed. Bringing Up Baby– Staring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and a tiger. That should be all the information you need. The Awful Truth- Divorce is a terrible thing especially when the couple in question are still in love. Although it can be…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Those New Orleans Sounds
As I write this the city of New Orleans, where I make my home, is currently Jazz Festing in place. So here is a sampling of some of the best artists the Big Easy as to offer. You can find the playlist on Spotify here. Hey Pocky A-Way- The Meters Do Whatcha Wanna- Rebirth Brass Band Rent- Big Freedia Fire on Esplanade- Flow Tribe Down By The Riverside- Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Craig Adams Gospel Group Brother Jake- The Neville Brothers Treme Song- John Boutte Nola Girl- Harry Connick, Jr. My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now- The Dirty Dozen Brass…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Ensemble Comedies
The best comedies draw their strength from the chemistry of their supporting characters, a charming lead can get you by for a season, but a talented group can turn your show in a comedy classic. Here are a few of my favorite ensemble comedies for you to binge. Community- Before Dan Harmon created Rick and Morty he had Community. There is so much talent on this show its hard to know where to begin. But this show could be and was anything you could imagine it to be. Infinitely absurd and surprisingly heartwarming. One of my top five shows of…