The Justice League is one of those teams that seems better in theory than it often does in practice. It’s hard to put that much power together and still give the series pathos and stakes. But here are some great stories to start with that do just that. So if you’re trying to get caught up on your JLA lore here are a few good places to start. Tower of Babel– The story that proves even when Batman screws up, he’s still a badass. Ra’s al Ghul steals Batman’s contingency plans on each Justice League member and subsequently neutralizes the…
Category: The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Classic Novels
Classics are classics for two reasons, they are well-written pieces of literature and because their stories still resonate with us today. And while they can often be a bit more work for our brains than more modern works they are still worth the time and energy to read because they have insight to offer us. And with nothing better to do, this is a great time to enjoy a few of them. Sense and Sensibility- My favorite Jane Austen novel. You might have noticed it popping up from time to time on the blog. It’s like Pride and Prejudice except…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Anime Films
Often times Anime movies can be overlooked by mainstream audiences who consider such films to be too niche or nerdy to be of interest to them. I’m here to tell you that’s a mistake. This list is full of excellent explanations as to why that is a mistake. Akira– One of the most influential films of all time, animated or otherwise. This is the movie that introduced western audiences to Anime for the first time. Not only that, but it stands as one of the films that popularized the cyberpunk subgenre of science fiction. A must watch for any cinephile.…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Celtic Faire
Some of you may be itching to get back to nature while others can’t wait to get down to their local pub and do a jig. Here is a playlist to put you in touch with the Goddess or just your inner Ren Faire bard. Whichever you fancy. You can find the playlist on Spotify here. Hug Air A’ Bhonald Mhoir- Julie Fowlis Loreley- Blackmore’s Night The Queen of Argyll- Silly Wizard The Kiss (Live)- Circa Paleo Spanish Lady- Celtic Woman Johnny Jump Up/Morrison’s Jig- Gaelic Storm Jigs & Reels- Julie Fowlis The Voice- Celtic Woman Witch’s Rune- S.…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Legal Drama Series
Legal dramas are as old as network television, here are some of the best with enough seasons to keep you occupied for the foreseeable future. L. A. Law- One of the most influential legal shows of all-time, featuring both a regular and guest cast of up and coming Hollywood talent. Topical and unafraid of dealing with difficult issues the show still managed to keep a wry sense of humor about itself. A great show to play “Is that so and so, wow they’re so young” with. Suits: Twisty, sexy, and oh so smooth. Forget the convoluted double-crosses and legal jargon,…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Image Comics
In 1992, a group of high-profile creators broke off from the Big Two and formed Image Comics, a vehicle for them to develop and publish their own creator owned titles. While at times bumpy, the idea was a success and Image now stands as the third largest comics publishing house and has produced some of the best comics ever written. Here are some of my favorite titles from their line. The Walking Dead– The now completed zombie epic that launched a thousand AMC shows. In my opinion a vastly superior story to the television narrative. Robert Kirkman knows how to…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Contemporary Literature
On this site I spend a great deal of time on works of genre fiction, partly because those works overlap so closely with my own endeavors. But that doesn’t mean that more “traditional” literary fare isn’t of interest to me. Or to you for that matter. So here are some of my favorite pieces of contemporary literature from the last few decades or so. Travels in the Scriptorium- Paul Auster’s most surrealist work and a personal favorite. This is a book that should be read multiple times. For your first read-through don’t worry so much about trying to figure things…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Period Films
Times are tough right now, so why not try out some different times? Here is a selection of period films that can take your mind off your current troubles and focus your attention on some grand sets and beautiful costumes. Sense and Sensibility: Ang Lee does Jane Austen. This is perhaps the most delightful of the plethora of Austen adaptations that have been produced over the years. The quartet of Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and Kate Winslet have more awkward charm than any four people have a right to possess. This is for when you desperately need to…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s Guide to Binging Through the Apocalypse: Kitchen Jams Playlist
As the weeks drag on it can be hard to get up the motivation to clean and cook. So here is a playlist that will have you dancing and singing in your kitchen while you fix dinner and do the dishes. As usual you can follow it on Spotify here. The Rubberband Man- The Spinners Sway- Michael Bublé Tarantula- Bob Schneider Lie To Me- Jonny Lang Shambala- Three Dog Night Waiting for Tonight- Jennifer Lopez Voulez-Vous- ABBA I Want You Back- The Jackson 5 Fishies- The Cat Empire Under Pressure- Queen, David Bowie Give Life Back to Music- Daft Punk…
The Eclectic Eccentric’s guide to binging through the Apocalypse- Sci-Fi Procedural Series
Sometimes you want some science fiction in your life but you don’t want to commit to some epic series with far-ranging plots you have to pay close attention to. And by the same token, you don’t want to invest in getting familiar with new characters if you’re never going to see them again after only two hours. I’ve got you covered with ten case-of-the-week sci-fi gems that have solid mysteries, great character dynamics and overarching mythologies that aren’t all that complicated. (Ok some of them get a little complicated, but you’ll thank me later.) X-Files- The O.G. of weird. Sure…