TOP of 2008 lists…
Every year since I was a wee lad, I would do these lists of the TOP FIVE things I enjoyed in the previous year. I think the year is safe enough now for me to call it good and announce my lists now for your reading pleasure. In order:
TOP 5 COMICS READ-
5-WOLVES OF ODIN-No, I am not just saying this to blow smoke up the guy’s ass just cause I know him. Wolves of Odin was a great, fun, colorful read with some great art by one of my new favorite artists: Grant Gould. I recommend it.
4-INVINCIBLE-They hit #50 this year and some satisfying things happened to the character, along with some revealed dangers to come.
3-THE BOYS-Ennis’ is incredible. My favorite title I pick up monthly.
2-THE WALKING DEAD-Wow! What a year! After the huge events surrounding issue #50, the book literally isn’t the same book anymore. I dunno where its going from here, but my interest is peaked to high hell.
1-LACKLUSTER WORLD #5-Literally, the new issue that came out this year is hands down the best issue I have read this year. It actually made me tear up. Eric Adams knocked it out of the fucking park emotionally. I’m glad I know such talent. The issue was greatness. If you aren’t crying by the end, there’s something wrong with you.
TOP FIVE ALBUMS:
5-METALLICA DEATH MAGNETIC-While it doesn’t have staying power really, I give up the kudos for the boys doing a sort of return to form. Bout damn time.
4-THE DARK KNIGHT SCORE-A really awesome, innovative score. Oscar Worthy.
3-GEORGE CARLIN “ITS ALL BAD FOR YA”-The last Carlin CD I will ever get. Saddness.
2-DAVID GILMOUR “LIVE AT GDANSK”-A great double album of live shit, practically the whole ON AN ISLAND CD, and some last recorded performances with Rick Wright. Thank God they gave me a new live version of my favorite Floyd song: ECHOES. David always delivers.
1-SCOTT WEILAND “HAPPY IN GALOSHES”-An album that grows on you and it’s a double album of goodies. (the best buy version anyway). An honest, open, autobiographical concept album of sorts. Such honesty from one of my musical favorites makes this #1 in my book.
TOP FIVE MOVIES:
5-INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL-I know, it was a let down, but all that aside, I really went into seeing this movie without the preconceived notions. I wanted to just feel like a kid again. While nothing could ever, EVER top the old shit, this still made me feel a tad giddy. It made me mad in parts, but its honorable enough for me. I wouldn’t UNDO its existence. So there.
4-RAMBO-Stallone came back with ROCKY BALBOA, and I think he did it again with RAMBO. It was slow going, but it more than makes up for it in the climax. Easily the most bloody, goriest film I’ve ever seen. Hardcore to the max. Awesome!
3-WALL-E-This is the best cartoon to come out since INCREDIBLES. Or maybe even IRON GIANT. I just loved this.
2-IRON MAN-While it’s a better movie overall structurally that my #1 choice, this film still kind of lacked something for me to make it my #1. But its damn good. Really good. Best MARVEL comic book movie. Easily.
1-THE DARK KNIGHT-I got faults with it. It’s a tad long. Some things structurally got forgotten. But the performances, the score, the emotion, the AWE of the subject matter are just all there. Heath Ledger gave us one of the best Villain performances ever. This film made it to #2 in all time box office (granted, that’s also cause of price inflation), so that deserves some credit. I hope the academy takes some notice. A nomination or two would suffice.
TOP FIVE THINGS I BOUGHT/GOT INTO:
5-GHOST HUNTERS DVDs-I never knew how much I was into the paranormal. These dvds really make me excited to actually go Ghost Hunting.. something you could NEVER have talked me into before. Fuck you, I like this show. Its scientific, as opposed to relying on mediums and psychics. Love it.
4-EVIL DEAD 3 DISC SET-Finally, Anchor Bay makes up for me having to rebuy this movie a million times. SPECACULAR DVD SET! Everything you want, and then some!
3-WRATH OF KHAN FIGURES FROM ART ASYLUM-Man I wish I had these when I was a kid. Finally almost 30 years later, I get my Khan action figures. Awesome.
2-ZAPPA CDS: I got Shiek Yourboudi and You Are What You Is, along with Joes Garage. Some great shit from a genius.
1-U2 CD RE-ISSUES-U2 have been re-releasing their oldest Cds with new artwork, demos, unreleased songs and more. Remastered BOY and WAR. Kick ass!
TOP FIVE WORST EVENTS OF 2008:
5-SHANE ANNOUNCES MOVE-Makes me sad. My buddy will soon be gone. Not like we get to hang much anyway. But still, I had hopes.
4-ACKERMAN, GARLAND, CARLIN R.I.P.-All three people I looked up to, no longer with us.
3-STILL WORKING AT THE DEN-My job troubles have been quite prominent in my blog this year. I had hoped to step down from management by now, but could not. Oh well. Someday.
2-RICHARD WRIGHT R.I.P.-This one hit me hard. There 100% will not be another Pink Floyd reunion ever again. I’m very sad at his passing. Greatly missed. Words cannot express it.
1-THE HOSPITAL FIASCO-Around September, my son was born early. Cause of his health we had to stay in the hospital with him for over three weeks. Lots of driving, sleepless nights, sleeping on floors, worries, tears, etc. Stuff I really don’t like to think about or relive. But the wife and I were determined to not come home until he did. We’re stronger for it I think. But man, I was so low then. I block all that shit from my mind. Don’t even like to look at pictures taken around then. I will never forget it. No one can understand til you go through something similar.
TOP (SIX) EVENTS IN 2008 (so many awesome things, why not six!)
6-30th BIRTHDAY PARTY-We drove back to the homeland last January for one last drunken hurrah in Mt. Pleasant with old friends. Some I likely will never see again. It was quite stupid. We rode this dangerous taxi, Kelly and I stayed with my parents in a hotel, barely any cash, etc. But we had fun one last time. Doubtful I can ever do that again in the same way. Most of my friends are now gone from there. I’m glad I rang in the beginning of my 3rd decade on the planet like that. Plus, I got one last jam session with Shane the day of my birthday. Probebly the last time we’ll ever play music together.
5-CODY WINS TROPHIES-I’m proud of this guy. My boy more active than his dad. I never won trophies. He’s already better than me. Good!
4-PODCAST HOSTING-I was invited to host “the amateur hour” (now “Breaking the Panel”) on Talkshoe with Tim Fischer and Anthony Harris. As a result, I was officially plugged in to a social pipeline I desperately needed. I’ve made lots of new friends and contacts as a result. A group of people who I admire and cherish as friends. Even though I haven’t met the most of them face to face. It is an honor to do the show each week with them.
3-OBAMA ELECTED-For the first time, my guy won! It united us and teaches a generation that yes, we can and you can! It is possible. He’s a great symbol of hope, something we desperately need right now I think.
2-CONVENTION TOUR-So many memories: Meeting Tim and Brian in Pittsburgh, watching Brian sing “You may be right,” Drinking with Robert and my new pals at the Raddison party, selling my art live at an auction for the first time, Talking with Chief Tyrol at the bar, Kelly and I seeing the friends in Detroit Comic City, seeing her parents again after the show, Hanging with Brian at the Hyatt Bars and walking 5 miles to McDonalds and the hotel, the rude Hooters Waitress, Big Dickin’ it in Chi-town, Meeting Grant Gould finally, Hanging with Brett and his friends… its all fresh in my mind. I loved it, this year, my best convention tour ever! And next year will be even better!!!!!
1-SCOTTY BORN-Even though it wasn’t the most ideal circumstances, in fact at times it was heart wrenching and scary. When I see him smile at me now, it was totally worth it. I never knew the joy I could feel till now. At times, its tough, but I get through it. Patience and love. I’m changed.
TOP FIVE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2009!
5-NEW COMPUTER FINALLY!-Yeah, finally am gonna score what I need and get my business going! You ain’t seen me unchained yet. You will see me explode. Almost time to rock. Soon… soon…
4-NEW STAR TREK MOVIE-Duh, you knew this would make the list!
3-BOOKS RELEASED-Finally, some new material from me! I got shitloads coming! The last PLEASANT LIFE story ever, the OUTCAST #1 tradebook, new EXPENDABLEs, the 3 issue WISE INTELLIGENCE, not to mention a slew of pinups, and other shit I cannot mention. You’re gonna go broke picking up everything I am doing!
2-CONVENTION TOUR 09’-Gonna promote my 15 year publishing anniversary right: going all over the fucking world baby! Pittsburgh, North Carolina, Chicago, Detroit and SAN DIEGO! Yes, San Diego. You heard it here first! I am so excited to get out on the road and take my new shit to the people. And show Scott-bot 4000 the convention world. And speaking of Scott….
1-WATCHING SCOTT GROW-It will be a challenge, molding a life. But I look forward to raising a little geekling. Lots of fun!
So folks, I hope you enjoyed reading my lists. Now make with your own so I can read em!!!!
T
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