Comics and More

Better late than never, here is a run-down of my favorite comics of 2017, including comic books, graphic novels, reprints, manga, etc. Honorable Mentions Descender ( Jeff Lemire & Dustin Nguyen ) Jean Grey ( Dennis Hopeless & Victor Ibanez ) My Brother's Husband ( Gengoroh Tagame ) Shigeru Mizuki's Kitaro ( Shigeru Mizuki ) 10. Monstress  ( Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda ) The second volume of Monstress , The Blood , contains issues 7-12 of the ongoing Image Comics series from Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda.  And while it does retain its stunning, dark artwork and tone, the world-building that made the first chapter of the series so impressive fell away in favor of a side quest of sorts that was, frankly, a little too tame.  Maika's battle with her literal inner demons remains a strong centerpiece to the series, but I'm hoping for a return to form in chapter three for what was one of the most promising opening chapters to a series in a ver...

2017 was another great year in music.  Here are my favorites... 10 Best Albums of 2017 1. Hopeless Romantic by Michelle Branch - There are so many amazing songs on this album that it's hard to pick a favorite.  After struggling to get new music out from her label (her last effort West Coast Time was never released), Branch get s real winner out there that's hard to ignore.  Fresh pop sounds, full of themes of love, loss and regret, this is an album for everyone, and proves how much Branch has matured as a songwriter.  Easily the best album of the year. Key Tracks: Hopeless Romantic, Best You Ever , Fault Line, Heartbreak Now , Temporary Feeling , Carry Me Home 2. reputation by Taylor Swift - People may love dragging her name through the mud and debating her personal life, but Swift is one of those artists who knows how to adapt to survive, much like Madonna did throughout her career.  Shedding any trace of the pure country artist, Taylor e...