2023 Served Sunny Side Up

A helping of bacon, eggs, and some of my favorite things from 2023.

It’s 11:59. Actually, it's 11:59:50. A countdown starts. It’s as cold as Frosty’s left ball sack, and I desperately hug myself around the middle. For some reason, I decided that only a crop top and a leather jacket would be the best thing to wear for a party at the beginning of January.

I guess I thought that it would make me look cool. And I guess I was right. With teeth chattering and arms quivering more than a post-panic disordered chihuahua, I definitely did look “cool.”

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2.-

Happy New Year!

Baah-Am! Kruuack! Shhzz-iffle-Shhhh! I can barely see the backyard fireworks over the trees and fences. There are children everywhere, and every single one of them is screaming. Somewhere out there, I can hear a gun pop off three or four times because, of course, someone has decided to blast a few rounds into the sky. I take a breath.

              What a time to be alive.

You know, one of the points of keeping a monthly blog is to post to it monthly. It would have been nice if past me was better at that.

              It wasn’t for a lack of trying, though. My November essay turned into December and is now turning into February. There is something to be said about trying to meet your goals, but there is also something to be said about forgiving yourself. The holidays are busy. You cannot rush a story sometimes. You just need to let it breathe.

              That’s kinda how 2023 went for me. A year of breathing. A lack of rushing. Hustle culture will be the death of us all.

              In college, one of my assignments for my Career Strategy class was to find an artist from the industry and interview them about their work. And as all good students do, I naturally procrastinated until two weeks before the final deadline. I had to beg my teacher for help. Fortunately, my professor managed to schedule me a last-minute call with a former grad named Jisu.

The interview was relatively simple, with all the standard questions. What advice would you give your younger self? What inspires you the most? When I got to the question- What helps you stay motivated?, Jisu answered-

              “Oh, easy! Don’t forget to watch stuff.”

              I was twitchy on the other end of the zoom screen. Ever since Covid (and let's be honest, really ever since I started drawing), getting myself to get up and draw was a monumental undertaking. I was looking for something more like, “Oh, easy! Just recite this special incantation while standing on your head each day. Then spin around in a circle four times, wave your arms about, and then you will never feel tired again!”

              Instead, Jisu kept going, imparting her wisdom that only an older me could appreciate.  

“It’s how you remember that you like what you do,” she said. “Spending an afternoon playing a video game or reading a book is not bad. Enjoying a piece of media recharges you and gives you new ideas. It's like eating breakfast, something you should do to wake up in the morning.”

              So, good morning, 2024. Here are some of my favorite breakfasts from 2023.

Books:

Parable of the Sower- by Octavia Butler

“The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change.’”

I hope everyone will be happy to learn that the events of the sci-fi novel Parable of the Sower will probably not be happening this year. However, we unfortunately still have the rest of our lives to get there.

Parable of the Sower takes place in a far distant future of 2024 America (hah!) that has been destroyed by climate change. The story follows a teenage empath named Lauren as she attempts to survive and find meaning in this world. Unlike other dystopian fiction, Parable of the Sower has no fantastic zombies or world-ending wars. Here, the only horror you must face is the horror of other people and of a world that is simply overwhelmed.

Between the beautiful prose, the striking characters, and a tension that never abides, this book never slows down. I’m a big fan of books that scare you, but Butler’s bleak future is nauseating in its realism. However, just as Butler disturbs, she manages to comfort. For as much Parable is a warning of rising flood waters, it is equally a lesson in learning to flow with that current.

This book actually changed how I looked at the world and saw my place in it. And how lucky is that! How many books in our lives do we get that can turn our perspectives on their axis? That change us? My adoration for this book runs deep, and it has to be my favorite book of 2023. I can’t help it. I’m a sucker for a story that ends with two most beautiful things in this world- hope and trees.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow- by Gabrielle Zevin

“Friendship,” Marx said, “is kind of like having a Tamagotchi.”

It has to be hard to write about video games. Unlike books, games are primarily visual and something we experience almost exclusively in a mechanical way. Nobody would choose to read the plot of Super Mario, would they?

Being able to jump this hurdle is one of the things that makes Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow a stand-out novel. Though on the surface, the book is about two friends and their career together making video games, it's Zevin’s character work that keeps the book engaging. The book is about the artistic process and the pain of messy people, making it much more than just a story about pixels on the screen. In a world with millions of books about fairy tale romances, a book about the ebb and flow of a friendship is such a breath of fresh air. I will be thinking about the “tamer of horses” forever. And if you want to figure out what I mean by that, just grab a copy for yourself.

Crying In H Mart- by Michelle Zauner

“How cyclical and bittersweet for a child to retrace the image of their mother. For a subject to turn back to document their archivist.”

I am of the opinion that most memoirs are bad. This is because of two reasons. 1) most people who write memoirs only have one really interesting thing happen in their lives, and 2) usually, the interesting thing does not happen to have anything to do with writing. This together makes a pretty lousy pair for a novel.

However, this book is one of those rare exceptions to this rule. Crying in H Mart explores Zauner’s struggle of growing up and finding her identity admits her evolving relationship with her dying mother. Sad with a capital S, this book will make any mixed-art kid cry. The book is a quick read with a spartan yet ruminating style. A story that many would find relatable, this book is a meditation on messy families, life before and after grief, and the many ways people express their love. As intimate as a diary and as powerful as a manifesto, I'm thankful Crying in H-Mart was the book that finally got me back into reading again.  

The Hate You Give- by Angie Thomas

“Be roses that grow in the concrete.”

Not much for one for YA; I picked this book up on a whim from Libby when I was looking for an audiobook. I expected it to be somewhat simple and sanitized, but I was surprised by its complexity and boldness. The Hate You Give follows Starr as she navigates her inner-city world after watching her friend die at the hands of the police. The book centers itself on the aftermath of violence and the push for change, but also on the confusion of growing up. Starr bears the responsibility of witnessing a terrible crime, but she is also just an awkward kid with overbearing parents and boyfriend troubles. It is the blending of these two ideas that makes this book stand out.

Even amidst all the bleakness, the writing never feels harsh or bitter. The characters are often silly and charming, like only kids with dated pop cultural references are. I loved that the book was about racism and our responsibility to enact justice but also about family and love. The Hate You Give is a book I wish I read in high school, but it’s still the perfect book for a reader of any age.

A Court of Thorn and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, and A Court of Wings and Ruin- by Sarah J Maas

“If I offer you the moon on a string, will you give me a kiss, too?

Okay, I admit it. I read the fairy smut books. And I will not be taking any criticism.

These books are fun, okay! Memeable, delicious garbage. The ACOTAR Series is about a human girl named Feyre who enters the fairy world and falls in love with mysterious fairy kings. They aren’t the type of books for lovers of plot and world-building, but you don’t always need that! Bite me!

Feyre’s arc from book one to two genuinely surprised me, and the Maas excels at zinger moments and scenes that grab your attention. If you want a light and tropey series, this is your pick. Cuz sometimes all you want is a handsome fairy boy to sweep you off your feet.

(BTW, If the fifth book is about Lucien and Elaine, I am quitting this series right there and then. I’m ElainxAzriel forever.)

Comics

Persopolis I and II- by Marjane Satrapi

“As long as there is oil in the Middle East, they will never have peace.”

It was February 24th, 2022, the day that Russia invaded Ukraine, when I watched the Persopolis movie for the first time. It was just before my Animation History class when everyone was learning the news. When the last of the students finished wandering into the lecture hall, my professor popped open a DVD and fired up the projector.  

He simply said, “I think this is the most appropriate thing for a day like this.”

Persopolis follows Marijaine Satrapi from childhood to young adulthood as she grows up amidst the Islamic Revolution. (Can you believe it? Another memoir I actually like. I know.) Satrapi’s tale is a hard one, but she tells it with incredible mastery. The art might look “cartoony” to some, but Satrapi’s compositions and framing are incredibly impressive. The children’s book art style of the world fits the tone Satrapi is trying to convey perfectly. And though the book is about war, it handles its depictions of violence with creativity and tact. It's Satrapi’s ability to balance the darkness with a sense of snark and humor that gives the novel life. Even if you have never read a comic book, Persopolis is a must-read. And if you aren’t a reader, might I recommend the Oscar-nominated film? I recommend it ten crying in the back of the lecture hall out of ten.

Do a Powerbomb!- by Daniel Warren Johnson

“My name is Lona Steelrose. My mom was Yua Steelrose. And I’m gonna get her back!”

Oh man, hold on. Wait a second. Who knew a hundred pages of cartoon muscle dudes beating the snot out of each other could be so personal? Daniel Warren Johnson is probably my favorite creator working in comics right now. This is the fifth book of his I read, and it has to be Johnson’s best yet. Do a Power Bomb! follows a wrestler named Yua Steelrose, who enters a fantasy tournament for the chance to bring her dead mother back to life. This book is a knock-your-teeth-out love letter to wrestling and balances campy comic book fun and grounded emotion with the ease of the greatest of tightrope walkers. The art feels like a gut punch, bringing life and force with every pencil stroke, and that ending panel made me sob. With sweat, tears, and twists at every turn, Do A Power Bomb! is my favorite comic of the year because maybe…. Maybe death is just a little like wrestling after all….

Poison Ivy: The Virtuous Cycle- by G. Willow Wilson and Marcio Takara

“I don’t mean to brag. But you have to be really good at being this bad.”

A true Poison Ivy horror story was not what I thought 2023 would have in store, but I am so glad it did.

Virtuous Cycle follows Poison Ivy as she returns to her villainous roots (literally) as she travels across America on a quest to end humanity once and for all. Even though Poison Ivy is an iconic comic villain, very rarely is she given a chance to shine in her own story- much less a story as well written as this one. Marcio Takara’s art is fantastically gruesome and trippy, and the story is gripping from beginning to end. It's got anti-heroes, girl bosses, and gore! What else do you need? It’s a must-read for any fan of the character. Due to the book's success, the limited series has become ongoing, so you can even check out the newest issue at your local comic store!

Wonder Woman and Batgirls- by George Conrad and Becky Cloonan

“Anyway, you look at it, we are impossible… and yet.. and yet, here we are. So much beauty.. it hurts.” // “Once a batgirl, always a Batgirl!”

These are technically two books, but they share the same writing team. And this is my list, baby. I make the rules. Conrad and Cloonan were given a difficult task for the last two years, and even though these two books had their ups and downs, both of these runs were incredibly fun. Essentially, just the ongoings for DC’s Batgirls and Wonder Woman, Cloonan and Conrad brought a quality and creativity to these titles that most comic ongoings never get. I especially loved Wonder Woman’s: After Worlds and Batgirl’s: Vice Versa arcs. Not a single artist felt out of place in these books, but I was particularly impressed by Travis Moore, Jorge Corona, Jonath Case, and, of course, Jill Thompson’s gorgeous watercolors. The attention to character, humor, and stand-out moments sets these books apart from others in the genre. It is a shame that both these books are over. Where else will you get superheroes drinking cups of coffee in space or teen vigilantes in muscle cars that only play Smashmouth, after all?

The New Champion of Shazam- by Josie Campbell, Evan “Doc” Shaner

“My name is Mary, and I have a question for you: How do you define a person?”

This book was a delight. A stand-alone and perfect introduction to Shazam comics, The New Champion of Shazam follows Mary Marvel as she attempts to balance superheroics, a missing person's case, college freshman antics, and, of course, magic bunnies. It's well paced, amusing, and the concept of a supervillain that fights using insults that manifest as comic book text is so creative. I absolutely adored Doc Shaner's art. It has a warmth to it that most artists never manage to replicate. This book is a quick and delightful snack of a read, perfect for anyone who wants a cute little jaunt through Faucet City.

Movies

Saltburn- Directed by Emerald Fennel

“Lots of people get lost in Saltburn.”

When I tell you I want to inject this movie right into my veins and tattoo it on my eyelids, you might think I am exaggerating. But I am not. In fact, I say that I am underselling how much I loved this movie. I think the human dictionary just doesn’t have the words for how much I love Saltburn.

Thrilling, funny, and excruciatingly skin-crawling, Saltburn seduces with every frame. The gothic dark comedy follows Oliver Quick as he attempts to navigate British upper-class society and his friendship with rich kid Feliz Catton. The film is about obsession, power, and, of course, the question- does drinking your best friend’s bath water make you gay? Each frame is stacked with exquisite detail, from the sets to the composition to the costume design. Not a single line of dialogue is wasted, and the amount of foreshadowing that Emerald Fennell adds to her script makes me want to rewatch it again and again. Bold, brassy, and jaw-dropping, Saltburn is definitely not everybody’s cup of tea, but I bet my fellow 2000s synth-pop lovers will find this movie to be just as amazing as I did. 

Godzilla Minus One- Directed by Takashi Yamazaki

“My war isn’t over yet.”

One of my issues with monster and disaster movies is that the violence always feels superficial. When watching a million CGI people go up and smoke, I can’t help but stifle a yawn. However, Godzilla Minus One ultimately challenges that idea. The plot centers on ex-kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima as he deals with his endless cycle of misery in the aftermath of World War II and the world-ending assault of Godzilla.

What makes this film different is that even though Godzilla himself is as stunning and deadly as ever, he is forced to share the spotlight with characters that bleed humanity out of every pore. Godzilla Minus One is not really about Godzilla. It’s about Shikishima and the people he meets and their complicated feelings about what it means to survive. This film takes all its city bashing seriously and shows a restraint in its violence that most blockbusters don’t even dream of doing. The CGI is fantastic, and the story is breathtakingly emotional, with a message that is layered and complicated. But it was the theme of the preservation of human life above all that got me. Who knew a big lizard could pack such an emotional punch?

 

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On- Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp

"Guess why I smile a lot. Uh, 'cause it's worth it."

It’s a movie about a shell with shoes on. What more do I have to say? Go watch it. But don’t forget to bring the tissues.

Dave Made a Maze- Directed by Bill Watterson

“Did she die, or did she just turn into a craft project?”

I think everyone should watch this movie for the sets alone. Following Annie as she attempts to save her boyfriend Dave from a labyrinth of his own making, Dave Made a Maze is a movie that literally constructs almost every prop and set piece from cardboard and paper materials. Just look at some of these shots.

This movie is just a horribly creative and utterly fabulous fantasy. The plot is relatively simple, but the film's performances, humor, and overall spectacle are what sell it. A scrappy gem of a flick, Dave Made a Maze shows there is no limit to what you can create as long as you have passion and a pair of box cutters.

When Harry Met Sally- Directed by Rob Reiner

"I'll have what she's having.”

I know, I know. “What do you mean you never watched When Harry Met Sally?”  But I’ll let you know- there are many films I have never seen, thank you very much. 

But unlike many so-called “classics,” this film holds up to the hype. Following Harry and Sally as they navigate their ever-changing friendship, this romantic comedy is one of the greats. The dialogue is snappy, and the humor has a sharp edge that is just as much cutting as it is laugh-inducing. For me, the romance genre is often dull, but When Harry Met Sally still feels fresh even after thirty-three years. It’s a cozy sweater of a movie you want to wear again and again, perfect for autumn leaves, hot cocoa, or any family get-together.

TV

Fleabag Season 1 and 2

“It’ll pass.”

Very few shows are as perfect as Fleabag, but that’s a good thing. For if every TV show was Fleabag, then what would we do with all the hot priests? Bible study?

Comprised of two seasons and a perfect finale, Fleabag is a raunchy roller coaster ride about a dry-witted woman as she attempts to navigate the tragedies and relationships that make up her life. It’s funny and eye-covering inducing awkward, and the show stands out with some of the most creative uses of the fourth wall break I have ever seen. I personally feel that S2 Episode 1 is one of the best-constructed TV episodes aired this decade and I think this show is a must-watch for any writer. 

Fleabag herself is what pushes the show forward. She’s horrible and messy and terrible, but I can’t help but find her incredibly relatable. But I believe that’s what Pheobe Waller-Bridge’s performance and writing are trying to do. Give us space to examine the worst parts ourselves and a space to laugh at them. I finished this whole show in one day and then spent the rest of the night staring at the ceiling and wiping drying tears from my cheeks. An instant classic, Fleabag, and all its headless statues and guinea pig realness, is a story that will suck you in and never let you go.  

Yellow Jackets Season 1

“We Won’t be Hungry much longer”

Yellow Jackets is one of those shows that has taken a lot of Gen Z by storm, and for good reason. The show is about a bunch of girls who become stranded in the wilderness and the aftermath of that event. Horrific, pulpy, and just a bit melodramatic, Yellow Jackets is sensational drama at its finest. The decision to split the show between the past and the present is what makes every mystery and plot revelation deliciously juicy. The acting is phenomenal, and the overall series tone keeps you on the edge of your seat. Very rarely do you have shows diving deep into women’s relationships and all the conflicted feelings that can stem from female friendships. Because of this, Yellow Jackets is a buzz-worthy star. It's about that real stuff, ya know? Well, mostly real. Most women’s relationships don’t end with them eating each other, but that’s the fun of TV, after all.

Last of Us Season 1

“If you turn into a monster, is it still you inside?”

I won’t deny being on the hype train for Last of Us Season One because I’m proud of it. This show deserves all the praise it gets. After the world becomes plagued by zombies, Last of Us follows Joel through post-apocalyptic America as he attempts to cross the country and deliver the possible cure to the infection- a fourteen-year-old named Ellie. This show is incredibly good. Action-packed yet intricately detailed, Last of Us sucks you into a fully fleshed-out world. The monsters, both human and the infected, pose difficult challenges for our struggling heroes and provide truthful social critique and hard-to-swallow moments that resonate with you at the end of every episode.

After hearing all the hype, I was expecting to be disappointed at this show. After all, how good could it be? But episode three had me clutching my pillow and sobbing. How could it not? It’s Ron Swanson himself in a gay love story! Unlike those cordyceps, I am still human underneath.

Los Espookys Season 1 and 2

“Patience, demon, it’s a big file. Especially since you wanted it in HD!”

This show might just be my favorite TV show of the year. Though it is less critically acclaimed than some of the other shows on this list, everything that Los Espookys has to offer is right up my alley. Following the exploits of a group of special effects horror enthusiasts, Los Espookys is magical realism comedy gold. Every episode follows the friends as they market their skills to various colorful locals and find themselves in crazy situations that get weirder with each passing moment. It’s a hard show to summarize, but the colors, the deadpan performances, and the genuine love of all things spooky give this show an irresistible groove.

I’m not one to get too much into representation in media, but it's exhausting how most Latino shows are so bleak and stereotypical. This show is fun! Not a single character is a maid or a refugee; they are just weird, fashionable, and funny! It’s the type of representation made by Latino people, not representation made for other people about Latinos.

The only thing that I hate about this should be cult classic is that it got canceled after only two seasons. Los Espookys has scary, brainwashed news anchors, inner demons who are obsessed with Colin Firth in the King's Speech, and a U.S. embassy that only wears pink! Of course, it deserves a hundred seasons!

Game Changer/ Dimension 20

“Let's go, Provolone!”

If you aren’t subscribed to Dropout, then what actually are you doing with your life? Dropout is one of the most consistent and best comedy streaming services I have witnessed in the past couple of years. Two of their most popular series- Game Changer and Dimension 20 have to take spots on my end-of-the-year lists. The concepts are pretty simple. Game Changer is a game show that changes rules every episode, and Dimension 20 is just a bunch of comedians playing Dungeons and Dragons. Though these concepts may not sound like much, the amount of creativity from these small-time artists is unmatched.  

The concept of a game show that can switch between surprise escape rooms, lie detector tests, and Survival-influenced battle royals is incredibly engaging and fresh. Tapping in at only a half hour per episode, Game Changer is an effortless watching experience. On the other hand, Dimension 20 has 21 seasons of different games that easily pack anywhere from 6 to 60 hours of gameplay. But even with that staggering figure, each season is a mix of perfectly crafted improv and astounding original concepts that keep you wanting more. It’s amazing how some of the best fantasy stories are created by friends just goofing around and whatever a roll of the dice has in store. I personally finished both Crown of Candy and Ravening War this year and could not be more excited for what these guys have next in store.

Well, that’s it. Hopefully, some of these recommendations might inspire you in your next search for something to dig your teeth into.

Good luck for 2024, and see you soon!