5 To Look Forward To
Someone in a comments thread mentioned that they were sorry I’ve stopped updating the Recent & Recommended page; as recently as 2007, I used to update it every three months. Truth is, I don’t see the point in keeping up the R&R anymore. If I’m excited about a book or a movie or an album, I can always pimp it right here in the blog. Recent & Recommended is a ghost of the old site, haunting the new.
The part of working up the Recent & Recommended I miss the most was picking the Anticipated Pleasure… making note of an upcoming book or movie or comic that I was especially excited to get my hands on. With that in mind, here are five I’m looking forward to now:
1. Black Butterfly • Buckcherry
There’s no chance it’s going to be anywhere near as good as the band’s breakthrough, 15, a disc where every single cut was classic. And the single, “Too Drunk…” sounds like good-but-not-great Aerosmith (Think “Train Kept a Rollin’”). That said, an album half as good as 15 would still be the best metal album of the year.
Unless Black Ice is better.
2. AC/DC • World Tour 2009
‘Cause once I’ve seen the band do it live, I can die happy. No, I’ve never seen them in concert. And as for the new disc? Well, I don’t think much of their marketing strategy – selling only through Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club? Like: why? – but when it comes to AC/DC’s offerings I’ve never been disappointed.
3. Parker • Darwyn Cooke/Richard Stark
For me, Richard Stark’s novels about the relentless and remorseless Parker the thief represent the best single long-running character in the history of American crime fiction. And Darwyn Cooke gets it: his visual approach is perfectly engineered to make the most of the qualities of these stories, to bring out the sexy allure of doing bad, and the dead-eyed professional savagery of Parker himself. This is the single most exciting thing I heard about during my time at Comic Con.
4. League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century • Alan Moore, Kevin O’Neill
Conspicuously absent from this list is Zack Snyder’s upcoming rated-R 180 minute adaptation of Watchmen. I like the preview, and Snyder’s heart seems to be in the right place, but, y’know, I seem to be the only person on the planet who noticed that 300 sucked, so I’m not optimistic. I’m also among the small minority who thinks that Alan Moore didn’t do his best work twenty-five years ago… he’s doing it right now, in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and in his other more recent stories.
And finally…
5. Righteous Kill
I know, I know, we’ve seen this movie and seen it and seen it. Pacino and DeNiro have played these cops in a dozen other films. But guuuuuys: they’re playing them TOGETHER. That’s why it’s better. If the faux-Scorsese preview, with the obligatory Stones soundtrack, doesn’t give you a little fizz of excitement, then wait for the part when Pacino says the thing no one wants to say without actually saying it. Preview below.
Okay, them are the five I’m most excited for. Runner-ups: the final season of Battlestar Galactica, the next season of Heroes (even though I skipped season 2), the sixth Harry Potter film (’cause I thought that was the best of the books), and Neil Gaiman’s recently announced Batman. Now it’s your turn. Name at least one thing you’re looking forward to and explain why. Comment away.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I totally agree with the top two, Buckcherry and AC/DC. Can’t wait for them both. Can I please add two more…? For bands you’ve never heard but are better than great…Mofro comes out with a new CD called Orange blossoms the 26th. great band from Florida. Secondly, Chris Knight’s new CD Heart of Stone…blows away anything Springsteen has done. Finally(sucking up but totally true) anything new by Joe Hill) Love the website! David
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Dexter Season 3
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I’ve got 5 Great Ones Hear!
Books: “A Dance with Dragons” George R.R. Martin’s next installment in the “Song of Ice and Fire” series. Essentially eight years in the making, since the last book only had half the p.o.v. characters, it’s the most epic fantasy series in modern history. Would go to my grave waiting for this one.
Robert Charles Wilson’s last book in the hugo winning “Spin” series. A character driven series with depth and a awe-inspiring science fiction premise.
Movie: “Whiteout”… was a great graphic novel, first murder on the North Pole, and Kate Beckinsale is probably the classiest smokin’hot actress in the U.S.. A can’t lose pick
Music: “Watchmen soundtrack” The Billy Corgan riff attached to the preview really gets the adreniline going. Soundtracks in this genre are usually fresh and diverse, could be great. BTW… did anyonelse notice some of the costumes in Watchmen are a bit SNL “ambiguously gay duo” worthy? it’s almost shameful.
Comic: Locke and Key…. not even kissing ass, it’s a great story
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I saw AC/DC in 2001 and it’s still number one on my best concerts ever list (even after seeing Van Halen last year).
I am, however, disappointed in the Wal-Mart exclusive thing. This is AC/DC, not the friggin’ Eagles. If AC/DC wants to sell their CD in just one place, it should be a bar, not Wal-Mart.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Check out Dexter on Showtime(not the candy-ass version on ABC) if you haven’t already. IMO the best good/bad guy character since Al Swearengen of Deadwood fame. It keeps you in suspense(great writing/acting) with every episode and is surprising really morbidly funny. Would be great to see your thoughts on this show. New season starts sometime in late September….
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
COMIC: WAR HEROES..
Book: Under the Dome
movie:The Wrestler( Darren Aronofsky is the man).
games: Gears of War 2…and right around the corner..The Force Unleashed
Tv(cable): Californication…and yes im waiting for Dexter ..and even Heroes…
Event(extra): My Wedding on Sept 28(chinese wedding).
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Music: Lamb of God
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I would also have to say Dexter.
Actually, the DeNiro/Pacino film immediately brought Dexter to mind.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
What tha Deuce!….
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Dollhouse. I loves the Whedon.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
The sixth Harry Potter was my favorite too and I am very much looking forward to seeing the movie, although I heard they postponed the release date to next summer. I hope that’s just a rumor.
For books I am looking forward to JUST AFTER SUNSET and the audio of ROAD RAGE. Of course, having recently heard about THE SURREALIST’S GLASS has really got me excited, but we have to be patient for that one. Also looking forward to Gaiman’s GRAVEYARD BOOK. One of the things I miss about working in the bookstore is not knowing what new things are coming.
For TV I have to admit I’m looking forward to LOST…but that doesn’t start til January. That show is so insane…it’s like nothing else on TV.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
I’m also looking forward to The Graveyard Book!
I can’t say I’m looking forward to much else for now (yes, the Harry Potter Movie but that’s a year away now) so we’re just recycling through old Looney Tunes cartoons on DVD around here. They’re worth watching – Bugs is such a smart aleck. Daffy is crazy. Good times, that’s for sure.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 am
I don’t have all that much I am looking forward to in the music/movie/TV/book world.
I am anticipating season 3 of HBO’s Big Love. I am hoping to catch up on Curb, too.
For the most part, I don’t realize something is “coming” up until I see it in the store or advertised….
And, for you Harry Potter Fans…Islands of Adventure Orlando will have something in 2010 for you. I had to sign a bunch of confidentiality “stuff” so I can’t go into details of what I know and have seen (we get all the construction plans and specifications) but it’s not much of a secret anymore :0) All I am saying, as an amusement park lover….it’s gonna be awesome.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
This Girl…my ten year old has been bugging me to go to Florida because of that. I have to keep telling him it’s not even built yet!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
LOL…yes, tell him to wait until it’s open :0) He’d be pretty disappointed with just seeing what’s there now. I believe I read Feb. 2010 is the anticipated completion.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Watchmen! Heroes season Three. Twilight movie since they delayed Harry 6, and new issues of Locke and Key. ( really not trying to suck up Joe ! honest!) I was blown away by the last page of vol 6 all the new keys to discover! also the Umbrella Academy vol 2.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:24 am
LOST (I’m addicted)
Watchmen (My hopes are much to high)
Dark Tower: Treachery (I’ve been following Roland for more than 20 years)
August 24th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
movie: Wolverine( i hope it comes out ok).
August 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Dennis Lehane’s A Given Day. Out in September, I think. I’ve loved every one of his stories, from Kenzie and Gennaro to Mystic River, to Shutter Island. Can’t wait to see what he’s got next.
Pelecanos’s The Turnaround, I think this one’s already out, but I haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet. Also love all his stories and after The Night Gardner, he’s got me beleiving he can do no wrong.
I also love Dexter, but Lost is the best show on TV. Those writers take some serious risks with structure while keeping the heart of the story intact, and John Locke is one of the best characters in any medium, as far as I’m concerned. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Finally, movie wise, there’s an adaption of Killshot, another great story, based on Elmore Leonard’s novel, with Mickey Rourke, that apparently was filmed years ago, but hasn’t been released. Anybody heard of this? I have to admit, this one is beyond anticipation, and has become irritation. I’d love to see it and I hope there’s a legitimate reason its beign held up, other than some Hollywood studio’s wallet…
August 25th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
yeah, i heard about killlshot a long time ago..there is also “the road” movie adaptation that is coming out this year….
August 25th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
and i think the movie adaptation of “choke” is ready to go…im not sure when it hits the regular theatres
August 26th, 2008 at 8:04 am
I see a lot of what I’m looking forward to already here in the comments and original post, but I’ll share. In no particular order:
1) The Wrestler – Agreed, Darren Aronofsky is the man. The Fountain was so emotionally charged, I spent the final ten minutes in the theater with my arms tensed, fingers clutching madly at the chair arms. I love watching this, as well as Pi and Requiem, to discover new things and expect nothing less of his new film.
2) The Graveyard Book – If it’s got Gaiman’s name on it, I’m in. He’s stated this is the best thing he’s written. Can’t wait to devour my copy when it finally arrives.
3) Brendan McCarthy doing Dr. Stranger – The only thing better would be if Marvel were to take Eric Reynolds up on his offer to cede the rights of Dr. Strange over to Fantagraphics so that all of the alt-comics-Ditko-fans could have their chance at this. But I’ll take McCarthy – who’s issue of Solo was fantastic and his 3-issue Eclipse series Strange Days (was this with Milligan?) was mind-bending and incredibly entertaining.
4) League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century – I agree, Moore’s best work is his most recent (and why shouldn’t it be, we are supposed to take what we’ve learned from our early missteps and apply it to our later work, right?) From Hell, Lost Girls, League, and his ABC stuff was all – for the most part – amazing. From a technical standpoint, Watchmen really showed people what comics can do that other mediums cannot, but for sheer brilliance, he’s eclipsed what came before. *as an aside – I’m also very excited about his upcoming Avatar work, too.
5) Notes over Yonder & Tiger Tiger Tiger- as Warren Ellis once remarked in a bad signal, anything new from Scott Morse is worthy of celebration (obvious paraphrasing). Anything Morse does is magic. Get these.
5a) BangPop – the Bangor, Maine pop culture event on Sept. 13. Looking forward to meeting other local writers and artists, speaking with retailers about our (with partner Dan Fleming) self-published comics/prose anthology, and hoping for a chance to speak with Mr. Hill about writing, comics, and anything else that time might allow.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:29 am
DEATH MAGNETIC! If Cyanide, The Day That Never Comes, and My Apocalypse (just released last night) are any indication….this album will be a monster
August 26th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Movies-
APPALOOSA and of course Harry Potter. ( and yes it has been moved to July)
TV-
LOST and of course I would look forward to anything new on DEADWOOD, but alas I think it is gone forever.
August 26th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
The Widows of Eastwick by John Updike. The Witches of Eastwick was so wonderful. I hope the girls are still feisty after thirty years. I got the galley this morning and I’m so excited, I may faint.
*thud*
August 26th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Yep, “THE FOUNTAIN” is one of mary and I’s favorite( if not the all time favorite) movies…matter of fact, my wedding ring is based on the ring in the movie..I remember following the movie when it had brad pitt and cate blanchet in it….and then when it came out as a graphic novel…man, that movie had a long road to the screen.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
1) Last season of Battlestar Galactica
2) New Season of Always Sunny in Philadelphia
3) Wolverine movie (is it coming out this year??)
4) More Dexter
5) The Office/My Name is Earl coming back with new episodes!
August 27th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
With Bang Pop are there going to be presentations? I know there will be tables set up. or signings? I’m definitely going!
August 28th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
here are some movies that im looking forward to seeing:
House of Lies…because i didnt like american gangster as much asi wanted to like it.
1) Green zone…ill let you look it up
2)the curious case of benjamin button(david fincher is always awesome)
3)CHE…..soderbergh and del toro
4)jennifer’s body…im curious about this diablo cody horror
5) the wolfman…
5) the spirit..thats a given
6) W……because its oliver stone doing what i expect him to do
7) Changeling..because i want to see if angelina can still convince me that she can be someone else…not over the top.
9) The box..because Richard Kelly is on radar…….and of course Donnie Darko…
10) The day the earth stood still……because im a matrix nut
11) pop art…if you dont know, then..i give up.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
One of my favorite movies is “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. It’s one of those father/daughter things….I’ve been watching that movie along side of him for many years
August 29th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Yes,
there will be programming at BangPop. So far, as I understand it, there will be a presentation or two on using graphic novels in the classroom, and there is supposed to be a panel on writing for genre. I’m friends with the organizer, and he’s hoping to have more as well, though I haven’t had a chance to speak with him in a week or so.
August 30th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Wow, that DeNiro/Pacino film looks awesome! And who doesn’t love AC/DC?
Also looking forward to A Dance With Dragons by G.R.R.M. High 5, Hammer.
Have fun at BangoPop, Joe!
September 1st, 2008 at 8:56 am
Troy,
Hell no. Legitimate comments get zapped all the time on this here blog, not because of their content, but because I have never… quite… figured… out… how to keep the fucking spammers at bay. In the process of mass deleting comments left by the spambots we frequently manage to wipe out comments by actual human beings. My apologies, and if you have the time, please post your picks again.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:17 am
(LATER)… Troy, and in fact I managed to wipe out your second post in which you complain about your first post getting wiped out. I am now going to back very slowly away from the blog and not touch it again for a while.
Really, nothing personal, Troy – we’re just having that kind of day ’round these parts.
March 15th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I liked the post and your writing style. I’m adding you to my RSS reader.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
I am shocked. My good wishes go out to the victim’s families. I cannot fathom that an event like this was allowed to happen.