2008: THE STARSTORE REVIEW
This year has been another big one for the geek world in movies, TV, comics, books and new media. There has been an unprecedented growth in the realms of geekdom despite the economic woes faced by the entire planet. As things become more difficult, people are wanting more entertainment value for their money, and quite rightly so. That’s where science fiction and fantasy, comics, movies, book, collectibles and everything else geek flavoured comes in. The global media stage has been crammed with superheroes, science fiction and fantasy characters and other such delights for pretty much the entire year, with a few outstanding examples of the genres and industry that we all hold dear.
Film has had a surprisingly strong year despite the global economic downturn. Audiences have flocked to cinemas to take in a selection of blockbusters that have been something different to the usual empty spectacle. The biggest, naturally, is The Dark Knight, the second film in the revived Batman franchise. That film left countless records smashed to pieces in its wake. While the film ran to a rather bloated running time, it captivated millions with its gritty, urban take on the first struggles between Batman and the Joker, and proved that comic book movies can be more than just set pieces and effects.
That said, the two major Marvel movies out this year had greatv effects and set pieces as well as fantastic stories, acting and direction. The Incredible Hulk was vastly superior to the 2003 film, and Iron Man may well be THE definitive Marvel movie thus far made.
Other big genre movies this year have included the superb new take on the monster movie idea, Cloverfield, as well as the fifth film in the SAW franchise and the long-awaited new X-Files movie. The X-Files sequel, I want To Believe, turned out to be a low budget and very small scale piece which disappointed many fans despite being a strong standalone story. Other fun flicks this year have included Death Race, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army, Transporter 3 and Rocknrolla, but the end of the year has been dominated by one film- Twilight. The adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling teen vampire novel may be leaving many people shaking their heads in bemusement at it’s popularity, but the fans have been lapping it up. There was the movie release of Star Wars: the Clone Wars, which kicked off the TV series too. That film wasn’t quite the hit many had expected, but the series is going from strength to strength.
US imports Battlestar Galactica, LOST and Heroes have continued to thrill TV fans across the world, and fans have seen the end of Stargate Atlantis come and go. Stargate fans needn’t worry too much though, as Stargate Universe is on the way, helmed by respected actor Robert Carlyle, of all people! UK fans were also treated to new series of Doctor Who, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Chronicles, Merlin and Primeval. The year’s UK genre delights were rounded off by the stupendous Doctor Who Christmas Special, The Next Doctor.
The comics scene in 2008 has again been dominated by Marvel and DC, who wheeled out two hugely popular crossovers, namely Marvel’s Secret Invasion and DC’s Final Crisis. DC’s entry was walked all over by Marvel’s massively superior story and creators. The comics world was rocked by the sad death of Michael Turner, art supremo and creator of the Fathom character.
Games have continued to dominate the entertainment industry throughout the year, with Halo 3, Gears of War 2, Dead Space, Fallout 3 and the like all battling for supremacy. The Wii really came into its own this year, and games such as Guitar Hero proved that everyone can join in. Another Tomb raider game, Underworld, also proved that Lara Croft still has what it takes to get fans parting with their cash.
On the merchandise front, the big sellers this year have been video games action figures. Figures from Halo 3 and the Gears of War games have been flying off the hooks at a surprising speed, as well as figures from Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Street Fighter and more.
Sales of the Twilight novels went through the roof this year, with the latest installment being released and the movie doing huge business, here’s hoping that this means more genre projects will get off the ground and show people just what fantasy and science fiction is capable of.
What’s ahead The big names for next year are JJ Abram’s STAR TREK recreation, the second Transformers movie- Revenge of the Fallen, and of course the highly anticipated WATCHMEN, adapted from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s legendary graphic novel. Doctor Who and Torchwood will return for shorter runs in 2009, and Sarah Jane will also return for a 3rd series. Primeval is back too, as are a multitude of US series to enjoy.
2008 has been a hell of a ride, and 2009 is going to be very interesting indeed for everyone on planet geek. There has been more than enough for geeks to get into some serious flame wars over, and that’s how we like it, really. From everyone here at Starstore.com and The Last Picture Show, thanks for a great year, and we look forward to meeting more of you in 2009!