Final 12 months could have appeared to fly by, but it surely was fairly packed when it got here to DC films, comics, TV and (for the primary time in a number of years) video games! All of us have our personal private favorites, reflecting our distinctive tastes and pursuits, and all of them are price highlighting. So, like we’ve performed prior to now, we’re saying goodbye to 2022 by letting members of the DC.com writing group share their high three DC favorites for the 12 months.
Our second checklist comes from Ink Spots contributor and pa joke lover, Kelly Knox!
It’s not an exaggeration to say that DC had one thing for everybody in 2022! Irrespective of your age or how lengthy you’ve been a comics fan, DC’s spectacular slate of films, TV sequence, graphic novels and comics had the proper story only for you. Any one of many tales instructed throughout this momentous 12 months is assured to make you snicker, cry or perhaps even…dream.
These are the tales that spoke to me probably the most in 2022. What’s in your checklist?
The Sandman: “Dream of a Thousand Cats”
Are we positive this sudden bonus episode of The Sandman wasn’t truly a dream? Okay, it’s actual, but it surely completely looks like a fairy story. This adaptation of The Sandman #18—which you’ll learn proper now on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE—is enchanting from begin to end.
Below the celebrities one quiet evening, a regal cat tells her story of heartbreak and hope. After shedding her kittens by the hands of a merciless human, the cat seeks the King of Cats within the Dreaming. She walks by way of a harsh and unforgiving panorama to achieve him and ask why cats are on the mercy of man’s whims. “Desires form the world,” the cat learns from the enigmatic King.
The primary sequence of The Sandman is full of a lot to ponder as it’s, however this unforgettable episode provides us much more to consider. What may we accomplish collectively if we shared a typical dream?
(And pay attention for that Neil Gaiman cameo, my favourite half!)
Constantine: Distorted Illusions
Is there something extra magical than John Constantine as a Constan-teen? Any story that includes a Constantine is an on the spot purchase for me, so Constantine: Distorted Illusions by Kami Garcia and Isaac Goodhart was one in all my most anticipated graphic novels this 12 months. And, after all, it didn’t disappoint. A retelling of his days in his band, Mucous Membrane, Distorted Illusions additionally provides a brand new wrinkle to the John all know and love: mother and father.
John’s father solely will get in contact when he needs one thing. John’s mom, lately remarried, hopes her son can hone his magical abilities. She gives to ship the 18-year-old to America to check with a famend sorcerer. John agrees, however he has his personal plans, which embody becoming a member of his pal Veronica’s band. When one of many band members begins to dabble in sorcery so as to add some spark to their performances, issues rapidly go awry, as they usually do when John is concerned.
Every web page of this graphic novel is beautiful. The character design is mesmerizing. Constantine and his buddies’ garments are effortlessly trendy with a splash of rock n’ roll. You’ll be able to virtually hear the punk music drifting up by way of the panels. The black and purple palette of the guide provides to that punk environment together with hints of chaos and hazard.
Even at eighteen years previous, Constantine is cool, however he’s nonetheless received quite a bit to be taught. I hope which means we get much more tales about his days as a (literal) younger punk.
DC League of Tremendous-Pets
From each delicate facial features to the ingenious jokes delivered with the proper deadpan, DC League of Tremendous-Pets is just a delight. Fast gags and scrumptious surprises hearth off one after one other on this animated journey, and also you may not take a look at your favourite Justice Leaguer the identical manner once more after watching it. (Superman is now and ceaselessly a fan of The Nice British Baking Present in my thoughts.)
There’s some severe star energy among the many Tremendous-Pets’ ranks, however their vigorous performances give the impression that they’re having simply as a lot enjoyable as everybody else. A lot enjoyable, in actual fact, that even some improvised strains ended up making their manner into the ultimate movie! Add to that loads of deep cuts for DC followers and an exceedingly intelligent post-credits scene and you’ve got one in all my favourite superhero films this 12 months.
Do not miss our earlier checklist from author Alex Jaffe, and make sure to drop by DC.com tomorrow for one more “High Three of 2022” checklist!
Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DC.com and her writing may also be seen on IGN, Nerdist and extra. Comply with her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to speak superheroes, comics and popular culture.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed on this function are solely these of Kelly Knox and don’t essentially replicate these of DC Leisure or Warner Bros.
