Art I’m Thankful for in 2021
It’s been another one of those years where I’m exceptionally grateful for things that help me leave the real world behind, so here’s a quick run down of art that I’m grateful for this fall.
The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD Remake for the Nintendo Switch: I started this one when it came out, but between the motion controls and the all the batteries I needed to keep the Wii remotes going, I gave up. I was very glad to revisit it, though. It’s an odd duck in the franchise’s history: a little more directed than other Zelda’s and really hung up on its gimmicks, but this was a nice little adventure that I’m glad I gave a second chance.
The Adventure Zone Ethersea: I’m constantly talking about The Adventure Zone around here. It’s a funny family playing games like Dungeons and Dragons and telling cool stories. They started their most recent season this past summer, and have made an exciting jump to weekly episodes. Joining the crew of the Coriolis deep beneath the magical Ethersea as they blow things up, lie, steal, and occasionally save people has been giving me something to look forward to at the ends of each week.
The Expanse: Speaking of crews getting into trouble, The Expanse is an awesome show/book series I got into last winter, and if you enjoy sci-fi, intrigue, and true companions defying the odds, you should check it out.
A Little Devil in America Notes in Praise of Black Performance by Hanif Abdurraqib: In addition to writing one of the best poems I’ve ever heard, Abdurraqib wrote a book of essays on influential black artists and traditions in America that opened my eyes to some really cool history I’d never known about, and did heaps and heaps of style. A great read.
In the Heights (2021): I never got a chance to see In the Heights on stage, so seeing the film version was a wonderful treat this summer. The songs are great, the movie is beautiful. I know I’m going to rewatch it a few more times before New Year’s.
Here’s hoping you all found some good art to get you through the year as well. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.