Happy Thanksgiving + some Black Friday tips

I wanted to wish every reader a happy Thanksgiving. I hope you will be able to enjoy a festive dinner with close family or friends – keeping to the rules of social distancing and small gatherings. Yes, Covid-19 is still with us and will be through most of 2021 despite vaccines. While it looks like nobody can go on holiday for Christmas, or even go out for dinner there is plenty to experience at home. Below is a list of my top picks for books, comics, games and series. I hope you will be inspired by it!

What to read?

There is surprisingly enough a lot to read this fall. Right now I am reading through Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline. Its the sequel to the novel filled with 80s pop culture references. So far I would say the sequel is not as good as the original, but it is still an entertaining read. Meanwhile the first volume of the Dune: The Graphic novel has also been released. You can get a hardcover version for $17.22 on Amazon. Though I went for the all digital version from Comixology. Just yesterday I posted a review of issue #2 of the Dune: House Atreides comic series and gave it a solid thumbs up. Considering I am very much time constrained these days with my work I ‘read’ my books through Audible by listening to them. Right now they the expected Black Friday deals going on.

Gaming after Thanksgiving

This is one of those years that sees a major release of new consoles. I still remember like yesterday when PS2, GameCube and Xbox released in 2000 and 2001 respectively. This year we are on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. However, I cannot recommend either new game console. Graphically speaking, there is not much of a bump unless you really squint you eyes. Gaming is about the games. For that we will have Cyberpunk 2077, probably the most sought after game since GTA 5. It will be released on December 10, which is a Thursday – I looked it up. As I am usually free on Friday you know what I will be doing two weeks from now. Besides Cyberpunk 2077 there are plenty of other game to check out including Watch Dogs Legion, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Mobius Front 83.

Thanksgiving at the movies

Last year I did a section on Thanksgiving at the movies. With the Rise of Skywalker, Jumanji 3 and Knives Out it was an excellent season. Now, you have to look online to see if your local cinema is even open. Mine is, but apart from B-movies there is not much to see. However, in December we will get a lifeline. Wonder Woman 1984 starring Gal Gadot lasso’s to the big screen as well as HBO Max. After being delayed two or three times I am grateful it is here. I enjoyed the first adaptation of the comic book series directed by Patty Jenkins. And in these troubled times I need a strong woman in my life. Meanwhile, ongoing series such as His Dark Materials, Star Trek Discovery and The Mandalorian are nothing short of spectacular. They make my week go by a lot faster.

So despite Covid-19 there is plenty to experience in the realm of Sci-Fi. Though I am mostly looking forward to just Cyberpunk 2077. So, I will end it here. Choose carefully with what you spend your money on and have a good Thanksgiving.