Recap of 2017 & Our 2018 Wishlist

2017 was a year full of fandom, friendship, and fun! From the moments that made us laugh to the moments that made us cry, here's our reaction to everything 2017 brought us. In addition, join us as we assemble our wishlists for 2018! Major spoilers must be highlighted to read. Like this: Happy 2018!

KELLY CHAPLIN

Best of 2017

• Finishing the Shades of Magic series and finally reading the wonder that is A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab. 
• Playing (and owning) Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 and 2.8. They were as magical as I had hoped. New content in 2.8 as well, where you get to play as Aqua on the Unreal Engine (used to make Kingdom Hearts 3).
• Listening to the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra and experiencing all the joy and sadness threaded through the KH soundtrack. I also listened to Yoko Shimomura play a piano solo and even saw Tetsuya Nomura come out on the stage to thank everyone for coming.
• Tried my hand at Persona 5. It was truly involved, truly magnificent.
• Watching Beauty and the Beast AND Power Rangers in theaters.
• Reading The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy! It was something different from anything else I had ever read.
• Finally reading The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer and realizing it’s as good as everyone has been saying.  
• Reading The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden and HOLY COW, it was as darkly beautiful as any fairy tale I’ve ever read.
• Gaming on the Switch for the first time. I was able to play Nine Parchments (fun to play with friends) and Skyrim (I had never played it before!).
• Watching the Netflix original Marvel series Jessica Jones, Daredevil, and Luke Cage.
• Attending Colossalcon (convention in Ohio!) AND Kupocon (Final Fantasy convention in Canada).

Hopes for 2018

• Reading Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir! I’ve been waiting quite some time for this.
• Reading Legendary by Stephanie Garber. I enjoyed Caraval and intend to continue the story.
• Picking up Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu (Batman is my favorite superhero! I’m sure it will be good!)
• Read something about The Cruel Prince by Holly Black this past year. It sounded intriguing, so I'm sure I'll pick it up. 
• Finally playing KINGDOM HEARTS 3, GOSH DARN IT. It’s coming out this year!!!
• Replaying Final Fantasy XV and all the downloadable content that’s been added. Everything new that they want to add will be ending in 2018, so I’ll be able to play everything intended to go into the game.
• Reading ALL the Rick Riordan series. I’m so very close.
• Once again, going to Colossalcon.
• New Pokemon game on the Switch?? Maybe?
• Final Fantasy VII remake?? Even more maybe??
• There’s a rumor that one of my all-time favorite books, All the Bright Places, is being made into a movie and that it might be released this year.
• Seeing Han Solo, A Wrinkle in Time, The Incredibles 2, the new Fantastic Beasts movie, and Wreck It Ralph 2.

GABRIELLE GOLD

Best of 2017

⦁ Seeing The Last Jedi and being delighted that it was actually very good. I was a little worried about it, but my fears were laid to rest. I heart grumpy old man Luke.
⦁ Going to Confluence, a sci-fi/fantasy convention in Pittsburgh, for the second time. I got to see Cheshire Moon perform live again. It had been too long. There were also awesome roommates and an unexpected $100 bill involved. Good times.
⦁ Guillermo del Toro’s comeback with The Shape of Water. It has already won several awards, and it had the good old fairy tale-style ambiance to it, just like Pan’s Labyrinth did. I missed that.
⦁ Finally seeing Moana on New Year’s Eve. It’s just barely a 2017 moment, and it took me way too long in the first place. Tamatoa is the Disney monster I didn’t know I needed.
⦁ Being invited as a guest to a filk convention in Boston…in the middle of watching someone else’s filk concert at Marcon. There was much rejoicing, thankfully out in the hall, not in the concert space.

Hopes for 2018

⦁ That I nail my concert in Boston! Durr. Lots of prep work to do.
⦁ That Avengers: Infinity War is worth the hype. I was kind of disappointed with Avengers: Age of Ultron, but I loved the first movie. I almost didn’t recognize Cap in the new trailers with that beard, but it’s not a bad look. As a side note, I am also looking forward to Black Panther a lot. It will be nice to have a completely different cultural setting.
⦁ That I can attend a convention in the Toronto area, Filk Ontario (FKO), for the first time. It’s coming up soon in April, and it would be super sweet if I can pull it off. More Canadian content! Also, the guest of honor is Leslie Hudson, and she is awesome.
⦁ That I fall back in love with my Kindle. I read more in 2017 than I had the previous years, but my reading frequency tapered off during the winter months. There are so many fantasy books to choose from, and I’m hoping I strike gold the way I did in 2016. Six of Crows and A Darker Shade of Magic for the win.

HAYLA R.

Best of 2017 

• Stranger Things Season 2

I binged the season twice when it came out. I loved the first season, but I think I love the second even more. I loved the introduction of the new characters: Bob, Max, and Billy, and also getting to know more about Eleven’s past.

• BoJack Horseman Season 4

Dealing with issues of sexual identity, parental abuse, and fatherhood (to name only a few), this season continued the show’s depth and dark humor.

• The Walking Dead Seasons 7b and 8a

I know I am in the minority, but the last few seasons of the show have been my favorite. I just whole-heartedly love Negan and the conflicts that he and the Saviors bring to Rick’s gang.

• Gotham Season 3b

Seeing the Riddler grapple with his feelings for Oswald in the second half of season 3 was a personal highlight (Nygmobblepot is my OTP). Also amazing was having Jerome and Bruce going head to head and setting up the future Joker/Batman conflicts.

• Alien Covenant 

The continuation of the Alien prequel series is my personal favorite of the franchise. The gothic overtones and attention to scenery details (such as the drawings in David’s laboratory) were particularly breathtaking.

• Get Out

A truly original horror film is rare in our current age of reboots and sequels. But this one was brilliant. I don’t want to give anything away. Do yourself a favor and see it.

• Maplecroft

Discovering the author Cherie Priest was a huge highlight. This book was a Lovecraftian spin on the Lizzie Borden story. I will be reading all her other books, as well.

Wishlist for 2018

• The Walking Dead comics

I want to read through The Walking Dead comics this year. I hope they are as good (or better) as the show.

• Aquaman film

I am pleased with the casting of Jason Momoa but, as a long-time fan of the hero, I have a little bit of anxiety about the script, and I hope it does the character justice.

• Deadpool 2 

...will be amazing. I’m just stoked to see it!

• Gotham Season 4b

A Nygmobblepot happy ending. They’re my OTP, and this has been my Gotham wish since Season 3a.

• The Walking Dead

More Negan please! He is a fascinating character, and his stupid lines make me laugh out loud.

JANA RUTH

Best moments of Gotham in 2017

• Bruce defeats a resurrected Jerome Valeska and declares "I will not kill."
• Ed Nygma officially becomes the Riddler, bowler hat and all.
• Selina uses her whip once and for all.
• Bruce saves a family of three from a mugger (just like the one who killed his parents) and dons his vigilante persona for the first time.
• Bruce acts like a brat at Penguin's auction and basically plays everyone.

SCOTT MITCHELL

Best of 2017

⦁ Seeing Your Name in theaters. It's a really really good movie and not just Freaky Friday in Japan like the trailer suggests.
⦁ Game of Thrones finally confirming what fans had hoped for a very very long time. We still need the book to come out, but hey, show endgame incoming... in 2019.
⦁ Thank you Intelligent Systems for making Fire Emblem Echoes as good as it was. It was an excellent callback to the past and an apology letter for Camilla's existence in Fates.
⦁ Seeing Adam Savage live in Brain Candy at Playhouse Square armed with a ping pong ball machine gun was a childhood dream come true for me.

Disappointments of 2017

⦁ Valerian and the City of 1000 Planets. Box office bomb with a main actor who keeps trying to sound like Batman and a main actress who is the female equivalent of Derek Zoolander.
⦁ Now that the initial shock of Attack on Titan's premise has worn off, season 2 shows that the only place to go is down. This season was like 70% flashbacks, 20% sitting in trees and 10% Armin angrily eating D-rations.
⦁ Sherlock Season 4, specifically the last episode. I'm sure plenty will disagree, but I just feel like they've run out of ideas at this point. The Norbury scene was excellent though.

Hopes for 2018

⦁ Hoping that season 2 of Westworld lives up to the hype as season 1 is one of a very small number of shows that I've actually truly binged.
⦁ I hope I finally get through the rather embarrassing book backlog I've accumulated at this point. Curse you, library sales and your low prices...
⦁ I still can't believe that Spice and Wolf got a sequel series as adventure, romantic comedy and medieval economics usually don't mix. Somehow it did happen and I'm going to enjoy every moment of it.

SKY DESTRIAN

Best of 2017

• This was the first year I got to watch the Harry Potter films, and I also received Gryffindor pajama pants for Christmas, wrote about being a Gryffindor, and just sank deeper into the Harry Potter fandom in general. I absolutely loved it.
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was one of the best movies of the year and one of the best movies of all time. That soundtrack colored the entirety of my year, and I don't regret a second.
• But that's not to say that was the only great movie of 2017... there were so many other fantastic films. Logan, Baby Driver, Spider-man: Homecoming, and Wonder Woman, just to name a few.
• I also finally watched some movies I hadn't gotten a chance to see: Moana, Mad Max: Fury Road, Lion, Arrival, Gifted, Top Gun... and they were all amazing.
• My mom, sister, and I watched all six seasons of Parenthood, and it was an incredible roller coaster.
• The Last Jedi was a highlight and brought a sense of wonder to the galaxy in a way that I hadn't sensed before. I loved it.
• Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 4 was its best one yet, in my opinion. Absolutely mindblowing.
• Reading Radio Silence by Alice Oseman and Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia: two books that made me cry, found me where I was, and offered a light in the darkness to show me I wasn't alone.
• Stranger Things was just as good as I hoped it would be. Honestly amazing. I'm in love with Steve Harrington now, thank you.
• In the last month or two of 2017, I discovered the joy of podcasts for myself. The Adventure Zone (and all of the McElroy productions), Alice Isn't Dead, The Bright Sessions... there's a whole world of stories out there, and it's exceptional.
• THERE. IS. FINALLY. A. BLACK. WIDOW. MOVIE. IN. PRODUCTION. It's not 100% guaranteed, and it's long overdue, but I'm taking it!

Worst of 2017

• Jane the Virgin: Losing Michael Cordero... I'm still not over it. Jane the Virgin hasn't been the same again, and neither have I.
• Logan: Seeing Professer X aka my childhood hero Patrick Stewart die on screen was really rough. Then to have Logan himself die a little later... that movie was so much to handle.
• The Last Jedi: It's bittersweet and difficult knowing this will be Carrie Fisher's last Star Wars movie. That said, I was happy with the final product.

Hopes for 2017

• I hope that I can get back into reading again--it's been one of the highlights of the past few years for me. I kind of got out of the habit recently, but I miss it.
• More development on the Black Widow movie (this will go on my list until we get it. Fingers crossed!).
• A Kamala Khan movie or TV show.
• A Kate Bishop Netflix show based off the Hawkeye comics. Please! We've been wanting this for years!
• Representation within Marvel for people of color, women of color, disabled characters, LGBTQ characters, and characters of any background. Runaways is one amazing example, but we can always do better.
• More representation, period.
• Black Panther and Deadpool 2!!! I can't wait.
• May Infinity War not be awful.
• May The Incredibles 2 live up to fifteen years of desperate waiting.
• May Tony Stark and Steve Rogers not die (and if they must, let it be a worthy death). 
• May 2018 be a fantastic, fabulous fandom year.

What are your fandom hopes and dreams for 2018? Let us know in the comments!

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May the Fortieth Be With You: Celebrating 40 Years of a Galaxy Far, Far Away

On May 25, 1977, Star Wars released in theaters, effectively changing the sci-fi genre and Hollywood forever. Forty years later, Star Wars is beloved around the world for its adventure story, outer space action, and most importantly the plethora of characters that expand the story beyond the silver screen. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of this phenomenal franchise, we're sharing our favorite characters that inhabit the "galaxy far, far away."

H.A. Titus

When I sat down to write this, I knew I probably wouldn't win any points for originality or geeky cred for picking out an obscure character. But what can I say... ever since I first watched Star Wars when I was a kid, I've loved Han Solo.

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True, there are times he's incredibly annoying. Every time I watch the "I love you," "I know" scene, I just want to smack him.

And let's not even start on my dislike of his and Leia's relationship in The Force Awakens. (We'll stick with saying it was pretty much the only disappointment in the entire movie.)

But even when he's around a bunch of Force users who clearly outgun him, he keeps a cocky grin on his face and is always ready for a smart-mouthy quip. His knowledge of the seedier side of the galaxy has saved his friends multiple times. And even though he talks tough, he's there when people need him, ready to do what he has to in order to make sure his friends survive.

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It's no wonder that my favorite Star Wars EU novel is Scoundrels (and if you haven't read it, you need to! It's a fabulous science fiction heist starring Han, Chewie, and a whole host of their sticky-fingered friends. Plus the twist at the end is phenomenal), and that my most eagerly anticipated 2018 movie release is the Star Wars Story starring our favorite scruffy-looking nerfherder.

Andrea Weisner

I’ve been a fan of Star Wars as long as I can remember, and as I sit down to write this, I think back over all of the wonderful characters I’ve been introduced to. Many of them have taken turns as my favorite, and any of them would have been a good choice for this collaboration post.

But then I also think of the ones not everyone knows about from the Expanded Universe… many of which no longer are considered canon. And to be honest, even after a few years, it still breaks my heart to see them pushed aside after being fan favorites for over a decade. None moreso than the Solo children: the twins, Jaina and Jacen, and little Anakin. As much as I adore the boys and would love to write about them (someday!), I always find my heart going back to their big sister: the one affectionately known as “Jaya."

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In the stories in which they were small, she was the leader and took such good care of them, despite her young age. You could always tell her number one priority was her family. Her brothers’ safety came above all else. But her heart wasn’t all that she inherited from her parents, though. She was an amazingly talented pilot, and the future of the Jedi Order lives on through her.

Being who she was, life was never easy for Jaina, but that never stopped her for long. And watching her grow up and face all that she had to… her story will always stick with me. The story of her and her brothers is one of those heartwarming, heart-wrenching, and so well-written ones, that it makes me want to improve my own writing. I’d say more, but dare not, for fear of ruining the books. You don’t have to read them, but I do ask you to at least consider giving them a chance. As interesting as I find Kylo Ren, these three, especially Jaina, are so much better.

Kristen C.

In any fandom, if there's a sentient robot, there's a really good chance it's going to be one of my favorite characters: Data from Star Trek, Marvin from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, C-3PO and R2-D2 from Star Wars. They're always the funniest, the smartest, the most socially clueless, and, to me, often the most relatable. It's almost as if writers don't believe that combination of sass, logic, and helpfulness can be present in a human being. It can, I promise.

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No matter how often my favorite Star Wars character changes (sometimes it's Han Solo, sometimes Boba Fett, sometimes Poe Dameron… you get the idea), I'll always love C-3PO and R2-D2. Their camaraderie and surprisingly entertaining banter through all that they go through is evidence of one of my favorite friendships in the franchise, and the fact that they fight and always make up warms my little robotic heart.

R2 manages to be one of the sassiest and most loyal and dedicated characters in the films, even though he doesn't ever speak. (Well, he makes a lot of beeps and boops, which you could argue is a language, but he speaks no words that we understand.) C-3PO, too, is sassy and loyal, and his constant pessimistically optimistic worldview speaks to me on a deep level. He's always stating facts and missing societal cues and trying to make the best of any given situation, and it's always made me happy to know that someone can be that logical, that oblivious, and still be funny and polite and, more importantly, can have friends. Even if he is a robot.

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Travis Craig

My first thought upon seeing FN-2199, whom you might know as TR-8R, was that he stood out. Most stormtroopers aren't worth the dirt they stand on. Their armor is useless and their aim is deplorable. The internet is rife with jokes about it.

But FN-2199....

He did something that most characters don't do.

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Most characters in the Star Wars franchise are important because they are made so by their place in the plot. Obi-Wan is important because he is Luke's mentor. The Emperor is important because he’s threatening the galaxy. Several characters are noteworthy for one reason: we’re told they are.

But let me ask: what did Luke do to become so important? Nothing, really. He happened to have some interesting connections, but beyond that he was unremarkable. He’s important because we’re told he’s important. If it weren't for his incidental connections, what would have made him worth paying attention to?

Or, getting back to Episode 7, what made Rey a memorable character? She was in the right place at the right time. She found the one droid in the galaxy intimately connected to the plot. Beyond that, what makes her special?

But look at Han Solo. You know what made Han Solo cool? Everything. He comes into town with a badass attitude and an itchy trigger finger, itchy enough to shoot Greedo. Even if he weren't involved in the story at all, he would have stood out. He made himself important.

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TR-8R stands out for the same reason. With a badass-dom rivaling Han’s, he stands up to Finn, unleashes his baton, and beats the daylights out of him. When he was finally struck down, I was heartbroken. Why kill off the coolest character in the movie? And he IS the coolest. He freaking earned it. He didn't need to have special connections or be in the right place at the right time. He isn’t interesting because we’re told he is; he’s interesting because he shows us he is. TR-8R did something. Something captivating. Despite having barely a minute of screen time--if that--he earned what most characters need to be given: intrigue.

I really hope he lives. I really hope he comes back for revenge. I really hope he still has that baton. And I really, really, hope that he gets the story he deserves. Because he earned it.

Tabitha Wells

I was six years old the first time I saw Star Wars. They had just released the limited edition VHS set containing hours upon hours of interviews, and my dad thought it would be the perfect movie to test our new surround sound system on. From the moment the opening credits rolled across the screen, I was hooked. I wanted to live and breathe Star Wars.

A few years later, my parents gave me my first Star Wars EU book—Young Jedi Knights: Lightsaber.

I must have read the book at least fifteen times during the first month; everything about the story and characters captivated me.

There was one character in particular who laid claim to my heart and my imagination—Jaina Solo. Although her twin brother, Jacen, was easily my second favourite, there was something about Jaina that drew me to her.  The most obvious reason was her resemblance in personality and characteristics to her mother, Princess Leia. Leia was the first to become a hero in my mind, so it was only natural the same things leading her to that position for me would also draw me to her daughter.

Jaina was everything I ever wanted to be, combining charm, good looks, wit, cunning, and intelligence into a powerful adversary and Jedi. Loyal, protective, and determined, she laid out the kind of woman I wanted to model my own life after.

Perhaps one of the most powerful connections to this character has been that I essentially grew up with her. Though I was a few years younger than Jaina, she grew as I grew—the books released as she battled her teens and entered into young adulthood coincided with my own timeline.

There was a depth to Jaina I didn’t see in many of the other characters in the EU. While each character certainly was deep and well-rounded, few faced the kinds of struggles and battles Jaina did. Her turmoil and suffering only ever fueled her to become stronger, wiser, and more capable.

More than anything, my obsession, passion, and love for Jaina are what triggered my goal to one day join the ranks of authors responsible for the EU. And, if there is anything she has taught me, it’s that with the right amount of determination, you create your own destiny.

So on this Star Wars anniversary, I raise a glass to the character who lit the literary fire in my heart.

Jaime Heller

When it comes to Star Wars, I have a lot of favorite characters. Just when I think I've narrowed down my list, I'm reminded of another character I adore. If I have to pick just one, I will always say Darth Vader. But since we discussed favorite villains last year for Revenge of the Sith, I'm going to discuss my second favorite character, who is my favorite character of the prequel trilogy: Obi-Wan Kenobi.

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It's fitting that Obi-Wan and Darth Vader are my two favorite characters of the Star Wars Universe since their stories are heavily intertwined. That's part of what I love about both of them. Their stories connect and come full circle: Obi-Wan trained Anakin, was betrayed by Anakin, and trained Luke to restore their broken relationship. Obi-Wan puts up with a lot of garbage (no, not just the Millennium Falcon and its pilot) over the course of the Star Wars saga. He's betrayed and abandoned; he loses a lot and sacrifices a lot. But he sticks to his ideals, and he keeps going even after everything. He's dedicated to helping people because he believes in people. He trains Anakin, and then Luke, despite what other people tell him (I'm looking at you, Yoda) because he can see the best in people.

*ugly sobbing* (source)

Obi-Wan is also cool. His lightsaber skills are awesome, and he's actually one of the most powerful Jedi to grace the silver screen. He defeated a Sith while he was still in training, fought Count Dooku twice, destroyed General Grievous, fought his best friend, and more. Plus, there's the sass.

Get 'em, Obi! (source)

Obi-Wan is one of the sassiest characters in Star Wars, if not in pop culture. He likes to make jokes and add a dramatic flair to everything he does. (I mean, come on, who else dramatically dies in front of his ex-best friend in order to turn into a Force ghost to help out his ex-best friend's son become a Jedi?)

#dramaqueen (source)

Obi-Wan is a memorable character for both his wisdom and skills as a Jedi. He's chock-full of humor and has a huge ego. All these traits, and more, make him one of my favorite characters from the Star Wars saga and definitely the best character from the prequel films.

#sassmaster (source)

Sky Destrian

There are a lot of characters I adore in the Star Wars universe--Obi-Wan, Poe, Rey, Finn, and even Anakin--but the one I come back to time and time again is Leia Organa: general, politician, princess, sister, hero.

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I often wish I had appreciated Leia more while I was growing up--it’s a longstanding fandom regret of mine. I was exposed first to the prequels, so I often latched onto Padme as my first choice for a female hero to emulate. For whatever reason, I preferred her over her daughter. (Apparently liking both never crossed my mind.)

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However, looking back, I remember moments where I still saw Leia as a hero. I loved her in the Battle of Endor especially. I saw her as a strong, competent leader who was able to fight back. When she killed Jabba the Hutt, it taught me that women could have power over their abusers and that we didn’t need to let them hurt us--in a world where I was very afraid of people who might hurt me, that meant a great deal to me.

As I got older, I started seeing how impactful Leia was as a character, both to myself and others. By the time I got to see Leia, I was incredibly lucky to have seen a bunch of kick-ass female role models already. But when Star Wars first came out, that was absolutely not commonplace. Leia was the first of her time, and once I got old enough to realize that, I was absolutely in awe of this amazing space princess.

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When Carrie Fisher passed away, it absolutely broke my heart. I still can’t think or talk about it without choking up. Not only was Leia incredible, but so was her actress. Carrie Fisher imbued everything she had into life. She was an advocate for mental illness and a strong, conquering force. She was hilarious, she was witty, she was lovely. She will be greatly missed.

Her legacy as Leia was incredibly powerful for young fans around the world, especially girls who needed a role model to look up to. It was incredibly powerful for me. I will never forget Carrie Fisher, and I will never forget Leia. I will always love that strong, sassy space princess who wasn’t taken in by the wiles of a scruffy Nerfherder (well, not at first) and who grew into a general who commanded an entire Resistance.

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Which character from Star Wars means the most to you? Share with us in the comments! And May the Force Be With You!

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Newsies: History vs. The Experience

{Beware of mild spoilers, folks.}

"In 1899, the streets of New York City echoed with the voices of newsies. Peddlin' the newspapers of Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, and other giants of the newspaper world. On every corner, you saw 'em carrying the banner... bringing you the news for a penny a pape..."

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Okay, so we're almost all familiar with the fictionalized versions out there. But what was the real story behind the newsboys strike? What names will be familiar to us, and which won't be? Is it as empowering and heartbreaking as the film and Broadway show we've come to love so much? And how do those two things measure up... to history, and each other?

The Story Behind the Story

According to the film's special features (and several online sources), the whole thing really began a year or so earlier... with the Spanish-American War.

The price that the boys paid for their papers was raised, but since there were so many editions every day (new editions came every time there was new news), they didn't really care. After the war, however, was a different story. Most of the papers lowered the prices, but the two largest (Pulitzer's The New York World, and Hearst's The New York Journal) didn't. With circulation down and the papers going back to only two or three editions a day, the newsies really began to feel the pinch. Remember, most of these kids were poor, lived on the streets, and sold papers all day long. (Though, contrary to popular belief, a lot of them also had families and would only sell papers after a long day at school.) Their biggest issue with the people in charge was that they had to "eat" the papers they couldn't sell (aka absorb the loss) because the distribution centers would not buy them back. For the poorest of them, this was a huge deal because they depended on every cent to survive.

One day, a group that got their papers from a guy in a wagon on the bridge found out that he had been cheating them. And that was the last straw... they tipped over his wagon, and that incident sparked what became a citywide strike. Two weeks later... (This section contains spoilers for those who haven't seen the musical, highlight to read.)what ended up happening is that the strike ended in a compromise. The price would stay the same (60 cents per hundred papes), but the distribution centers would buy back every single unsold paper. Seeing as that was their biggest issue anyway, they took the deal and went back to work. So, I suppose in a sense they won? It was definitely the most successful newsboy strike in history because they used a union structure. And that's the gist of the real story. There are lots of interesting tidbits, especially about the boys, that I have left out to keep this as short as possible. But you can read about all of this in many places on the web (such as here), and in books. Good luck, and have fun!

As for the boys, I think that although a few of the leaders are unknown to you, you might recognize one name if you've seen the original film... Kid Blink. And as for other familiar names? Yes, Racetrack Higgins, Crutch (basically, Crutchie) Morris, Mush Meyers, Boots... and for all I know, a few others were real. Spot Conlon was real too, though I'm unsure if he was actually a newsie or not.

The ones that we've come to love that are fictional include: Jack Kelly (though he's probably a composite character based on a few real boys) and David and Les Jacobs.

The Film and Broadway Adaptations

Andrea's Thoughts

Although the film came out when I was eight years old, I didn't see it until I was around seventeen and a junior in high school. A lifelong musical theatre nerd, who had loved studying history since starting school, I completely fell in love with it that day in the choir room. I guess having the lead (Jack) be my age didn't hurt either. One likes being understood at that age. ;) I was inspired and began a fan fiction for it that nobody but myself has ever seen. At any rate, a deep longing for a stage version to exist (and for me to be involved) took hold.

one of my senior photos (taken junior year)

Ten or so years later, I learned there was finally to be one but was nervous to learn that they had changed quite a bit. Would I still like it? Three or four years go by, and I learn that the answer is a resounding yes, it was totally worth the wait! This may sound odd coming from the girl who had loved the film for fifteen years by this point, but I think I prefer the stage version! Alright, I'm getting ahead of myself. Short version is, I have a wonderful sister, with a fabulous ability to guess just what I would want whenever she buys me a present. The end of 2015 rolled around, and suddenly the two of us had tickets to the most anticipated show of the season at our local professional theatre. We went on its first night, January 19th, 2016, and I was ecstatic to finally be seeing it live on stage! She thought me crazy though, when before we even sat down, I exclaimed, "I want to come back!"

Admittedly, it was a bit weird, constantly comparing the two mediums in my head as we watched. But seeing it in this fresh new way rekindled my love for it, if that makes sense. Turns out, once I got used to them, the changes didn't bother me at all. And a week later on the 28th and 31st, I actually did get to go again! The final time being on its last day here, which also happened to be Ben Cook's last day as a newsie. It still feels surreal a year later that I got to go to the stage door afterwards those final two times. In part, because I got to meet him (His character, Race, has long been my favorite) and wish him the best on his adventure with (the sadly short-lived) Tuck Everlasting! (In which, he was the understudy for another former newsie: Andrew Keenan-Bolger!)

Best portrayal of Racer, ever, by: this kid!

That summer, I learned that a performance would be filmed in September, a month before the tour would close for good. Filmed, guys! And, as you by now probably know, they showed it recently, on February 16th, 18th, and 22nd, 2017 in the USA. And starting on the 19th, it began to be shown worldwide. On the 23rd, it was announced that it had broken records and they were adding an encore showing in the States on March 4th! Sadly, a prior planned family commitment kept me away today. But at least I got to go on the 16th and 22nd! (I tried on the 18th, but it was sold out.) What do you mean, that's overkill? That's not possible when it comes to my newsies! Besides, just in my first week of owning the VHS of the original in high school, I saw more than I have of this altogether! I think we're good. :P

Before we move on, I wanted to say this: things have now come full circle. By which I mean that the rest of us who grew up with it (not unlike the famous Jeremy Jordan, who originated Jack on Broadway) finally have a shot to fulfill our dreams at becoming a newsie (or reporter, or Medda, or whoever). Because, you see, the whole reason the stage version was formed originally was so that the fans who had been clamoring for one to exist could be able to perform it. And when it became what it did, the people involved were a bit in shock, I'd imagine. Anyway, now that the tour has ended, that is finally happening! In fact, I'm giddy, because a local professional outdoor theatre is performing it in August. And you can bet I'll be there as much as I can during that week! Hopefully, I'll even get my own chance, someday!

What I love best about the 1992 film: Probably that it started me on this journey. I would never have known this fascinating incident in history without it because it wasn't in the history books my teachers used! Also, how can you not love those personalities? Also, the quotes, man... the quotes.

What I love best about the Broadway/Tour version(s): That they changed the ending to be more historically accurate. (Though a certain politician never actually helped in real life. Ahem.)

I also loved the added depth for characters like Jack Kelly and Crutchie (who, thanks to Zachary Sayle's portrayal, is now tied for the spot of my favorite), mourned the downsizing of Spot's characterization, and laughed as always at Race. I saw part of myself in new character Katherine (can I be like her someday?) and was generally just blown away by the whole thing. And the music, I especially loved that part. The new songs were brilliant in a way that I can't explain and fit the story so well. And the new lyrics mixed into the old familiar songs made them ten times better!

What I love best about the filmed performance: That I got to see everything as if I had a front row seat or was sitting on the stage! As much as I love the energy of seeing a show live, I'm usually sad that I miss all the subtle and minute things because I'm sitting far away. Here, I didn't have to miss those things! Is it possible that I could have fallen more in love with it? Because I think I have!

And I was ecstatic that they brought back so many cast members from the show's history to make one epic night happen and be immortalized. (Please, please, put it on DVD someday so I can watch this at home!) Seriously, there were people from almost every stage of it up there on that screen! When the credits were rolling during curtain call, I was holding back tears and screams of glee as I recognized name after name. Sure, there were some I missed terribly because they couldn't be included in this project for whatever reasons. But overall, I'm in heaven, guys.

Random Observations:

The Broadway version (filmed or live) reignited the spark to want to make a difference. I mean, these young people had the courage to stand up and not back down when up against the city's most powerful and influential men in order to bring about change in their lives. And they did it in a time without internet, folks. If one city could be brought to its knees by a bunch of kids in that era, what change could we bring about today when we do have that technology? Our communities and the world need us to start stepping up too. Lots of things need change, and we've all got to start somewhere.

We all have unique gifts to use in making this world better. One of mine is writing, and hopefully I can take the lessons from them to heart and make a difference with my words. And I will continue to spread their story, in hopes that someone else's heart will be inspired too. Thanks for reading!

Bethany's Thoughts

I first stumbled upon Newsies years ago when it was simply a debated cult film. Although some found it to be lacking in quality, I adored it. I became so obsessed with the story of poor newsboys trying to make a living that I wrote several stories of my own about it during the height of my fanfiction writing phase. I rarely (if ever) write fanfiction now, but one thing has never changed, and that is my love for Newsies.

I was still slamming the keyboard with tales of the film newsies I loved when I learned that a stage musical was being developed. I definitely got super excited and watched videos and anticipated the show going to Broadway. Then it did! I remember being disappointed to hear that some of my favorite Newsies like Mush and Kid Blink were being taken out or their parts minimalized, but I had no idea how much I would later love it. I also was a little iffy that they made some major changes. Sarah and Denton, characters from the film, were completely omitted, replaced by female reporter Katherine. I had no idea how much I would enjoy this character until later.

I created a goal for myself. I was such a big Newsies fan that I wanted to see it on Broadway with the original Broadway cast. I had to make it happen. Funny how our plans never seem to go the way we think they should, right? I didn’t see the Broadway cast. In fact, I still haven’t seen a Broadway cast of anything, which makes me so sad, especially since I’m a theatre major. I remember the swelling disappointment I felt upon hearing that one of the original cast members was leaving the show.

Even though I never got to see the original Broadway cast and the show is now closed, I still held a dream of seeing it close to me. If I could make it happen… that would be a wonderful thing. When the show went on tour my fangirl heart looked at the dates it would be coming closest to me, and I dared to hope. I probably prayed, too. I’ve never had a lot of money, but surely I could see this show that I loved so much that I had seen developed from history to film to stage. It didn’t seem likely.

One day I received a message from my friend’s mom. For my friend’s birthday, her mother wanted to surprise her with tickets to see Newsies, and as her friends, she wanted my brother and I to go as well. Suddenly I had a palpable reason to go, not just for my own pleasure, but to make my friend’s night even greater. So we bought tickets.

I don’t know how to tell you about the joy I felt that night. This was around November of 2015, a fact that seems crazy to me now. I was so thrilled I had my brother take a photo of me with the marquee in the background.

We had seats pretty high up in the grand tier, but I didn’t care. Being there was all that mattered. During the production, I think I must have had chills. The voices were gorgeous, the dancing was phenomenal, and the acting wonderful. Though I really liked Jeremy Jordan’s voice on the original Broadway cast recording, I fell in love with Joey Barreiro’s Jack Kelly. Seeing one of my favorite musical films come to life was a dream come true, and I’m pretty sure I cried tears of joy. I loved every minute. Seeing the show live actually made one of the lesser-known songs of the show, “Brooklyn’s Here” become one of my favorites thanks to the acting and chilling (in a good way) harmonies.

I was floating on air, and after the show I got to meet two cast members! Since it was a matinee, or afternoon showing, many of the leads didn’t come out, but the entire cast was so hugely talented that it was okay. Here is a photo of me and the fabulous Stephen Hernandez (left) and Chaz Wolcott (right).

Seeing the show once was amazing. I wasn't able to see it more, but I would have loved to. Newsies is a beautiful story, and if you haven't gotten to know it yet, you definitely should! I hope you got the chance to see the film version that was in theaters, and if not, we can all hope for a release date outside of theaters. Carry the banner!

Sky's Thoughts

I first heard of Newsies quite a few years ago when my friend Pippin showed me the movie. I enjoyed it at the time, but as the years passed, I kind of forgot about it, sadly. Fast forward a few years later when another friend, Gianna, asked if I wanted to join a group of her friends to go see the Broadway tour of Newsies at a discounted price. Of course, I agreed. I didn’t know much about Newsies, but you don’t get a chance to see Broadway every day! After I spent the money, I worried a bit about whether I would enjoy it or not because I wasn't an absolutely huge fan at the time, but I can definitely say I'm a fan now! Hindsight is 20/20, and I’m 110% glad that I got a chance to see this musical. There’s nothing quite as magical as live musical theater, and Newsies itself is definitely something to behold. It’s an inspiring experience to watch the boys of New York overcome their differences and their struggles, and it’s something I think we can all learn from. There’s also something to be said about seeing it live. I’ve seen the movie, of course, and I’ve seen televised musical performances of other musicals, but watching the story unfold in front of you? That’s something else entirely. I may or may not be hooked on that concept and experience now. I can’t wait to see other musicals if the opportunity presents itself.

The musical itself was just amazing. It had such solid performances. I especially loved Jack Kelly, Katherine, and Crutchie. Medda was such an amusing character and definitely a highlight. Another highlight was the sets! The moving staircase was absolutely incredible. Another favorite of mine was the star backdrops. Speaking of, my favorite scene/song was “Something to Believe In,” though I greatly enjoyed Crutchie’s solo, “Seize the Day” and “The World Will Know” and all the ensemble moments. The dancing was incredible. I couldn’t get enough. Honestly? Everything was awesome. I loved it all.

Of course, the experience is best because of the people you share it with, and I’m grateful I got to see Newsies with Gianna. We had an adventure from the very moment our tires hit the road.

One of my favorite moments of the night was being in the city. We parked on the rooftop of the theater, and we were still on a high from seeing the show when we went out to the car after the musical, so seeing the lights of the city was just pure magic.

Everything about this night will go down in my mind as beautiful, exciting, and such an adventure. I’m grateful I got the chance to have this experience. More than that, I’m incredibly grateful I took the chance to seize the day!

Alright, you've heard our fansie stories! Now we want to hear yours, so leave us a comment below!

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47 Fictional Characters to Celebrate Galentine's Day

If you're a fan of Parks and Recreation, you've probably heard of Galentine's Day. Created by Leslie Knope, it's a day set aside specifically to honor ladies and lady friendships. Today is that day: February 13th. It's not yet Valentine's Day--it's Galentine's Day, my friends, and in honor of that day, we've gathered together to celebrate with our fellow lady friends, fictional and non-fictional alike. Would you join us?

"Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It's like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas." - Leslie Knope

Anna Gensimore

Galentine's day is a wonderful day filled with breakfast food and laughter. Here are three fictional ladies that I'd love to take to JJ's diner for waffles and conversation.

Geraldine Granger (Vicar of Dibley): Gerri, portrayed by the lovely Dawn French, is a Vicar of the Church of England and assigned to the tiny village of Dibley. She's the type of woman any Galentine's bash needs on their team. Being a female pastor in a backwater parish has definitely made her show the ability to put up with anything. Her position has also given her plenty of interesting stories to share and keep all of you entertained. Geraldine is the member of the friend group that gets you through whatever life has to throw at you and keeps you laughing the whole way. That, and she and her very comfortable couch are just a phone call away.

(source)

Lily Aldrin (How I Met Your Mother):  I'd say that Lily is invited to my Galentine's bash mainly because we have such similar personalities. I'd love to talk about her friend group and discuss our menfolk. She's not afraid to follow her dreams or make mistakes, which is admirable. Lily would be able to encourage me as well as the other ladies eating breakfast with us that eventually we will get where we need to be. Over the course of her series, she went from being a Kindergarten teacher to running away to San Fransisco to be a painter (and failing) to eventually becoming an art curator. The road to finding your place is often winding but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the journey.

(source)

Ellie Williams (The Last of Us): What would Galentine's Day be without including the next generation? Ellie is a 14 year-old survivor of a zombie apocalypse. After spending quite a bit of her life fighting to stay alive, I think she definitely deserves a day to eat pancakes with people that aren't trying to kill her. She's a sweet and funny girl, who loves comic books and can fend for herself. I'd try to find a way to sneak a doggy bag and a new pair of shoes into her backpack without making her feel weird about it. After all, what is Galentine's Day about if not looking out for each other?

(source)

Jaime Heller

For me, there are many female characters I would love to spend Galentine’s Day with. The list of activities and adventures to be had is endless:

• A tea party with Alice, Emma Woodhouse, and Lucy Pevensie. 
• A shooting range with Princess Leia, Peggy Carter, and Nancy Wheeler.
• An art gallery with Rapunzel and Lia Betarrini. 
• Video games with Felicity Smoak, Cress Darnel, and Iku Kasahara.
• Fencing with Rey, Gabi Betarrini, and Eowyn. 
• The library with Hermione Granger, Yuki Nagato, and Belle. 
• Stargazing with Uhura, Wendy Darling, and Meg Murry. 
• Horseback riding with Puck Connolly, Arwen Evenstar, and Laura Ingalls. 
• A poetry reading with Elizabeth Bennet, Luna Lovegood, and Anne Shirley.
• A scavenger hunt with Blue Sargent, Katniss Everdeen, and Annabeth Chase. 
• Piracy with Gamorra, Lila Bard, and Iko. 
• Saving the world with Wonder Woman, Violet Parr, and Kamala Khan. 
• Waffles with Eleven, Nina Zenik, and, of course, Leslie Knope... 

Like I said, the list could go on and on. There are so many possibilities for celebrating the best lady friends a fangirl can have. For me, I’d enjoy any of these options and more. But in the end, it’s not about how you celebrate, it’s who you celebrate with. Oh, and don’t forget about the waffles!

Kristen C.

There’s really no one I’d rather spend Galentine’s Day with than Lizzy Bennet. Who better to celebrate with than a fellow sassy book nerd who can hold her own against any man or woman? But since two people isn’t really a party, we’d invite Lorelai and Rory Gilmore--because you can’t have one without the other--and if anyone can throw a party and celebrate female friendship, it’s these two. Plus, they know all the best places to get food and coffee--two very necessary parts of a great Galentine’s Day celebration. I can’t even imagine all the quick banter and bookish references and bad date stories that would happen in that food-filled room. Actually, I totally can. And it would be amazing.

Sky Destrian

Who doesn't want to spend a Galentine's Day with their favorite fictional characters? I have so many that I would love to gather together, but today I've picked three. My first is, of course, Leslie Knope, the original Galentine. She's positive, uplifting, and funny. It would be an honor to spend a day with her, the creator of Galentine's Day itself, and my personal inspiration.

My second choice? Jane Villanueva. Sweet, hilarious, and overall a precious cinnamon roll, Jane is one person I would love to spend a day with. We could talk writing, which would be absolutely amazing. And I could give her a hug, which is something I find myself really needing to do these days. Plus, I just adore her, and I would adore spending time with her even more.

And finally, because every party needs some fun, I'm inviting our favorite TV mom, Linda Belcher! ("Alriiiight!") Linda brings life to every day and injects positivity into even the most ordinary situations. I feel that she would add a source of energetic fun to our adventures--plus get us into some adventures we might not have seen coming--and I would love to hear the song she'd make up about our shenanigans.

Which fictional characters would you want to spend Galentine's Day with?

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Recap of 2016 & Our 2017 Wishlist

2016 was different things for different people, but no matter which way you look at it, it was definitely a year full of fandom. From the moments that made us laugh to the moments that made us cry, here's our reaction to everything 2016 brought us. In addition, join us as we assemble our wishlists for 2017! Major spoilers must be highlighted to read. Like this: Happy New Year!

Alex McCarron

Best of 2016:

• Karen Page and Frank Castle in season 2 of Daredevil. They were the last two characters I expected to team up, let alone develop such a complicated and emotional relationship. 
• Watching Pacific Rim for the first time and falling in love with every single character—but especially Newt. 
• Reading a bunch of Batman comics, including The Court of Owls, A Death in the Family, and Black Mirror.
• Discovering adorable webcomics like JL8 and creepy podcasts like Lore. 

Hopes for 2017:

• That the fourth season of Sherlock will be better than the Christmas Special. 
• The Punisher and The Defenders. May they both be amazing. 
• That Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner will be just as good as the other books in the Queen’s Thief series. 
• That (almost) everyone will get a happy ending in the last season of Turn.

Anna Gensimore

2016 was exhausting. I don't think I've felt rested since David Bowie died, but there were still some decent things to come out of it.

Moments I loved in 2016:

• Deadpool: Yes, there were a couple moments that were over the top, but the film was overall faithful to the character and it was a heck of a lot of fun to watch. It made for an awesome Valentine's Day romp (at least for me). 
• Rogue One: I am still in shock and reeelliinngg with feelings about this one.
• More Rick Riordan: Thank you Uncle Rick for making this year a tiny bit better.
• Hamilton: I am so glad that my new favorite musical caught on fire this year. Can we just take a minute to clap for Lin-Manuel Miranda for having a damn fabulous year? I mean the guy is producing the TV and film adaptation of The Name of the Wind! Then there's Moana!
• Stranger Things: Suddenly Brian and I buying each other D&D dice is a lot more hip than it was earlier this year...
• This is Us: Oh my goodness, I loved the fact that this year introduced me to the Pearson family.

Regrets about 2016:

• I did not watch Civil War until this week when it came to Netflix.
• I wish I had read more, this was a year of adjustment for me.
• Suicide Squad could have been so much better. I am grateful that it was made and lead to a Gotham City Sirens movie deal, but you can tell it got hacked with a machete in editing.
• So many people died this year--celebrities and those I knew in real life. I'm still having trouble wrapping my mind around many of those deaths.

Hopes for 2017:

• Beren and Luthien: Apparently we're getting a new Tolkien novel this year, fingers crossed!
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: My favorite bunch of a-holes is are back and ready for action. I am excited to see how the story line ties into the greater MCU.
• Spider-Man Homecoming: You go, Tom Holland.
• The Last of Us 2: *heavy breathing* I am so nervous about the feels trip this sequel game may induce.
• Logan: I loved the comic, and I am interested to see what this adaptation is going to look like.

There are so many more things coming out in the upcoming year that I'm excited for, books that will potentially be published. (Here's looking at you George R.R. Martin, Pat Rothfuss, and Scott Lynch; don't worry guys, I'm being patient.) At this point, I'm just excited for the new year to start and hopefully clear out some of whatever leftover bad juju 2016 has hanging around.

Andrea Wiesner

Favorite Moments of 2016:

• Finally getting to see the Broadway version of Newsies when it came near me on tour. (Look for a post about this, come late January or early February!)
• Finding Neverland came into the area (and my life) on the 15th, thanks to the tour. It was pure magic, and I can't wait to tell you about it very soon!
• I finally got a replica of the jersey from the first Mighty Ducks film (with 2015's birthday money) after wanting one since 1992!
• It being announced that a live performance of Newsies would be filmed in September before the tour closed in October. And learning that several original cast and former touring Newsies (aka "Toursies") were coming back to join the then-current cast to do so! (Look for it in movie theaters: February 16th, 18th, and 22nd!) 
• A smattering of news about The Silver Chair film! 

Hardest Moments of 2016:

• Learning that the brand new musical Tuck Everlasting closed after just 28 previews and 39 performances. I know how long it had been in planning and am still highly disappointed that I'll never get to see it live. The cast was great!
• Losing so many great entertainers that have inspired us in so many ways.

Wishlist for 2017:

• I'm hoping to hear news of a fourth season of Girl Meets World, instead of a cancellation.
• To see more wonderful live theatre than I got to see this year (and I saw quite a bit!).

Bethany Baldwin

Honestly, my fandom interest was a bit whacky in 2016. I bounced all over the place, got behind on some shows, and started others that are long behind, so my list may reflect that. First, let’s revisit my hopes for 2015.

• My hopes for Civil War were fulfilled. It wasn’t depressing! (All the people I love survived).
• As far as I can tell, Snowbarry did not happen on The Flash, but that’s probably okay.
• Jasper and Monty survived season three of The 100, though I didn’t watch most of it.
• We still haven’t seen the new companion of Doctor Who, so I will add last year’s hope to this year’s.
• Behind on Supergirl but some of the plotline was getting more interesting. Still no word on the Winn front, though I’m behind.
• FitzSimmons happened! They’re an official couple. Hurrah.
• Behind on iZombie as well. Hope that forgiveness happened.
• Now, the live musicals. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding them, but I actually thought Grease Live! and Hairspray Live! were pretty good. I’m a theatre major and my opinion may still not count for much, but they were certainly better than Sound of Music Live! and Peter Pan Live! (I’m still mad about them messing up Peter Pan.)

Now, this year.

Saddest Moments

• Han Solo’s death (I didn’t see The Force Awakens until 2016)
• Glen Rhee’s death on The Walking Dead. I stopped watching the show a couple seasons ago, but the knowledge of one of my favorite characters dying was still rough.
• Death of Lincoln and HIVE.
• Half of Scarlet Heart, a KDrama with much heart-rending.

Favorite Moments

• Ant-Man and Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War were amazing.
• Speaking of Spider-Man, the Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer. Eep!
• Young Justice finally getting its long awaited third season. So ridiculously excited.
• The inclusion of Ghost Rider and Aida in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is pretty interesting.
• Stranger Things! Amazing.
• I watched Lost. Yep. I’m so behind. But I watched it, and I adored Charlie Pace.
• I got back into Korean dramas this year. Scarlet Heart ripped me apart, but I couldn’t look away. I also discovered the perfect man in Park Bo Gum from The Moonlight Drawn by Clouds.
• Ramin Karimloo’s casting in Anastasia: The Musical. I really want to see it on Broadway, but it probably won’t happen.
• Everything I’ve seen relating to Beauty and the Beast. I’m on the edge of my seat for that one.

Hopes for 2017

• If Young Justice season three comes out in 2017, I hope it will have the same feel/animation/actors/etc as the first two seasons. Please.
• Stranger Things: I’m so excited for season 2. I really want Eleven to be okay in every sense of the word, as well as the rest of the gang.
• Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart: Ryeo: It’s unlikely, but I hope there is a season 2 or that some of the bonus material I know was filmed will be released to provide some closure on that whopper of an ending. Uhg.
• Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: I hope May is okay. And I hope her and Coulson become a thing, maybe. And I hope Yoyo and Mack become a thing. And I hope Fitz and Simmons stay a thing. Wow. Also, I hope we see some more of Robbie Reyes and that AIDA doesn’t kill everyone. Looking forward to the rest of the season. xD
• I can’t wait for Spiderman: Homecoming. Spiderman has always been one of my favorite supers, and I’m excited to see him portrayed as younger than the previous incarnations. Tom Holland is great.
• PLEASE please let Beauty and the Beast be good. Please.
• Dark Matter: After some shocking moments last season, I hope the crew will all stay safe (and alive PLEASE) for season 3. Because I can’t take more sadness.

Hanna Denton

Favorite Moments:

• Going to see Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I at a movie theater! (Thanks for that, Fathom Events.)
• Listening to Needtobreathe's Hard Love with my little brother.
• Discovering Sufjan Stevens in time to play his album Silver and Gold all Christmas. (I know, I'm dreadfully behind the times.)
• Finding movies like The Cameraman and City Lights, which helped open the door to my latest fandom: silent movies.

Hardest Moments:

• Naturally, the slew of celebrity deaths this year took a toll. It was especially hard losing one of my favorite authors (Harper Lee) and one of my favorite actors (Alan Rickman) both in the same month. And of course, who's not still sad about Anton Yelchin?
• Missing Benedict Cumberbatch's version of Hamlet for the second year in a row. He performed it last year at the Barbican in London, and it was simulcasted in movies theaters all over the US. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend, so I was excited to hear about the encore screening scheduled for this November. That is, until something came up at the last minute and I still didn't get to go!
• I'm kind of bummed that Michael Weatherly left NCIS. Sorry, but this Bull character just doesn't sit right with me.

Hopes for 2017:

• I hope that none of the other actors I like die in 2017. Ian McKellen, take care of yourself. That goes for you too, Geoffrey Rush.
• I hope that the new live-action Beauty and the Beast will be as great as it looks so far because deep down, I'm still a little five-year-old girl who loves Belle.
• Neil Gaiman has a book retellings of Norse myths coming out in February. I'm looking forward to reading that.
• SINGIN' IN THE RAIN IS COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN IN JANUARY! (Thanks for that too, Fathom.) 

Jaime Heller

Favorite Moments of 2016

• The CW’s 4-part super-ultra-mega-awesome heroic crossover.
• Wonder Woman kicking butt in Batman vs Superman.
• Star Trek Beyond being wonderful and fantastic and just amazing.
• Also celebrating Star Trek 50 was fun.
• Meeting Marissa Meyer (twice!!!) and Leigh Bardugo.
• Crooked Kingdom was everything I didn’t know I wanted and everything I did want. Also, waffles. 
• Doctor Strange and Fantastic Beasts were both magical, and I’m in love.
• Tyler Hoechlin as Superman in Supergirl. (I’m still crying.)
• Finishing the Library Wars manga series. (Leave me to die.)
• Reading through the entirety of Les Miserables and loving it.
• Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) officially becoming an Avenger. 
• STRANGER THINGS ruining my life because of its awesomeness. Also, waffles.

Worst Moments of 2016

• Rogue One making me angry for being sad and painful.
• Remembering Anton Yelchin, Kenny Baker, Carrie Fisher, and so many more.
• Laurel Lance’s death on Arrow.
• Steve being forced to choose between Tony and Bucky in Captain America: Civil War. (Ouch my heart.)

Wishlist for 2017

• The Tangled TV show will have the perfect blend of humor, music, and spirit like the movie.
• DEFENDERS. I can’t even.
• Star Wars Episode VIII will be even better than The Force Awakens.
• DC won’t screw up the Justice League or Wonder Woman (or Lego Batman) movies.
• Beauty and the Beast will be enchanting but also bring something new to the tale as old as time.
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will make me laugh and cry and want to sing and dance.
• Attack on Titan season two will be just as fantastic and follow the manga chapters!
• I won’t die from waiting for all these new book releases!
• Stranger Things season two will be just as amazing, mysterious, hilarious, and scream-worthy as season one. And that we will find out what the frick frack is going on.
• DON’T HURT SHERLOCK!

Jameson C. Smith

Favorite Moments of 2016:

• Stars Above: This was such a wonderful collection of stories to finish up The Lunar Chronicles. This is one of my all-time favorite series, and this book made me smile so much.
• Captain America: Civil War: While very different than I expected, it was still a good venture back into the MCU and seeing the characters in a totally different situation than usual. There are so many things I’m still noticing each time I watch it!
• Doctor Strange: Definitely a new favorite hero and MCU movie! So much fun.
• Marathoning all the Middle-earth movies: And with the exception of The Battle of the Five Armies, all extended editions. Definitely recommend doing this if you’re a Middle-earth fan!

Wishlist for 2017:

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales: The POTC movies are one of my absolute favorites (often second only to LOTR), and so I’m eager to see what’s in store with this one. I’m not sure what to expect, but I’m hopeful for a good story, if a little bit anxious as well.
• Beren and Luthien: This is one of Tolkien’s most iconic stories, so I’m really excited to pick up a copy of this version.
• Thor: Ragnarok: I’m still upset about that ugly new logo. I hope we get a lot of answers in this movie and that it’s a worthy installment to the Thor trilogy. ;)
• Into the Badlands season two: I had no intentions of watching this show when it premiered but the intense and twisty plot made it one of my favorites. I’m hoping the second season is just as good.

Jamie Stewart

Best Moments

• The Abominable Bride broke up the infamous Sherlock hiatus, and we got new content to suffer over during the break. 
• Uncharted 4 came out and I spent a good week with Nathan Drake. I got to see how his story ends and, potentially, the beginning of his daughter’s adventures. 
• Naughty Dog announced the sequel to The Last of Us!
• Rogue One did amazingly well at the box office, so that means we’ll probably get an annual Star Wars movie (similar to the annual Marvel movies).

Worst Moments

• There was no full season of Doctor Who this year, and I miss my crazy space uncle. 
• Ghostbusters didn’t get half the kudos it deserved. We got a movie with amazing women being funny and doing science. Critics were too harsh, causing an already hesitant audience to stay away from the box office. 
• The trolls who attacked Leslie Jones on Twitter can meet me behind the dumpster for a good ol’ fashioned rumble. 
• No Man Sky was a huge disappointment. 

Wishlist

• I just want Sherlock to stop crying, okay? Whatever happens in series 4, just let my son be happy. Keep him safe and out of pain. 
• Star Wars has done such an awesome job at diversity so far. So for Episode VIII, I want some space gays. 
• Speaking of Star Wars, they’re eventually going to announce some more movies for the coming years. Let’s get a woman director attached to one of them.
• I want the new companion to the Doctor to get the best characterization and story arcs. I want her to be well developed and three dimensional.

Kelly Chaplin

Favorite Moments:

• Reading The Raven King (the final book in the The Raven Cycle). Deep questions were raised and phenomenal characters were fully developed. Everything was clever and beautiful. Make way for The Raven King, everybody!  
• Reading Winter, the conclusion to The Lunar Chronicles. All of it was worth mentioning. The characters, the fairy tales, the candy! I so want this as a TV series.  
• Reading the Percy Jackson series for the very first time. Rick Riordan, you are magic itself. Thank you!
• Falling in love with A Darker Shade of Magic and A Gathering of Shadows. I want Kell’s coat!! And I ship all the characters with each other. It was quite the awesome series.
• Reading Crooked Kingdom and having an avalanche of emotions over all of the characters’ problems. Seriously, they get out of so much trouble. I love them all. Can’t pick a favorite because it’s absolutely impossible.
• Seeing Marissa Meyer TWICE, meeting V.E. Schwab for the first time, trembling in wonder over Leigh Bardugo, crying tears of joy whenever I first spotted Maggie Stiefvater. Meeting all the authors at the YALSA symposium. 
• After ten long years, I FINALLY played Final Fantasy XV... and wept like a five-year-old. I’m still not over everything that happens after Leviathan. The Chocobros are life! (It was also phenomenal to see Kingsglaive in theatres).
• Having Kingdom Hearts 1.5 and 2.5 announced on the PS4!
• Having the Kingdom Hearts 2.8 release date announced and hearing that sick remix to "Simple and Clean."
• Watching Digimon Tri in theatres. Oh, the nostalgia!
• Becoming enthralled with Stranger Things. I was even able to eat waffles while watching the first episode.
• Seeing Deadpool on Valentine’s Day. Surprised that it was even better than what I’d hoped.
• Loving Finding Dory more so than Finding Nemo. (Just trust me, it’s good.)

Wishlist:

• Reading Caraval as a finished product. The ARC was charm and color and nightmares and hope.
• Reading A Conjuring of Light, the conclusion to A Darker Shade of Magic series. I swear, no one better die. I love ALL the characters too much (*whispers* all of them).
• Reading Thick As Thieves (a book in The Queen’s Thief series) and reliving the magic of it all. It’s been a long time coming. I’ve waited for you, precious!
• Kingdom Hearts 1.5 and 2.5 comes out. I’d love a collector’s edition too.
• Kingdom Hearts 2.8 comes out. We see Sora, Riku, Kairi, and others on Unreal Engine. There will be more information revealed. I will probably perish from the sheer beauty and complete wonder of it all. Oh, and I hope there’s a special collector's edition that includes a plushie dream eater or something.
• Experiencing Kingdom Hearts Orchestra: World Tour in New York City. Hearing Kingdom Hearts music performed by a full orchestra is a dream come to life. Plus, Yoko Shimomura and Tetsuya Nomura should be there. The world might end, and I’d be okay with that.
• Kingdom Hearts 3 release date. Okay, I at least want more information. Is that too much to ask? Holding out hope that KH3’s special collector's edition is a Keyblade. (Come on Square Enix, make my dreams come true!)
• Persona 5!!! Because... thieves! Besides, Persona 3 was an excellent game.
• Release of the Final Fantasy VII remake (part 1, mind you) I’mtooexcitedforthisrightnow!!
• Release of the Final Fantasy XV DLC!! It should include cutscenes featuring more about the characters (especially Luna!) and more on the world. OH! And I can’t wait for co-op with friends. I want to play as the Chocobros and (fingers crossed) as the female characters.
• Utada Hikaru’s song for Kingdom Hearts 3 is revealed! My heart might burst.
• More info on the Incredibles 2 and possible trailer
• More Digimon! YAY. Now I have the theme song in my head.
• More Sailor Moon Crystal because I can’t get enough of that series.
• Watching Blue Exorcist season 2! I mean, the manga is better, but I do like the fight scenes and getting to see everything come to life.
• Watching Attack on Titan season 2. Will we finally find out what’s in the basement?
• Reading more Blue Exorcist manga, woot woot! Thank goodness.
• Watching Beauty and the Beast live action movie. Please don’t mess this up! Though, I’m convinced that Emma Watson is Belle, so everything is fine.
• Hoping the Power Rangers movie doesn’t shatter my childhood into a million tiny pieces. You MUST be good.

Sky Destrian

Last year, I wished that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't jump the shark, that Finding Dory would be a quality film, and that Civil War would be good. All three of those wishes came true (though I did have my problems with Civil War). Unfortunately, we're not really sure whether Bruce Banner is okay like I wished, or even where he is, really. And we still don't have a Black Widow movie. But overall, 2016 was a pretty great fandom year.

Best Moments

• READING. I had barely read any books for the past few years until 2016. Then it was bam, full-force back into reading, and I have no plans to stop.
• This Is Us. It's incredible, everyone. Seriously.
• Stranger Things. It's one of my favorite things I've ever seen.
• Jane the Virgin season 3 was pretty good! I love this show and what it brings to television.
• America's Got Talent was fun to watch as always this year--congratulations, Grace Van der Waal!
• I got my sister into Hamilton, so that was a success.
• I read my first comics this year, and it was hands down amazing. I can't wait to read more!
• For my birthday, I got to see The Jungle Book, and I really, really enjoyed it (except I could have done without the monkey scene, honestly).
• Later in April, I got to see Newsies on tour, which was an awesome experience.
• This was the year I finally read Harry Potter for the first time, and that is hands down my favorite moment of 2016. It was incredible, and these stories have become so dear to me. 

Hardest Moments

• Hunter and Bobbi leaving Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., only to have their spin-off show canceled.
• Civil War wasn't as painful as I thought it would be, except in the ways where I didn't expect it to hurt: Tony's characterization. After Tony's character was butchered in Age of Ultron, I was hoping Civil War would redeem him, but it appears that Civil War just made everyone hate him more, which really pains me. (Though, Tony Stank? GLORIOUS.)
• The Walking Dead. The deaths, yes, but just the show in general--it's taken a really big turn downhill, and I don't think I like where it's going. It's hard to see a show lose the spark that made you love it. I hope that spark can return.
• All the celebrity deaths this year--Alan Rickman, Anton Yelchin, and Gene Wilder especially.
• No death hit me as hard as Carrie Fisher's, though. Princess Leia was a role model for me. I guess you never realize how much you love certain people until they're gone.
• Debbie Reynolds' death was also rough because Singin' in the Rain was five-year-old Sky's favorite movie EVER (and it still is one of my beloved favorites).

Wishlist

• For no one else to die, fictional or otherwise.
• For a Black Widow movie (again, this will go on my list until we get it).
• For a Kamala Khan movie or TV show.
• For more representation within Marvel for people of color, women of color, disabled characters, LGBTQ characters, and characters of any background.
• For more representation, period, in YA novels and in all the television shows I love (and in the ones I don't). Representation everywhere.
• For Episode VIII to be amazing, and for all my theories to come true. 
• For more Robbie Reyes on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and way more YoYo.
• For Fitzsimmons to be okay and stay okay.
• For Toby from This Is Us to be okay.

What were your highlights and lowlights of 2016? What's your wishlist for 2017? Happy New Year from all of us at The Fangirl Initiative!

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