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Top-5 Geek Moments of 2006

Not a best of, not a worst of… No, this a simple list of the Top-5 of events that I, your friendly neighborhood Geek, found interesting in 2006. This will also be the list where I try to avoid the cliché moments all those other pop culture folks will list… Well, might as well get the most obvious and self-important place on the list started…

Honorable Mention – Film Fever Radio Launches: Ah yea! Scott Dally and I bring Film Fever back to the masses with the greatest (and most humble) podcast ever produced… Film Fever Radio… Starting in what is universally known as the weakest part of the year in American cinema; Film Fever Radio began assaulting your small computer speakers in April of 2006… With most glitches fixed during the year, look for bigger and better Film Fever Radio events in 2007. (Who wants to bet that the Honorable Mention will have the longest posting)?

Number 5 – Nintendo Wii Surprises Everyone: Okay, this is mainly my own reservations forcing me to now eat the proverbial Crow. Many months back I ripped on the new controller for the, then named, Nintendo Revolution. I thought this lame little remote control looking thing would be the death knell for Nintendo, forcing the company to rely on Pokemon sales alone to stay aloft. You see, this is why I am not a game designer. However, in my defense, I was not the only person surprised by the enjoyment factor of the Nintendo Wii. Is it the most powerful system on the shelves? Hell no. Nevertheless, the sheer joy that comes from playing the little sucker cannot be denied and will be the first “Next Gen” system to enter the Geek tower, followed by the Xbox 360. (Sony just pissed me off and needs to knock about $250 off to get me to even think about a PS3).

Number 4 – Monte Cook Retires from RPG Design: Yes, there are literally hundreds of game designers out there. Yes, there are other designers who own their own game line. Yes, a few of them were even instrumental in ushering Dungeons and Dragons into the 3rd Edition. Yet, there is something a little sad about Monte Cook leaving the RPG industry. (Though I doubt it is forever). Cook’s desire and love of the tabletop RPG was evident on everything he wrote. The real reason Monte Cook will be missed was his constant desire to share the creative and design process behind RPG writing. I am curious to see what happens when Monte (inevitably) returns to the RPG world in a few years… Perhaps to slap around the next generation who feels that 4th Edition is the best version of D&D ever…

Number 3 – The Power of Fandom: See what I meant about there not being any actual, you know, items on the list? (Um, except for the Wii at Number 5). Anyway, 2006 showed the corporate powers that be they could no longer ignore the power of fandom. (Although I am certain they will continue to do so). From the return to Portland’s own Rick Emerson Show to the release of the Richard Donner cut of Superman II, the strength of loyal and non-basement dwelling fans rang true… Now if only we could have saved Arrested Development from cancellation hell… Oh well, 2 out 3 is better then nothing.

Number 2 – Comics Become Socially Aware: This isn’t saying that comics were never socially conscious before 2006. They were, in fact, comics have often been an interesting way to gauge the pulse of American society… Much like science fiction, comics were able to convey socially controversial topics by wrapping them in capes and spandex. However, it just felt like 2006 was the year where subtly went flying out the window. Over in DC the “holy three” (Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman) grew more and more distrustful of each other and the world they swore to defend. As a result, a massive Crisis shook the DC Universe to its core and cost the lives of many a beloved character. In the aftermath, DC introduced a bevy of non-white characters and even had the temerity to (gasp) bring homosexual characters into the DC pantheon. Now again, this isn’t anything very new, comic book companies have been trying this for years. However, this is the first time I can remember that press releases were issued and editorials were penned all over the country.

Over in Marvel, the Civil War storyline painfully paralleled the current political events within the United States, even going so far as to take the Patriot Act to its most extreme example with the Superhero Registration Act. Even more shocking, Peter Parker outed himself as the Amazing Spiderman… Whether one sees this as the natural progression of the character or a headline grabbing stunt (as I do), only time will tell if this current realistic style of storytelling will stick in comics. I for one both welcome and dread what the future holds. Comics are an escape and while I like the introduction of “human” characters, I worry the pendulum will swing too far. When I want blatant political parallels, I will watch me some Battlestar Galactica. Whew, that was a long one.

Number 1 – A Geek Finds Love: Oh, come on! Like I wasn’t going to make the lovely Jenn my number 1 event in 2006! What can I say without causing all my readers to taunt me with all my mushy ramblings…? Simply put, walking down the isle with the lovely Jenn was simply the greatest moment, and yes, even the greatest Geek moment in 2006! I know, I know… I try to avoid overtly personal stuff on this site… What can you do? True Geeks are a romantic lot… How else can you explain us crying at the end of The Iron Giant?