The Monitor’s 10 Favorite Things from 2012

Summary

In this article, we discuss the Monitor’s 10 favorite things from 2012, including popular releases from various forms of media such as movies, video games, music, and comics. We provide brief descriptions of each item and share our personal opinions on them.

Scott Snyder’s Batman
Rian Johnson’s “Looper”
Borderlands 2 by Gearbox Software
Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City”
Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises”
Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye
“Homeland” Season Two
Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange”
“Sons of Anarchy” Season Five
Fez
Honorable Mentions

Scott Snyder’s Batman

Scott Snyder’s run on Batman was one of our favorite things from 2012. His writing brought a fresh perspective to the character, and his story arcs, such as “Court of Owls” and “Death of the Family,” were both thrilling and emotional.

Rian Johnson’s “Looper”

“Looper” was a standout sci-fi movie from 2012, directed by Rian Johnson. The film’s unique premise, strong performances from its cast, and Johnson’s direction made it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Borderlands 2 by Gearbox Software

“Borderlands 2” was a highly anticipated video game sequel that did not disappoint. The game’s humor, addictive gameplay, and vast world to explore made it one of our favorite releases of the year.

Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City”

Kendrick Lamar’s album “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” was a critical and commercial success in 2012. The album’s storytelling, social commentary, and Lamar’s lyrical prowess made it a standout in the hip-hop genre.

Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises”

The conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises,” was a highly anticipated release in 2012. While not without its flaws, the film’s epic scale, strong performances, and emotional payoff made it a memorable conclusion to the series.

Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye

Matt Fraction’s take on Hawkeye for Marvel Comics was a refreshing and entertaining read in 2012. The comic’s focus on Clint Barton’s life outside of the Avengers, along with its unique art style, made it a standout in the superhero genre.

“Homeland” Season Two

The second season of “Homeland” continued the show’s streak of strong character development, intense plot twists, and satisfying payoff. The show’s performances, particularly from Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, were also highlights of the season.

Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange”

Frank Ocean’s album “Channel Orange” was a critical and commercial success in 2012. The album’s blend of R&B and neo-soul, along with Ocean’s introspective lyrics and unique voice, made it a standout release in the music industry.

“Sons of Anarchy” Season Five

The fifth season of “Sons of Anarchy” was a standout for its strong character development and satisfying storyline. The show’s exploration of themes such as loyalty, family, and morality, along with its intense action and emotional moments, made it one of our favorite TV shows of the year.

Fez

“Fez” was a downloadable game for Xbox 360 that was noted for its simple graphics but complex gameplay. The game’s unique mechanics, involving rotating parts of the landscape in a 2D game with a 3D feel, made it a memorable release in the indie game scene of 2012.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to our top 10 favorites, we also wanted to give a shoutout to some honorable mentions from 2012. These include films such as “The Avengers” and “Moonrise Kingdom,” music releases such as Fiona Apple’s “The Idler Wheel…” and Japandroids’ “Celebration Rock,” and comics such as “Saga” and “Daredevil.”

Conclusion

2012 was a great year for pop culture releases, with standout releases in movies, video games, music, and comics. Our top 10 favorites represent some of the best of the best, with each release standing out for its unique qualities and memorable experiences.