‘Marvel’-ous gift ideas to keep your nerd occupied for the season
Well the cold and indifferent winds of winter have come early this year to Southeast Texas, which means that I am most likely bundled up in a flannel blanket with a hot cup of cocoa in my hands and Netflix shining its warm light across my face. In between episodes of “The Good Place,” I’ve been doing some online shopping in preparation for the holidays, and I’m here to share my discoveries with you, dear readers.
The Jerk: 40th Anniversary Edition — When I was a kid we didn’t have cable, and my Uncle Tommy often took pity on me and sent me VHS tapes of movies he’d recorded off of HBO. One of these films was “The Jerk,” and I watched it so many times that the tape had tracking problems during the classic Thermos scene. Without a doubt, this is one of the greatest comedies ever produced. It’s Steve Martin in his prime, and let’s not forget Bernadette Peters in her most memorable performance. This edition features new interviews with Martin and the writers, as well as an instructional video on how to play “Tonight You Belong To Me.”
Hang’em High: 50th Anniversary Edition — For all the dads on your list, you can’t go wrong with Clint Eastwood. This 50th-anniversary edition is fully restored and remastered. The deserts of New Mexico have never looked better. You’d swear you could strike a match on Eastwood’s stubble. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of special features on this disc, but for a film like this I’ll take anything I can get.
Beastie Boys Book by ADROCK and Mike D — No fan of old school hip hop should wake up on Christmas morning and not find this under their tree. From the origins of the hip hop scene on the East Coast, their falling out with Def Jam and subsequent move to the West Coast, and their return to the Big Apple, this book chronicles the ups and downs of the boys from Brooklyn and how they changed the face of hip hop’s early days. Filled with rare personal photos from the band and their loved ones, this book is packed with history.
I’ll Be Gone In The Dark by Michelle McNamara — For everyone on your list obsessed with true crime or serial killers, or both, this is a perfect gift. Chronicling one of the largest manhunts in U.S. history, McNamara’s book deserves a spot on the shelf right next to Robert Graysmith’s “Zodiac.” Completed posthumously by her husband and manager, this book was released mere weeks before the actual Golden State Killer was arrested, due in large part to McNamara’s findings, which reopened the case and ended decades of dead ends and speculation.
How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way by Stan Lee and John Buscema — With the passing of Stan Lee, I had to include one of, if not the best book on making comics that has ever been published. Stan was a master storyteller, but he was also one hell of a teacher, and this book is a true testament to just how talented he was. Along with artist John Buscema, Stan takes you through the entire process of making a comic from the ground up. In these pages Stan and John give you all the tools you need to start creating your own universes with nothing more than a pencil and paper.
Everythang’s Corrupt by Ice Cube — Taking a little break from family films, one of NWA’s founding members is back with a new solo album, and I couldn’t be more excited. The first single, “Arrest the President,” is a reminder that while Cube’s bars might not always be the most clever or cerebral, the man knows how to deliver a solid hot 16 without fail. Before Trump was sworn into office there was a running joke online that this administration would inspire some great punk music. That hasn’t happened yet, so I’m glad someone like Cube is taking the initiative and giving us some politically minded hip hop instead.
Zivix Jamstik+ — Will wonders never cease. The folks over at Zivix have outdone themselves with this little electronic wonder that teaches you how to play the guitar by plugging into your phone or tablet and working with several different apps to instruct you in multiple styles. It also includes a headphone jack so you won’t annoy your spouse, roommate or parent while you better yourself.
Captain Marvel Crossbody Purse — For the ladies on your list who are waiting with bated breath for the Captain Marvel movie, there’s this lovely purse inspired by Carol Danvers herself. Made of faux leather and fully lined with starburst rivets on the handles, it also includes a removable crossbody shoulder strap. Perfect for sneaking candy into the midnight showing of “Captain Marvel,” in theaters March 8.
Super Mario Light Up Wreath — A thinkgeek.com exclusive, this pixel wreath will bring holiday cheer to all the gamers on your list. Perfect for hanging on the front door, it features LEDs to give off a warm glow. You’ll swear you’re spending the holidays in the Mushroom Kingdom — just watch out for flying turtles heading south for the winter.
Well that’s it for me. I hope you’ve all got a few gallons of eggnog in the fridge and some warm slippers on your feet. May the holidays find you full of good cheer and good food, and may your house never recover from the onslaught of wrapping paper soon to adorn its floors.
Excelsior!
Jeff Dixon is a True Believer and a Marvel Zombie (and ISSUE contributor)