2023 Year in Review
By Skywing Knights // January 8, 2024
The New Year has been rung in! And legit, my first thought was ‘oh my gosh, how is it already 2024???’ O.O But since 2024 is here and 2023 is at an end, I thought I’d make a quick post recounting my favorite… indulgences(? Yeah, let’s go with that, haha) over the past year.
I admittedly… typically avoid new stuff. It’s a habit of mine (one born out of not wanting good things to end and being terrified that I’m going to want to make another cosplay). XD That said, reviewing 2023, I did find new things that I enjoyed, so here’s a brief summary of the things I loved or enjoyed in 2023:
Favorites of 2023:
2023 Favorite Anime I Watched:
My Hero Academia, hands down. While not exactly ”new” to the general public, it was new to me. I avoided this for YEARS and had multiple people tell me to watch it. I started watching it in I believe 2022… but I REALLY watched it from early 2023 into the summer of 2023 while in the gym. (Except for Dabi’s Dance. I watched that one on the big screen – the need was REAL). XD And yes, I was right. I do now have a bazillion new cosplay ideas for this series. Was it worth it?
ABSOLUTELY!!
2023 Favorite Comics:
There’s… a ton this year. Eaternal Nocturnal, Swolemates, Trash Belongs in the Trash Can, The Second Lead Syndrome, I Love Yoo, Pixie and Brutus, UnOrdinary, and Marry My Husband all had me totally psyched with every update throughout 2023! WEBTOON is definitely where it’s at.
(Want to know what other WEBTOON comics I recommend? Check out my Top WEBTOON Comic Picks from 2022!)
2023 Favorite Game:
TEARS OF THE KINGDOM I WANT THAT ARM SO BADDDDDDddddddd.
If you haven’t bought it already, why not??? It’s available on Amazon here and you know you want it! XD
2023 Favorite Movie:
The Super Mario Bros Movie. Because the collective gasp in the filled theater when that Blue Shell came out was truly a bonding moment for us all and an awesome experience. 😉
2023 Favorite Book:
“The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism” by Naoki Higashida.
(Available on Amazon Here)
It is written by a boy with autism who used a spelling methodology to be able to overcome his autism and communicate to the world. The book, essentially a Q&A, describes what it is like to have autism and how those who do not have autism can help those who do.
Having a brother with autism now undergoing the same therapy to spell to communicate, I think this is a world changing book. After many years of losing hope that I’d ever have a normal relationship with my brother, this book (and therapy) has astounded and floored me. Not only was the book incredibly insightful, my family is already seeing results and we are able to communicate with my brother and (I think) understand him better. It’s truly amazing.
2023 Favorite TV Show:
Surprisingly, Wednesday on Netflix! Looking forward to Season 2!
2023 Favorite Social Media Presence Channels/Accounts:
Hmmm… dang I watch a LOT of YouTube Videos and scroll through a ton of Instagram posts.
On YouTube, I’ve really enjoyed Eleanor Neale this year and Christina Randall, two individuals who focus on True Crime stories. (Yes, I’m a True Crime junkie, lol).
Meanwhile on Instagram, I’ve greatly enjoyed the art of H. Mae, particularly her DC Comics art, and the mermaid tails produced by FinFolk Productions. Both take me into amazing worlds of fantasy and adventure and I’ve adored their work!
Oh! And Jonny Devaney and Charlie Berens for their comedy across multiple platforms! Keep ‘er moving!
2023 Favorite Songs:
Peace Sign cover by NateWantsToBattle
Beautiful Liar and Burning Up both by Monsta X
Closer (feat. Halsey) by The Chainsmokers
Vandalize (clean ver.) by ONE OK ROCK
Super by Seventeen
YOU SAY RUN by Yuki Hayashi from the “My Hero Academia” Season 1 Soundtrack (I was pretty much in love with the whole soundtrack though. XD )
And finally,
Pink Venom by BLACKPINK
2023 Favorite Superhero:
It’s always going to be Nightwing, but in terms of newly discovered superhero type characters… aghhhh I’ll say Shoto Todoroki. (Low-key I also am fascinated by the character of Endeavor and his plight for redemption… but that doesn’t make him my favorite and even if it was a qualifier, it still would have to go to his youngest son. XD )
In all seriousness though, I adore Shoto’s quiet, but kind and caring heart. I think his desire to help others is incredibly admirable, even as he struggles with his own self-perceived lack of value. (Dang it child, realize your worth!! T_T)
2023 Favorite Collectables:
Well… I’ve entered the world of mermaiding… sort of, by buying my first tail. It hasn’t arrived yet, that counts… I think right? ^^;
2023 Favorite New Thing I Learned How To Do:
3D PRINTING I LOVE IT SO MUCH! OoO
2023 Favorite New Cosplay from 2023:
Construction wise, it has to be Riku from Kingdom Hearts III… dang it I need actual pictures of that still. ^^; Riku is also my favorite wig of the year, just because he was so difficult, yet, because I paid so much attention to and incorporate so much detail, I loved how he came out. Himura Kenshin is also a close second, particularly for his Sakabato that I made, and he was also fun to wear around, especially with my dear Kaoru, Tsukasa325!
However, character wise, my favorite has to be Shoto Todoroki, even though I only did two more casual cosplays as him (Villain and some sort of casual moody thing lol). But honestly, are you really surprised at this point though? (Now starting bets for how long it will take me to succumb to making his hero outfit!) XD
And finally, my Favorite Picture of the Year:
(Because My Sweetie Sadie owns my heart!) <3
But ok ok, cosplay wise?
MHA: Icy
(But are you really surprised? XD You can find more MHA Cosplay Pics Here! ^_^ )
Upcoming Plans for 2024
Oh…. wouldn’t you like to know? 😉 Check back soon – I have plans for Katsucon that I’ll be announcing soon that I know you won’t want to miss.
And after that? Gosh, I can’t even think that far ahead! ^^;
Final Thoughts on 2023
I’m not going to lie – I… was a bit of a pessimist on New Years. I thought a lot about all of the things I didn’t do that I wanted to do. And I neglected to think of all of the things that I did do. Sometimes I’m hard on myself like that, you know? But the end of the year is a time where I like to just sit and be thankful sometimes. Thankful for those around me, for the chance to love the most important people in my life, and for the opportunity to appreciate my Savior. It helps me focus on the things that really matter. Fun things, entertainment things, we all enjoy those. But they can be fleeting. It’s our relationships, our goals to be better and our efforts to try to be better each day, and every effort we make to help others, those are the things that matter the most.
So for that reason, as 2023 ends and 2024 begins, I hope you all know how much I love and appreciate all of you who indulge my love for so many random things and my desire to share my art. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas (or a Happy Holiday season if you don’t celebrate Christmas), and a wonderful New Year.
And of course, here’s to an exciting start to 2024!
Much love,
~Skywing
