Last year was fun, and hopefully 2022 is even better! Some of my picks for this list are just around the corner, and some I’ve been waiting years to finally happen. If all goes right, 2022 will be one great payoff after another. With that said, here is the movie, tv show, video game, comic, novel, and sporting event I’m most looking forward to this new year.
Most Anticipated Movie – The Batman
I have the utmost faith that a director as talented as Matt Reeves will deliver and excellent take on the Caped Crusader, particularly in a film that aims for an emphasis on the noir and mystery elements of Batman. That The Batman is also clearly taking inspiration from such stellar comics like Year One, The Long Halloween, and the Earth One graphic novels has me very excited.
Most Anticipated TV Show – Stranger Things Season 4
It’s a little bittersweet knowing that this may very well be the last season of Stranger Things (at least with this cast and setting), but I hope that the show goes out on a high note. There’s bound to be the craziest paranormal threat yet that the kids will have to deal with, and I’m eager to see how it all unfolds and if they can finally enjoy some peace and quiet in their lives once it’s all over.
Most Anticipated Video Game – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
We still don’t have an official title yet, but Nintendo continues to assure us that it will release in 2022, and I trust them! The trailer that was shown off during the E3 2021 Nintendo Direct has all Legend of Zelda fans thrilled at the possibilities of the sky exploration, while still leaving so many unknowns about the story. What’s up with the zombified Ganondorf? What’s the origin of Link’s ghostly arm? Why does the adventure go skyward in the first place? I can’t wait to find out!
Most Anticipated Comic – Green Lantern Alliance
The first Green Lantern graphic novel (Legacy) to feature 13-year-old Tai Pham was among the best things I read in 2021. It was a wonderful coming of age story that celebrated immigrants in America, with a particular focus on Vietnamese culture. Young Tai Pham has quickly become one of my favorite characters to take up the Green Lantern mantle, so I’m very excited to see him get another graphic novel, one where he teams up with Kid Flash, to boot!
Most Anticipated Novel – Skyward Flight
As noted in my Best of 2021 list, I’m a huge fan of the Skyward series by Brandon Sanderson. His world building is just about unparalleled, so I’m always interest to dive in and experience additional stories for his rich settings. After two books that largely focused on Spensa Nightshade’s adventures away from her friends and her home planet of Ditritus, I’m looking forward to seeing what characters like FM, Jorgen, and Alanik have been up to.
Most Anticipated Sporting Event – Buffalo Bills playoffs
At the time of this writing, the Buffalo Bills have already clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs, and they are one win away from being guaranteed a matchup at home in the first round. After the pandemic last year made it so that only a limited number of fans could attend games, having a packed stadium in Buffalo will make for an incredible atmosphere. We came up just short of making the SuperBowl in 2021, but hopefully this year we go all the way!
JEFFREY PAWLAK 