April Recommendations from the EC Crew (Patreon)

As April comes to a close and May is just on the horizon, here are the games we were playing, movies & shows we were watching, or books we were reading this month. 

Not all of these are recent, but they're all something we think that you all will like. Check them out and if you have any thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments! 

The Left Hand of Darkness (Book)

 I've been meaning to re-read this masterwork, and I finally aquired a copy after my college roomate totally didn't take my old one! 

Parasite (Movie)

  I think I've watched this movie four times since I got it on Bluray. Its the cinematic gift that keeps on giving and 1000% worth your time. RESPECT!!! 

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Game) 

While a ton of folks were fans of this series previously, I never really understoo the appeal... UNTIL NOW!  The lax gameplay and ability to hang out with my freinds on our remote island getaways couldn't have come at a better time. I'll be sure to mention in the discord when I'm on, as the gates to Zoeytopia are always open :)

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Warcry (Game)

 Over the last few months, my gaming group teamed up to challenge each other to paint our Warcry warbands and have a little campaign. The painting has gone great, but all of us have kids so meeting for games has not been super regular... BUT when we have played, we've found Warcry a fast and furious game that moves quickly and always keeps you guessing, from randomized terrain setups, deployment, objectives, and "twists" (special rules) played from card decks, to deployment and turn rules that mean you're often in combat on Turn 1 rather than Turn 2. It's not quite the return of my favorite-skirmish-game-ever Mordheim, but it's close and irons out a lot of the difficulties that bogged Mordheim down, particularly in a long campaign. (ETHICAL DISCLOSURE: I write fiction for Games Workshop's publishing wing Black Library.) 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (TV)

 My favorite currently-running comedy show on television is back, and just as good as ever. There's always a worry with sitcoms that they become too static in later seasons and lose their ability to surprise, but like its associated Michael Shur show The Good Place (which you should be watching, it's incredible!) it regularly evolves the characters and ends each season with a shakeup that changes the status quo to keep things fresh. The writing and comic acting here are is as sharp as ever and the new complications, left out for spoilers, are rich ground for jokes. 

5 Minute Dungeon (Game)

I've heard a lot about 5 Minute Dungeon but only a few days ago did a friend formally introduce me to it. While I've only played two rounds so far (things have been busy over here, and babies were sleeping) I thoroughly enjoyed every chaotic moment. A cooperative game where players, themed as a DnD party, have to collectively match cards to defeat twenty monsters and obstacles on the way to a Boss, it's frantic in all the right ways and can be learned with a single practice round. 

 Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū (Anime)

I'm just getting into anime for the first time in my life, and this show has been a gorgeous intro. This anime is about a group of people who practice rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling art. It's also about love, loss, family relationships, and what it means to pursue your art -- and help it survive as the world changes. The art is gorgeous and the story is equal parts joyful and heart-wrenching. 

 Gender: A Graphic Guide (Graphic Novel)

As an out nonbinary trans person, I'm *always* on the lookout for resources to learn more about gender, and to share with folks in my life who want to learn more. I'm often frustrated that most gender guides are either super basic or completely overwhelming. Honestly, I cannot say enough good things about this guide. There's something for *everyone* to learn here, and the guide isn't *just* about queer identities, but about gender in general, as well as the other social issues that impact and influence gender, such as patriarchy, race, and disability. The art is awesome, it's super informative, and also enjoyable to read. Whether you're exploring your own gender, trying to support a queer person in your own life, or just want to learn more, I highly recommend this resource! 

 Cheez-its (Snack)

 I feel like we always forget how freaking good Cheez-its are. They're much more flavorful than goldfish, and more crunchy and satisfying than cheese puffs. They're not basic, they're classic. Do yourself a favor and pick up a family-size box, throw on some pajama pants, and binge the Extra History playlist for a fantastic Friday night.  

Redshirts by John Scalzi (Book)

 I just recommended this to Matt for our Audible spot on Extra Mythology Monkey King - everyone deserves the joy of Star Trek esk sci-fi read by Wil Wheaton. If you liked Galaxy Quest, you'll probably love this. And if you haven't seen Galaxy Quest... 

Galaxy Quest (Movie)

 Since I just recommended Red Shirts (the book), I have to recommend Galaxy Quest. It is the best Star Trek movie ever made, even though it isn't an official Star Trek movie. All-star cast, great plot, serious convention/fandom props and the ability to turn my wife into a Trekkie in <2 hours.  

 The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavreal Kay (Book)

 One of my top 10 all time favorite books. Not quite historical fiction, but heavily based on medieval Spain and the intersection three faiths, this book covers some of the geography and themes found in our Ibn Batuta series. Brilliant adventure, compelling story of love, divided loyalties, amazing characters and a touch of magic. 

Stiff by Mary Roach (Book)

 Stiff is about all the weird ways corpses have been used, from life-saving crash tests, to religious experiments trying to prove the crucifixion, to medicinal cannibalism. As the resident ghoul, I thought it was a fascinating look at the subject & if you like our medical history episodes, you'll love this. 

Where the Water Tastes Like Wine (Game)

I like story telling games and games about telling stories and a tarnished dusty view of Americana, so Where the Water Tastes Like Wine scratches a very specific itch. It ain't perfect, but neither is hitchhiking across the states unmoored from time. 

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken (Anime)

 A loving tribute to how anime is made with an OP that is an absolute bop. Easy Breezy is my alarm clock music now.