Can you believe that 2015 is coming to a close? Tomorrow, we’ll abolish that dreaded five for ten more years, and a cool, clean, sexy six will take its place.

2015 has been an incredible year for all forms of media, so as always, we rounded up our ever-growing pool of writers to share their favorite things of 2015. Yesterday, we published the list of our favourite movies of 2015 (along with our favourite video games from the day before) and next up, everything else that we loved this year.

Yep. Most of us love video games and movies, but we’re all pretty different people (obviously). Some of us love TV, some comics, some toys, and of course we all have our favourite geek moments of the past year!

So read on, and find out our favourite TV series, comics, geek moments and more, and be sure to let us know yours in the comment section below!

Gabriel von Grünbaum

Television

Doctor Who

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; this is a culminating touchstone of human beings’ ability to craft stories. What began with tales shared over a campfire in the mouth of a cave millennia ago is the direct ancestor of the storytelling framework constructed to deliver each episode of Doctor Who. Is every single episode a mind blowing extravaganza? No, some episodes—and even whole seasons—may be a little off. However, I think those qualitative reactions are actually quite personal and often relative: I’ve had discussions with groups of “Whovians” where everyone seems to be in agreement about an episode missing the mark, only to discover that it was so pitch-perfect for one viewer that it brought their confusing childhood into better perspective. That is storytelling at its finest: an entertaining conduit for us to better understand the world around us. Let alone that the same storytelling construct Doctor Who has refined over the decades also allows for any story type to be told through it—horror, comedy, action, adventure, romance, tragedy, drama. . . and, of course, sci-fi and fantasy—you’ll recognize them all and they’ll all be freshly defined. Every story worth telling can be, will be and is told with Doctor Who.

Game of Thrones

Where I think I’d classify Doctor Who as a passion; I believe Game of Thrones would be my obsession. It’s made fantasy accessible to the masses while still honoring the loyal hardcore geek fanbase at the same time—a feat not often pulled off successfully. The secret of this success lies in exceptionally effective character construction—it is so effective that I find myself caring about background bar wenches and stable boys! I’m so entirely invested in the fate of every single character that my devotion to the show crosses over into that obsession territory. Credit goes to George R. R. Martin and his books but equally extends to the showrunners, writers, actors, directors. . . heck, I’m positive that even the craft services are elevating this finely tuned clockwork into real magic. I just wish, like Doctor Who, that there were more episodes each season.

Supernatural

The brilliant minds behind Supernatural have successfully built a dynamic that feels comfortable for the returning viewer week to week and at the same time allows for amazing flexibility. Much like The X-Files, one episode may be extremely dramatic followed by one that is practically an hour-long comedy! In fact, I might describe it to a potential viewer as a healthy combo of The X-Files, Ghostbusters and Starsky & Hutch. A sort of on-the-road dude version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, if you will. Heck, one recent episode took place entirely from their black 1967 Chevy Impala’s point of view! That’s versatility!—and it extends from the wonderfully crafted framework of the show.

iZombie

Adorable fun right out of the gate since starting last season—which is an odd thing to say about anything having to do with zombies (compare to The Walking Dead). Versatile Rose McIver is perfectly cast as Olivia “Liv” Moore (get it?!) who became a zombie after getting scratched by one at “the worst boat party ever” on Lake Washington and, after waking a little less than dead, left her budding career as a doctor to become a medical examiner’s assistant at the Seattle PD morgue—which supplies her all the fresh brains her new zombie metabolism craves. As a viewer, you eagerly follow her through the unfolding plots. Zombies themselves are a conceptually diverse tool in storytelling, allowing for grim commentary on various aspects of modern life. The fresh take that iZombie uses is in identifying with the zombie main character, relating to the isolation and the desire to connect with others—to fit in when you feel like an outsider.

Ash vs. Evil Dead

A genuine horror screwball action comedy. It’s what might result if Monty Python teamed up with National Lampoon to produce a Stephen King story. It doesn’t pull punches with the horror or the comedy. You’re knocked out of your seat with frights and laughs. It’s “you had to be there” entertainment. It’s the ol’ Evil Dead made fresh and new by the very same hands that made it in the first place—including the one and only Ash, his boomstick and his chainsaw hand!

— It’s been a very busy year and regretfully (and enjoyably!) I’m still catching up on The Walking Dead, Daredevil and Jessica Jones before diving into The Man in the High Castle. So far I’m very impressed with each of them and they absolutely deserve a mention here; as does Orphan Black, if for no other reason than clone “sestra,” Helena, taking care of business in “Insolvent Phantom of Tomorrow”—freakin’ priceless!

https://youtu.be/unnLg1TPCYM

Comics:

Saga

I’m still catching up AND I’m reading as the trades come out—so I know I’m WAY behind some folks out there—but I am loving every minute of it so far! I’ve been a Brian K. Vaughan fan since first picking up Y: The Last Man and Saga is soothing my synapses with more succulent story-craft.

Black Science

I’ll be honest, I’m not sure I’m ever 100% sure I know everything that’s going on with story but it’s not keeping from being fully engrossed and thrilled with every beautiful page. A series of fascinating events and encounters continue to string together after reckless science flings the characters through parallel dimensions. The art is gorgeous; every page deserves to be framed and hung in a gallery. A feast for the eyes and adventure for the soul.

Rocket Girl

Hahaha! She’s a teenage cop from the future, sent back into the ’80s to save time! What more could you possibly need to know before you start delighting yourself with this well crafted romp?—oh, right—she’s got a rocket pack strapped to her back. Get on this!

Red One

Just getting started on this one and already having a great time. The story of a Soviet secret agent sent to infiltrate the evil USA as superhero—her day job to blend in?—adult film actress.

— I recommend you give all of them a little eyeball time. (Seeing Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá together at the Comic Con Experience in São Paulo Brazil this year has me crossing my fingers that Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion might finally be in the works and that rumors of an Umbrella Academy show might actually be developing into reality.)

Natalie Kipper

Joining the Geekscape Crew – Okay, I am going to go all mushy for a second but bare with me. These Geekscape guys are seriously awesome. Every writer has so much heart and genuinely cares about the site and its readers. I haven’t been here very long but I have enjoyed every minute of my time here and I look forward to a long career writing for this site. I can’t really say much more or I going to start crying and trust me, nobody wants that.

ShellieMay the Disney Bear (Disney Parks) – I love Disney. I love plushes. Combine the two and I love it all the more. ShellieMay the Disney Bear, best friend to Duffy who first came to the States in 2010, finally made the trip here this year. Full disclosure: I already had a ShellieMay plush that I had imported from Japan some years prior but her wardrobe had been greatly lacking. Truthfully, she’s been straight-up naked. That issue is now solved however and my closet runneth over with adorable outfits for her. I really am happy that Disney Merchandising brought her over and that she is selling so well. Because not only does that mean Duffy will continue to get merchandise (which I was concerned about for a while), but maybe if I wish hard enough, Gelatoni (the two bears’ cat friend) will make his way West. Now, I don’t see that happening any time soon and for now, I am enjoying all the support the Disney Bears are getting. That is enough for now.

Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Celebration – Disneyland is my home away from home. I have been visiting the Park since my second birthday. It truly is a magical place that seems separate from the rest of the world, where stresses and worries can be left outside the entry gates. And one of the things Disney does best is celebrations, so I anticipated the Disneyland Resort’s 60th Birthday to be something phenomenal.

Now some people will say Disney fell short, but I am the one writing the article. I personally felt that Disney did an amazing job of winning the hearts of both long-time park guests as well as those who may be visiting for the first time. One of my favorite additions is the Paint the Night parade. Disneyland hasn’t had a nighttime parade since 1997. Paint the Night not only paid homage to the original nighttime parade, Disney’s Electrical Parade (when “Baroque Hoedown” started playing at one point, I cried out in joy) but also added in plenty of new elements. The Glow with Show paint brushes and Mickey Ears are finally justifiable purchases. I had so much fun changing the colors of cast members’ and other guests’ items while waiting for the parade as well as during. The parade dancers could change your colors too. It was crazy!

Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo – I am not the biggest amiibo addict on the block. I am relatively picky about which ones I buy, actually. But, being a lover of plushes, I had a soft spot for the Yarn Yoshi amiibo, especially the Mega Yarn Yoshi version (the bigger, the better!). As I mentioned in my list of Top Video Games of 2015, I was one of the collectors who waited out in the dark at 4am to be able to purchase this amiibo. I was fortunate enough to have met up with friends at the Toys R’ US location where I lined up and the time I waited didn’t feel so long in the end. Whenever I play with my Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo or even just look at it on the shelf, I think of that early morning and how much fun I had.

Karson Braaten

Television:

Undateable

This show is hilarious. On the surface, it looks like just another sitcom about a group of friends in a bar but after watching a couple of episodes, you soon find out it is so much more. The third season of the series starring Chris D’Elia consisted entirely of live episodes, and they embraced the format wholeheartedly. There are moments where the actors will slip up or improvise, but they always just keep rolling with the punches. It’s just a blast to see. I can’t say enough good things about this show.

Ash vs. Evil Dead

This show isn’t for everyone, but for the people it was made for; Ash vs. Evil Dead may be one of the best shows ever. The show falls into a lull near the middle of the season for an episode but the premiere and what is happening now more than make up for it. All the things you love about Evil Dead (lots of blood, brutal kills and one-liners) are all here. If the show sounds like something you’d like, you’re going to love it!

https://youtu.be/JxV4jKsxOs0

Books:

The Martian by Andy Weir

Not much needs to be said about this one; I don’t think I’ve heard of someone who hasn’t liked it. Pick it up, you won’t put it down until you’re done.

Armada by Ernest Cline

Cline’s follow-up to his wildly popular Ready Player One has received mixed reviews, but I thought it was great. It doesn’t quite have the same volume of pop culture references and 80’s nostalgia, but I had a blast with it. It probably helps that I listened to the audiobook read by Wil Wheaton, who’s voice is perfect for the part.

Daniel Campozano

5. Jessica Jones

The second Marvel show to be produced for Netflix things were taken to a new level of darkness. The series picks up with Jessica Jones working a case of a missing persons which she figures out things are what not it seems. Again the shining star of the series is portrayal the villian, Killgrave. David Tennant as Killgrave was just terrifyingly creepy and just plain ol’ fucked up. Reminiscent of his take during the Alias comic series that came out under the Marvel’s Max imprint in 2001. Just like Daredevil, the suporting cast was stellar. With the introduction of Luke Cage, I’m definitely looking forward to his series and the planned series of The Defenders.

4. Daredevil

The best superhero show not on television. Back in 2013 Disney/Marvel entered into a deal with Netflix to produce superhero shows starting with Daredevil. These shows are to be about dark street level heroes that would be more for the adults. Boy did they knocked it out of the park. The casting was spot on, embodying how I pictured the character come to life. The show really captured the dark gritiness of Hell’s Kitchen and the violence one encounter. Vincent D’Onofrio’s as the Kingpin was just stellar, perfectly balancing the calm demeanor with the ferociousness of a rabid grizzly bear. The show also had a great caliber of supporting casts that helped balance the scenes out from the serious to the not serious moments. Season 2 was announced to be out March 2016 staring The Punisher as the series bad guy.

3. The Leftovers

The show is centered around people who have to deal with tragedy after their loved ones vanish without a trace and with no explanation.  Season 2 was so emotionally draining that I would just be left in a daze after each episode. One of the things this show does best is question whether whats happening is supernatural or practical. It’s maddening. Justin Theroux as Kevin Garvey really ramped it up this year in the final episodes of the season. I wouldn’t be surprised if he or the writers receive a Emmy nominations based on those final episodes. Unfortunately, it’s not getting the viewership numbers needed and HBO has renewed it for one final season to wrap things up.

2. Better Call Saul

When this show was announced to have been green lighted for a series, I wasn’t surprised. Bob Odenkirk simply dominated the screen as Mr. White’s sleazy attorney. Setting place as a prequel showing his up and comings. We get an insight into what shaped him into the type of attorney he is at the end of the Breaking Bad series.

1. The Flash

The best comic adaptation on television. I feel like this totally captures the essence of reading a comic book. The highlight of the show is Jesse Owens who just elevates the acting of everyone around him. The episodes where Joe encounters Grod, I really believed he was terrified. My favorite of the CW/DC Universe are the crossovers with Arrow. Its exactly what you would hope for. Grant Gustin and Steve Amell playoff each other perfectly. With the upcoming Legends series CW is ramping up to take over Superhero TV.

Derek Kraneveldt

​iZombie

iZombie is my favourite currently-running television series. Bar none.

Somehow, the series eluded me until it began its acclaimed second season, and now I’m in forever. Seriously, I don’t know if I’ve ever binged anything as quickly as I sped-through the first season of this unforgettable series.

Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero have crafted one of the best comic book adaptations that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing (on film, television, or otherwise), and Rose McIver’s astonishing range (as well as the rest of the series’ perfectly-cast characters) always leaves me starving for more. Every single episode has been pure gold so far, and that’s a trend that I don’t see ending any time soon.

Liv’s a zombie, who works as a Medical Examiner (assistant, actually), who has visions after she eats brains, and she uses those visions to help solve crimes. You don’t get television any more original than this, and if you’re yet to give iZombie a chance, you’re freaking crazy.

https://youtu.be/dycMoHn27ao

Philips Hue

This one made my holiday wishlist, and I have to mention it again here, as Philips Hue is a game-changing project that is potentially one of the best purchases that I have ever made.

It’s crazy to think about how little lighting has changed in the last half century. Televisions gained remotes, and are now on their way to transcending them (Johnny Depp style), car keys became FOBs became proximity sensors, and now we’re on the cusp of not needing to drive at all.

Aside from some power-saving technologies (which are definitely very important), and some cool ahead-of-their time products that don’t really seem to be around any more (The Clapper), lighting doesn’t seem to have changed all that much.

But with Philips Hue, when I leave my house, my lights turn off. When I get home, they turn back on. ‘Hey Siri, It’s movie time’ will dim them for me. When I go to bed, I hit a button on my phone to turn the lights off instead of stumbling through the dark (or just say ‘Hey Siri, Goodnight). When it’s time for me to wake up, my lights simulate a gentle sunrise.

And those are just the very basics. There’s also the whole science aspect, where different colors of light have a different effect on your body, mind, and feelings.

These things are incredible, and while they’re expensive right now, I believe that with the upcoming flux of competitor’s products, as well as falling costs, we’re in for a bright future with smart-home lighting, regardless of the brand you choose.

Marvel / Netflix

We all new that we were in for a treat when Marvel and Netflix announced that they’d be developing four different series in partnership (with them all coming together for The Defenders after all was said and done), but I don’t think any one of us knew just what was in store for us.

Earlier this year, Daredevil took the binge-ready world by storm, and is arguably the best adapted Marvel property in television or film.

Then, just last month, they did it again with Jessica Jones. It couldn’t have come at a better time, either, as Age of Ultron was a fun, yet busy mess (have you tried watching it a second time?), and Jessica Jones made me forget all about it.

With a second season of Daredevil being on the fast-track, and Luke Cage and Iron Fist still incoming, if the rest of the Marvel / Netflix parnership is *half as good as Daredevil and Jessica Jones have been, well, I’ll be beyond happy.

https://youtu.be/s3UYWK2jeX0

Geekscape Games

I can’t believe that Geekscape Games is already in its second year, and is already the #3 gaming podcast on the Geekscape Network (inside joke).

Editing and taking charge on news for Geekscape doesn’t leave me as much time as I’d like for things like reviews and opinion pieces (though I did manage to bang-out quite a few reviews this year), and being a part of this podcast has really helped me get my groove back.

Geekscape Games was initially attractive to me because for just a couple of hours a week, I had an outlet to discuss and talk gaming news and opinion with friends, and then be done with it and head back to my regular duties. Now, it’s one of the highlights of my week, and getting to chat with some of my best pals every seven days about everything that we’ve learned and played (or not played) is simply a blast.

I love hearing everyone’s responses to our weekly Mission Objective read aloud each week, and getting a group text from Jonathan after he listens to an episode letting us know just how dumb that thing that Shane said was.

It’s been a year, and it’s been wonderful, and I can’t wait to see what happens next for Geekscape Games and its crew!

That time that Jonathan came to Vancouver.

I was in the process of moving here, and got to spend a ton of time with one of my best buds as he began a new incredible chapter in his life. It was freaking awesome (though I’m sorry about the poutine).

Eric Francisco

Favorite TV:
If I have to remember 2015 in TV two come to mind: Supergirl and Into the Badlands. I could also mention Wayward Pines (renewed for season two!) but I think Supergirl and Into the Badlands will be the ones I mark 2015. Supergirl is the female-led superhero show we’ve all dreamed of. She’s not just smart and sexy (though she is), she’s also flawed. Her greatest weakness isn’t Kryptonite, it’s that she wants to help people but is just one person. Yes, Superman is there and he has to shoulder the weight of the world, but fuck that, this isn’t his story. It’s Supergirl’s, and I’m all in to see Kara become the hero she’s meant to be.

Meanwhile, Into the Badlands is fucking wild. The feudal politics in the show isn’t as deep as Game of Thrones but it’s rich in style and swagger, and Daniel Wu is going to seriously change the way TV sees heroic Asian leads.

Favorite Comics:
Monstress by Marjorie Liu. 2015 has been the year I picked up more comics than ever, but it’s Monstress by former X-Men scribe Marjorie Liu that I will tell everyone to pick up. Marvel’s Silk and Totally Awesome Hulk are great and of course Scott Snyder’s Batman will go down in history. But Liu is really on to something magical and majestic and even horrifying in her steampunk kaiju fantasy.

Favorite Geek Moments:
This year I had the chance to interview Power Rangers Dino Charge producer Chip Lynn. Just speaking to the man in that context was revealing, insightful, and after the interview he offered amazing advice I can’t live down. I also interview the Backstreet Boys and Joey Fatone of ‘NSYNC at Comic-Con. No reason other than just because that’s freaking awesome.

Not personally: Shenmue III. We’re getting Shenmue III, at long fucking last. We won.

Mary Campos

To be completely honest, my top 5 life moments of 2015 are not categorized at all. It’s just the top moments In my shiny 2015 percent life.

First of all, getting my OWN Pass into E3. Valid. I’ve wandered the “outer halls” and met many great people at the parties. But this year thanks to my good friend Adamah for the heads up on a contest, I won my own badge. It was all mine! E3! And I will tell you. It is not for the faint of heart. Middle of summer, post open bar, trying to dash through crowds of people, trying to get food, water… and let’s not forget trying to get through that line for the greatest bit of E3 Swag ever?

Yeah. It was worth all of it.

Lego Dimensions.

I just really love this game. I love how they had a grand character to vehicle scheme. Scooby Doo Driving the Batmobile? Huh?

Gimme!

Well, granted Lego isn’t the first “toys to life game” but in a way, by holding out, this game was exciting for me. I do like to mix my universes together, and I like the fact that I have to spend the effort to put my Lego characters together. It’s why Lego Dimensions won me over in our instant gratification life style.

Finally getting to see Marilyn Manson and the Smashing Pumpkins.

When I was a pup, I missed out on a bunch of shows. Never got to go to the original Lollapalooza, (Google it, it was a thing, it was the grandpappy to all those commercial U.S. wide shows you kids have now.)

But I paid a lot less for Manson + Corgan than I would have at 17. And I wanted Manson to be what he was when I was 14, but alas, he wasn’t. But, being an adult and sitting in the grass with on a blanket with cheese, salami, and space to breathe and belting out all the Manson & Smashing Pumpkins classics As loud as I wanted was so worth the price of admission.

Leaving the country for the first time. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone out of state, and I’ve never been out of the country. But I did it. I went to Mexico City, Mexico. We visited an ancient pyramid, learned how tequila is really made, rode on a boat through old canals and just got to explore a brand new place. It was awesome, and I can’t wait to go back.

Tori Amos coming back into the fold. This little red headed pianist got me into trouble as a teen. I’m so glad she re-released Little Earthquakes and Under the Pink, giving another generation the chance to see the beauty of the piano.

Adam Lemuz

Best Surprise of 2015: Shenmue 3

16 years ago, a Japanese game maker by the name of Yu Suzuki created a videogame unlike any other for the Sega Dreamcast. The game would be very story driven and also consist of an open 3D world that the player could freely roam. This game was Shenmue. While the game and it’s 2001 sequel both received critical acclaim by both press and players, the game ended up over budgeted and failed to sell enough units to classify it as a success.

Thus for the last 14 years Mr. Suzuki has been unable to finish the cult series and give it the ending it properly deserves. That was until this year. At Sony’s E3 this year Yu Suzuki himself took to the stage in order to announce a crowdfunding campaign for the long awaited sequel. The announcement excited so many people that within just 8 hours of announcement, the campaign had already been 100% funded by the fans. Sometimes dreams do come true.

That’s it for us, now how about you!? Share your favourite TV shows, comics, geek moments, and everything else in the comments below!