The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world into a new normal dictated by a mass coronavirus quarantine. If you’re anything like me, then being told to stay at home can be both a great opportunity to catch up on tasks and as well as passions and hobbies, but also an immense challenge to balance multiple simultaneous obligations. Here’s how I’ve been spending my time these past few weeks:
Organizing My Comics
I started my time in coronavirus quarantine by organizing my comics. After consolidating the remainder of my collection following two robberies at my ex-storage unit, I ended up with 3 short bins of comics:
(1) DC Comics from the New 52 into the present with Rebirth
(2) DC Comics from the early 2000’s up until 2011’s Flashpoint
(3) DC Comics from before 2000 and comics from the other publishers like Marvel, Image, IDW, BOOM!
It’s no secret that I’m a big DC Comics fan. I have nothing against the other publishers, it just happens that DC got a hook on me early in life.
Catching Up on Unwatched Anime Series
On the first day of the quarantine, I started watching Attack on Titan. Yes, started.
Humanity vs Titans. Photo: Wit Studio
My identity as an anime fan peaked back in 2008: Code Geass R2 was wrapping up, Naruto Shippuden was a year into its run, but my preferred sites for reading manga were being shut down. As I was getting more serious about academics as a high school sophomore, all these factors made it all too easy for me to get left behind as an otaku. At the same time, I had discovered my local comic shop, which I think served as a more suitable replacement, as there was so much material out there, that I could choose which bits and pieces to explore at my own pace. Maybe I’ll cover my journey as a comic book consumer in a later post. Let’s get back to Attack on Titans.
Now from the very first episode, Attack on Titan lived up to being the Game of Thrones of anime that people told me it was for the past several years. It was not my intention but by the time I finished season 3 and caught up with the fandom eagerly waiting for season 4 to air this fall, I realized this series was a perfect addition to the Apocalypse April theme for the site this month.
Attack on Titan touches on the themes of surviving in a dire situation where death and destruction can happen anytime, and from forces that are not understood. And more specifically, it’s about “life within the walls.” Watching the protagonists uncover the secrets of their world while taking on the monstrous Titan, I can’t help but wonder is life about the peace and idleness within the wall or is life about venturing beyond the walls to find freedom. Expect more on this from me in a dedicated review to the first 3 seasons of Attack on Titan.
Promotional image for season 3 of Attack on Titan. Photo: Wit Studio
Next up on my watching list is My Hero Academia. I’ve heard good things about Death Parade, Cagaster of an Insect Cage, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Terror in Resonance. Any anime recommendations?
Gaming on the Switch, PS4, and Stadia
I’ve had a Nintendo Switch since December after competing in my first Super Smash Bros. tournament. And in addition to purchasing Smash, I also have Pokémon Sword and Arc System Works’ Code Shifter. But I’ll be honest, I’ve mostly used the Switch to watch Attack on Titan using the Hulu app.
I’m in no hurry to finish Pokémon Sword or unlock all of the characters in Smash, but I’m getting far enough in Code Shifter that you can expect a review from me soon on this game. I definitely recommend it for someone looking for an instantly fun game with a sense of retro, nostalgia through gameplay and graphical elements.
One game I am excited to play just came out. It’s Final Fantasy VII Remake by Square Enix for the PlayStation®4. Growing up, I was somewhat sheltered so I didn’t get to experience as many console classics or even PC games as the people around me. That being said, even I knew of Final Fantasy VII and saw the appeal in the characters and storyline. Now, over 20 years after the original game’s release, I have the opportunity to experience this fantasy in all-new rendered graphics, modernized for the latest console.
Google is providing free access to its cloud gaming service, Stadia, for gamers in 14 countries, along with two months of free games to claim and play. Stadia allows you to play games on your laptop, desktop, or compatible mobile devices. To get started:
- Sign up on Stadia.com
- Download the Stadia app on Android or iOS
- Play on your preferred device with a USB supported controller or mouse and keyboard
These two free months come with access to nine games such as the popular title Destiny 2. More games beyond the nine are available, such as Borderlands 3 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, which will require a purchase on the Stadia marketplace, which will be yours to own even if you cancel your Stadia subscription. Note: you will need to have access to Stadia in order to access and utilize your purchased game licenses. Just remember: after two months, you’ll be charged $9.99 a month so just remember to opt-out of your subscription if you should choose to do so.
Presenting Stadia, cloud gaming during this coronavirus quarantine. Photo: Google
Yup. Comics, anime, and games. That would be a holistic summary of how I’ve been spending me-time during this coronavirus quarantine. Stay tuned for my post about how I’ve adapted to work and school while being stuck at home.
Continue being safe at home, Dorkaholics! #DorksAtHome
Feel free to reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram if you just need a friend during these times.
