A few of my favourite things - 2025

Matt Jukes

23 Dec 2025 • 7 min read

TV (new shows in 2025)

[05] Marvel Zombies

I'm not an animation fan (odd given my love of comics) but this was a great What If story that was smarter and darker than the main MCU and gave some characters a chance to shine (if only via voice work).

[04] The Residence

Really fun detective mystery - having fun with the genre while staying pretty true to it. It sagged a bit in the middle (the Netflix curse) but was funny and clever and I was really sad it didn't get a second season.

[03] Paradise

Totally bonkers, old school (well noughties) style 'high concept' TV. Endless twists and surprises but played totally straight as if it was a 'premium' TV show. Not sure it has legs for multiple seasons but looking forward to the second year.

[02] Chad Powers

The high point of the Glen Powell Hollywood takeover was endlessly funny, awkward and surprising. American Football - and especially College Football - is so weird to British views it makes for a fertile ground for a cringey comedy.

[01] Stick

Owen Wilson probably got more attention for what Tarantino said about him than this show but it was really great. A bit of Tin Cup, a bit of Ted Lasso, a lot of Wilson being Wilson but somehow it really landed...and I hate golf!

TV (returning shows in 2025)

[05] The Bear S4

Never returns to the high point of the first two seasons but much better than season three. Ayo gets a spotlight episode that really sings and the wedding episode is a high point. #teamrichie

[04] Slow Horses S5

This wasn't the best season - too many likeable characters have already been sacrificed which means it can feel a bit one note at times - leaning too much into Lamb and River being dickish (but amusing). Still had some brilliant moments though and more action than usual.

[03] ‪Shrinking S2

This season was still brought the funny but it was also really pulling on the heart strings - HARD. The best way to describe the how is 'lovely'. I find myself really pulling for them.

[02] Daredevil - Born Again (S4 really)

The return of Daredevil was a real cause for celebration in this household - and the fact that despite their best efforts they failed to f**k it up even more so. Kingpin is genuinely scary in this - a real monster hiding in plain sight.

[01] Andor S2

I was not as all in with the first season as many people - but season two was a real masterpiece. It had things to say about the world today but weaved a tale true to the Star Wars universe that looked amazing while doing so and was never less than compelling. Fantastic - and not a Jedi anywhere!

..also guilty pleasure wise TikTok led me into a deep The Summer I Turned Pretty rabbit hole this summer! I suspect 52 year olds are not the prime audience but I was totally Team Conrad!

Books

Polostan - Neal Stephenson

Another epic of a novel from Stephenson and just the first in a series! Not at all what I expected as it is a million miles from scifi - it is a historical political spy adventure bouncing between the US and Russia with some thrilling moments & brilliant lead character.

The Shattering Peace - @scalzi.com

A welcome return to the 'Old Man's War' universe (and an excuse for me to reread all the previous entries in the series). This was classic page turning space opera with a lead - Gretchen Trujillo - who might have become my favourite character in the whole series.

Titanium Noir & Sleeper Beach - @nickharkaway.com

I'm cheating as I read both of these back-to-back. A perfect blend of scifi world building, hardboiled detective action and a solid shot of class war makes for a couple of really great reads - full of big ideas, great characters & tricksy plotting

Drayton & Mackenzie - Alexander Starritt

A story about an unlikely bromance set against the backdrop the grind of consultancy, technology, ambition, betrayal, diabetes and Covid.

Can't lie I did think some of it was a bit too personally close to the bone 😆 but it makes for one heck of a read.

King Sorrow - @joe-hill.bsky.social

Oof - I was intimidated just starting this and at almost 900 pages it gave me a workout just holding it 😆

It is an amazing page turner though and any description will totally fail to do it justice. It is thrilling throughout. A wonderful, surprising read.

Comics

The Power Fantasy by @kierongillen.bsky.social & @casparw.bsky.social

A book that actually lives up to the oft claimed 'fresh take on superheroes' with a book full of ideas and heart (and lovely art)

Absolute Wonder Woman @kellythompson.bsky.social & Hayden Sherman

A brilliant reimagining of the Wonder Woman myth that gets better and better (and weirder) with each issue. It is so different and yet so clearly Wonder Woman and it looks great.

Helen of Wyndhorn by @tomking.bsky.social & @bilquis.bsky.social

I knew nothing about this book - I bought it because it was the same team who did the wonderful Woman of Tomorrow - and that made it even more of a treat. It was so unexpected Maybe even better than Supergirl!

Grommets by Rick Remender, Brian Posehn & Brett Parson

The best 80's teen, skater movie never made. Funny and surprisingly moving and the cartoony art really brings it all together.

The Knives/Criminal No.1 by Ed Brubaker and @seanphillips.bsky.social

I loved the Reckless series but couldn't be happier with the return of the Criminal crew hanging out at The Undertow. I really enjoyed The Knives but actually the 'giant-sized' No.1 was something special - story & art. Perfect.

Powers 25 by @brianmbendis.bsky.social & @oeming.bsky.social

I was so excited by the return of Powers that I am dragging my backside out to actual comic book stores and picking it up as a floppy as it is released! Unheard of these days.

Great to be back in this world & loving the new characters.

Bowling with Corpses by @mikemignola.bsky.social & Dave Stewart

If Mignola is on story and art and it is weird little dark fables then lets be honest it is a must read...and this collection does not disappoint.

Titans 2025 Annual #1 by @philjimeneznyc.bsky.social

This is a gorgeous homage to the iconic (for me at least) Who is Donna Troy? arc from Wolfman & Perez's Titans back in the '80s (which I ❤️'d). Just a wonderful one off comic for a character that even for DC has a wild hostory!

Cheetah & Cheshire Rob the Justice League by @gregrucka.com & @nicolascottart.bsky.social

Who doesn't love a heist story! ...and this has been huge fun so far with a cast of underused but well loved characters playing with the format in enjoyable way - and looking good doing it.

Black Canary: Best of the Best by @tomking.bsky.social & Ryan Sook

In a year when DC went all MMA with the K.O. crossover the best fight comic was this one. I love bad-ass Dinah, and Shiva is always great to see in action.

The fight art is seriously first class. You can feel the punches.

Captain America by @Zdarsky & Schiti

It has been a while since I cared about a Cap comic but the first few issues of this reboot have been fantastic. Kind of Cap Year One - as he adapts from his return from the ice - it is a fresh take with lovely art.

A rare Marvel moment for me this year!

Superman (Legion of Darkseid) by Joshua Williamson & Dan Mora

Long live the Legion!

Even if they have broken bad in this incarnation.

Hopefully this is a prelude to them returning and it is a really great Superman comic full stop!