Nerdist’s Best Features and Articles of 2024

As a fan of all things pop culture and a connoisseur of online content, I must say that the TopMob team has truly outdone themselves this year! From gaming to horror, creativity to representation, they’ve covered it all with style, wit, and an infectious passion for their subjects.

2024 saw the unification of TopMob‘s dynamic team of editors, in-house writers, and freelancers yet again, to provide outstanding coverage encompassing genre entertainment and pop culture. In every article we publish, we maintain our commitment to upholding our media principles. Our journalistic base is fortified by four key values: passion, humor, inclusivity, and education.

No matter if we’re delving into the intricate past of a comic book character or bantering over an irrational element in our beloved TV series, TopMob always stands firm on thorough research and facts. Each TopMob feature is geared towards imparting fresh insights to expand readers’ mental databases and engage fellow enthusiasts.

Here at TopMob, we relish in thoughtful discussions, yet we steer clear from sensational clickbait and harsh verbal attacks. Our most effective opinion pieces often strike the right balance between constructive criticism and recognition of advancements – that’s what fair reporting is all about. We’re a dedicated team here at TopMob, and we are also guided by integrity.

When I’m not immersed in learning or experiencing transformative moments, I take pleasure in fostering positive vibes for others – something we all crave, don’t we? Fandom is about having fun, and I pride myself on concocting engaging tales for your enjoyment. From the quirky behind-the-scenes of lesser-known movies to heartfelt tributes dedicated to characters who might not be everyone’s first choice – you can count on me to deliver!

TopMob aims to champion geeky and nerd-friendly TV shows, movies, comics, video games, and more, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. There are no barriers or prerequisites for joining our community; if you appreciate what we’re about, then you’re already a part of it. Our universe—and every fictional one as well—is big enough to accommodate and celebrate all its members without exception. Full stop.

As a delightful conclusion to another prosperous year, we’re offering you a glimpse of our top-notch highlights. Savor this recap and join us again in 2025!

Navigate to: Features // Lists // Reviews // Interviews // Bizarre Headlines // Explanatory Articles // Gaming Passion // Horror Genre // Creative Recognition

TopMob’s Shining Features of 2024

Over the course of this past year, we’ve reminisced on a multitude of topics, tracing our steps back from “Beetlejuice” to “Echo,” all the way to the significant year of 1984 (not referring to the Orwell novel). We delved into the roots of popular culture that remain remarkably relevant today, penned tributes for beloved characters who are sadly gone, and much more.

The Movies of 1984 and Their Enduring Pop Culture Influence

1984 was an influential year for movies, with franchises that continue to captivate audiences four decades later. Staff writer, avid film enthusiast, and comic book connoisseur Eric Diaz invites us on a nostalgic journey as we revisit classics such as “Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Purple Rain.

An Ode to Akira Toriyama and the Enduring Global Legacy of Dragon Ball

Regrettably, each year brings a series of substantial losses. It’s heartbreaking to part ways with individuals who molded us into geeks and nerds, influencing our lives profoundly. However, it is a privilege to compose a tribute acknowledging their impact on pop culture. Freelancer Eric Francisco crafted an exceptional piece to celebrate the life and lasting influence of Akira Toriyama, the genius behind Dragon Ball.

Celebrating the Toys, Cartoons, and Comics of 1984

Eric Diaz returns yet again for another trip to the year 1984, where he’ll immerse himself in the trendy gadgets, comic books, and animated shows that left Generation X craving more!

A Brief(ish) History of Blaxploitation Horror Movies

Black History Month and horror are often an unexpected duo, but the truth is they are often intertwined. Black horror aligns with the history of Black people, documenting social ills, frustrations, fashion trends, joys, and so much more. This is exceptionally true with the wave of Blaxploitation films. Features Editor Tai Gooden details the history of Blaxploitation horror movies, from their themes to the behind-the-scenes woes.

Disney Didn’t Turn Me Into a ‘Disney Adult,’ But It Helped Me Understand Them

In this touching piece penned by Staff Writer Mikey Walsh, he shares the profound impact Disney holds in his heart, a place he considers as the epitome of joy. During the press tour for Disney’s game-themed Level Up! event, Mikey reminisced about Disney’s significance in his life and its deep connection to his cherished late sister Kayla.

Echo Is the MCU Story X-Men Fans Have Always Wanted

2024’s “Echo” TV series has become one of our top picks for several compelling reasons. Its exceptional world-building, intricate character interactions, and pulse-pounding action make it a must-watch multiple times. In an article by freelancer Jules Greene, he explains why “Echo” is essentially the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) tale that X-Men enthusiasts have long been anticipating.

An Ode to Bleach’s Yoruichi Shihōin

It’s quite special to delve deeply into discussing our beloved characters again and again. To truly claim fandom status, wouldn’t it be fair to say that you must have an intense fondness for at least one character, regardless of whether they are virtuous or villainous? The talented writer DarkSkyLady wrote a captivating tribute to one of the most significant Black characters in anime.

TopMob Loves a List, Especially One That’s Not About Things to Do

From ranking items to a random rundown of something that we love, lists are truly life. We don’t do them super often at TopMob but, when we do, our lists are all about celebration, information, and loads of fun.

The Best Doctor Who Historical Episodes: The Classic Era Edition

I’ve put together an awesome list of top historical episodes from the classic era of Doctor Who, and let me tell you, there are some real treasures here! From the legendary “Horror of Fang Rock” to “The Time Meddler,” you’ll find some classics, as well as a few surprising picks that I think you’ll love.

The Best Superhero TV Cartoons Ever, Ranked

The appearance of X-Men sparked a burst of creative ideas within our editorial team. Notably, Eric Diaz took on the challenge, not only listing the top superhero TV series ever made but also daring to arrange them in order. This list incited plenty of lively discussions among our readers, which is exactly what we aim for.

10 Best Seasons of Kamen Rider, Ranked

Occasionally, our lists can become quite specialized. Yet again, Kyle Anderson is hard at work, providing insights on the top seasons of the popular series, Kamen Rider. While we certainly delve into mainstream properties such as Star Wars , our interests and expertise span a broad spectrum, much like yours.

TopMob‘s Remarkable Reviews of 2024

As a passionate gamer and enthusiast, I can’t possibly delve into every single game or piece of gaming-related content out there. However, when I do write reviews, I aim to go beyond just skimming the surface. I strive to maintain an objective yet compassionate perspective, whether I’m critiquing a movie or a game.

Disney Lorcana’s Illumineer’s Quest: Deep Trouble Is a Challenging Adventure

As a fellow gamer, there’s no one I trust more when it comes to tabletop gaming than my friend Amy Ratcliffe. She’s got an uncanny knack for dissecting the intricacies of games like Disney Lorcana, and her reviews of their decks are always eagerly awaited by our gaming community. Her insights are always spot-on and highly respected.

The Vourdalak Gives Us a Vampire Folk Tale with One Major Selling Point

2024’s blockbuster movies were entertaining, but it was the lesser-known productions like “The Vourdalak” that truly allowed for exploration and enjoyment. Kyle Anderson has consistently graced our site with his insightful reviews for years, and 2024 was no exception. Instead of featuring all of them, we’ve chosen to highlight this review as it showcases Anderson’s distinctive writing style and humor, delving into what made “The Vourdalak” a must-watch film experience.

Late Night With the Devil’s Enthralling Found Footage Story Is a Satanic Panic-Laden Stunner

Without a doubt, “Late Night With the Devil” was one of the top films of 2024, in our humble estimation. It was Tai Gooden who had the privilege of being the first member of the TopMob crew to catch it and pen a review. And let me tell you, she absolutely adored this chilling ’70s inspired horror movie.

Kinds of Kindness Is a Weird, Captivating, and Frustrating Experience

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by an oddly compelling film – none other than “Kinds of Kindness”. Just like the rest of my fellow fans here, Mikey Walsh’s review resonates deeply with me, reflecting the collective response within our circle. From appreciating its stellar performances to acknowledging our shared feelings of frustration, it didn’t deter us from enjoying the film in its entirety.

TopMob‘s Engaging Interviews of 2024

At TopMob, we humbly assert that our interviews are exceptional within the realm of genre entertainment. We aren’t shy about asking unusual questions that often lead to unexpected, humorous responses. But don’t let the laughter fool you; we also delve into serious topics such as cinematography, world-building, character development, and beyond.

The Boys’ Susan Heyward on Sage’s Machiavellian Mindset, Ulterior Motives, and Her Season 5 Hopes

As a devoted fan, it was an absolute delight for me to delve into the thought-world of Susan Heyward’s captivating character, Sister Sage, in 2024. The opportunity to explore her mindset, thanks to Tai Gooden’s interview with Heyward, was truly a treasure trove of insights.

Ron Howard on Exploring Jim Henson’s Relentless Creativity for Jim Henson Idea Man

As a huge fan, I had the privilege of chatting with the iconic Ron Howard about his captivating documentary dedicated to the legendary Jim Henson. Delving into his meticulous research and creative filmmaking journey was utterly fascinating.

Deadpool & Wolverine’s Dafne Keen on Her Favorite Deleted Joke

Mikey Walsh caught up with Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Dafne Keen, who played X-23, to chat about her filmed scenes that didn’t make the cut, funny things on set, and so much more.

Tomi Adeyemi on Ending Her Orïsha Trilogy with Children of Anguish and Anarchy

Instead of just submitting articles and writing features, our skilled and cherished freelancers have the opportunity to broaden their horizons as journalists, much like we did with Odochi Ibe. This exceptional writer took on the role of an interviewer, engaging in a conversation with renowned author Tomi Adeyemi about her upcoming third book in the Orïsha trilogy. Now, they’ve formed a close friendship.

Moana 2’s Filmmakers Talk Expanding the Magic and Adventure of the First Film

As a dedicated fan, I can’t hide my excitement about the phenomenal impact “Moana 2” has made at cinemas this year. Naturally, when an opportunity arose to visit Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California for a roundtable Q&A and sneak peek screening of the movie, I simply couldn’t resist! These unique experiences are what make my job as a fan even more thrilling.

Aaron Stanford Talks Pyro Through the Ages, From X2 to Deadpool & Wolverine

Longtime admirer of Pyro, Ro Rusak, lived her dream as she conversed with Aaron Stanford about his portrayal of the character. This conversation was an exciting odyssey delving into the character’s past, spanning both screen appearances and real-life actions.

TopMob‘s Weird News Recaps and Funny Features of 2024

Although we usually focus on genres like action, our readers find intrigue in unexplained events worldwide as well. These topics might stray slightly from our standard “features,” but they play a significant role in the variety of stories we present. In other words, “TopMob” and strange occurrences complement each other like peanut butter and jelly.

Criston Cole’s Stupid Haircut Is Another Reason to Hate Him

Among all individuals on Earth, none appears to dislike Ser Criston Cole from ‘House of the Dragon’ more fiercely than Mikey Walsh. This intense aversion is deeply ingrained in his nerd identity. The roots of this animosity can be traced back to the books, but it escalated significantly during season two when Criston took the perplexing action of cutting his hair. A consensus was reached among us that 1) his long hair was one of his few admirable qualities and 2) the new cut is a disappointment. Mikey, always eager to voice our shared sentiments, took it upon himself to articulate our collective frustration.

Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey Launching Poohniverse Crossover Movie with Bambi, Pinocchio, and More

Regrettably for us Gen X and Millennial Disney fans, the public domain has allowed the creation of a horrifying new universe where our beloved characters from these movies are portrayed as killers. We never asked for this terrifying twist in our childhood favorites! Ro Rusak has been reporting on this expanding “Poohniverse” and we can’t stand it.

The Pop-Tarts Bowl ‘Toasted’ Its Pop-Tart Mascot So the Winning Team Could Eat It

There isn’t much else to add on this topic; you need to see it to truly understand it. A big thank you goes out to Mikey for tackling such an extraordinary and peculiar news event.

Fireball Whisky Makes New Variety, Infused with Actual Football Fans’ Tears

This Autumn, we were delighted to welcome an exceptional intern, Vishu Reddy, to our team to get acquainted with the ins and outs of TopMob. Besides collaborating with our video department, he also penned down some intriguing articles about peculiar subjects, such as this novel Fireball whisky that left its enthusiasts in tears – albeit not all happy ones!

TopMob Explains It All

As an enthusiast, I can’t get enough of delving into explainer and prediction posts! We’ve got a fantastic team of comic and TV specialists at our disposal, ensuring that our readers have access to essential insights to fully appreciate their favorite shows or comics.

Here’s How DC’s Justice League Should Return After a Two Year Comic Absence

Beyond being just our resident comics connoisseur, Eric Diaz exhibits uncanny foresight, frequently anticipating the trajectory of specific franchises. His insights in this article, remarkably, began manifesting in reality as early as 2024 – truly sensational!

Who Is Sutekh, the Villain of Doctor Who Season 1

Fan of classic ‘Doctor Who’, Kyle Anderson, had the opportunity to exercise his knowledge of history when an old adversary appeared to confront the Fifteenth Doctor and character Ruby Sunday. His explanation about Sutekh proved incredibly helpful for many newer fans in comprehending the backstory between this ancient antagonist and the Doctor.

Agatha All Along’s Tarot Card Meanings Were Mostly Accurate

Agatha All Along surprised us all by turning out to be a hidden gem of a show. However, everyone seems to agree that the journey Agatha took along the Witches’ Path with her self-made coven was absolutely captivating. The current season even dedicated an entire episode to tarot card readings, which caught the attention of tarot enthusiast Tai Gooden and inspired them to write about it in detail.

Star Wars: The High Republic Timeline, Explained

With the debut of “The Acolyte“, fans are now venturing into a fresh chapter in the Star Wars chronology. It’s only fitting that we engage freelancer Riley Silverman to provide an extensive, detailed explanation (and video!) to help fans understand this entire new timeline.

The X-Men Comics History of Rogue and Magneto’s Relationship, Explained

As a dedicated gamer, let me tell you that among all the shows this year, X-Men ’97 stood out as one of the absolute finest. It didn’t shy away from delivering some emotional turmoil and, at the same time, it paid homage to the original comics in a way that really resonated with fans. One such tribute was the development of a romantic subplot between Rogue and Magneto, a relationship that Eric Diaz delved deeper into, enriching the animated series even further.

The History of Adamantium in the Marvel Universe and Movies, Explained

Joshua Yehl, our valued freelancer and good buddy, shared an overview of all essential facts about Adamantium in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This information will prove useful for upcoming ventures such as “Captain America: Brave New World.

TopMob Has Gotta Get That Gamin’ Love In

While our focus isn’t predominantly on game coverage, we take pride in dedicating attention to titles that resonate with our inner nerds. Whether it’s our passion for tabletop gaming or nostalgia for Power Rangers, we’ve created some exceptional articles about various games.

Go On an Adventure with Geek & Sundry’s Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode

Without a doubt, the most exciting gaming news or launch of this year has been Geek & Sundry’s “Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode” podcast series. We were genuinely thrilled to share its arrival with everyone!

Square Enix’s Two Moons Rising Transforms Life Is Strange Universe Into a TTRPG Series

Discussing Geek & Sundry, it was delightful to see the two-part tabletop role-playing game series from the Life is Strange universe premiere on that platform. We’re big fans of Two Moons Rising and this journey was truly unforgettable.

The 7 Best Power Rangers Games of All-Time

Who doesn’t love the Power Rangers?! Gaming guy and freelancer Eric Francisco honored those mighty and morphin’ heroes by taking a look at the best games of all-time.

Disney Lorcana: Azurite Sea Trove and Starter Decks Sail with Adventure

Amy Ratcliffe found immense joy while delving into the Disney Lorcana: Azurite Sea card sets, and we always appreciate opportunities for our assessments and opinions to span into the gaming sphere.

We Roam the Halls of Horror

Most members of the TopMob team are thrilled by anything that sends shivers down our spines. Diving into horror, particularly during Nerdoween, is one of the best parts of our year for us. Although we can’t share every single spine-tingling piece from this year, here’s a glimpse at some of the chilling topics we delved into.

Longlegs Director Oz Perkins Has a Horror Movie History Worth Exploring

Oz Perkins, without a doubt, stands as a master of horror cinema, boasting an impressive collection of films. Intrigued by the acclaim surrounding his latest work, Longlegs, ardent fan Lindsey Romain penned a captivating essay delving into Perkins’ cinematic journey.

10 Best Horror Movie Remakes, Ranked

List rankings often spark debate, but Kyle Anderson seems unfazed by that. Instead, he boldly set out to identify the top-notch horror movie remakes ever made.

The History of How Television Plays Into Horror Films

The presence of a TV in horror films goes way, way back and, even in our more digital age, still shows up now. Tai Gooden got to check a feature off her ultimate horror bucketlist and dive into the relationship between horror and TV, from social themes to common tropes.

TopMob Tips Its Hat at Fantastic Creatives

Our goal is consistently to highlight and showcase creative individuals who produce truly impressive and trendy work within our field. We enjoy engaging in conversations with authors, podcasters, visual artists, and others about their projects.

Nightlight Podcast Crafts Chilling Audio Horror Stories by Black Creatives

Tai Gooden caught up with Tonia Ransom to talk about Nightlight Podcast, which features a litany of stories written and voiced by Black people. From breaking down the entire creator process to talking about her relationship with the genre, it was a grand conversation between the pair.

Check Out These Gorgeous LGBTQ+ Graphic Novels and Keep Pride Month Going Past June

Here at TopMob, pride is a constant and global celebration! We’re particularly proud to highlight the incredible achievements of numerous queer artists who enrich our world daily. Recently, Ro Rusak has compiled an amazing article showcasing outstanding LGBTQ+ novels that are sure to bring you immense pleasure.

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2024-12-18 21:34