December was rough. The fear of how terrible life will get under another Trump administration was ever-present. I took ill and had to bow out of GalaxyCon Columbus, one of my favorite events. I got even sicker, which let to a five-day stay in the hospital and an excruciatingly slow recovery at home. Somehow, thanks to my wonderful Barb and Eddie and Kelly and friends, I managed to have a nice birthday and an even better Christmas.
There’s a lot wrong with my country and the world. My main New Year’s resolution will be to continue to support trans people in every way I can while defying and fighting against the criminal Republican Party on other fronts. They don’t have a mandate and we must make them aware of that time and time again.
When I look at the persecution of the trans community, I like to think back on the commercials, TV shows and other media from my youth to present. We never saw many black people in such things. We never saw interracial couples. We never saw gay couples. All of those are now commonplace because some folks had the courage to make them commonplace. While there is considerable work to be done in the ongoing quest for diversity, equality and inclusion, our progress is evident.
I’ve contended for some time that the trans community could see the same kind of progress if advertisers and entertainment companies showed the same courage. Yes, I know we live in a time where a trans woman enjoying a beer makes MAGA scum lose their collective shit, and where mighty Disney is cowed by the hatred directed at trans people, but there is also evidence that, in the true American tradition, most of us are more than willing to let people live their lives in peace. I want to see trans people in commercials. I want to see trans folks in TV shows just being their authentic selves. I want to see HGTV’s House Hunters help trans people find their dream houses. Heck, HGTV had an episode with a trouple and the world didn’t end.
“Stand by your trans” is my rallying call for 2025. I hope and expect my readers will make it theirs. And now, here are the things that made me happy in December…
December 1: Saintly Wife Barb is the queen of Christmas around here. She kinda goes crazy (in mostly good ways) for the holiday season. For example, we have FOUR Christmas trees. It’s fun and occasionally terrifying to watch her in action.
December 2: Shrink: Story of a Fat Girl by Rachel M. Thomas is a powerful very personal graphic medical account of the author’s journey growing up with a large body in a world that seldom sees beyond that. Especially recommend for young adults.
December 3: Tracker: “The Night Movers.” The man who finds lost people crosses paths with a woman (Freda Foh Shen) who helps them disappear. I found it a winning combination and one ripe for a spinoff. I am available for a supporting role.
December 4: My Time Machine by Carol Lay.This gripping sequel of sorts to the H.G. Wells classic has a modern woman duplicating the journey of the Time Traveler. Fascinating and inventive, it earns my high recommendation.
December 5: Pop Culture Jeopardy. This fun spin-off is hosted by Colin Jost and streams on Amazon. Three teams of three players each compete. The original is more challenging, but I like the bar trivia feel of this version as well.
December 6: The Creature Commandos. I love this beautiful and violent animated series. It’s funny and terrifying with terrific acting and characters. One thought: the creatures are not the monsters. We are.
December 7: The Creature Commandos. I want to write a G.I. Robot comic book almost as much as I want to kill Nazis with him. This character truly speaks to me in the times of Trump and his vile supporters.
December 8: Tomato soup. My love for this soup could almost be considered an addiction, all the more surprising since I never even tried it until I was in my 70s. I’m definitely making up for lost time.
December 9: When I fell ill on this night, Barb was able to take me to the emergency room. I am grateful my health insurance made this possible. I know that’s not a given for far too many people in our country and it should be.
December 10: After waiting 12 hours in the ER, I was taken to MetroHealth’s Glick Center where I had a beautiful private room and excellent care from the doctors and nurses there. More than once their kindness brought me to tears.
December 11: My medications often make me emotional. One early morning, everything became so overwhelming I was openly weeping. Which is when an amazing medical student sat down next to me and held my hand. I will never forget her.
December 12: Hospital food? MetroHealth’s Glick Center gave me a three-page menu that was better than many restaurants. For example, the salmon with lemon was incredible. If I had to be in a hospital, I’m glad it was this one.
December 13: It was Discharge Mania as my probable discharge date went from Saturday to Sunday to Monday. But with my health much improved, my test results negative and my numbers going in the right direction, I got to go home on Saturday.
December 14: On this date in 2023, I began my current therapy. Despite all the shit in the world, I am feeling better and more confident in myself than ever before. The only direction I’m going is forward.
December 15: Dinosaurus! Home from the hospital, I watched Dinosaurus! (1960) on Svengoolie. The stop motion effects were rushed, but this childhood favorite holds up well. Well-crafted characters. Honest suspense. It’s comfort food for the brain and soul.
December 16: The DC Ultimate Character Guide tries to encompass my most recent take on Black Lightning and other takes. It’s not entirely successful, but I did appreciate the mentions of Cleveland and Amberjack.
December 17: Perfect World 10 by Ale Aruga. Newlyweds Tsugumi and Itsuki want to have a child, despite all the obstacles before them. This series just keeps better and more moving with each new volume.
December 18: 20 First Chapters by Brian Clopper. He calls it “a unique storytelling experiment.” The initial chapters of various books that don’t exist...yet. They’re fun to read and offer some solid insights for fledgling writers.
December 19: Costco. It may not be gourmet dining, but you can get a fine foot-long hot dog and a large Pepsi for only a buck and a half. The hot dog was so big I got two small meals out of it. Their pizza is pretty good, too.
December 20: This adorable Sleeping Godzilla plush figure was an early birthday gift to myself. Unlike my cats, it will sit on my lap. It brings out my nurturing side. You’ll understand that unless you’re a monster yourself.
December 21: Laura Benanti. I first saw this actor and singer as Melania Trump on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Since then, I have become a big fan of her YouTube videos. She is an amazing talent. I look forward to seeing more of her.
December 22: I celebrated my 73rd birthday with the three people I love most in this world: my saintly wife Barb and our terrific kids Eddie and Kelly. Our restaurant choice wasn’t the best, but time with them is always wonderful.
December 23: It’s always nice to see my name in the credits of a Marvel production. This time it was “What if?...the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Solider?”, which featured Bill Foster getting large to take care of business. I loved it!
December 24: Let it be known that I really want to write a G.I. Robot and Red Guardian crossover. Come on, DC and Marvel. Make this happen and soon. You know the world will be a much better place if you do.
December 25: 2024’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day could not have gone better. I had a great time with only one easily-ignored jerk to ignore easily. I know Christmas is challenging for many, but I hope they found some joy this year.
December 26: Elsbeth. In an ongoing sub-plot, it’s great fun to watch Carrie Preston opposing a murderous and influential judge played by real-life spouse Michael Emerson. I’m on the edge of my seat watching this.
December 27: Lunch with Bob Ingersoll, Roger Price and Thom Zahler for our annual holiday Herd Gathering. No matter what life throws at me, I can count on the friendship and support of these fine people.
December 28: Funko Pop! Movie Poster: Godzilla vs Mothra. It’s 11” wide x 17” high x 5.5” deep of monster magnificence. Such a great gift from a dear friend. It will have a place of honor in my office.
December 29: “Superman and the Challenge from Space” by Gail Simone and Eddy Barrows (Action Comics #1067-1069) has a pre-Black Lightning Jefferson Pierce. Great story and great use of my creation.
December 30: I was back in the ER Sunday night. The good news is I received excellent care and got to go home. There are too many tests in my future and I’m very weak, but I’m still kicking and still fighting.
December 31: Jimmy Carter. Our nation was privileged to have had him as our president, even if many did not realize that. He was the most decent and giving person ever elected to the office and his life was a testimony to that.
Finally, here’s my pick for the best of the best from the things that made me happy in December,
BEST COMIC BOOK/GRAPHIC NOVEL: Perfect World 10 by Ale Aruga
BEST BOOK: The DC Ultimate Character Guide
BEST MOVIE OR TV SHOW: The Creature Commandos
BEST PERSON: Jimmy Carter
BEST OTHER THING: tomato soup
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more stuff.
© 2025 Tony Isabella
Here's hoping that your health continues to improve, Tony.
ReplyDeleteI'm still having an issue with the tiny font in the latest incarnation of your blog, but at least I can zoom in.
please, avoid hot dogs sir. (also... pepsi)
ReplyDeleteI love how supportive you are of the trans community against the vile bigotry and bottomless cruelty of Republicans.
ReplyDelete