by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
We all have that feeling. You know the one: You finish watching a movie and something about it hits you in just the right spot.
Whether it was the theme, the story, or even the characters, there was a quality about it that almost makes you want to turn around and go back a second, third, or even fourth time!
Bar the reality of living in the movie theater for the rest of your days, you turn to the rest of pop culture and start to look for other avenues where you can find that same feeling.
Well I’m here to make this plight easier for all. Each month, I take a piece of pop culture that was prevalent in the social consciousness — whether it is a movie, TV show, or something else — and then recommend other forms of media for those who want to stay in that world a little bit longer.
Welcome to your One Stop Pop, internet!
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With May kicking off the summer period, June has come and not relented regarding big-ticket titles, particularly skewed to those who happen to be in the younger age bracket.
Of those items, a big one with much marketing, anticipation, and worry behind its existence is the live action reboot of How to Train Your Dragon.Coming to our screens about 15 years after the original, there were many questions regarding whether it would live up to its name, its action, and its magic.
While its ultimate quality is to be debated, what shouldn’t be argued is its success. Raking in millions at the box office, and appeasing critics enough to order at least another of these remakes, there’s probably a few audience members who have exhausted every version of Hiccup’s story, and want, nay, need more. Well, we’re here to provide, of course…
Book: Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland
When it comes to dragon literature for the younger sort, there are many titles we can choose from. Obviously, there’s the actual How to Train Your Dragon book series that is sure to keep some occupied for a time, and even more serious interpretations such as the megalith that is the Eragon series.
However, we’re looking at something that neatly slots between the two types of stories, serving those who have come to love the movie versions of Toothless and his rider with a deep admiration.
Set in a dragon-ruled world divided between two continents, the Wings of Fire series sees 10 tribes battle through ancient rivalries. Once dominated by humans, the world now sees dragons as the dominant species. Some of these dragons wield rare and powerful magic that may just come at the cost of their soul.
Comprising of 15 novels, this series is one to invest in, and invest in well. Both in traditional novel and graphic novel form, the expansive nature of Berk and its dragons is super-loaded with a cast of characters, many of whom are the titular dragons who are taken on adventures of spirit, action, and excitement.
With all the things that make any fantasy adventure story something to remember, it wouldn’t be surprising if this gets its own adaptation soon enough.
TV Show: Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Moving from one major middle-grade fantasy series to one that is so iconic it barely needs repeating, anyone in love with the How to Train Your Dragon live action adaptation should certainly look to become better acquainted with Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and very soon.
Written by Rick Riordan Percy Jackson follows the adventures and misfortunes of the titular character as he finds out he is the son of Poseidon, and therefore a demigod. What follows is a series of novels that have expanded into a worldwide phenomenon, which now includes the television show.
With one season down and another on the way, this adaptation is led by none other than Riordan himself — it includes all the elements of adventure, fantasy, and mythology that any fan could ask for.
A little goofy, a little emotional, and action-packed, there is no better time to be introduced to Percy and his friends, and learn a little more of the world of mythology that has been around us all of this time. In fact, some may say that it’s also an educational show, teaching about the world’s history in a way that’s accessible, revitalizing, and just a lot of fun.
Just like how How to Train Your Dragon takes the dragon myth and turns on its head, so too does Percy Jackson, as it perfectly adapts the story onto screen.
Podcast: The Once and Future Nerd
We’ve looked at dragons, we’ve looked at legend and myth — but what about something that feels a little more down-to-earth? More like, what could happen in an extraordinary circumstance. After all, isn’t that what taking an animated story, and making it live action, what it’s all about?
The Once and Future Nerd podcast is a serialized audio drama that follows three Pennsylvanian teens who are transported into a magical and medieval world. Using all they know about pop culture, as well as their wits, they must navigate feudal politics, dark magic, and the occasional existential rabbit question?
Created by a couple of friends who met at college, they were initially inspired by the idea of being sucked into their favourite video game — Skyrim — and having to battle their way out of such a hostile environment with only their modern sensibilities.
Featuring a full cast, this is a continued narrative that takes about six episodes to get into. Once you’ve reached the sixth episode, the listener is almost guaranteed to be hooked.
With about nine chapters, each having multiple parts, this is sure to spark a sense of escape and exhilaration in the heart of any fan looking to experience something different.
Video Game: Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Now, there has been talk of dragons, but no discussion as to what to do if a fan of HTTYD wants to try being one themselves. Sure, it could be fun to be a dragon rider, or read about dragon hybrids and chosen ones, but what about the chance to go on those adventures as a fire-breather, with your ability being the one behind the horns?
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy follows, once again, our titular hero, who happens to be a small dragon on a quest to restore peace by collecting gems and vanquishing bad guys. In this fully remastered version of the original three games, there is certainly not a lack of nostalgia, yet it is ready to be experienced for the first time by any newcomers.
While some may consider this to be more of a remake than a remaster, the souls of the games are still very much present. It might be a little friendlier to our more modern consoles and computers, but any original fan can tell you that there is as much charm here as there ever was.
If all you can think about is Toothless — and lowkey wanting him as a pet, especially after seeing him in the live-action version — then being able to play as Spyro is certain to scratch any itch that might have resulted in wanting to live in the world yourself.
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It’s dragons and magic and mythology galore. With the little viking town on the outskirts of the world having inspired so much love, even in this live action form, it’s no wonder that there’s a desire for more upon leaving the cinema.
So whether you want to dive into a new novel series, watch a different mythology take root, have a listen as to what it would be like to be a hero in a different kind of story, or play as a dragon, there should be something here for whatever thing anyone has been craving.
July is sure to be a big one, with some monolith titles yet to descend upon our box office. But which one will come out on top? That is the question. Until then, thank you for visiting SiftPop’s One Stop Pop — we hope to see you again soon!
You can read more from Alice-Ginevra Micheli, and follow her on Instagram and Letterboxd