Stranger Things: The series ends, the reading begins

So, it's over. We've known how the fifth season turned out for two months now. If the mention of the Upside Down doesn't ring a bell, you've probably been living in a cave without internet, social media, or media for the last few years.

Since 2016, we've had the chance to regularly sit down in front of Netflix, eagerly awaiting new seasons of Stranger Things. While some were never drawn to the screen, for many, the series became a phenomenon, and they waited impatiently for every new season.

Unfortunately – or perhaps fortunately – I managed to avoid the show until last year. Then, I was forced to binge-watch all four seasons in a short time because, and I quote: "There's this great long-haired metalhead who plays D&D with his friends, you'll love it!" And in the end, it was true. Even though Eddie didn't appear until later, the charming Dungeon Master grew on me, just like the little group of nerds who had been playing heroes since the first season, which surely helped them save the world.

Since Netflix wanted to wrap up this popular phenomenon in style, we didn't get the final season in two parts, but in three. One part was released in November, one in December, and the final, over two-hour-long episode premiered on New Year's Day.

The final season takes place in 1987, as our heroes try to find the main villain, Vecna, and end his existence for good. Meanwhile, their hometown of Hawkins is under quarantine, and Eleven must hide from the military and Dr. Owens, who is hunting her down.

What more can I write about the fifth season without spoiling it (what if someone still hasn't seen it)? I don't know about you, but in the end, I liked it. Sure, it could have been better, darker, and even more epic, but the way the authors wrapped it up doesn't really bother me.

A big plus for me is that we gradually learn how the Upside Down and Vecna themselves were created, which provides answers to questions many of us were asking while watching the previous seasons.

What seemed quite obvious in the fifth season and is definitely worth mentioning is the fact that the creators were clearly afraid to get rid of some characters, which is a bit of a shame. It's not that I wanted all the main heroes killed off in the finale. But when a viewer watches characters find themselves in various dangerous situations where they face real death or other serious consequences, and they gracefully escape everything with just a few bruises or scratches, it dulls the level of fear the viewer might have for their favorites. How much more dramatic and emotional could the finale have been if…?

Maybe it would have distracted fans from the general hate surrounding episode 7 and Will's coming out, which swept the internet (and which I didn't find self-serving at all; on the contrary, I think it was crucial for Will's development and the success of the final quest). But we'll never know that now, and we have to settle for what Netflix served us.

Bottom line: for me, it has its flaws (the script could have been better), but it's a watchable conclusion to a story that will please fans, and visually it's still a blast, complemented by a soundtrack of its time that is a treat for the ears. If I met someone who hadn't seen Stranger Things yet, I would definitely recommend the series.

However, if you, like me, aren't ready to say goodbye to Hawkins and its inhabitants, don't despair! It may have ended on Netflix, but that doesn't mean we've had the pleasure of all the stories in this world. There are other options – there are many books and comics just waiting for you to dive into them, so you can stay in your favorite universe a little longer.

Of the books returning to the series' setting, I've started with Stranger Things: Rebel Robin, whose story takes place between seasons 3 and 4. The main character, as the title suggests, is Dustin, struggling with starting high school and the changes it brings to his life. His friendships are shaken to their core; Mike and Lucas don't want to join the science fair with him – nothing is like it used to be. So, Dustin decides to enter the competition on his own. Even though the work is aimed at younger readers as young adult, I enjoyed it very much. Dustin is a likable guy, and the reader can identify with his struggles.

A significant benefit is Dustin's interaction with Eddie, and we watch their friendship deepen. That alone makes it worth investing in and getting the book. The main plot, in the form of a scientific experiment and a mystery that Dustin and his new acquaintances solve at the competition, is just the icing on the cake of this literary experience.

From the realm of comics, I got my hands on the slim volume Stranger Things: The Other Side, which goes back to the first season and shows the reader what Will Byers experienced in the Upside Down during the time he spent there first. The comic isn't a new epic adventure, but for a fan of the series, it's a nice addition showing Will's perspective on the events. What pleased me was the crossover with Dungeons & Dragons, which nicely references the series itself. The art was appropriately dark for the theme, and the work was read in one breath as a proper relaxing read.

I believe that other books and comics from the world of Stranger Things will hide similarly fun new adventures; you just have to choose the one you want to start with. Want to roll a die on it with me?