The Boy and the Heron, Hayao Miyazaki’s first film in a decade, is both his most personal and the most ambitious in his venerated catalog. Delving into the historical fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi genres—those most familiar to Studio Ghibli—the director also adds a new element that’s erupted onto the landscape of anime and other feature… Read More Film Review: The Boy and the Heron
What if the villainess and villainess fell in love? What if you moved into a rental maintained by a pop idol? What if you were stranded on a deserted island with your true love? What if an alien creature’s attempt to make you happy led to murder instead? Wait wait wait, what? This week’s volumes… Read More Reader’s Corner: Overgeared (Vol. 1), Zom 100 (Vol. 12), and Takopi’s Original Sin
It’s a typical day in Japan. Overworked salary men and women are coming and going about their business, school kids are goofing off on their phones, a giant Digi-Egg is floating over Tokyo Tower blasting messages around the world…same old, same old. Japan has seen weirder, truth be told, especially THIS iteration of Japan. Even… Read More Film Review: Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning
This is a story about this girl and me—two strangers until yesterday—and how we became family… There’s nothing lewd about the cover for volume one of Days with My Stepsister, and most of the illustrations within are light on or wholly devoid of fanservice. The opening quote of the story is about forming a family,… Read More Review: Days with My Stepsister, Vol. 1
There is a certain department store with a very peculiar clientele. It’s not just that it caters to the rich and famous, though many a celebrity, business mogul, and socialite can be spotted browsing the store’s luxury boutiques or strolling the palatial expanses of polished marble. No, there’s something else that sets these customers apart,… Read More Film Review: The Concierge
You wouldn’t be blamed for forgetting just how good the Jujutsu Kaisen anime often is. After all, it’s been close to three years since season one premiered, and two since the franchise’s below-average film. Season two—which premiered this summer and is currently ongoing—reminds us, however, that Jujutsu Kaisen is a unique shonen entry as engrossing… Read More Review: Jujutsu Kaisen: The Official Anime Guide: Season 1
When Disney released the first episode of The Mandalorian in 2019, it was almost universally well-received. Featuring brand new characters, a spaghetti western feel (from both the story and the soundtrack), and wonderful set designs, it was a unique and strong entry into the Star Wars universe. So it’s little surprise that a manga adaptation… Read More Review: Star Wars: The Mandalorian: The Manga, Vol. 1