Manhwa Review: Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom Vol. 3 – Team Edition

The latest volume in this joyous series takes a more serious turn while flipping the script completely on the cold, distant Sabrian, who until now has been Blanche’s father and Abigail’s husband in name only. Crucially, this volume reveals the root of Sabrian’s aversion to women, and tragically, it lies in childhood sexual abuse. The… Read More Manhwa Review: Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom Vol. 3 – Team Edition

A Tale of Two Alchemists, I: FMA (2003) and Existential Technology

Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, has the inscription “Don’t forget 3.Oct.11” carved inside his silver pocket watch, the symbol of his office. It is a memorial of the day a new life opened up before the maimed Elric brothers—one of alchemy, detective work and military service. And if we had silver pocket watches at BtT, mine might say: “Don’t forget FMA:B”.  Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was my doorway into anime,… Read More A Tale of Two Alchemists, I: FMA (2003) and Existential Technology

First Impression: The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash

A little girl in ragged clothing collects a variety of objects from hidey-holes in the woods. She also engages in dumpster diving (hence the bit in the title about picking up trash). She’s on the run, fleeing a village that wants to kill her. She casts aside her old name, Femicia, in favor of calling… Read More First Impression: The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash

12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 12: War in the Pocket, Peace on Earth

Henry W. Longfellow, of The Song of Hiawatha fame, wrote Christmas Bells in 1863. The poem echoed the song of the angels on the very first Christmas: “Peace on Earth!” But it also reflected on the fact that the deadliest military conflict in American history, the Civil War, was at its peak. Longfellow’s poem was… Read More 12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 12: War in the Pocket, Peace on Earth

12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 11: Further Than the Universe and Friendship with God

What is friendship? How do you know when you’re friends with someone? The Christmas episode of A Place Further than the Universe grapples with this deceptively complex topic as Yuzu’s insecurities and past hurts rise to the surface and threaten to cut her off from the other girls, just as they finally make it to… Read More 12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 11: Further Than the Universe and Friendship with God

12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 10: Nagatoro, Senpai, and Seasonal Distractions

It’s December 24th, a day of romance for high schoolers in Japan. Even Senpai, who never likes to get his expectations too high, can’t help but dream of how Nagatoro would appreciate him gifting her a present today. He awakens to the harsh reality that he’s “gross” for thinking as much, but the gift he… Read More 12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 10: Nagatoro, Senpai, and Seasonal Distractions

Tangle x Cast 26 x 12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 7: You’re Under Arrest, Sakamoto, and Kodocha

Our 12 Days of Christmas Anime series rolls along today with a new episode of the Tangle x Cast! Mike, Tyler, and Paris look to some series we haven’t often dug deep into but are personal favorites of the staff as we pull apart the episodes and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Welcome to… Read More Tangle x Cast 26 x 12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 7: You’re Under Arrest, Sakamoto, and Kodocha