We’re going to talk about “Sasaki and Miyano” today because I’ll keep making angry duck sounds of excitement if I don’t share my feelings.

[Minor spoilers ahoy, but we all know generally how this show has to end, right? I mean, it's a romantic, feel-good slice-of-life.] Okay, let's be real; we love cute things, right? I mean, even if cute things are not your normal fare personally, we as a society are A++ about them, and you can't tell …

Shoujo’s Shojo “Tells & Tropes” Master List <3

You've probably never looked at a title and wondered, "Is this shojo?" and let's be honest; you'll also probably never need to ask. The hallmarks of shojo are usually pretty obvious on sight, but at some point I began wondering if anyone ever bothered to make a master list of the tells, tropes, and subtropes. …

Embracing Every Stereotype and Reviewing “Magic-kyun! Renaissance” (sub)

I cannot believe I haven't reviewed this title. If anyone seeks an example of shoujo that makes obvious almost every facet and/or stereotype of the genre, I can think of no better show to suggest. That doesn't mean that Magic-kyun is some pinnacle of anime, but rather that it makes its shoujo elements so incredibly …

“The New Threat!/For the Love of a Child” — DBZ Re-Written as Shoujo (Ep 1, Part 1)

The idea of this project is so ridiculous and difficult that I almost didn't know where to begin. I mean, come on, who else do you know is silly enough to attempt a re-write of the ultimate shounen fighter, Dragon Ball Z, as a shoujo of all things. It's pretty crazy, all right, but it …

What is Love? (On Romanticizing Abuse in “Hana Yori Dango” [anime])

At the heart of this post lies a singular question; what is love? Hana Yori Dango (or Boys Over Flowers) is an anime packed with complex, interesting, well fleshed out, DEEPLY FLAWED teenage characters, both of prestigious means and lacking them. This problematic title, while admittedly cringy at times, holds special appeal for its realistic portrayal …

Sci-fi and Sparkles: Shoujo and Scott Design an Anime (pt 1)

"In the year 2675, intergalactic exploration has reached new heights. Alien species commingle between solar systems in matters of science, trade, military, and socialization. Higashi Yumi has grown up within this world and is pursuing a degree in interstellar archaeological sciences when the discovery is made: an abandoned solar system on the outskirts of explored …

Feature the Best Singer (30 Day Character Challenge, Day 22)

My heart! I finally have a chance to bring up this human and his (literally) magical music again! Teika (Magic-Kyun Renaissance!) is too much for me, guys. He can't be a husbando because he's a minor, but if you gave his voice to one of his older brothers? Totally husbando material. I mean, look at …

May is Hard. (This was supposed to be a blog update, but now I don’t know what it is?)

Warning: I don't even know what this is. Is it even coherent? Maybe not. I will admit that I am not currently my best self. It is with much self-depreciation (and as vaguely emo music plays through my headphones) that I morosely admit as much, but I feel that makes the statement no less true. I'm …

“An Overarching Motive to this Pseudo-Slice of Life” (Or, Brief Initial Impressions of Kakuriyo—Bed & Breakfast for Spirits)

When you can spontaneously identify J. Michael Tatum in a piece, I suppose that should be indicative that a Shoujo like me will at least take passing interest. Truthfully, however, I've fallen rapidly for Kakuriyo, and I don't care who knows it! How could I not be interested in a title sporting such a particular …

Memories of a Past Life and Love: Musings on “The Betrayal Knows My Name”

There is much to be said for shadows, heartbreak, and betrayal. The Betrayal Knows My Name, alternately known as Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru (or Uraboku for short) centers around an orphaned teenage boy named Yuki who is about to graduate high school and move on to his unsure yet promising future. His chances are …