Into the Shoujo-Verse

Follow Into the Shoujo-Verse
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Into the Shoujoverse! A podcast where 6 lovely women discuss all aspects of shoujo manga, from the inane and comical to intense social issues. We welcome you to join us on our journey of exploring the medium we are so passionate about. Episodes every week on Mondays.

Shoujo Girls


    • Apr 4, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 52 EPISODES


    Latest episodes from Into the Shoujo-Verse

    Season 2: Finale!- Impacts of Shoujo on Our Lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 31:37


    The girls reflect on ways in which shoujo has impacted their decisions, views, and personally held beliefs. Or...just their wallet. Its Summosa, Azayan, Bees, and Nikki closing out Season 2 of Into the Shoujoverse! Thank you, as always, for listening and supporting us.

    Jujutsu Kaisen 0- Movie Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 51:19


    Why does this shoujo podcast keep reviewing shounen? Because women can enjoy shounen, too. Join Sho-chan, Miso, and Azayan for a thorough review of the latest JJK movie with spoiler and spoiler free sections.

    Promise Cinderella Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 46:22


    Bees and Summosa sit down and review a shoujo-verse favorite, Promise Cinderella by Tachibana Oreco. If you haven't been reading this romance shoujo, you should fix that! This episode covers chapters 1-74. It is currently licensed and translated by Comikey.

    Season 2: Episode 11- Heaven Official's Blessing by MXTX Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 47:33


    It's time to talk about the hugely popular BL webnovel/webtoon/anime series! But first, is it Heaven's Official? Heaven Official's? Huh? Miso, Nikki, and Bees straighten that out first and then go on to discuss their impressions of the various iterations of the series. For perhaps the first time, the girls are not unanimous in their views! Bonus: Aza's fiancee, Serg, reveals some behind-the-scenes information on the Chinese web novel translation and editing process.

    Ouran Highschool Host Club Movie (2012) Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 23:53


    What a treat we have for you today, friends. Aza is joined by her fiancee, Serg, to review a treasure from the golden days of anime. Or is it? Please enjoy this nostalgic episode from out of nowhere.

    Season 2: Episode 10- Dere 101 (Character Types)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 42:58


    We got all your deres here, tsundere, yandere, the rare dandere. Instructors Nikki, Summosa, and Miso give us the rundown on the standard character types with plenty of examples, especially from Gakuen Alice. They even give themselves and the other girls the dere treatment. Are they right? What type of dere are you? Find out now! P.S. I am absolutely a tsundere you guys don't know me at all. -Aza

    Demon Slayer Season 2 Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 46:02


    Bees is back with a review of Demon Slayer season 2, accompanied by Aza. Don't worry, if you haven't seen or finished it yet you can listen to the beginning for a spoiler free analysis. Once you have, please join us for the rest of the episode where we express strong feelings. Yes, good and bad.

    Season 2: Episode 9- Smut and Smirnoff (18+)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 51:38


    You 18 yet? We're asking in a not creepy way. Bees and Nikki have a very sophisticated discussion on the world of adult manga aimed at women. With the help of alcohol they break down smut tropes, why its enjoyable to read, and what disgusts them. Please join us for this titillating topic if you are of legal age~

    Season 2: Episode 8- The Anatomy of a Shoujo Character (Why is His Neck So Long and Where are His Nipples?)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 57:19


    Is it a bizarre aesthetic or just poor execution? Or both? Azayan, Bees, and Summosa rip in to some...interesting art style choices we commonly see in shoujo manga and anime. Some of these artists may never have seen a naked body before??? Today's episode is extra special as you can follow along with the link below and judge the images we discuss for yourself! https://imgur.com/a/Y9cU3yc

    7FATES: CHAKHO Prologue-Chapter 2 Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 40:17


    A new BTS-inspired webtoon has appeared! Our local K-Pop stans Nikki and Miso are here to talk about their initial reactions to the first three chapters, as well as discuss the culture around K-Pop groups more broadly. K-Pop idols are just people, after all, is it weird to base a whole fictional story around their personas?

    Season 2: Episode 7- Webtoons! Web Comics? Manwha? Webtoons.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 51:14


    Join Miso, Nikki, and Summosa for the all-things-webtoons episode! What is a webtoon? What's the correct term for what...don't worry, we break it down. And of course, favorites and popular series, which can't be mentioned without mentioning drama adaptations. If you haven't stumbled into the world of webtoons, here is your intro!

    1 Year Anniversary Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 61:02


    Into the Shoujoverse is officially one year old! To celebrate, we've decided to each share our favorite and least favorite series of 2021 (or at least that we read during the last year). Join Azayan, Bees, Summosa, Sho-chan, and briefly, Miso for some casual conversation, silly tangents, and of course, shoujo. Thank you so much to all of our listeners. We look forward to another year in the shoujoverse with you!

    Akatsuki no Yona Series Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 59:11


    One of the most popular and epic shoujo series out there gets a well-deserved review episode. Bees, Azayan, and Summosa offer a thorough summary, character analysis, series comparisons, and overall impressions from this sure-to-be-classic. If you haven't read or watched it yet, here's why you should! Bonus thunderstorm ambience~

    Season 2: Episode 6- Mental Health in Shoujo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 57:46


    Such a complex topic requires a complex approach...do Nikki, Bees, and Sho-chan think any shoujo accomplish a balanced portrayal of mental health?

    Shoujo 'n Dragons Part 5 (Finale)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 28:23


    Meeso (Miso), Neight (Nikki), and Ojou (Azayan) managed to defeat the individual behind the case of the missing boys. With the great evil eliminated, there's only one thing left to do: solve the puzzle to free those beautiful boys. This proves to be more difficult for them than DM Bees was anticipating.

    Season 2: Episode 5- Shoujo Isekai

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 63:24


    In a world where people can't reincarnate or transmigrate into their favorite otome games, three women come together to discuss their thoughts on the Isekai genre. It's taken the entire anime community by storm for the past few years. Some is good, some is bad, but most of it is just the same. Summosa, Nikki, and Miso are here to reveal it all.

    Shoujo 'n Dragons part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 49:43


    It's time for the BOSS FIGHT. Meeso (Miso), Neight (Nikki), and Oujo (Azayan) discover who is behind the disappearance of the school's prettiest boys. Can they save them?! DM-ed and written by the glorious Bees. Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com

    Season 2: Episode 4- WORST SHOUJO EVER

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 52:22


    Summosa, Miso, and Azayan dunk on the garbage of the shoujo world, the stuff that makes our skin crawl. Join us in our assault on what should never have been put on paper. Disagree with our assessments? Give us your defense on any of our social media sites @theshoujoverse.

    Shoujo 'n Dragons part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 47:55


    Its time to find out what our brave adventurers found in the room in the book! Dungeon Master Bees takes Neight (Nikki), Oujo (Aza), and Meeso (Miso) into a secret lair and they experience their first combat. Its a bit rough due to some bad rolls, but they pull through in the end. And we added combat music!

    Season 2: Episode 3- Beauty Standards

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 74:57


    Buckle in, this is a long one. Bees, Miso, Nikki, and Aza talk about beauty in manga; what constitutes beauty and how it can be harmful. As always, the girls provide series that push harmful beauty tropes and ideas and series that turn those ideas on their head. Does it always lead back to male dominance....?

    Season 2: Episode 2- ArE gIrLs RuInInG aNiMe?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2021 57:56


    Believe it or not, some people think so, and we have the MAL forum posts to prove it. Bees, Summosa, and Nikki talk about why certain people seem to hold this view and combat the nonsense. After explaining what it is that "feminists" are complaining about in anime and offering examples, they also provide some recommendations for those who haven't given shoujo or even just non-shounen a try. Also for some reason learn all about vanity license plates.

    Shoujo 'n Dragons Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 26:27


    Part 2 of the Dungeons and Dragons adventure run by Bees! The investigation continues as Ojou Sama, Neight, and Meeso (Azayan, Nikki, and Miso) head to Professor Respect's classroom to look for clues to find the missing boys!

    Shoujo 'n Dragons Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2021 29:45


    A very special DnD adventure begins! Don't worry if you aren't familiar with Dungeons and Dragons- its easy to follow along as Dungeon Master Bees guides adventurers Azayan, Nikki, and Miso through a magical academy full of ikemen, crazed fangirls, and of course, tropes!

    Season 2: Episode 1- BOYS LOVE

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 51:36


    We're back with season 2 and we're kicking it off with Summosa and Miso in a very intellectual and not at all giggly episode about BL. The girls discuss some notable series and tropes of the genre as well as some juicy drama about Lehzin, a notable site for BL manga. And for some reason waterpolo...

    Episode 13- Season Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2021 66:46


    Wow, everyone. Thank you so much for sticking with us through our first season! We've got the whole crew together here (except for Summosa, sadly) to entertain you with life updates and a ridiculous game of Marry/Kiss/Kill. Stay tuned through the end for info on Season 2! Its been our pleasure entertaining you, we look forward to continuing to do so.

    Fruits Basket Season 3 Reactions- Episode 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 48:57


    We're finally here at the finale, everyone. Azayan, Sho-chan, and Nikki dump all their final feels, reacting to each character's arc wrapping up, what worked, what didn't. And of course, we address the MAL controversy and general attitudes towards shoujo anime lately. Its been a long journey, thank you so much for joining us! Goodbye, Furuba.

    Fruits Basket Season 3 Reactions- Episodes 11 and 12

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 38:32


    At last, Kyo and Tohru, Yuki and Machi: confession time! Azayan, Miso, and Nikki review the penultimate episodes of the last season of Fruits Basket. Its been a long journey. The girls give their final impressions on the show's key relationships, especially Shigure's and Akito's, as well as postulate on what we'll see in episode 13.

    Episode 12- Tropes! Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2021 62:27


    One episode just wasn't enough. We're back to bashing tropes with Nikki, Bees, Aza, and Sho-chan, and this time its personal. Bonus PSA on contraceptives....?...!...?

    Fruits Basket Season 3 Reactions- Episodes 9 and 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 53:30


    We're so close to the finale, only 3 episodes left! Sho-chan and Nikki discuss all of the lovely Kyoru content we've been given and what more is to come, as well as all the loose ends that are tying themselves up.

    Episode 11- Representation of Disabilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 59:55


    Its a more serious episode today as Bees, Azayan, and Summosa discuss their own disabilities and how various disabilities are represented in shoujo manga. Key works discussed are Perfect World, A Silent Voice, and A Sign of Affection. Is there enough representation of physical disabilities in shoujo? Is the representation quality? Why do we need this representation? Consider these critical questions and more with us through a shoujo lens.

    Fruits Basket Season 3 Reactions- Episodes 7 and 8

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 32:53


    Akito has a knife and Bees and Miso can't remember anyone's name because these episodes are just TOO. PAINFUL. Are you brave enough to see this show through to the end?! If not, we got you covered with our summaries but please try, everyone. Please suffer with us.

    Episode 10- Shoujo vs Josei

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 57:07


    Let's talk about that genre that often gets lumped in with and confused for shoujo. Our girls break down some key differences and why despite being full grown adults, we still enjoy reading shoujo. We also get some great recs and some series to steer clear of (unless you want the train wreck) in today's episode from Nikki, Miso, Bees, and Summosa.

    Fruits Basket Season 3 Reactions- Episodes 5 and 6

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 38:24


    Halfway through the season! Sho-chan offers a little empathy for Akito and a lot of love for Momiji and his glow up. Azayan tries to defend Shigure but she just can't. Both of them bask in the warmth of the sunset that sets the scene for some TohruxKyo action. Enjoy this latest praise for and analysis of Furuba!

    Episode 9- The History of Shoujo

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 62:58


    Azayan, Summosa and Nikki breakdown the past 100 years of shoujo content, citing significant authors, their works, and other events that shaped shoujo into what it is today. We learned a lot in our research for today's episode and so will you! You might just want to get a tattoo after this? Articles used in research: https://www.yuricon.com/oldessays/10-minute-shoujo-history-lesson/ https://epicstream.com/features/The-History-and-Importance-of-Girls-Manga https://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=1480887 Images mentioned in episode: http://www.callenreese.com/fire8.jpg https://64.media.tumblr.com/3ff9ceac57042dd97708009ef5d0594d/531ed916b5efdb21-72/s1280x1920/4c7d93caa86a07c4fcc5dab53f177cbfc5161be2.png

    Fruits Basket Season 3- Episodes 3 and 4

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 62:51


    Wow, a lot to unpack here. Nikki, Miso, and Azayan discuss the dynamics of the Soma family and their feelings about Akito. Love her or hate her, she is a piece of work. We ask for your understanding with background noise as we all in live in situations where it is unavoidable. Thank you!

    Episode 8- Expectations vs Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 66:26


    When reading shoujo manga, there's a certain amount of suspending disbelief, but we can only go so far with that, right? Summosa, Miso, Sho-chan and Azayan break down the unrealistic, and often baffling aspects of shoujo that we just can't translate to reality. This episode features plenty of juicy anecdotes, Tiktok conspiracies, and as always- man hating. No no, just kidding. We aren't manhaters, we swear.

    Bonus Episode: Demon Slayer Mugen Train Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2021 29:12


    A special review episode for a record-breaking movie! Bees breaks down her thoughts on the shounen hit. Haven't seen it yet? Don't worry, the first part is spoiler-free for anyone still on the fence or unable to watch it yet, and the second part dives into the details for those who have already had the pleasure of watching.

    Fruits Basket Season 3 Reactions- Episodes 1 and 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 36:40


    At last, it's time to review the final season of Fruits Basket! Bees and Sho-chan dive in to the dramatic opening of the final season with enthusiasm. If you listened to our review of Horimiya, you'll notice a stark contrast to today's episode. Our girls are all in on this one. Jump on the pain train with us as we explore the simultaneously wholesome and cruel exploits of Furuba's cast.

    Episode 7- Lessons from Shoujo

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 53:11


    Nikki, Miso, and Bees take a look at what shoujo manga can teach us. From practical skills, like cooking, to good mental health practices, like recognizing a toxic relationship, they cover it all. And of course, we have to point out manga that have no business teaching anyone anything. Bonus: Nikki shares a wholesome story about a cardboard man and we learn a new vocab word- "queer baiting."

    Horimiya Reactions Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 65:39


    This is it, everyone. The final roast of Horimiya. Our girls Nikki, Sho-chan, and Miso unleash their harshest criticisms yet. Sort of. As usual, they offer detailed analysis of episodes 12 and 13 and final impressions, good and bad, of the series as a whole. How does your rating compare to theirs? Be sure to share your thoughts with us on any of our social media platforms!  https://shoujoverse.carrd.co/

    Episode 6- Anime Adaptations of Shoujo

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 60:30


    Why are there so few shoujo anime? Miso, Nikki, Sho-chan and Summosa discuss the lack of anime adaptations for our beloved genre, which ones have been adapted and which ones we want to see adapted. With the recent reboot of Fruits Basket, we have hope we'll get more in the future. 

    Horimiya Reactions Episodes 10 and 11

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 27:05


    Miso and Summosa begin by addressing the controversy over homophobic comments made in episode 10 with help from Bees. We have no tolerance for jokes made at the expense of the LGBTQ+ community. The girls found episode 11 much more enjoyable, getting back to their critical but fair analysis of the show. Today's tangent features relics of the early 2000's, such as fax machines and everyone's favorite paper clip. 

    Episode 5- Tropes!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 62:02


    We all know them and love them...or do we? Today, Bees, Aza and Miso rip apart our beloved(?) shoujo manga cliches, starting with a hefty discussion on age gaps. By the end of the episode, we may have just written the outline for the ultimate shoujo manga and simultaneously convinced our viewers to get vaccinated! ........???????

    Horimiya Reactions Episodes 8 and 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2021 42:11


    At last! An episode the girls seemed to thoroughly enjoy?! Join Summosa and Sho-chan for an unusually positive review of Horimiya episodes 8 and 9. At the end, the two provide several recommendations that are similar to Horimiya. And then they try to remember what our social media tags are. Seriously. Its hilarious.

    Episode 4- Classics of Shoujo Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 42:00


    A continuation of episode 3 resumes with Azayan, Sho-chan, and Summosa getting into modern era shoujo. Once again, they debate which manga deserve the title of "classic" vs "popular," while thoroughly exploring the genre as a whole. Did your favorite series make the cut? 

    Horimiya Reactions Episodes 6 and 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 42:23


    This time, Sho-chan and Nikki continue their thorough analysis of each episode. While some moments in Horimiya cause them to scratch their heads, other moments cause their hearts to go kyun! They also reveal their preferences in men's hair length...are you into long-haired men like Miyamura?

    Episode 3- Classics of Shoujo Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 44:54


    The shoujo girls take us back to the roots of shoujo manga, naming and evaluating works that have shaped the manga industry and continue to rank in the top shoujo of all time. Sho-chan, Summosa, and Aza also break down "classic" vs "popular" and debate which manga are deserving of these titles. We also got on a tangent about Madoka Magica for some reason.

    Horimiya Episodes 4 and 5 Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 34:58


    Nikki and Summosa review Horimiya episodes 4 and 5, offering insight into differences between the manga publication and anime as well as detailed analysis of character growth and pacing. Has their opinion changed at all since episode 1?

    Episode 2 - Shoujo 101 and Recs for Shounen Lovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 61:50


    In this episode, Bees, Azayan, and Sho-chan discuss what a shojo title is comprised of and offer series that might interest those who are new to shoujo and fans of shounen anime. Bees and Azayan have a diplomatic disagreement?!

    Horimiya Episodes 2 and 3 Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 26:05


    Miso and Sho-chan discuss their thoughts on the latest Horimiya episodes. Enjoy their in depth analysis and manga comparisons as they struggle to find something they actually liked, while Azayan ignores their pleas to edit out an embarrassing moment.

    Horimiya Episode 1 Reactions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2021 41:42


    Miso, Nikki, and Sho-chan share their thoughts on the first episode of the shounen (seriously? Its a shoujo) anime, Horimiya, and then discuss other currently airing anime, even k-drama! They...might not be impressed...

    Claim Into the Shoujo-Verse

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel