Podcasts about shojo beat

This month, join Gee and Ray as they talk about a brand new English debut, Colette Decides to Die! After worn-out town apothecary Colette jumps down a well, she finds herself in the underworld - but she's not dead yet! Instead, she's put to task healing Hades, the gruff young man who judges the dead. As this first volume hits shelves, we'll share our thoughts on this newest series from Shojo Beat! Follow Ray on her channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Whimsical Pictures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠ And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠ Finally, check out the latest podcast updates out on the ⁠RRTL Bluesky⁠

This one goes out to all the ladies out there... well, and the fellas too if you're interested! The Krewe sits down with avid shojo enthusiast Taryn of Manga Lela Instagram/TikTok fame to talk all things shojo. Together they explore the variety of shojo genres, some challenges faced in the shojo industry, & what makes shojo different from those rambunctious shonen titles! Don't miss out!------ About the Krewe ------The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! ------ Past KOJ Anime/Manga/Pop Culture Episodes ------The Japanese Pop Music Scene ft. Patrick St. Michel (S5E10)Akira Toriyama: Legacy of a Legend ft. Matt Alt (S5E3)The History & Evolution of Godzilla ft. Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui (S5E1)Thoughts on Godzilla Minus One ft. Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui (S4Bonus)The History of Nintendo ft. Matt Alt (S4E18)Visiting Themed Cafes in Japan ft. Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer (S4E15)Japanese Mascot Mania ft. Chris Carlier of Mondo Mascots (S4E8)Tokusatsu Talk with a Super Sentai ft. Sotaro Yasuda aka GekiChopper (S4E6)The Evolution of PokéMania ft Daniel Dockery [Part 2] (S4E3)The Evolution of PokéMania ft Daniel Dockery [Part 1] (S4E2)Japanese Independent Film Industry ft. Award Winning Director Eiji Uchida (S3E18)City Pop & Yu ft. Yu Hayami (S3E14)How Marvel Comics Changed Tokusatsu & Japan Forever ft Gene & Ted Pelc (Guest Host, Matt Alt) (S3E13)Talking Shonen Anime Series ft. Kyle Hebert (S3E10)Japanese Pro Wrestling ft. Baliyan Akki (Part 2) (S3E6)Japanese Pro Wrestling ft. Baliyan Akki (Part 1) (S3E5)Exploring Enka ft. Jerome White Jr aka ジェロ / Jero (S3E1)Japanese Arcades (S2E16)How to Watch Anime: Subbed vs. Dubbed ft. Dan Woren (S2E9)Japanese Theme Parks ft. TDR Explorer (S2E4)Manga: Literature & An Art Form ft. Danica Davidson (S2E3)The Fantastical World of Studio Ghibli ft. Steve Alpert (S2E1)The Greatest Anime of All Time Pt. 3: Modern Day Anime  (2010's-Present) (S1E18)The Greatest Anime of All Time Pt. 2: The Golden Age  (1990's-2010's) (S1E16)The Greatest Anime of All Time Pt. 1: Nostalgia (60's-80's) (S1E5)We Love Pokemon: Celebrating 25 Years (S1E3)Why Japan ft. Matt Alt (S1E1)------ Links about Taryn/Manga Lela------Taryn's LinksTaryn on TikTokTaryn on InstagramTaryn on Twitter/X------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------JSNO Event CalendarJapan Fest Sign-UpJSNO Annual Meeting RegistrationJoin JSNO Today!

This episode discusses all seven volumes of Alice 19th by Yuu Watase.Sisters Alice Seno and Mayura Seno end up falling for the same handsome boy, Kyo, and their fight for his affection threatens to destroy the whole world. That's a bit of an oversimplification, but the general gist of Watase's Alice 19th. Chika and Giana from the podcast Shoujo Sundae join Shojo and Tell host Ashley to talk about the battle between the Lotis Masters and Maram Masters, where words are turned into magical but very deadly violence. We discuss the influences of September 11, 2001, on the story, Watase's efforts at diversity and inclusion, whether we consider Alice a magical girl or not, and more. REFERENCESAlice 19th is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineOther Watase series mentioned:Absolute BoyfriendImadoki!Fushigi YuugiFushigi Yuugi: Genbu KaidenFushigi Yuugi: Byakko SenkiAppare Jipangu!CeresArataOther anime/manga series mentioned:Sailor MoonCardcaptor SakuraInuYashaAttack on TitanOuran High School Host ClubThe Vision of EscaflowneOther media mentioned:The Lord of the Rings (movies)Atlantis (movie)RRR"Synchronised Sinking" by The LucksmithsOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USShoujo Sundae on Twitter: @ShoujoSundaeChika on Twitter: @chikasupremeChika on Instagram: @chikasupremeGiana on Twitter: @Giana_Luna_Giana on Instagram: @giana_luna_Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

This episode discusses all six volumes of Absolute Boyfriend by Yuu Watase.The Ashes are back to do a compare and contrast between two shojo heavyweights, Yuu Watase and CLAMP. Last episode we covered Chobits even though it's a seinen series, partially because we're determined to read every CLAMP series, and partially because we knew Absolute Boyfriend appears to have taken heavy inspiration from Chobits and shojo-ified it. We talk about how Absolute Boyfriend handles sex and A.I. compared to Chobits, whether it's magical and dreamy that your boyfriend can be destroyed and have to go to the Apple Store, and are thankful that, at the very least, Riko is not a schmuck. (Although, she might be the high school female equivalent of a schmuck? You decide after hearing how she handled her love triangle between the figure, Night, and her best friend, Soshi.)REFERENCESAbsolute Boyfriend is available in English from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineWhy do they keep making live action adaptations of this??Other Watase series mentioned:Fushigi YugiFushigi Yugi: Genbu KaidenFushigi Yugi: Byakko SenkiCeresArataSakura-GariOther CLAMP series mentioned:Legal DrugXMisc. mentions:MeganeBoss BabyTwilightMagical GirlfriendNoragamiBioShockHatsune MikuIAOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: @dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

We begin the 70th episode of version two off topic with thoughts on the 21st anniversary of 9/11 and the death of Queen Elizabeth 10:10 - We look back on last week's Space Heater Chat. With a long thought on anime programming in FanExpo and further IFF and AN comparisons,“culture”, live Overwatch League in Toronto, and the Nintendo Switch in mid-life 39:25 - We weigh in on the current Shojo Beat reprinting discussions and a general discussion about reprinting out of print translated manga titles And in brief 1:32:50 - Netflix and NTV come to an agreement on older anime titles. And then compare it with NTV's agreement with Disney+  1:42:55 - On the topic of Nintendo, Switch games being the most profitable physical media in the UK (Long Live the Queen). So what about traditional physical media for moving pictures? This Week's Drinking Game: Take a shot when Mike has “tip of the tongue” moments Mike Nicolas, James Austin, Kevin Ng Opening Theme: “FUBUKI - Snowstorm” performed by Pico Masaki Visit our website for more information and links: Website: animeroundtable.com Twitter and IG: @animeroundtable Email: animeroundtable@gmail.com  Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/animeroundtable YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5U1yZNlQ1VYFH_fV26bYwA Discord: https://discord.gg/Dg38nRm3 

This episode discusses volumes 9–17 of Love Com by Aya Nakahara.We're back with a walkthrough of the highs and lows of the second half of Love Com, where we no longer see height. Height means nothing when it comes to true love. (Or... does it?) Ashley and Loyola discuss the appearance of Kohori, how Otani and Risa broke up (!!) then got to back together (!!!) and slept together (!!!!) — but no not in that way, they haven't even kissed four times in a row yet (?!?!). We have one of the most heated shipping corners on this podcast so far, where Ashley insists that Haruka and Seiko are a couple and Otani and Risa might be better off just friends. In conclusion: Nobu's still the best and Risa's brother, Takato, is hot.REFERENCESThe Love Com manga is available digitally from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineThe Love Com anime is available to stream on CrunchyrollOther episodes Loyola's been on:Arina Tanemura One-ShotsGirl Got GameMeruPuriOther anime/manga mentioned:The Vision of EscaflowneOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USLoyola on Twitter: @loyolarankinShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

Today, we present a special episode around Shojo Beat's update regarding their classic Shojo titles coming back to print and the manga community's reception to it. Join us in breaking down this situation!

" Shojo Beat - Who's that girl, 2007.'' --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theysusannamaeohagan/support

Discusses volumes 1–8 of Love Com by Aya Nakahara.Ashley and Loyola are here to discuss the first half of the romantic comedy Love Com, aka Lovely Complex, which is the romcom that all other romcoms should aspire to. We gush about how cute Risa and Otani are, the impeccable comedic timing, the emotional levity that hits home, and so much more. Loyola is subjected to Ashley making her take the quizzes at the end of volume 8, to hilarious results.REFERENCESThe Love Com manga is available digitally from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineThe Love Com anime is available to stream on CrunchyrollOther episodes Loyola's been on: Arina Tanemura One-ShotsGirl Got GameMeruPuriOther anime/manga mentioned:Waiting for SpringAttack on TitanThe Vision of EscaflowneOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USLoyola on Twitter: @loyolarankinShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

Wife and husband duo Ashley and Asher are back to talk about the short comedic manga Flower in a Storm. While neither would say they really loved the story of rich-boy Ran going after super-strong Riko, Ashley, at least, thinks it shows lots of promise from the author, and is a funny parody of mid-2000s shojo manga tropes. But the real standouts are the two unrelated short stories that are included.REFERENCESFlower in a Storm is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineThe only other manga out by this author in English is Caste Heaven, a BL manga under a different pen nameOther series mentioned:Snow White with the Red HairWitch Hat AtelierSP BabyTakane and HanaOuran High School Host ClubMaid-Sama!Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: @dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

A discussion of volumes 7–12 (the second half) of Shortcake Cake by Suu Morishita.Ashley and Olive are back to process what the heck happened in the back half of Morishita's series. They discuss Rei and Riku's family drama, Riku and Ten and Chiaki's relationship (how is Riku not canonically confirmed bi??), the use of tension in Morishita's works, and much, much more. Because so much happened in these six volumes, and the reader is definitely not prepared for all of them.REFERENCESShortcake Cake is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineA Sign of Affection, Morishita's current work, is being published by KodanshaOther manga mentioned:My Love Mix-Up!Maid-Sama!Ouran High School Host ClubOther artists mentioned:CLAMPArina TanemuraTruck-kunThe 5 Love Languages by Gary ChapmanBridgerton Season 2Jacob and Renesmee from TwilightOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USOlive on Twitter: @allofthemangaOlive writes for But Why Tho?Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram

This episode covers volumes 1–6 of Shorkcake Cake by Suu Morishita (that's the first half).The duo that makes up Suu Morishita burst onto the English manga scene in recent years with Shorkcake Cake and A Sigh of Affection. In this episode, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and manga reviewer Olive discuss what makes SCC a breath of fresh air, from Ten's kind frankness, to Chiaki's dorkiness, to Riku's fumbling sincerity. Then again, there's also Rei, who's been going Goblin Mode since before it was cool. Why??REFERENCESShortcake Cake is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineA Sign of Affection, Morishita's current work, is being published by KodanshaOther manga mentioned:Ao Haru RideDaytime Shooting StarDengeki DaisyPrincess JellyfishFruits BasketSnow White with the Red HairMy Love Mix-Up!BleachHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieThe 5 Love Languages by Gary ChapmanOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USOlive on Twitter: @allofthemangaOlive writes for But Why Tho?Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Covers volumes 10–18 of Takane and Hana by Yuki Shiwasu (that's the second half of the series).Takane is 27. Hana is 17. They're arranged marriage partners, and they're finally read to admit that they're in love. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and librarian Kelly are back to discuss how this age-gap romance wrapped up its story with a blissfully minimal amount of squick but still a high amount of disappointment. That's what the drama was between Takane and his mom and the whole Takaba corporation? Takane and Hana have to get married right now? Hana ends up just as a housewife? But we did get something great in the end: a possible OT3 with Yukari, Kirigasaki, and Rino.REFERENCESTakane and Hana is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineKelly used to host a podcast called One Panel LaterKelly has been on to discuss House of the Sun and Waiting for SpringThere are some Maid-Sama vibes in Shiwasu's seriesOther manga mentions:Tokyo GhoulDemon SlayerNarutoA Silent VoicePrincess JellyfishFullmetal AlchemistKelly said she got Breaking Dawn vibes from this endingAren't we all hikikomori now?Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USKelly on Twitter: @kellyquteShe says her Twitter is now a danmei/MXTX fan accountShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Covers volumes 1–9 of Takane and Hana by Yuki Shiwasu.Hana is a perfectly average high school girl. Takane is a 26-year-old scion of a conglomerate. Together, they are arranged marriage partners (but they're definitely not dating!!). Kelly returns once again to talk about an age-gap romance — one that both she and Ashley are highly positive on. In this episode about the first half of the series, Kelly and Ashley try very, very hard to articulate how the series never (well, almost never, anyway) enters squick territory, talk about the wide cast of characters (Rino is great! Also, why is Rino here??), and discuss the funniest parts of the series. We promise, it's worth giving this hilarious contemporary a chance!REFERENCESTakane and Hana is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineKelly used to host a podcast called One Panel LaterKelly has been on to discuss House of the Sun and Waiting for SpringThere are some Maid-Sama vibes in Shiwasu's seriesYuki looks like Hitomi from EscaflowneNicola looks like a combo of the priest from Yona of the Dawn and Tamaki from Ouran High School Host ClubTerrace House: Aloha StateSuicide of Terrace House resident Hana KimuraOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USKelly on Twitter: @kellyquteShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Covers volumes 16–23 of Hana-Kimi by Hisaya Nakajo.Welcome back for the final Hana-Kimi episode! The Ashleys are back to discuss how wild this ride has been: The strange results of the final character poll, what the series says about gender, how it compares to other gender-bending series, and of course, finally, the ships. Also: Can you believe this manga kept up the premise of Mizuki's gender being a secret the ENTIRE TIME? We just don't get manga like this anymore! REFERENCESHana-Kimi is available from Viz MediaThis series is the precursor to OuranOther manga mentioned:Tokyo BabylonGirl Got GameBasaraNot Your IdolPrincess JellyfishFruits BasketKimi ni TodokeOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAshley Hawkins' website: Manga LibrarianAshley Hawkins' Twitter:  @manga_librarianShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramHost Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Welcome back to Osaka High and the middle third of Hana-Kimi. Shojo and Tell host Ashley is joined by Manga Librarian Ashley to talk about all the hijinks that ensued here. What's the tone? Gil's still here?! How can Mizuki assume Sano doesn't know she's a girl when she sleeps with him in the same bed half the nights and she's got her boobs pressed up against him? Mizuki grew up in Berkeley, California? You know what, that makes a lot of sense, actually...REFERENCESHana-Kimi is available from Viz MediaThis series is the precursor to OuranEveryone should watch The Vision of EscaflowneTatsuki from Fushigi Yugi is like NakatsuOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAshley Hawkins' website: Manga LibrarianAshley Hawkins' Twitter:  @manga_librarianShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramHost Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Episode 1513: Our article of the day is Shojo Beat.

Covers volumes 8–13 of Ao Haru Ride by Io Sakisaka.One year after recording about the first half of Ao Haru Ride, we’re back on the bandwagon to talk about the ending. Shojo Beat Senior Editor Nancy and Shojo & Tell host Ashley talk about every single confession and rejection scene, consistently compare the series to WE WERE THERE, bring up one too many times that [SPOILERS] it’s annoying that Kou was hit by a car, and so much more. Like, get out of here, Kikuchi. Kou and Futaba forever.REFERENCESYou can find our first Ao Haru Ride episode hereAo Haru Ride is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineOther works Nancy has edited:Vampire KnightIdol DreamsMaison Ikkoku Collector's EditionMy Love Mix-Up!Other Io Sakisaka works: Strobe Edge, Love Me, Love Me NotAo Haru Ride pays homage to We Were ThereOther manga mentioned:HorimiyaCLAMPMy Love Story!!Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USNancy runs the Shojo Beat Twitter: @shojobeatYou can ask questions and make licensing requests on Shojo Beat's Tumblr: officialshojobeatShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00The next episode will be about volumes 1 –7 of Waiting for Spring by Anashin.

Basketball is coming back, and I cannot wait to be disappointed by yet another team I have picked up. I didn’t choose the Bears or White Sox, but I definitely chose yet another cursed franchise in the Clippers. Why. This episode, we’re talking about Io Sakisaka’s Ao Haru Ride published by Viz. The song you […]

Covers volumes 7–12 of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yuu WataseCaitlin (OG Fushigi Yugi superfan), Sara Linsley (manga letterer extraordinaire), and Zahra Ymer (manga scholar in training), and Ashley (Shojo & Tell host) are back for the second half of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden, aka The Better Fushigi Yugi (sorry, OG FY). This episode gets heavy: The primary topic is about accepting death (it's better if you know going in that priestess Takiko is going to die!). All four talk about the points at which they cried, and how much (not Soren!!), make fun of Efinluka's name (.... well, how would you pronounce it?), and ponder if Takiko and Uruki having sex while Uruki presents female would upset the god, Genbu. You will laugh, you will cry, and if we're lucky, you won't die.REFERENCESFushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineExcellent series Sara has lettered:Waiting for SpringSweat and SoapFushigi Yugi: Byakko SenkiThe Fable of the Dragon TyrantYou, too, can get wrecked looking at the Wikipedia page for tuberculosis Weathering With You tried to have its cake and eat it, too, when it came to sacrificeHas anyone read Arata: The Legend besides Ashley?Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USCaitlin on Twitter, her personal blog, Anime Feminist, and Anime News NetworkSara on Twitter and her personal websiteZahra on Twitter and Anime FeministShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter @AshMcD00Next episode will be about volumes 1-5 of After School Nightmare by Setona Mizushiro.

Covers volumes 1–6 of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yuu WataseGenbu Kaiden is Shojo & Tell host Ashley's second-favorite manga (behind only the illustrious Maid-Sama!), and so, this episode has several special guests. Caitlin (OG Fushigi Yugi superfan), Sara Linsley (manga letterer extraordinaire), and Zahra Ymer (manga scholar in training), and Ashley discuss how the series compares to its predecessor, pick apart Watase's sidebar notes (she thinks she'd be Tomite if she were a boy?!), fawn over Uruki / Limdo and Takiko (okay, that's mostly Ashley), and discover that all the good guys in this manga are basically serial killers.REFERENCESFushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineExcellent series Sara has lettered:Waiting for SpringSweat and SoapFushigi Yugi: Byakko SenkiA Genbu character gets compared to Walter White from Breaking BadHatsui is inspired by MoominsThings that are most definitely shojo (note: sarcasm):Your Lie in AprilToradora!Random mentions:Code GeassAvatar: The Last AirbenderKuranosuke from Princess JellyfishTubbs from Neko AtsumeSwanOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USCaitlin on Twitter, her personal blog, Anime Feminist, and Anime News NetworkSara on Twitter and her personal websiteZahra on Twitter and Anime FeministShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter @AshMcD00Next episode will be about volumes 7-12 of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yuu Watase

This is a review of Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki volume 1, a new series by Yuu Watase that's going to be released by Viz.Whether you've read the original Fushigi Yugi and Genbu Kaiden or not, you should be hype for the latest (and last) installment in Yuu Watase's beloved series. Byakko Senki is set slightly after Genbu Kaiden and follows Suzuno as she struggles with the sudden loss of her parents and being the destined priestess inside The Universe of the Four Gods. Fushigi Yugi has always been dark, but this first volume is the heaviest of the series yet. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher run through all the heavy events of this volume and about what they're excited to see in the future. (Which brother is Tatara?!?!)REFERENCESFushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki volume 1 is being released  by Viz Media's Shojo Beat line in August 2020. Please note that at this time, the series is on hiatus and no other volumes exist.Watase has come out as x-gender, which is a nonbinary gender. The Shojo Beat Tumblr says Watase's pronouns are still she/hers. (We sometimes used "they" in the podcast.)It's interesting to read this after having just covered Haruka: Beyond the Stream of TimeMentions:Previous Fushigi Yugi series (obviously; beware of spoilers!)Arata: The Legend, Watase's shonen seriesRedwallThe Melancholy of Haruhi SuzumiyaThe Chronicles of NarniaOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Covers volumes 10–17 of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno.We’re back to discuss the second half of Haruka, a manga series based on one of the earliest otome game franchises. Suddenly, the story remembers it’s a romance, and all eight of the guardians realize they're vying for the priestess Akane’s heart. And she starts to see all of them as the sexy menfolk they are. (Except Yasuaki, who is still the best. But he's a golem (or is he a homunculus?), so we get it.) Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher discuss Yorihisa and Akane’s relationship and the representation of the Demon Clan and gush about their favorite characters. Thanks to the two people who listen to this episode! You know who you are.REFERENCESThe Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time manga is out of print (published in English by Viz Media's Shojo Beat line), and the games were never brought over for English audiences. You can watch the anime legally on Tubi, though. (Watch at least the opening theme song! It's really dope.)Haruka is essentially an inferior Fushigi YugiHaruka is mainly an otome game franchise.  Read Anime Feminist's article that's a beginner's guide to otome games.Ashley watched the Haruka anime back in the day because Tenma and Yorihisa shared voice actors with Van and Allen from The Vision of EscaflowneSometimes you get the animation quality of Fruits Basket  remake, but most of the time in shojo anime, you.... just don't...For some reason Yu-Gi-Oh! came up a lotOni v Yokai v shikigamiYorihisa's brother looks like Dark from DNAngelHomunculus v golemRead The Golem and the JinniAsher will not be the guest for the eventual Takane & Hana episodesOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00The next episode will be about Paradise Kiss  by Ai Yazawa.

Covers volumes 1–9 of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno.Haruka (perhaps more widely known as Harukanaru Toki no Naka de) was one of the first-ever otome games, and it launched a franchise that spun off into manga and anime adaptations as well. Though the series didn’t gain popularity in the United States, we thought HARUKA was important to cover for its historical context. In this episode, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher journey back to the Heian era with Akane (a normal high school girl who’s a priestess in this alternate timeline), Tenma, and Shimon (two of Akane’s classmates that end up being her guardians) to meet even more hot men vying for Akane’s heart. (And fighting a war against a clan of demons.) It’s basically a much worse Fushigi Yugi. But Yasuaki and Eisen make it all worth it. Well… almost.REFERENCESThe Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time manga is out of print (published in English by Viz Media's Shojo Beat line), and the games were never brought over for English audiences. You can watch the anime legally on Tubi, though. (Watch at least the opening theme song! It's really dope.)Haruka is essentially an inferior Fushigi YugiHaruka is mainly an otome game franchise.  Read Anime Feminist's article that's a beginner's guide to otome games.Comparisons made to elements of Haruka and better franchises:Tenma = inferior!Kyo SohmaShimon = inferior!Peeta MellarkEisen = inferior!NurikoAkane = inferior!KagomeWe could keep going but you get the pointWho's the 8th Digidestined?The Four Gods in DigimonJust War TheoryAshley hates Ignis from Final Fantasy XV, while Asher loves IgnisOkay there's also inferior!Clow ReedOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00The next episode will be about the second half of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time (volumes 10–17).

Covers both volumes of Beast Master by Kyousuke Motomi"There is a beast inside of each of us that protects the things we hold dear." That’s the driving force behind this short story from Kyousuke Motomi (Dengeki Daisy, QQ Sweeper). It follows Yuiko as she tries to tame the beast of a boy named Leo. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher discuss how moar money leads to moar problems in Leo’s family, why English is wrong for having “fear” and “hatred” be separate words, how this story of domestication and bestiality compares to manly man menfolk literature from the likes of Jack London and Ernest Hemingway, and how the lion testicles are a metaphor for manhood. Plus, we revel in the one-shot, "Cactus Summer Surprise."REFERENCESBeast Master is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineOther works by Motomi: Dengeki Daisy, QQ SweeperWestern comparisons:The Call of the Wild by Jack LondonErnest HemingwayBeauty and the BeastOther anime/manga references:Hayate the Combat ButlerHaruka: Beyond the Stream of TimeYuu WataseDigimonOutlaw StarBasaraCharacter lookalikes:Mowgli from The Jungle BookElmyra Duff from Tiny ToonsMisc:The Good PlaceRonny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America!HatchetMy Side of the MountainOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Covers volumes 1–7 of Ao Haru Ride (aka Blue Spring Ride) by Io Sakisaka.Ao Haru Ride is the story of sweethearts Futaba and Kou after they were separated in middle school and reunited in high school. On this special episode, Nancy Thistlethwaite (the editor of the series for Viz Media's Shojo Beat!) delves into the enduring appeal of Io Sakisaka's work, how Ao Haru Ride pays homage to We Were There by Yuki Obata, and explains the use of some unexpected slang. This is also the first time the podcast has covered a series that is currently still publishing in English.REFERENCESAo Haru Ride is currently being published by Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineOther works Nancy has edited: Ouran High School Host Club, Vampire Knight, Not Your Idol, An Incurable Case of Love, The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Fushigi Yugi: Byakko SenkiOther Io Sakisaka works: Strobe Edge, Love Me, Love Me NotAo Haru Ride pays homage to We Were ThereOther manga mentioned: Shortcake Cake, Daytime Shooting StarAnime mentioned: Yuri!!! on Ice, Keep Your Hands Off EizoukenYA books and authors mentioned: Meredith Russo, John Green, Rainbow Rowell, Angie Thomas, The Hunger Games, Divergent, Twilight, Children of Blood and Bone, The Wicked KingCONTACT USNancy runs the Shojo Beat Twitter: @shojobeatYou can ask questions and make licensing requests on Shojo Beat's Tumblr: officialshojobeatShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00The next episode will be about the short series Beast Master by Kyousuke Motomi.

Covers both volumes of Meteor Prince by Meca Tanaka.A wild and whacky ride awaits in this super-short series about an alien named Io (who is essentially Tamaki Suoh from Ouran High School Host Club) looking for his soul mate, Hako, on Earth. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her lover Asher dive deep into the use of soul mates in literature and have an excessively silly shipping corner. Remember: You and me, baby, ain't nothing but mammals, so let's do it like they do on the Discovery Channel. (But is Io a mammal??)REFERENCESMeteor Prince is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineMeca Tanaka's other work, The Young Master's Revenge, is also available from Shojo Beat. We also have a podcast about it.Other manga mentioned: Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty, Basara, Princess Jellyfish, Ouran High School Host Club, Fullmetal AlchemistRandom things: Shaun of the Dead, "The Bad Touch" by Bloodhound GangOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

This is a review of Not Your Idol volume 1, a new series by Aoi Makino that's going to be released by Viz.Not Your Idol tackles the ups and downs of idol culture in Japan (as you can probably tell from the title). It follows a girl named Nina, who was once the leader of the idol group Pure Club. At an event for Pure Club, she was attacked by a supposed fan, which leads her to drop out of the group and start dressing as a boy to protect herself. That's only the beginning of the drama, though. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and basically a cohost Asher give their thoughts about what a promising start volume 1 is for the series. (With a warning that Not Your Idol is also pretty upsetting.) REFERENCESNot Your Idol is coming out in May. Please preorder the series if you're intrigued!Other series recently released or coming out soon from Shojo Beat: Love Me, Love Me Not, Prince Freya, and Fushigi Yugi: Byakko SenkiSeries mentioned: A Silent Voice, Beast Master, and  Takane and HanaOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Covers volumes 19–27 of Basara by Yumi Tamura (the last third of the series).The war epic that is Basara finally comes to an end in this long denouement (and two volumes of side stories). Shojo manga master Caitlin and Shojo & Tell host Ashley answer a listener question about lost limbs, pay tribute to the characters who didn't survive to the end of the story, go into the handling of the later plot developments involving the White King, Ginko, and chat about all the side stories (there were so many!). Along the way, dolphin bombs are discussed, and Nachi canonically becomes a California surfer bro.REFERENCESBasara is available digitally in English from Viz MediaBasara also has a 13-episode anime adaptation7SEEDS is another work by Yumi Tamura that got a (not great) anime adaptation recently (available on Netflix). The manga has not been licensed in English.The Vision of Escaflowne features a character with a  lost limbOther manga/anime references: Fushigi Yugi, Boys Over FlowersThe "military marine mammal" Wikipedia page is probably the best/worst thing you'll have read in a whileOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USCaitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodereCaitlin’s writings on  The Daily Dot and Anime FeministVisit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojoShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00Next episode will cover the short series Meteor Prince by Meca Tanaka.

Covers volumes 10–18 of Basara by Yumi Tamura (the middle third of the series).The middle third of Basara contains some wacky stuff, like a baby who's not really a baby and threatens to stab Sarasa. But honestly, we don't get into all that: shojo manga master Caitlin and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss the identity crisis of Sarasa/Tatara and how that's wrapped up in gender, get into Ageha as a character and the manga's main theme about reconciling with your perceived enemies, and both applaud and laugh at the sexy sex scene between Sarasa and Shuri. Plus, we weigh in on the most important part of all: Ageha's haircut, yay or nay?REFERENCESBasara is available digitally in English from Viz MediaBasara also has a 13-episode anime adaptation7SEEDS is another work by Yumi Tamura that got a (not great) anime adaptation recently (available on Netflix). The manga has not been licensed in English.Yona of the Dawn is a lot like BasaraOther manga/anime references: Fushigi Yugi, Tokyo Babylon, Ceres: Celestial Legend, and The Vision of EscaflowneOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USCaitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodereCaitlin’s writings on  The Daily Dot and Anime FeministVisit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojoShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00Next episode will cover volumes 19–27 of Basara.

Covers volumes 1–9 of Basara by Yumi Tamura (the first third of the series)Strap in for a classic epic fantasy shojo series with Basara. Though it never quite blew up in the United States, Yumi Tamura's manga is spectacular, and Anime Feminist's Caitlin and Shojo & Tell host Ashley are here to set the record straight about its greatness. Basara tells the story of Tatara, the child of destiny, who's fated to overthrow the evil rulers of Japan. When Tatara dies, his sister, Sarasa, takes his place. And she falls in love, unknowingly, with her greatest enemy, Shuri, the Red King. Talk about drama. Again — it's the best drama. Caitlin and Ashley delve into exactly why Basara never blew up with the English fandom, celebrate that sweet, sweet menstrual period representation, fawn over Ageha, and much more.REFERENCESBasara is available digitally in English from Viz MediaBasara also has a 13-episode anime adaptation7SEEDS is another work by Yumi Tamura that got a (not great) anime adaptation recently (available on Netflix). The manga has not been licensed in English.Caitlin only likes to discuss long series, like Kimi ni TodokeWe've got a Princess Tutu mention up in hereAshley manages to bring up Maid-Sama!Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USCaitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodereCaitlin’s writings on  The Daily Dot and Anime FeministVisit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojoShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00Next episode will cover volumes 10–18 of Basara.

Covers all seven volumes of Behind the Scenes!! by Bisco HatoriWhat if Ouran High School Host Club, but with college students who are members of the “art squad”? That’s the premise of Bisco Hatori’s follow-up to her smash-hit, formative comedy series. Shae from Shaegeeksout and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss all the ways in which Behind the Scenes!! is and is not like Ouran, give some sound dating advice, shout-out the representation of anxiety in Ranmaru, choose which Goda is better (long hair? short hair?!), and stan Tomu x Maasa forever. If you don’t want to craft after reading this series, do you have a soul?REFERENCESBehind the Scenes!! is available from Viz MediaGateway shojo: Ouran High School Host Club and Fruits BasketMaasa needs to read Embrace Your Weird by Felicia DayMaasa also needs to listen to this podcast episode about surviving the zombie apocalypse from Charles Duhigg's How To!Soulless by Gail CarrigerForever stanning Akiko HigashimuraOutro song: "Smile Its Me!" by DanosongsCONTACT USShae on the Internet: Twitter, YouTube, and InstagramShojo & Tell on Twitter, Instagram, and TumblrAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00The next episode of the podcast will cover My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness and My Solo Exchange Diary by Nagata Kabi.

Covers volumes 10-18 of OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB by Bisco Hatori OURAN superfan Rose Bridges, manga reviewer Aisha Soleil chat, and Shojo & Tell host Ashley are back to talk about even more host club hijinks. Specifically, this episode is basically about everything that wasn't adapted into the anime version. (You've been warned.) The three dive into more comparisons between the anime and manga, discuss some responses from listeners about their favorite host club boys (y'all are such haters about the twins, you know that?), talk about why there aren't more reverse harem series of late, and have a 40-minute Shipping Corner. There is just so much to say about Haruhi x Tamaki x Kyoya, okay? REFERENCES Ouran High School Host Club is available from Viz Media Brief mention of Digimon and discussions that took place on Ashley's previous podcast, Podigious What the heck's a ganguro girl? If you want to go more in-depth about how Ouran changed the reverse harem genre and led to shows like Free! and Yuri!!! on ICE, read Rose's article on Anime News Network, "The Secret Revolution of Ouran High School Host Club" Hana Yori Dango/Boys Over Flowers What’s takarazuka? FREE ONLINE GENDER QUIZ Zelda: Majora’s Mask is frightening Ouran definitely inspired Maid-sama! Author Bisco Hatori will be attending Anime Expo this year Reminder that you can legally watch all of the Revolutionary Girl Utena anime subbed on YouTube for free Modern Ouran: Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun Be sure to check out Rose’s book on the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack Outro song: A cover of "Sakura Kiss" by AmaLee, which you can buy on iTunes CONTACT Follow Rose on Twitter @composerose Follow Aisha on Instagram @MommaLuvsManga Watch Aisha's manga reviews on her YouTube channel Follow the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00 If you have any comments or questions, you can email shojoandtell@gmail.com Please leave a rating in iTunes or Stitcher! The podcast is going on hiatus until September 2019! What the next episode is going to be about is still a mystery.

Covers volumes 1-9 of OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB by Bisco Hatori Bisco Hatori’s breakout hit has made everyone laugh at pretty rich boys and their host club hijinks for over a decade. At the same time, it’s got a fair amount of problematic takes in it. So should OURAN be considered a must-read classic? OURAN superfan Rose Bridges and manga reviewer Aisha Soleil chat with Shojo & Tell host Ashley about who their favorite boy is (lots of unpopular opinions abound, but we can all agree that Haruhi Fujioka is the best part of this manga) and dissect the ups and downs of Ranka’s portrayal as a drag queen. Of course, there's also plenty of talk about gender being a performance, social class being a different kind of performance, and how the facade of the Host Club lets characters be their authentic selves. Welcome to Music Room #3. REFERENCES Ouran High School Host Club is available from Viz Media Lots of talk about similarities with Fruits Basket Tamaki is voiced by Vic Mignogna in the English dub, and he has been accused of sexual misconduct Read The Power by Naomi Alderman Follow the Manga Mavericks podcast What's a fujoshi? Ouran definitely inspired Maid-sama! Author Bisco Hatori will be attending Anime Expo this year Please tell me! Galko-chan Cranbrook Kingswood, aka, "IRL Ouran" Super cool to eat at The Ratty Crazy Rich Asians, aka, more mainstream Ouran Yōji Enokido was a screenwriter on both the Utena and Ouran anime Still waiting on that Udon release of Rose of Versailles Reminder that you can legally watch all of the Revolutionary Girl Utena anime subbed on YouTube for free If you're really into Lobeila in Ouran, get into Strawberry Panic Modern Ouran: Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun Outro song: A cover of "Sakura Kiss" by AmaLee, which you can buy on iTunes CONTACT Follow Rose on Twitter @composerose Follow Aisha on Instagram @MommaLuvsManga Watch Aisha's manga reviews on her YouTube channel Follow the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00 If you have any comments or questions, you can email shojoandtell@gmail.com Please leave a rating in iTunes or Stitcher! The next podcast episode will be about Ouran High School Host Club volumes 10-18 (which is the second half).

Covers all of Phantom Thief Jeanne by Arina Tanemura This is the first series by Arina Tanemura discussed on the podcast! What the heck’s a Phantom Thief, and what does it have to do with Jeanne d’Arc? Wait, God and some angels are here, too? There’s time travel? Long-time Tanemura fan Laura Spicer, Shojo & Tell host Ashley, and begrudging participant Asher Sofman delve into “Arina’s Christianity fanfiction” to discuss purity politics, how the anime compares to the manga, and how everyone in this manga got with the wrong person except Finn Fish and Access Time. (Chiaki doesn’t deserve Maron! HE DOESN’T DESERVE ANYBODY!) Also, did you know that Jeanne d’Arc and Eve (of Adam and Eve fame) are the same? Yeah. You’re in Tanemura land now. Proceed with caution. REFERENCES Phantom Thief Jeanne is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line Other Tanemura works mentioned: Full Moon o Sagashite, The Gentlemen’s Alliance, Idol Dreams Everyone’s Getting Married episode of the podcast Tanemura did character designs for IDOLiSH7 Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs CONTACT US Laura’s social media: Twitter, Instagram, Art Tumblr Asher’s social media: Tumblr, Archive of Our Own Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00 Next episode will be about the first 9 volumes of Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori

Covers all of My Love Story!! by Kazune Kawahara and Aruko Just how subversive (or not) is this story about an unconventionally attractive hero (Takeo Gouda), his best friend (Makoto Sunakawa), and his cute girlfriend (Rinko Yamato)? What’s up with its purity politics? How does it fit into the rise of shojo with male protagonists? How pleasant is it to see a story about characters in a relationship through 97.892749%* of the story, instead of having a series of miscommunications preventing them from dating? (*This number is an estimate.) And just who IS the better boy in this beautiful manga, Takeo or Sunakawa? (Hint: It’s Sunakawa.) Shojo & Tell host Ashley discusses these topics and more with the hosts of the podcast Manga Mavericks. (This actually isn’t an episode of Shojo & Tell! It’s an episode of Manga Mavericks. If you already listened on their feed, you don’t need to listen again here!) REFERENCES My Love Story!! is available from Viz Media Listen to more episodes of the Manga Mavericks podcast Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs CONTACT US Manga Mavericks on Twitter: @manga_mavericks Colton on Twitter: @sniperking323 Lum on Twitter: @LumRanmaYasha Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00 If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

Covers volumes 21–30 of Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho Shiina (end of the series)Welcome to our final episode on Karuho Shiina’s contemporary classic. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and shojo manga connoisseur Caitlin Moore FINALLY get to reflect on what went down between Ayane and Pin (how it was all handled was such a pleasant surprise!). Plus, Kurumi finally gets her time to shine in our elaborate alt ending where she ends up with Sawako and as a contestant on TERRACE HOUSE (this episode involves a lot of fanfiction-making). And most importantly, Ashley and Caitlin rank Pin’s hairstyles (some are much better than others). We hope this manga reached you!Click here for a transcript of this episodeREFERENCESKimi ni Todoke is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat in North AmericaThe Kimi ni Todoke anime is available on Crunchyroll (the anime only covers volumes 1–10 of the manga, which means you can’t follow this podcast episode if you’ve only seen the anime)My Love Story!! spoilers happened in this episodeKurumi ends up on Terrace House, but she will never be better than the best couple, Tsubasa and ShionWatch Skull-Face Bookseller Honda-san for all the sweet manga referencesListen to the podcast One Panel Later, where two librarians compare manga and Western comicsOutro song: “My Love All For You ‘Kimi ni Todoke...’” by MAY’S [ending song of the second season of the Kimi ni Todoke anime]. It’s available in American iTunes.CONTACT USCaitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodereCaitlin’s writings on Anime FeministVisit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojoShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

Covers volumes 11–20 of Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho ShiinaWinter is here, which means it’s time to settle in with the coziest manga for the season: the beloved Kimi ni Todoke. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and shojo manga connoisseur Caitlin Moore are back to discuss the good and the bad about the middle of Karuho Shiina’s hit series. Somehow, Kazehaya and Kento have flipped in quality during these 10 volumes (KAZEHAYA. GET IT TOGETHER. HOLD SAWAKO’S HAND.), so a lot is said about how that weirdness happens. Also discussed: The best Chizu moments (when she says Kento is a “schmuck” is very high on the list), why Ayane continues to be the best, and how crummy Kazehaya’s dad is. Plus, we figure out Ayane’s love language, because she deserves a nice boy and happiness.Click here for a transcript of this episodeREFERENCESKimi ni Todoke is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat in North AmericaThe Kimi ni Todoke anime is available on Crunchyroll (the anime only covers volumes 1–10 of the manga, which means you can’t follow this podcast episode if you’ve only seen the anime)QUIZ: Love Languages Personal Profile for CouplesBook: The 5 Love Languages by Gary ChapmanSay I Love You. anime and mangaSome images Ashley took of the Kimi ni Todoke Exhibit that happened at Tokyo Anime Center in DNP Plaza back in March/April 2018Outro song: “My Love All For You ‘Kimi ni Todoke...’” by MAY’S [ending song of the second season of the Kimi ni Todoke anime]. It’s available in American iTunes.CONTACT USCaitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodereCaitlin’s writings on Anime FeministVisit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojoShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

Covers volumes 1–10 of Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho ShiinaThe year 2018 marked the end of an era: After 30 volumes, the deeply treasured Kimi ni Todoke is over. And to mark this special occasion, we’re once again embarking on a trilogy of podcasts. Shojo & Tell host Ashley is a huge Kimi ni Todoke fan, as is Anime Feminist author/editor and all-around shojo manga connoisseur Caitlin Moore. The two gush about the series’ best qualities (particularly the developments of healthy and tender female friendships) and how Ayane is the best character but Chizu is more relatable. Kazehaya is called “a good boy” several times. Constant questions about whether Pin is good or bad come up. Angry exclamations of KENTOOOOOO!! YOU IDIOT!! happen. A rant about how several men in Ashley’s life have very WRONG opinions about Shiina’s series ensues. Sawako captures our hearts and doesn’t let go. Here’s a message, from me to you: Kimi ni Todoke is a delight.Click here for a transcript of this episodeREFERENCESKimi ni Todoke is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat in North AmericaThe Kimi ni Todoke anime is available on Crunchyroll (if you’ve only watched the anime, you can follow this podcast episode)Some of Caitlin’s other favorite shojo manga: Yona of the Dawn, BasaraShojo anime Ashley watched along with Kimi ni Todoke: Skip Beat, Say “I love you”, My Little MonsterSome images Ashley took of the Kimi ni Todoke Exhibit that happened at Tokyo Anime Center in DNP Plaza back in March/April 2018Are we friends with Akiko Higashimura yet?Outro song: “My Love All For You ‘Kimi ni Todoke...’” by MAY’S [ending song of the second season of the Kimi ni Todoke anime]. It’s available in American iTunes.CONTACT USCaitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodereCaitlin’s writings on Anime FeministVisit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojoShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

Discusses the first volume of Shortcake Cake by Suu Morishita We’re back for our second preview guide, covering this month’s new shojo manga series debut of SHORTCAKE CAKE. Viz Media’s mobile app developer Jeff Ruberg and host Ashley review and react to this first volume, digging into its fresh pop aesthetic, which boy is the cutest, Ten’s really long hair, and more. Should you pick up this volume, or should you just go pick up a piece of shortcake instead? Find out here. LINKS Shortcake Cake is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line We Never Learn is definitely not a shojo manga We Were There definitely is a shojo manga. We did multiple podcast episodes about it. Dale Carnegie is not related to Andrew Carnegie Learn How to Win Friends and Influence People The Ghibli film Ashley and Jeff can never remember the name of (Only Yesterday) Kimi ni Todoke is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line and we will be doing podcasts on it fairly soon Assassination Classroom is available from Viz Media and is definitely not a shojo manga Urban Dictionary definition of ahegao Outro Song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support! We’re doing a giveaway along with this episode! It's open until 8pm Tuesday, September 4th! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for entry details. SOCIAL Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffinitelyjeff Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00 Follow Jeff and Ashley's other podcast Podigious (about Digimon) on Twitter @podigious

Covers all ten volumes of Strobe Edge by Io Sakisaka First: Strobe Edge is an amazing title, and we take many opportunities to remind you of this throughout the episode. How do you not want to read a manga called Strobe Edge? If you need more convincing about how great this work from Io Sakisaka is, Alyssa (who runs the YouTube channel Anime Intensity) and Shojo & Tell host Ashley do a character conflicts rundown, discuss the merits (or lack thereof) of love triangles as a trope (also: Team Ren? Team Ando? Team Daiki? Why not... all of them? Or maybe we should be Team Ninako?), and gush about Sakisaka’s simple yet gorgeous art. LINKS Strobe Edge is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line Yano from Kimi ni Todoke So it turns out Strobe Edge isn’t about disco, but After Hours is a dope EDM yuri manga available from Viz Viz announced that they have licensed Sakisaka’s series Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride) If you would like to read some more about the “dire geometry of the love triangle” Manga ranking cited for the popularity of Sakisaka’s series Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare Heart of Manga licensing information page currently listing Ao Haru Ride on the wish list The anime version of Blue Spring Ride is available on Crunchyroll Love Quiz: Which TV Love Triangle Are You? [Buzzfeed] Outro song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support! SOCIAL Check out Alyssa’s YouTube channel, Anime Intensity Follow Alyssa on Twitter @AnimeIntensity Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00 Comments, questions, concerns? Need to gush about your OTP? Need to rant about how excited you are for Ao Haru Ride? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

Covers volumes 9-16 of We Were There by Yuki Obata Ultra super special guest Nancy Thistlethwaite, a senior editor for Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line, returns to do an in-depth character analysis of Nanami, Yano, Takeuchi, Yuri, and the rest of the crew in We Were There (Bokura ga Ita). (Host Ashley and Nancy may talk a little too much about Take, against their better judgment. Stop it, Take! Get out of here! Team Yano forever!) Memories, dreams, and metaphors like the internal compass are analyzed, Yano's t-shirts are harshly judged (Yano! You have better shirts than that!), and Ashley definitely overuses the word “poignant.” But seriously, this manga is really really poignant! LINKS We Were There is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line (obviously!) Other series Nancy has worked on: Vampire Knight, Ouran High School Host Club Outro song: “Kimidakewo” by Mi (opening to the We Were There anime) SOCIAL Follow Nancy on Twitter @nthistlethwaite Follow Shojo Beat on Twitter @shojobeat Follow Shojo Beat on Tumblr Follow the podcast on Twitter @shojoandtell Follow the podcast on Instagram @shojoandtell Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00 Comments, questions, concerns? Want to tell us how unfair we’ve been to Takeuchi? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

Covers volumes 1-8 of We Were There by Yuki Obata Super special guest Nancy Thistlethwaite, a senior editor for Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line, discusses the first half of the beautiful and devastating series We Were There with host Ashley. Nancy and Ashley get into why Obata’s work didn’t take off in America, which scenes punched them in the gut the most, why people who don’t ship Yano and Nanami just don’t get it, and find out which Disneyland Land Nanami is. Plus, you find out that Ashley really loves Yano’s t-shirts. LINKS We Were There is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line (obviously!) Things Nancy has been working on: Amigurumi: San-X Crochet Patterns, Pompom Pokemon Quiz: Which Disneyland Land Are You? [Oh My Disney] Outro song: “Kimidakewo” by Mi (opening to the We Were There anime) SOCIAL Follow Nancy on Twitter @nthistlethwaite Follow Shojo Beat on Twitter @shojobeat Follow Shojo Beat on Tumblr Follow the podcast on Twitter @shojoandtell Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00 Comments, questions, concerns? Want to tell us how much you also love Yano’s t-shirts and think Take lacks a personality? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

Covers all three volumes of QQ Sweeper by Kyousuke Motomi Spring is finally here! So Ashley and Laura prepare to start spring cleaning by first reading QQ Sweeper. Which is legit about sweeping. Like, with a broom. A plain old broom. Sure, it's also about exorcisms and supernatural stuff and punching giant centipedes, but mostly, it's about sweeping. And it is SO GOOD. Ashley and Laura get to the heart of what a Cinderella story even is, why this series has a sequel called Queen's Quality, the power of cleaning in real life and in metaphor, and take a quiz on how to properly clean your kitchen. (Sorry. Only your kitchen will be spotless. Kyutaro is very disappointed.) LINKS QQ Sweeper is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line The sequel, Queen's Quality, is also available from Shojo Beat (currently running series) It's advised that you have already read Motomi's Dengeki Daisy as well, as there are some crossover characters Laura runs this great blog, Heart of Manga If you want to delve further into what makes a Cinderella story The Four Gods (Genbu, Byakko, Suzaku, Seiryuu) Cleaning quiz! Learn how to clean your kitchen Ender's Game and Hive Queens Outro song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support! SOCIAL Follow Laura on Twitter @Ellesensei Follow Heart of Manga on Facebook Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00 Comments, questions, concerns? Want to give us your speculations on why QQ Sweeper stopped after three volumes and has a sequel? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

Vol 10-18 of Maid-sama! (end of the series) Asher and Ashley are back to discuss the second half of Hiro Fujiwara’s modern masterpiece about Maid Latte. As promised, the Ashes discuss Maid-sama!’s portrayal of social class and the tension between the aristocracy and the meritocracy, lament that some characters end up in problematic pairings, and gush about how cute Misaki and Usui were during the hot springs trip (and later, when they exchange scarves — too freakin’ cute!). LINKS Get Maid-sama! from Viz Media (Shojo Beat line) “Lost in the Meritocracy” by Walter Kirn (Article in The Atlantic) Google Manifesto controversy Ouran High School Host Club Outro song: “My Secret” by Saaya Mizuno, from the Maid-sama! anime, available to watch on Hulu SOCIAL Shojo & Tell on Twitter Asher on Tumblr Ashley on Twitter Listen to Podigious! A Digimon Podcast (Asher and Ashley’s other podcast together)

Covers: MAID-SAMA! Vol. 1-9 After doing two classic shojo series, we’re finally covering Ashley’s favorite manga of all time: Maid-sama! Yes, Ashley’s favorite manga is about working in a maid cafe. Asher and Ashley discuss how liking a manga about maids is okay (also discussed: whether this manga is actually about maids), what this battle of the sexes story has to say about gender roles, and whether Misaki Ayuzawa and Usui Takumi make a good couple. Mostly, Ashley just rants about how Misaki is the greatest. LINKS Get Maid-sama! from Viz Media (Shojo Beat line) Select image comparison of Tokyopop vs. Viz translations Are You In Love, Or Is It Just a Crush? [Seventeen Quiz] Outro song: “My Secret” by Saaya Mizuno, from the Maid-sama! anime, available to watch on Hulu SOCIAL Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter Follow Asher on Tumblr Follow Ashley on Twitter Follow Asher and Ashley's other podcast, about Digimon, on Twitter

Gayle Skidmore  sings in the line between artistry and accessibility, between whimsy and earworms, between what is and what can fantastically be. She is a seven-time San Diego Music Award nominee who has written over 2000 songs and released 20 albums. Among her many accolades are Best Pop in the 2015 San Diego Music Awards, Best Pop Album for “Sleeping Bear” in 2014, and Best Singer-Songwriter in 2013.Classically trained on the piano from the age of 4, a songwriter from the age of 8, she tours, records and also plays over 20 other instruments.  She has opened for Jason Mraz, Lisa Loeb, Steve Martin, Sean and Sara Watkins, Sam Phillips, and recorded withThe Softlightes, Bushwalla, Jason Mraz and Tyrone Wells among others.  She is ready to release her first full length vinyl album this year and of course, it will have a coloring book.   The Slants call themselves “the first and only all-Asian American dance rock band in the world” because they are, and “the band that must not be named” because the US Patent office and the courts will not let them copyright their name.  Regardless of what they call themselves, The Portland-based band  blows away venues with catchy dance beats, strong hooks, and wild, over the top live shows  that combine 80’s driven synth pop with hard-hitting indie and addictive dance rhythms which fans affectionately call “Chinatown Dance Rock.”  They’ve won “Album of the Year” and “Editor’s Choice” from dozens of magazines, including LA Weekly, Shojo Beat,Village Voice, City Beat, and Rockwired.  When not playing and recording the band works to help  marginalized communities, leading discussions on race and identity, and raising awareness of social justice issues. 

Manga Review of Otomen Volume 2 by Aya Kanno (Soul Rescue, Blank Slate). Translated and adapted by Lindsey Akashi. Originally published in Japan by Hakusensha. Published in US by Viz Shojo Beat, $8.99, Rated T for Teen. The irony continues to pile on as Asuka Masamune continues his reign as macho man on campus even as he secretly longs for all things cute and girly. He's even picked up a disciple, Yamato Ariake, a young boy who is constantly misaken for a girl, and has been teased about it ever since he was a kid. Ariake sees Asuka as the masculine ideal and sets out to be just like him. Of course, the reader knows that Asuka is anything but the embodiment of manly men. Ariake also wants to man up so he can confess to a girl that has stolen his heart. The relationship between Asuka and Ryo appears to be taking a romantic turn as Christmas approaches, but Asuka's mom, ever watchful for even the slightest bent towards transsexualism, arrives on the scene and tells Asuka that he has a meeting with his FIANCEE! And just wait till you see the wacko his mom has set him up with in an effort to save him from his father's fate and also to cement a business alliance. I will say this about Otomen. The series is hilarious. Most of the humor in this volume, and a lot of weirdness, concerns Asuka's fiancee, Iruka Sakiyama. She is like the Messiah of Cuteness and Asuka finds himself hard pressed to reject her interest. She actually lives in a life sized magic castle dollhouse in her vast room inside her family's mansion. And she sees Asuka as her Prince Charming. Kanno uses Otomen to parody shojo manga, actually gently poke fun at its conventions would be a more accurate description. Until you got to the Iruka section, Otomen has been pretty realistic without using many over the top elements. Kanno's main device of comedy has been the irony of Asuka's character and she has done very well with it. She is still using it, but she's coming up with more interesting situations to exploit it. I really like Otomen. It has been the biggest Shojo Beat surprise I've gotten this year. My Grade: A

I bought a couple of manga today at Barnes and Noble, including two Shojo Beat titles, the first volumes of Kimi Ni Todoke and Black Bird. It just struck me that they looked different than the usual Shojo Beat books. Neither of them had those giant ugly volume numbers in the bottom right hand corner nor the boring author font with "Story and Art by" stamp on the left bottom corner and border on the bottom edge. I've never been a fan of the generic design of any of Viz's "line" manga, like Beat and the Shonen Jump titles. To me, they make the books look boring and take away from the beauty of the covers. But I guess they do make them instantly recognizable as belonging to a certain genre. But the Shojo Beat titles in particular suffer. A machine just stamps every cover with no regard as for how it's going to affect the art. If you're lucky Viz tries to change the color of the volume number or the author info to blend in better with the colors in the cover art...if you're lucky. But with these two titles, Beat seems to be de-emphasizing the Shojo Beat brand, especially with Kimi Ni Todoke. "Shojo Beat" is nowhere to be found on its front cover. Instead of the humungoid volume number on the right there is a stylized 1 at center bottom. Even the author's name is given a more personalized font that fits the feel and style of the manga. You do have the Shojo Beat website and UPC code on the back bottom just like usual but no huge banner at the top. Blackbird has a more traditional Viz design but again does not crowd its cover with Shojo Beat insignia, borders, and unsightly font. Instead it has ethereal, airy blacks and reds with a smaller author credit and warmer volume number that fits in with the cover. On the back you do have the Shojo Beat banner at the top but the web address has been left off, hopefully to not cut across and cover up the art. I hope Viz starts treating all their Shojo Beat title cover designs like these two titles. You need to bring attention to the ART, not to the volume numbers and product line. The original artists designed the art on the covers for a reason, to catch the eyes of browsing readers, not to be distorted or even erased. It makes the Beat titles look much more attractive. It's fine to keep generic looking spines, but show the covers more love.  

Well, it's official, Shojo Beat is dead as far as the anthology magazine side of it goes. The manga imprint is going to carry on though. It has been reported that the July 2009 issue will be its last. I was kinda taken aback. I thought the magazine was doing well. I always saw it right next to Shonen Jump and saw them as the perfect couple. I was first introduced to the mag when Animerica was cancelled halfway through my subscription and they offered to replace it with Shojo Beat. I said "what the hell" and received the first six issues. I couldn't really get into any of the titles. I wasn't very openminded about shojo series back then, and also, I don't take to anthologies very well. They make me think of literature textbooks that I had to read in college. But I really like Yen+. Speaking of, I wonder how that magazine is doing for Yen? It must be doing allright or they wouldn't have released the first volumes of some of the manga series that are serialized in it. I'm way behind on it. I've bought every issue as it came out all the way to the present (but I've only read the first two issues!) Magazines seem to be a dying breed. First, Animerica, Newtype, PIQ, Electronic Gaming Monthly, and now Shojo Beat. It's been about half a year or so since I saw an issue of Protoculture Addicts at my local book or comic store. What about Otaku USA? I remember a couple of months ago, they were going to go monthly, but scrapped those plans without a word. Anime Insider? Even though it sucked, a sucky anime/manga magazine is better than NO magazine at all.

I talked about the individual titles in Yen Plus but I just wanted to make a few general comments about this attempt by Yen Press to put out a more reader friendly rather than boy or girl centered anthology. Of course, I'm talking about Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat. It's not that I don't buy Shojo Beat because I think Shojo manga are too girly. I don't buy it because it TARGETS young girls so explicitly and the bright colors make my eyes hurt. I don't read Shonen Jump (at least, until recently) either (ok, I do buy it, but the only thing I read is Naruto!). But its Donkey Kong leveling up plots can be a little offputting as well. It targets young boys that like to hit people. So I am very glad that Yen Press is trying something a bit different with Yen Plus. They just seem to have put a batch of titles together with no regard for genre readers. There seems to be a little bit of everything for everybody. The danger with this kind of strategy is that by trying to please everyone, you please noone.  Myself, I LIKE variety. But there are some readers that feel uncomfortable wading into strange waters. Witness the incredibly negative reaction that Jack Frost got from some bloggers and board posters. They were put off by the violence and fan service mainly. Has anyone heard the words "dark comedy" before? If someone gets their head cut off and then sits there, oblivious to pain, and commenting on what jerks the two supernatural fighters are, you should know things are not meant to be taken seriously. I remember someone commented on a scene in Maximum Ride when we meet a little girl named Angel and another character named Max is coming to wake her up for breakfast. One reader even said it was "straight up gross". The panel shows the girl fixing to get out of bed. To me, what is creepy is that someone can see the panel and get all kinds of weird connotations out of it. Same thing with a title like Strawberry Marshmallow. Some people have told me how that title is a moe title for perverts, but I don't get that out of it at all. I think it's just cute and funny. I guess some people just bring some weird thoughts into their manga reading experience. In the Editor's letter at the front (back?) of the magazine, JuYoun Lee wrote that this magazine was going to be a way to introduce readers to titles before they are released as tankobans. So I asked myself which of the titles in this first issue would I buy in book form? The titles I could guarantee are Bamboo Blade, Higurashi, and Pig Bride. Borderline purchases would be Jack Frost and Nabari No Ou. I would probably pass up on Sumomomo. Titles I wouldn't take even if  they were free would be Maximum Ride, Sarasah, and Night School. I don't even count One Fine Day as a title. It was pointless drivel. Some people have also complained about the running order of the OEL/Manhwa section, citing mainly the outrageously cute One Fine Day somehow being a antithetic prelude to Jack Frost. My suggested reordering of the titles would go like this. Put Pig Bride as the lead title, followed by One Fine Day, Sarasah, Maximum Ride, Night School, and lastly, Jack Frost. It seems like a more coherent arrangement of content.

Manga Podcast Review of Sand Chronicles Volume 1 by Hinako Ashihara. Translated by Kinami Watabe. Adapted by John Werry. Published by Viz under their Shojo Beat imprint, $8.99, Rated T+ for Older Teen. Ann is a young woman preparing for marriage to a foreign businessman. As she is packing her stuff, a young girl asks her about a miniature hourglass she finds in Ann's room among her valuables. It makes Ann flashback 14 years ago when she was 12 years old, shortly after her mom and dad got divorced. All those years ago, Ann and her mom visited the Sand Museum in Nima, home of the largest hourglass in the world. Ann and her mom, Miwako, had to move in with Ann's grandparents in the small town of Shimane to make ends meet. This is a crushing defeat for Miwako, who always felt trapped in her old hometown. Meanwhile, Ann has to quickly adjust to life away from Tokyo as well and soon meets a boy named Daigo, whose father hunts, kills, and eats game animals he shoots in the countryside. She also finds out that Daigo's mom and her mom were close friends when they were younger and begins to learn about her mom's dreams and aspirations. She begins to realize she belongs in Shimane even as her mom realizes her disgust with the place has not changed. My Grade: A+

Podcast Episode 70: Wild Ones Volume 1 Manga Review. Written and drawn by Kiyo Fujiwara. Translated and adapted by Mai Ihara. Originally published by Hakushensha in Japan in 2005. Published in US by Viz under their Shojo Beat imprint. $8.99, Rated T for Teen. In this romantic comedy, 15-year-old Sachie Wakamura is in a bit of a tight spot. Her mother has just died, leaving her with no living relatives. At least that is what her mother had told her. She's about to be kicked out of her home when a black limousine pulls up and an old man named Raizo Asagi steps out, claiming to be her grandfather. He offers her a place to stay but Sachie is shocked to find out that her grandpa is a Yakuza big shot with plenty of criminal thugs living at his home. A young man named Rakuto is assigned to be her personal bodyguard. He even attends her new school, where he is the student body president and is uber popular. Rakuto and Sachie finds themselves falling for each other, but Rakuto feels that he cannot start a romantic relationship with her because his duty to her grandfather outweighs any personal feelings he has. My Grade: B-