For the first time since I began creating annual top ten lists – over a decade ago, now – I actually had to struggle to find shows to select. It’s not that there wasn’t a lot of good TV this year – there was, as you’ll see from reading through my various reviews over the […]
TV Articles
The “Lumberjanes” Animated Series That Never Was
Earlier this month, ND Stevenson had an announcement. He is a writer best known for helming She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, which is an animated re-boot of the classic 1980s series She-Ra: Princess of Power, and for his webcomic (and later) graphic novel Nimona. He told interviewers from Comic Book Club that the animated adaptation of […]
15 More Successful Hollyoaks Actors
Hollyoaks is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Channel 4 is planning to make this a big occasion, similar to the 20th and 25th anniversaries. Five years ago, I published an article highlighting ten of the most successful actors from the soap. For the 30th anniversary, I will look at ten more actors who have done well […]
Female friendship and queerness across girl-centered anime
In mid-August, queer media critic Kira Deshler wrote on her newsletter, Paging Dr. Lesbian, about how many queer fans of Wednesday believe that titular character Wednesday Addams (played by Jenna Ortega) loves her best friend, Enid Sinclair (played by Emma Myers). Undoubtedly, fans of this popular ship, known as Wenclair, will be disappointed by the […]
The Flawed Logic of YouTube Reactionaries
Film criticism has produced some famous personalities and publications. Some famous critics in the US and UK have been Robert Ebert, Gene Siskel, Mark Kermode, Barry Norman, and Kim Newman. YouTube has seen a rise in critics, with one of the most well-known being Chris Struckmann, who is now a filmmaker. However, since the mid-to-late […]
It’s time for… some piracy!: Examining fictional pirates in animation
Earlier this month, there was news that a new spinoff sequel of Steven Universe was in production, entitled Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars. Animation Magazine described protagonist Lars Barriga as an “eternal teenager and space outlaw.” It said that the series will follow him “and his pirate crew” as they “smuggle contraband, evade the authorities, and […]
Black animation at the crossroads?: Diversity, corporate mandates, backlash, and hope
I recently came across a piece in the St. Louis American about Iyanu: Child of Wonder, which is based on a Nigerian graphic novel by Roye Okupe and Godwin Akpan, which incorporates Yoruba mythology and stories and was produced by a Black-owned animation studio (Lion Forge Animation). While this series, said to be influenced by […]
The Best Show You Aren’t Watching: Adolescence
If you’re in the mood for a devastating family drama that doesn’t offer answers but does offer some exceptional writing, performances, and directing, Adolescence, the new four-episode British miniseries on Netflix is for you. A shattering look at how a young boy, radicalized by the misogynistic dreck that exists on the internet, bullied by those […]
“The King is the crime!”: Commoners, royalty, and animated depictions of monarchy
Over forty-four years ago, on September 3, 1980, the series finale of the now-classic Rose of Versailles, entitled “Adieu, My Beloved Oscar,” aired on Japanese television. It depicted revolutionary leader Louis Saint-Just telling an assembly of Frenchmen, in 1792, that “the King’s own existence is itself an unforgivable crime” and “The King is the crime!” […]
Burkely’s Top Thirty Anime TV Shows of 2024 [Part 2]
As noted in part one, back in 2023, I listed my top (Western) animated series and top anime for the year. Those listed here are primarily those which are new, and aired in 2024, such as The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies, Whisper Me a Love Song, Cherry Magic!, The […]










