TV TV Articles

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 […]

TV TV Articles

“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!” […]

TV TV Articles

A trend toward “nomance” in animation?: Increased depictions of female friendships

Recently, UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers released their Teens & Screens Report, which stated that of the over 1,600 adolescents they polled, over 63% preferred stories focused on platonic relationships/friendships, as opposed to romantic ones, with movies remaining a top choice for entertainment, and a preference for live-action over animation. Respondents still rated animation, […]

TV TV Reviews

Kin-iro Mosaic Blu-ray Review

Kin-iro Mosaic is the anime adaptation of Yui Hara’s slice-of-life comedic manga. It’s known as Kinmoza or translated as “Golden Mosaic.” Apart from the anime, which ran for two seasons, as Kin-iro Mosaic and Hello!! Kin-iro Mosaic, there was also a 50-minute OVA entitled Kin-iro Mosaic: Pretty Days and 82-minute film Kin-iro Mosaic: Thank You!! […]