Deanna Nguyen

Who would’ve guessed that The Apothecary Diaries, which I wrote about for last year’s Anime of the Year Nominee Spotlight, would be a returning contender this year? Not only do I think it’s because of its popularity, but also because it aired its second season less than a year after the first one ended. During a time when some of our favorite shows take two or more years to return for another season, The Apothecary Diaries was already ahead of the game — and that’s why it’s back again on the AOTY nominee list!

Shojo has been through ups and downs when it comes to anime adaptations, with some seasons having one too few in the docket and others seeing a resurgence. It’s not always consistent, but I’m happy to see that the Shojo Renaissance never left and was only on hiatus from time to time. With 2026 underway, I’ve noticed that the winter lineup probably has the most shojo anime ever, so the year is already looking promising for shojo fans like me.

With the rise in superhero media, the genre can feel formulaic. TO BE HERO X in a new tab is different. The donghua establishes a unique premise where heroes are ranked based on their Trust Value — the amount of faith people place in them. The higher the Trust Value, the higher the rank and the stronger the hero. The show covers a wide breadth of characters, stylishly animated in 2D and 3D. Each character plays an important role in the overarching story, building up to the present timeline, which takes place in the last episode (more on this below).

Band names don’t always make sense at first, and that’s how I felt when I first came across BUMP OF CHICKEN. I would later come to find out that the name in Japanese was supposed to mean “counterattack of the weak man” or “cowards strike back,” but there was a mistranslation. Rather than focusing on their name, though, I was way more interested in their music. The first song I ever heard from the band was the acoustic version of “Zero,” which is the opening song for Final Fantasy Type-0. From then on, I was a fan and am glad that they’re still very active in producing music for video games and anime.

Depending on your generation, there was a time when you’d read comics through physical newspapers or magazines. Now that technology has made us heavily reliant on our electronic devices (like our smartphones and laptops), the way we consume media has also evolved. Introducing webcomics: a.k.a. comics, but on the internet. Where we once had to flip through pages, we can now scroll on the digital screen to read. But the best part about webcomics? They’ve gotten so popular that many of them have graced our screens in animated format!

In real life, white hair usually means you’re old. In anime and manga, though? Characters who have white hair tend to be overpoweredOpens in a new tab. They’re far from deteriorating health and deep-set wrinkles, and the last thing you want to do is make an enemy out of them.

If you want a character to stand out in a crowd, give them red hair. In any popular anime and manga, it might be more difficult when you’re competing with characters with white hair or pink hairOpens in a new tab, but when it comes to showing a fiery personality and making their presence known, red-haired anime characters, in my opinion, do it best. Just look at Kyoko Sakura (Puella Magi Madoka Magica) and Shanks (ONE PIECE), just to name a few.

Do you need more Maomao and a certain eunuch who can’t seem to get enough of her? If you, like me, can’t get enough of The Apothecary Diaries (peep all the articles I’ve written about it), you might be looking for anime series with similar vibes. Whether taking place in a historical setting or giving off an air of mystery, these anime can fill the hole that The Apothecary Diaries will leave behind (of course, you can always read the light novel or manga as well).

It’s easy to see why The Apothecary Diaries didn’t wait long for a second season (which you can stream right now!) as soon as the first one finished airing last year. The characters carry the show, especially Best Girl Maomao. If you haven’t started watching The Apothecary Diaries, now’s the time to change that!

If you watched Heaven Official’s Blessing and wanted to check out another similar donghua (Chinese anime), then The Master of Diabolism (Mo Dao Zu Shi) should be next in your queue. Both series share the same novel author, Mo Xiang Tong Xiu (MXTX), whose name appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers list three times during the novels’ release week in 2021. The donghua adaptation of The Master of Diabolism came first in 2018, which was my introduction to the MXTX universe. Once you’ve watched or read one of MXTX’s works, you’ll fall into a rabbit hole and consume everything else. If you’re one of these people and need a primer on The Master of Diabolism, I’ve got you covered!

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the Chinese-inspired, historical anime The Apothecary Diaries gaining recognition. The show isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely for me. I’m not familiar with the source material, but I can say that the anime adaptation has been a delight. In celebration of its Anime of the Year nomination, here’s me gushing about all the reasons why I adore the show.

When it comes to The Apothecary Diaries, I could list all of the things that I love about this show. What stands out to me, though, is Maomao’s relationships with the female characters — from her “sisters” at the Verdigris House to her adorable friendship with Xiaolan. I find each of the relationships empowering, especially because it’s set in a patriarchal society. In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m going to delve into Maomao’s unique relationships with the women in the show and how they support and help her grow as a character.

I’m a big fan of artists starting out independently and publishing their music on YouTube — and that’s exactly the path Vaundy took. His music career started in 2019, making him one of the newer voices I’ve heard in recent anime opening and ending themes. It didn’t take long for Vaundy to start gaining recognition, as he was chosen as one of Spotify’s “Early Noise 2020” artists. His debut album, “Strobo,” was released in 2020 and peaked at #5 on the Oricon Albums Chart.

Spring may be the season for romance, but starting the year off with a new romance anime means we don’t have to wait for love to bloom. Honey Lemon Soda has my affection this time around, if only because it has everything that 15-year-old me loved to watch in shojo anime: a moody but cool blond boy and a shy, unpopular girl as the main leads. I thought I’d grown too old for high school romances, but Honey Lemon Soda manages to reel me in with just a couple of episodes. So, here are my reasons for why you should also start watching this gem of a show!

From anime to popular video game series like SEGA’s Yakuza franchise, we’ve seen a rise in yakuza media. For the unaware, yakuza are organized crime syndicates in Japan. In real life, yakuza are feared and not to be taken lightly. In video games and anime, though? They’re sometimes portrayed as intimidating characters who are actually silly, soft and downright wholesome.

How often have many of us overlooked an anime because no one’s talking about it on social media or a big-name studio isn’t behind it? It’s a good thing you have me then! I make it my mission to spotlight hidden gems every anime season, and this time, the gem is Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms. This one’s special to me because I watched the pilot episode back in 2019 (don’t ask me how I came across it — my age is definitely showing via memory loss). Seeing Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms achieve its full potential today fills me with so much joy, especially when the creator and director is a woman.

When you watch a romance anime, you expect two likable leads with good chemistry and a natural buildup to their relationship. Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii is not that kind of romance anime. This series is for those who love mess and their characters messier. You’re not going to find perfection, wholesomeness or the traditional sense of romance in Yakuza Fiancé, but to me, that’s what makes it so compelling.

If you started watching SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary because of Hyouka, then, like me, you’re a fan of a slow-paced comfort show with mundane mysteries threaded throughout. You’re also a fan of Honobu Yonezawa — the author of the novels. SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary has been a delight to watch despite the difference in studio and direction. Like Hyouka, it’s character-driven and elevates mysteries that would appear simple and boring in real life, but thanks to the animation and cinematography, it’s anything but.

If Japanese historical anime have no fans, then I am dead. Jokes aside, am I the only one who believes this subgenre is underappreciated? I’m no historian, but I took a few courses on Japanese history during my university days, so recognizing the time periods, historical events and famous figures helped me understand each of these shows' stories, worlds and characters.

Hey, it’s me again — the resident shojo anime enjoyer and defender. I don’t think there’s been a better time than now to gush about shojo; it’s making a comeback. This time, I’m highlighting all the butterflies-in-your-stomach moments from my favorite shojo shows on Crunchyroll and why they live in my head rent-free. Warning: Intense amount of blushing ahead.

When Haru returned home after being stuck in traffic for two hours, he almost didn’t make it past the front door because exhaustion dragged him down. Once he kicked off his shoes and tossed his keys on the kitchen counter, he threw himself onto the couch, ready to sink into the cushions and sleep.

Miro’s forehead almost slammed onto the counter when the door opened, letting in a breeze that roused him and the goosebumps along his arms. “Welcome in,” Miro called out, not bothering to look past the shelves of dusty books. He rubbed his tired eyes, pushing his glasses up his forehead. An audible yawn escaped from his mouth. Miro glanced at his phone on the counter and tapped the screen—still an hour left before closing.

Night had settled in by the time Hằng finished hauling in the last cardboard box filled with her belongings into the apartment. Hands on her hips, she let out a huff as she surveyed her new home. The studio apartment, with its chalky white walls and simple hardwood flooring, left its personality up to her. Over the next few weeks, Hằng would slowly transform the space into a writer’s den: bookshelves lined up against an entire wall, a large desk littered with journals, stationery, books, her laptop, and a cup of matcha tea, book quotes enlarged on framed posters, and piles of sherpa blankets on the sofa and bed.

Your name takes shape in wary whispers Never spoken aloud For fear that you would devour their voices And bite the screams from their throats While you watch them in between The jaws of death

At first, everything was pitch black. I blinked. Okay, so my eyes weren’t closed. Also, I had eyes. I patted my body and touched my face—all intact, clothed, and completely human. A lucid dream then? I pinched my skin as hard as I could and winced. Nope, definitely not a dream.

Winds of a moon-soaked night, carry her voice as gentle as the caresses of a mother cradling her newborn child.

A chime ripples the still night, unheard by those who dance in the garden of dreams. In a rowboat that weaves its way through Lunea’s water canals, a hooded figure sits with a fox that’s curled around her shoulders. The fox’s vaporous form emits a white haze, her eyes golden and glowing. As their destination approaches, her ears prick up. The fox jumps off the young woman’s shoulders, leaving smoky tracks that dissipate before she lands atop the bow. All the while, the bell’s song resonates from around the fox’s neck.

Many of us enjoy the convenience of food delivery services on days when we don’t feel like making the drive to our favorite restaurants. We’ve heard of Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates, but Caviar goes the extra mile to partner with the best restaurants to deliver premium cuisine straight to your door. They also have in-house nutritionists to put together diet-specific collections so it’s easier for you to find healthy food in less time!

Bargain hunters are always on the move when it comes to finding holiday sales and deals. This time, it’s Presidents Day sales, which are right after Valentine’s Day, so expect to see the holiday sales merge (and a whole lotta savings!). Expect retailers, both in-store and online, to offer some of the biggest Presidents Day sales on major purchases like TVs and furniture.

In today’s entrepreneurial world, a solid business mobile plan with work-dedicated smartphones is integral to the credibility and security of your business and the productivity and work-life balance of your workforce. Right now, Verizon Business is offering an exclusive online deal for new customers: get up to $400 off each new business smartphone (add up to 99 lines). This incredible discount applies to various smartphones, including the latest iPhone 13 series and Samsung Galaxy S21 series. Simply sign up for one of Verizon’s three Business Unlimited Mobility Plans — Start 2.0, Plus 2.0, and Pro 2.0 — and a two-year or device payment agreement to take advantage of the limited-time online exclusive deal!

The day of love is quickly approaching, aka Valentine’s Day, so get your heart ready for romance and shopping! Here at Savings.com, we rounded up a diverse collection of thoughtful and unique Valentine’s Day gifts at every price point. From the latest Converse All Star V-Day shoes and luxury apparel to an ice cream maker machine and delectable teacup set, there’s something for everyone — be it for your girlfriend, wife, mother, or best gal pal. But remember: Love is the best gift anyone could receive!

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to save more while shopping, then get ready for the next major holiday sale during the first month of the year: Martin Luther King Jr. Day! This year, MLK Day falls on January 17, so expect retailers to host a weekend sale, some of which may start as early as the Friday before the holiday. Whether you missed out on the best New Year’s sales or you want to figure out what to buy and skip in January, here’s your guide on the best MLK Day sales to check out.

What’s better than bidding 2021 goodbye come the new year? Shopping all the year-end and New Year’s sales from your favorite brands and retailers! If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to save more money in 2022, get ready to shop the biggest and best deals in January. But before you dive into a shopping spree, learn what the best things to buy and skip in January are so you don’t have any regrets. From Macy’s to Amazon, below are all the best New Year’s sales in 2022 you don’t want to miss.

Pet parents will find any excuse to spoil their furbabies, so with Christmas almost here, now’s the time to find the best gifts and deals for pets that’ll either make them bark or purr. It’s never too late to shop for Christmas gifts, especially when retailers are still dishing out holiday and seasonal deals before the year ends. For inspiration on what to get your pup or kitten this Christmas, here’s a roundup of pet gift ideas for every budget.

We live in a B2B society that can’t operate without the steady drum of technology. And with holiday sales on the horizon, business owners and professionals are looking to make some affordable purchases to keep a steady workflow, like upgrading the internet service to the highest broadband speeds or shopping for smartphones designed for work use. That’s why Verizon Business tailors their services specifically for businesses to provide better productivity for employees, customer satisfaction improvement, and minimal stress on all sides. If you’re a business owner who’s been looking for a new smartphone (iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max), internet plan, or even TV service, we’ve got all the best deals from Verizon Business to meet your digital business endeavors and save you money before the year is over.

With Black Friday in full swing, the holiday season has become a joyous (and chaotic) shopping affair for everyone. And by everyone, we mean Mom, Dad, grandparents, siblings — the whole squad! We totally understand if you haven’t started shopping for Christmas gifts. For shopping inspiration, peep our holiday gift guide for ideas. Explore top brands like Macy’s, Michael Kors, Justice, and more for holiday gift ideas to give to loved ones while also snatching up exclusive, limited-time deals that won’t appear at any other time of the year. So, let the holiday shopping begin!

Shoppers already have their eyes on early Black Friday deals this month, but plenty of retailers and brands have ongoing deals right now. Among internet service providers (ISPs), Verizon Fios is offering online exclusive deals until the end of November. By providing fast and reliable internet via a fiber-optic network, Verizon Fios changes the way you surf the internet, stream shows and movies, and play competitive online games. Below are the exclusive online deals that you don’t want to pass up.

Looking for iPhone deals but bummed that it’s not Black Friday yet? You’re in luck because Verizon Wireless discounts are still going strong! Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, is a popular offer where you get to keep your current phone but earn rewards for switching or signing up with Verizon Wireless. Tablets and smartwatches are also eligible, so let them join in on the fun! If you like gift cards with a huge sum of money loaded onto them, cast your eyes on the current BYOD deals at Verizon Wireless below.

Veterans Day lands on Nov. 11 every year and is a federal U.S. holiday that honors the men and women who have made heroic sacrifices for America while serving in the military. As a show of gratitude, restaurants and retailers offer exclusive deals to veterans as well as their families and caregivers. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, select brands are even extending their veterans discounts to all year long! For all the best Veterans Day discounts and freebies, take a look at the list of participating restaurants and retailers below!

Have you been scouring ads and retailers’ websites for news on Black Friday sales? You’re not alone! Rather than wait until the end of November, you have a few opportunities to start your holiday shopping and saving. We’ve rounded up all the early Black Friday deals happening now, including major discounts on TVs, toys, smartphones, home essentials, and more. Check back for the latest updates as retailers drop early Black Friday deals in the weeks leading up to the official Black Friday start date, Nov. 26.

As we settle into the cold weather and prep for holiday festivities, major retailers are just getting started with fall sales. Lucky for you, we’ve gathered all the best deals in one convenient place so you save time and money! Retailers like Macy’s, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, and Old Navy have limited-time deals running in October and the beginning of November. While you won’t find Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here, you can take advantage of the fall deals below so you stay ahead of the savings game in the meantime!

If you love Halloween, then you’ve probably already set up Halloween decor inside and outside your home. If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat (no tricks)! This fall, get creative and inspired with budget-friendly Halloween decor, whether it’s something you buy from the store or create at home. From milk jug ghosts to a mega spider web, Halloween decor ideas aren’t just spooky but also fun to put up around the house. So get ready to be frightened (in a good way) with these 15 Halloween home decor ideas!

Now that fall has officially started, it’s time to replace summer outfits with cozy sweaters and hoodies. If you haven’t already gotten started on your seasonal shopping spree to refresh your wardrobe, dive in with the Old Navy Fall Fashion Sale from Oct. 4 to 11. Old Navy is giving up to 50% off all orders, including new arrivals. Below, check out all the latest apparel styles curated for the fall — and enjoy a whole bunch of Old Navy discounts, too!

Sam’s Club Plus Members: Get ready to save big this fall with cashback rewards and instant savings! Holiday shopping is sneaking up on us, but before we jump into the major holiday sales, Sam’s Club is offering members over $3,800 in savings, where select items are up to 25% off. Members will also earn 2% in cashback rewards on qualifying orders. These deals won’t be around forever — you have until Sept. 26 to stack up on as many savings as you can. If you’re wondering which items are the best ones to grab during Sam’s Club’s fall savings, check out our recommendations below, along with tips on how to save!

If you haven’t already heard about Great Wolf Lodge by now, you’ll want to book your stay after learning everything there is to know about America's largest indoor water park resort. Summer might be over according to the calendar, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it last a little longer by enjoying family-fun activities such as water slides, a bowling alley, an arcade, and so much more. Whether they’re for toddlers, kids, teenagers, or adults, Great Wolf Lodge’s activities and attractions will keep everyone out of the hotel room and into endless fun!

Goodbye bikinis, tank tops, and shorts — and hello cozy sweaters, preppy blazers, and shades of red and orange! As the temperature cools down, our wardrobe is in need of an upgrade or a swap to thicker clothes that’ll keep us warm. If you haven’t already started shopping for the fall, now’s the time to do it! We’ve put together a fall fashion guide that suits every person’s budget, whether it’s under $20 or under $200.

Internet-plan shopping can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. You might not be familiar with the technical lingo, and you definitely don’t want to sign up for an internet plan that costs more than what you need from the service. If you’re considering AT&T as your internet service provider (ISP), then lucky for you, we’ve got your back! We’re here to explain all the ins and outs of AT&T Internet — both the Internet Protocol Broadband (IPBB) and the fiber kind. From a primer on IPBB and fiber internet to a breakdown of current AT&T internet plans and the best overall value, here’s everything you need to know about AT&T Internet service offerings.

Every anime season always has one underrated gem, and for me this past fall, that gem was The Heike Story—a historical anime adaptation of the epic prose, The Tale of the Heike. Having studied Japanese history in college, I was curious to see how the story would translate into anime form. Once I finished watching it, I came to a conclusion: The Heike Story is not a show—it’s an experience.

The world of popular romance simulation mobile game Obey Me! One Master to Rule Them All is officially getting a manga adaptation! Titled Obey Me! Comic, the manga launched on the MangaPlaza trial page, NTT Solmare Corp’s newest digital manga platform, and is part of the site’s pre-registration campaign. If you want to check out the first two chapters, they’re available in Japanese via the Comic CMOA website, as well as on Mag Garden Kansai’s website.

Who doesn’t love an adventure story with fleshed-out characters, an engaging plot, fascinating world-building and underlying themes that tie everything together? So far, Ranking of Kings checks all these boxes. Take a look at Bojji—how can you not love and support a protagonist like him? Seriously though, Ranking of Kings works its magic on the portrayal of characters and their motivations. On a surface level, the show is a fantasy adventure with the Hero’s Journey as the traditional narrative template. But every episode has revealed that characters’ archetypes are more complex than they initially appear.

If you’ve been watching anime on Funimation, chances are you’ve come across the term “donghua.” But wait, isn’t that just anime? Not quite. Donghua are works animated and produced in China, and typically dubbed in Mandarin. Like anime, donghua offers impactful storytelling, high-octane action and plenty to love, though with stories and worlds rooted in Chinese culture!

We’ve seen our share of isekai packed with fantasy lore and sci-fi shows with technologically advanced societies, but what about anime that allows us to travel to the past and vicariously experience a time period before we were around? History buffs and anime fans alike will find plenty to love in historical anime about Japan, where stories take place throughout history, like the Edo Period and the Taisho Period. Some have more accurate depictions of their settings than others, but know that these shows are teeming with Japanese tradition, culture, language and historic events.

If anyone has ever told you that you’re overanalyzing things, they haven’t met the characters of Hyouka—and I say this in the most endearing way possible. Hyouka is a special show, not just personally, but also visually and story-wise. It centers around the phrase “life is what you make it” and asks, what does leading a normal life really mean? The show doesn’t directly answer, but it does play around with the idea that leading any life, no matter how dull or exciting, is better when you’re connected to friends and family.

Sharp fangs, red eyes, pale skin and lots of blood—vampire anime, anyone? Whether you’re a ride-or-die JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure fan or you became instantly obsessed with The Case Study of Vanitas, vampires in anime are here to stay. While some aren’t always as terrifying as others, you can still expect to find some variation of the vampire tropes that we know and (mostly) love! RELATED: Funimation Has Sports Anime: RE-MAIN, Yowamushi Pedal and More So if you’re feeling spooky despite Halloween being months away, we’ve got a handful of vampire anime shows in our catalog that are bloodthirsty for your attention. I’ll see myself out now… Let’s take a look!

Mobile dating sims have been all the rage lately, including the popular Obey Me! — One Master to Rule Them All. The game has garnered so much popularity that it recently released an anime of the same name, streaming right here on Funimation! Given the title, you’re probably wondering what Obey Me! is all about. Before you jump to conclusions, we’re giving you a rundown of the dating sim that involves seven demon brothers who are based on the seven deadly sins, and angels and humans who have been forced into the Devildom through an exchange program! Do we have your attention now? Here’s your explainer on Obey Me!—both the game and the anime!

In the world(s) of isekai, we’ve been recently blessed (pun intended) with The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent—a show that, rather than focused on epic action and revenge plots, hones in on good vibes and wholesomeness! But that only scratches the surface of why this show is the perfect slice of life isekai. Originally a novel series that received a light novel and manga serialization, The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent features a female protagonist (whose name basically translates to “saint”), an ikemen harem, and a nice balance of comedy and romance!

Looks like the ikemen sword training online browser game, Touken Ranbu -ONLINE-, will be getting a mobile version! The official Twitter account recently announced that pre-registrations for Touken Ranbu -ONLINE- Pocket are open on the App Store and Google Play Store. A release date has not been set, and the iOS and Android versions will only be available in the U.S.

If you’re looking for a game with ikemen or you’ve heard about Touken Ranbu but never got around to playing it, we’re giving you a breakdown of the web browser game that launched an English version this year! From the concept and historical influences to the anime adaptations, here’s everything you need to know about Touken Ranbu.

It’s been a fantastic year for anime movies, whether you’re into everything from gripping period dramas to demon-slaying adventures. Later this month, the breathtaking, emotional Josee, the Tiger and the Fish joins their ranks and arrives in select theaters. And you cannot miss it. The film, which tells a loving coming-of-age story that captures the emotions of youth, arrives from July 12-14 in the United States (English dubbed on July 13), and on July 12, 14 and 17 in Canada. Here are a handful of reasons why Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is worth your next watch, from the pedigree behind the film to its perfect summer vibes. Let’s jump in!

I enjoy watching anime for many reasons, but what I really love is when an anime’s art and scene direction elevates the storytelling in a beautiful and nuanced way. Directors who take creative liberties in setting the tone or conveying a message for certain scenes have my utmost admiration. Whether it’s camera framing, lighting or character blocking, these artistic decisions transform scenes and give a whole new meaning to the story, world-building and characters. I’m no film expert, but I do want to share my appreciation for some of my favorite shows by picking apart one scene where I believe the art and scene direction works exceptionally well.

It looks there’s more SK8 the Infinity on the way! It’s been confirmed that a new anime project for the series is officially in the works. On July 4, the “SK8 Masquerade of Love” event revealed that the skateboarding boys will return in a new anime project. No details followed the official announcement, but more information will be updated on the official website and Twitter account.

Get ready to celebrate anime this summer in style with Aniplex Online Fest 2021! The online event returns on July 3 at 6 p.m. PDT on YouTube, which means it’s completely free to watch! Sally Amaki, a bilingual Japanese idol from 22/7 who’s popular among English-speaking fans, and actor and personality Maxwell Powers, will host the jam-packed event and bring all the excitement that comes with Aniplex’s incredible slate of anime.

Calling all Tokyo Ghoul fans! Mangaka Sui Ishida has announced on Twitter that his newest manga series, titled Choujin X, has officially been serialized! The series was originally announced in November of last year. Ishida shared an image that offered a sneak peek of the characters and the grimdark tone of the story. There was no official release date at the time of the announcement, but after months of waiting, fans can now read the first chapter of Choujin X on MANGA Plus and Shonen Jump!

It’s time to get pumped up, because the MEGALOBOX soundtrack is officially getting a vinyl record and CD release! Wayô Records, the publisher for vinyl, CD and music box soundtracks from Japanese video games and anime composers, announced on Twitter that TMS Entertainment’s MEGALOBOX will be its first “Anime Collection OST” to release on vinyl and CD.

This past year, MAPPA took on a handful of huge projects like Attack on Titan Final Season, Jujutsu Kaisen and ZOMBIE LAND SAGA REVENGE. To celebrate the studio’s upcoming 10th anniversary, a MAPPA STAGE 2021 -10th Anniversary- event has been announced!

“Kiss, kiss, fall in love!” If you just got hit with a wave of nostalgia after hearing those lyrics play in your head, welcome to the Ouran High School Host Club (ba dum tss). With a lovable cast, unforgettable opening and ending theme songs, laugh-out-loud humor, and heartfelt moments, we’re celebrating this iconic romantic comedy for its 15th anniversary. That’s right; it’s been 15 years since the anime first premiered back in 2006! Feel old, yet? Since its debut, Ouran High School Host Club has secured a comfortable spot on the revered list of classic anime. Despite being a satire on shoujo manga stereotypes and clichés, as well as otaku culture, most of the show’s jokes and commentary still hold up to this day.

Today is a big day for My Hero Academia fans! Not only has the first episode of My Hero Academia Season 5 premiered, but we got our first batch of info for the upcoming third movie in the franchise! First up, the film’s title was officially revealed! My Hero Academia THE MOVIE: World Heroes’ Mission is the name, and the film will arrive August 6 in Japan. Once again, studio Bones will produce the anime.

A Roundup of Summer’s 6 Sweetest and Trendiest Treats in Orange County Nothing is sweeter than digging your spoon into an ice cream croissant or sipping a fluffy milkshake through a turquoise straw under summer’s embrace. These days, dessert spots are popping up at every corner and luring those with and without a sweet tooth to try something new, delicious and trendy.

Downtown Arts District Has Transformed From an Industrial Scene to a Hipster Paradise Breathe in the imaginative sights of LA’s Downtown Arts District and get a taste of the eclectic cafes and restaurants sprinkled throughout! The once-gritty, industrial area is now a splash of colors, becoming a wonderland escape for the curious adventurer.

If anyone has ever asked you what items you can’t live without, your top five must-haves probably come to mind. As humans naturally do, we change and so do our favorite food, drinks, styles and so on.

Springtime has arrived and what better way to welcome the blossoming season than to go on family outings? We’re shedding our blankets and kicking off our rainboots to embrace the sun, and Bella Terra is the perfect opportunity to eat, shop and walk around outside for that daily dose of Vitamin D.

An athlete is always on the move, and for pro soccer player Christen Press, there’s no stopping her adrenaline kick both on and off the field. From winning the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the US Women’s National Soccer Team to participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics, Press continues to run, aim and shoot no matter the number of victories and losses.

Many high school girls dream about the perfect prom, but some don’t have the luxury of spending hundreds of dollars on dresses, shoes, hair and makeup. For 16-year-old Perla Gomez, who had only been living in America for less than a year, a true prom experience seemed out of reach.

Going to the bar for a specially-made drink is one of the reasons why you’re not just sitting at home with a cold beer in your hand. But, there are instances where you would rather enjoy a glass of whiskey or vodka without the buzz of bartenders and customers. If you’re someone who has a shaker stored in the kitchen cabinet and your throat and creativity are parched, then you’ll want to check out this list of spiked specialty sippers—made and served by you!

A foodie travels near and far for the best and trendiest food spots in order to not only satisfy their stomachs but also their Instagram feed. There is no doubt Greater Palm Springs has plenty of mouth-watering yet aesthetically-pleasing plates for the hungry! The desert oasis invites innovative, culinary ideas that, as a result, hit all of the notes on your flavor palate while keeping your Instagram fed.

There’s no shortage of delectable dishes that hit the spot whenever you’re in Orange County’s melting pot. One day you’re eating tacos and the next you’re curled over a hot plate of Southern comfort food. For a little bit of everything, Craft House presents the ‘Knife + Fork’ Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich. A year-round staple, the Southern-rooted dish turns heads when it leaves the kitchen and hits the table.

Spring is at our heels and what better way to welcome the blossoming season than to go to the movies with your family or friends? The movie lineup for March is one you can’t miss, especially when you visit Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas where ordering tasty snacks and refreshing drinks will boost your movie-viewing experience.

Ready to spice up your spring with hot plates of Mexican cuisine? Join us for LOCALE Social Hour at El Mercado Modern Cuisine on Thursday, March 14 from 6-8 p.m.! For only $10, you get to kick off the fiesta and indulge in mouthwatering appetizers and refreshing drinks, one being a complimentary cocktail! Not only that, but there will also be live music to accompany your delicioso meal! Here are five reasons why we’re counting down the days to this lively social hour.

Join us for our November book club discussion of Girls Made of Snow and Glass. The story follows two young women, Mina and Lynet, in the past and present. The former possesses a heart made of glass while the latter was created out of snow.

How does one define a heroine or a female warrior? What makes her a relatable icon for young women? We had the opportunity to interview Amy S. Foster, author of The Rift Trilogy, who offered some insight as to how Ryn, the titular protagonist, is a prime example of a female warrior who enjoys fighting and isn’t afraid to curse or let her presence be known in the face of a government conspiracy.

Join us for our October book club discussion of Dread Nation. This book is more than just a zombie story set in Civil War era America — Jane McKeene, a biracial young woman, must battle not only the dead but also racism. Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—derailing the War Between the States and changing the nation forever.

Join us for our September book club discussion of Infomocracy. This is the first book in the cyberpunk political thriller series, The Centenal Cycle, and is about the corruption of political power through Information, a powerful search engine monopoly. It’s been twenty years and two election cycles since Information, a powerful search engine monopoly, pioneered the switch from warring nation-states to global micro-democracy. The corporate coalition party Heritage has won the last two elections.

The hottest weekend to ever hit Southern California occurred during Anime Expo where the heat swelled due to the sheer number of sweaty con-goers in attendance. Despite the convention’s attempts to remind attendees to stay hydrated, those without press, industry, premier fan, or ADA badge privileges still had to wait in line outside before going in for panels and premieres.

Every season of anime brings something new to the table yet at the same time continues to hammer fanservice, stereotypes, and plots ruined by genre into our heads. We’ve seen the same characters, stories, and settings – though anime studios tweak them just a bit so they’re not carbon-copies of hit shows such as Sword Art Online or Attack on Titan. While some anime fans enjoy the same old tropes, others are searching for unique and refreshing content.

WonderCon marked its 32nd year during the 2018 convention March 23 to March 25, inviting con-goers, cosplayers, press, and industry professionals to gather at the Anaheim Convention Center. Con-goers had the freedom to attend special presentations, panels, signings, events, tournaments, and the exhibit hall. On March 24, the Comics Arts Conference panels returned with numerous topics.

WonderCon marked its 32nd year during the 2018 convention March 23 to March 25, inviting con-goers, cosplayers, press, and industry professionals to gather at the Anaheim Convention Center. Con-goers had the freedom to attend special presentations, panels, signings, events, tournaments, and the exhibit hall. Among the panels that occurred on March 24, one called “Making and Publishing Queer Comics: A Workshop” presented a discussion about how queer cartoonists publish their comics to the world.

Living in Manhattan, New York proves onerous for Emika Chen, who’s been struggling to pay rent. Aside from working part-time as a waitress, Emika also works as a bounty hunter, tracking down Warcross players who bet on the game illegally. But, like most jobs out there, the bounty hunting scene is competitive. Warcross — a virtual reality game created by Emika’s idol, Hideo Tanaka — is also a way of life for those who play to earn money.

Sometimes I finish a video game and, unsatisfied by the 84 percent completion bar, I start up a New Game Plus (NG+). Sometimes I tuck the game away and revisit it months or years later. Sometimes I listen to the soundtrack and reminisce my first time playing the game. Whatever the case may be, I know a game has succeeded when I find myself going back to it. For me, that game is Horizon Zero Dawn.

The road to publication is often met with challenges, and for some writers, those challenges are harder to overcome. In order to dedicate time to their craft, writers often apply to writing grants, but not everyone wins them easily. Speculative Literature Foundation Director Mary Anne Mohanraj knows just how frustrating – and intimidating – the application process for writing grants can be.

A superstitious and patriarchal group called the Talisman has been suppressing knowledge and subjugating women in Khorasan. Led by a man known as the One-Eyed Preacher, the cruel movement continues to grow, bent on world domination. Taking a stand against the Talisman are the Companions of Hira, a diverse group of influential women with powers born from the Claim. By speaking words of the sacred scripture, these women call upon magic to aid them in their fight.

Lee Jaewon managed to escape his delinquent past in Old Seoul, but not without some scars to take with him to Neo Seoul. As a talented pilot in the military academy with hopes of becoming a worthy soldier of the Neo State, Jaewon succeeds in landing a pivotal role for the government’s secret supersoldier project. He meets his partner, Tera, who is a soldier and test subject specially trained to pilot God Machines (GMs) — massive and deadly robots built for endless warfare.

Of all the panels that graced this year’s Anime Expo, only a few focused on POC and LGBTQ+ communities. Chocolate Covered Cosplay (C3) and Queersplay met last year during the Cosplay Senpai program and decided to join forces at Anime Expo for the “C3 & Queersplay Open Discussion” panel, which took place on July 2. Panelists and attendees exchanged personal experiences on cosplaying as members from marginalized groups.

I have mixed feelings about my experience at Anime Expo this year (second time going), but the pros, for the most part, outweigh the cons. I’d been fortunate enough to receive a press badge, which saved me from waiting 4-6 hours in line to either pick up badges or get inside the Los Angeles Convention Center (I’m not exaggerating here: my friends stood in line for almost four hours.)

The annual festivity for gamers has come to an end and I have to say, E3 has seen better years. I jumped into the E3 hype back in 2015, which I believe is the best year (Final Fantasy VII Remake, Horizon Zero Dawn, and The Last Guardian announcements…a golden year for Sony, basically). Many of the games shown this year were already announced last year, but some developers did hide a few surprises up their sleeves.

Come Back Home is an indie game about a young girl, Anaaya, who discovers her village has disappeared overnight after returning from a fishing trip. She must piece together the clues and find out where her village has gone. I was given the opportunity to interview CBH’s development team, which consists of director Xiao Yang, producer Jonathan Ampiaw, and developer Che Shian Hung, students at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

“You’re a storyteller. Dream up something wild and improbable,” she pleaded. “Something beautiful and full of monsters.” Dreams, nightmares, myths, and legends come to life in Laini Taylor’s Strange the Dreamer through beautiful prose and epic world-building. Lazlo Strange, an orphan raised by monks to become a librarian, falls deeply in love with the mysterious city of Weep. While he fawns over fairy tales and magic, other people ridicule him for his bizarre infatuation.

If I were to describe Mystic Messenger, I would call it a dating app with anime boys. Sadly, you can’t meet them in real life, but their personas are as real as they come. Mystic Messenger (shortened to MysMe) is an otome game—a romance visual novel targeted towards female players whose goals are to progress in the main story while developing a romantic relationship with one of several male characters.

WonderCon took place on March 31-April 2 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. On April 2, the “She Changed Comics” panel was part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund series. Featured on the panel were Cecil Castellucci (Shade, the Changing Girl; Odd Duck; The Plain Janes), Hope Larson (Batgirl, Chiggers, Compass South), Amy Chu (Poison Ivy and Red Sonja), and moderator Betsy Gomez (CBLDF Editorial Director).

If you’re a fan of shoujo manga or anime, then you’re probably a fan of their live-action movie counterparts. Or maybe you prefer the original manga version. Whatever the case, you’ve most likely seen a live-action movie, and to brush you up on what that term means, it’s a Japanese film with real actors/actresses and settings versus an animated adaption.

Let’s face it: priorities are hard to handle. Whether or not you enjoy writing essays, you have most likely left those papers unwritten until the night before it’s due. If you frequently do this, then you truly encompass the word “Procrastinator.” Essays are different from tests for obvious reasons. You can’t just study what’s already given; everything comes from your head.

Stress has become a word that is easy to throw around nowadays. Too much homework? Stress. Too many deadlines? Stress. No food in the fridge? Stress. Whether you are a student, an employee, or a parent, there are bound to be stressful moments that temporarily block your path toward a happier life. Different people handle stress in different ways — not everyone is the same. If you can handle your stress pretty well, then maybe you can gloss over these helpful tips in relieving stress and see if you’ve been doing any of these to maintain a stress-free life. But if you are someone who lets stress push you over the cliff, then you will definitely want to keep reading.

Sometimes ending a story isn’t always what we want. Characters grow on us, and we don’t want to see them go. However, it’s best for some stories to come to an end when it’s appropriate; milking the story out can often times make us lose interest. In terms of shoujo manga, or all types of manga, the “Completed” status can be a dreadful sight but it can also be a satisfactory one.

Midterms, finals, repeat — this is the endless cycle most college students go through during their undergraduate studies and studying has never gotten more intense. Many people have different ways of studying whether that’s in silence or with subtle music playing in the background. There are also people who don’t even listen to music subtly while studying, but blast it full volume so that they can block out other unnecessary and distracting noises.

Everyone has a story to tell – you just have to find someone who’s willing to share. Most of the time, the stories that are left untold are the ones worth hearing about. These kinds of stories hold world-shattering secrets, guilty crimes, and unspeakable desires. For these reasons, many of us are not granted an audience for those stories. We’re left with the same, generative conflict or plot that doesn’t have its own voice even though it’s a story.

Nov. 10, 2014 marked an emotional day for many of us who have been following a young and ambitious man’s journey toward reaching his lifelong dream. His name is Naruto Uzumaki, a heroic icon of Japanese shounen manga and an inspiration to thousands of people who have read the series since it first got published in 1999. The series is written by Masashi Kishimoto, and after 72 volumes in 15 years, the story of Naruto finally ended.