Deanna Nguyen

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.

The adventures of Towa, Setsuna and Moroha are far from over as their journey will officially continue in Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon: The Second Act! The announcement fell on the heels of the last episode of Season 1, with the official English Twitter account, managed by VIZ Media, sharing the news! A premiere date for season two has not been set, but fans can follow the account to catch up on future updates.

It’s been four years since Porter Robinson’s “Shelter” music video roused the anime community with its bittersweet story and beautiful animation sequences. Fans of the artist were finally treated to another animated music video called “Musician,” and unsurprisingly, it’s a certified bop! This time around, Robinson collaborated with Waboku and Mah, who are best known for directing and animating Eve’s music videos (“Tokyo Ghetto, “Dramaturgy”). “Musician” is from Robinson’s upcoming sophomore album Nurture, which will release on April 23.

Staying in all day to watch anime is totally relatable and valid, but what if we told you there are plenty of sports anime that might encourage you to get outside? Whether you’re an athlete, a sports fan or neither, watching sports anime can help you find motivation for being active. This Winter Season has given us a handful of new shows that involve volleyball and two different types of skating, but we’re also looking at past sports anime that you might’ve skipped when they first aired. Now that they’re complete, you can binge them in one go!

Every so often, an anime comes along and piques your interest before turning into a full-blown hyperfixation. Don’t even try to hide the fact that you’ve dedicated your every waking thought to a series because, honestly, same. More recently, that series is SK8 the Infinity. Cue Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi,” but make it plural! Studio Bones’ latest project is all about skateboarders in the “Hawaii of Japan,” a.k.a. Okinawa. The Winter Season is stacked with sequels and new adaptations, but SK8 the Infinity stands on its own legs as an original with the backing of a well-known director, Hiroko Utsumi, and the reputable studio animating it.

Awards season is here, which means we saw all our favorite anime celebrated and rewarded at the 2021 Crunchyroll Anime Awards! The award show took place on February 19 and kicked off with host Tim Lyu isekai’ing in the virtual world and joining up with Crunchyroll-Hime to present the nominees and announce the winners.

My Hero Academia Season 5 is right around the corner, but fans have something else to look forward to this year: an official character guidebook from VIZ Media! VIZ announced the news on Twitter Friday that they will be publishing My Hero Academia: Ultra Analysis: The Official Character Guide this fall, giving fans a chance to study up on the heroes and villains of the series in the 288-page release.

Get ready for some monstrous news: the first volume of Kaiju No. 8 is crashing onto digital and physical bookshelves soon! VIZ Media dropped the news on their Twitter account that they will release the first volume of the series in English sometime this fall.

Hiroyuki Sawano fans, do you hear that? That’s right, his Aniplex music catalog will be available digitally on Feb. 12. And guys, we are SO excited. Milan Records announced on Twitter that more than a dozen of Sawano’s soundtracks from popular anime shows and films will finally get a digital release for international fans.

Remember the news about SK8 the Infinity getting a spinoff manga? Well, here’s more sick news: it’s also getting a main series manga adaptation! E-book store BookLive! will publish the SK8 the Infinity manga in Japan in March, with Kazuto Kojima as the manga artist.

After many years of English fans wishing, hoping and praying, Touken Ranbu -ONLINE-, the popular web browser game about training personified historical swords, is finally getting an English release! Starting today, players can pre-register on the platform Johren.net and receive a handful of in-game bonuses once the game comes out. Created and developed by Nitroplus and DMM Games, Touken Ranbu -ONLINE- takes place in the year 2205. The player assumes the role of the Saniwa who must protect history from Revisionists—demons attacking and altering the past—by materializing Touken Danshi.

Whether you’re a visual novel player or a long-time anime fan, Key’s works are easy to recognize. Founded as a brand under the Visual Arts publisher by Itaru Hinoue, Naoki Hisaya, Jun Maeda and Shinji Orito, they have created many stories that have seen anime from legendary studios like Kyoto Animation and P.A.Works! Um…wow.

Rad news for skaters and fans of SK8 the Infinity—a spinoff manga is in the works! Kadokawa’s Young Ace magazine revealed the announcement in the February issue ahead of the anime premiere. Titled SK8 Chill Out!, the manga will focus on the friendships among the skaters and showcase even more gnarly skateboard races!

If you spent the better part of 2020 crafting DIY furniture, investing in turnips, and terraforming your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you weren’t alone! Some of us are still putting hundreds of hours into the game while others have already tapped out. No matter what type of Animal Crossing fan you are, everyone has gotten a dose of nostalgia or serotonin from playing the video game franchise. It’s the type of game that lets you escape, become friends with animal villagers, and complete daily tasks that you otherwise wouldn’t get around to doing in real life (hello procrastination, our old friend).

CGI bears, naked men whose physique resembles a JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure character, meme-worthy facial expressions, cooking lessons and a dangerous quest for gold—that about sums up Golden Kamuy. If you’ve stumbled across screencaps of the show on social media and thought, I don’t know what’s going on but I’m here for it, well, you’re not alone. One of Golden Kamuy’s many charms is that it knows when to take things seriously and when to poke fun at itself.

If you’re a fan of the critically acclaimed Puella Magi Madoka Magica or Fate/Zero, you may already know that the genius behind these shows is Gen Urobuchi. A writer and creator with a distinguished portfolio in the anime industry, Urobuchi has worked on visual novels, manga, video games and, of course, anime! Among fans, he’s given the nickname “Urobutcher” for his use of gore and his attachment to dark and twisted themes with tragedy at the forefront.

June is Pride Month and has been celebrated locally, nationally, and internationally for more than 50 years. We acknowledge, support, and uplift individuals from the LGBTQ+ community and recognize key historical figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera who propelled a modern movement that continues to have a growing presence all over the world. Whether you’re queer or an ally, celebrating can be as simple as displaying the rainbow colors of the Pride flag or as devoted as showing up to parades and rallies and donating to LGBTQ+ organizations.

Ah, June: the beginning of summer vacations and longer days in the sun. Know what else we love about June? Discounts and sales! This month, we can look forward to Juneteenth and Father’s Day, with the latter being a major sales event for many shoppers from online and in-store retailers. Don’t go buying everything you see just yet; below are things you should buy — and skip — in June.

With summer barbecues just around the corner, what better way to kick off the season under the sun than with National Hamburger Day? This year, we get to celebrate our love of buns and patties on May 28. From popular franchises like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Carl’s Jr. to restaurants that serve hamburgers like Chili’s, you’ll want to hit up these burger joints on National Hamburger Day for a chance to get free burgers or limited-time deals. The best part? We’ve covered all the places offering these freebies and deals right here so you don’t have to waste time searching!

If you missed out on Verizon Wireless deals earlier this year, don’t worry, most of them are still going strong during the spring and summer! Whether you’re looking to upgrade your phone or your service plan, don’t make the mistake of selling or tossing out your old phone before you check out all the deals that Verizon Wireless has to offer. As one of the leading mobile carriers in the U.S., Verizon has never failed to offer snag-worthy deals to new and current customers throughout the year. Unlimited data plans, 5G smartphones, and low monthly rates are just some of Verizon’s enticing offerings, paired with plenty of other surprises!

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is not only a federal holiday that honors and mourns those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces but is also an opportunity for shoppers to hop on Memorial Day sales events. Retailers drop prices on a wide range of products, from mattresses to electronics. But don’t assume that you only have the three-day weekend to find the best deals from your favorite stores and brands; some sales start weeks in advance, typically mid-May. If you can’t wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on electronics, you’re in luck: Memorial Day weekend offers discounts on TVs, smartphones, gaming gear, and a whole lot more. The best part? We laid out all the best deals right here for your convenience, so you know what to expect when you shop during the Memorial Day sales event.

May is dedicated to Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, during which we recognize and celebrate the AAPI community’s contributions and influences in history, culture, and achievements in the U.S. Want to celebrate with us? Here’s an idea: read books by Asian and Pacific Islander authors to educate yourself and support the AAPI community!

Amazon Prime members, your day is coming: Prime Day! Other than looking forward to beach trips and much-needed vacations during the summer months, you can also look forward to Amazon’s once-a-year savings event held exclusively for those who have a Prime membership. Feeling spoiled because you’re already saving money just by being a Prime member? Consider Prime Day Amazon’s way of showing their Prime members extra love (and savings)! We’re helping you prepare for the special event by giving you all the deets based on previous Prime Days. Here’s what you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2021.

Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is more than just a celebration of Mexian culture and heritage; it’s a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. But, whether in Mexico or the U.S., the holiday gathers parades, parties, and large festivals with Mexican culture at the front and center.

May is jam-packed with holidays like Star Wars Day, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day, so be prepared for the horde of holiday deals and promotions throughout the month! Thankfully, these celebrations are scattered evenly, which means you don’t have to wait until the end of the month for huge sales. Before you jump the gun, here are all the items you should buy in May — and ones you should definitely skip.

Spring is well underway and summer is just around the corner, but if you’re a little disappointed with the lack of sales from big retailers during this time, that’s because you haven’t come across Macy’s Friends & Family event yet! The event happens twice a year, usually in December and late April to early May. Macy’s is slapping discounts on popular brands like Calvin Klein, GUESS, Steve Madden, and more for both women and men’s apparel. Expect to see discounts of up to 60% off your favorite brands!

Similar to clothing, the psychology behind the type of shoes you wear can say a lot about your personality and interests. Fortunately, stores like Journeys offer the kind of shoe variety that caters to the style and brand preference for a wide range of people, including Adidas, Converse, Vans, and Dr. Martens, to name a few. Considering your preferences in colors, patterns, and styles, your unique tastes in shoes are a projection of your personality, whether you prefer modesty and comfort or like to stand out with a vibrant color scheme.

Welcome spring with white jeans that make everything feel brighter and floral maxi dresses that radiate romance. Old Navy's new spring styles have everything you need to refresh your wardrobe for warmer weather. We've searched the entire Old Navy site, so you don't have to, and found the best spring tops, bottoms, dresses, and activewear that will help you easily and stylishly transition into spring and summer.

Whether you’ve raised your fair share of pups or you’re a first-time pet owner, it’s always a good reason to head to your nearest pet shelter (or a responsible breeder). Here's everything you need to have in your puppy starter kit, so you’re prepared to give as much care and love to your new family member as they will to you!

By 2050, the world’s oceans may have more plastic than fish, says research. The rise in single-use plastic due to the Covid-19 pandemic has only added to the irreversible and detrimental effects of climate change. Of the organizations that have sprouted in response to the negative changes on earth, 4ocean is a purpose-driven brand that seeks to end the ocean plastic crisis.

As the third-largest mobile carrier in the U.S., T-Mobile is a name that many of us see at the top corners of our smartphone screens. It also provides the largest and fastest 5G network. While some of us are still on 4G, it won’t be long before we all experience faster speeds, more reliable connectivity, and less traffic congestion. Whether you’re late to the party or want to switch mobile providers, T-Mobile offers a slew of deals and special offers that you don’t want to pass up on!

Working from home has become the norm for many people since the pandemic started. Whether the experience is new for you or you’ve been working remotely for some time now, setting up the right environment at home is crucial for your productivity and comfort, among other things. Below is a list of must-have items to improve your work-from-home experience so you’ll never miss the days of working in an office building!

Easter continues to be a religious celebration, but it’s also a holiday that prioritizes families spending time together. We’ve moved past real eggs for plastic ones to fill them with candy because it’s a more delectable reward for the kiddos. But if you’re concerned about giving your kids cavities, then candy might not be the best option. This Easter, get creative with alternative Easter basket stuffers, from stickers to handmade vouchers. We’ve compiled a list of other items to fill the colorful plastic eggs in lieu of candy that are just as rewarding — let the hunt begin!

Hold the phone; do you plan on buying a new smartphone or switching mobile providers? Before you toss out your iPhone or terminate your contract with your current provider, you might want to check out your options, one of which includes searching for the best phone deals. With Verizon Wireless, you have more than a few deals at your fingertips. As one of the leading mobile carriers in the U.S., Verizon delivers unlimited data, a 5G network, and affordable monthly plans, some of which don’t require an annual contract.

March not only celebrates International Women’s Day but also Women’s History Month, a commemoration for all the women who’ve made an impact on American history, culture, and society. Although large gatherings and festivities won’t be happening this year, we can still celebrate and support women in other ways, one of which involves supporting businesses and brands that are run by women.

Floral patterns, soft pastels, flowy dresses, and breezy polos — it’s time to pick out your best springtime outfit to celebrate Easter this year! At Tuckernuck, you’ll find the latest styles of the season for ladies and gents that keep you on-trend and looking your best no matter the occasion. Whether you’re planning a picnic or going to a small Sunday gathering at a relative’s house, Easter is a good excuse as any to dress up. We’ve handpicked new arrivals for both women and men that would be the perfect addition to your Easter outfit. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in some deals so you have opportunities to save money while you shop at Tuckernuck. Ladies and gents, below are our top picks on how to bloom in Easter fashion!

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.