Shojo & Tell: A Manga Podcast

Finally, we're here to talk about the shonen elephant in the shojo room: Horimiya. Look at almost any list of "best shojo anime," and you're bound to see Horimiya near the top of it. But, just so we're all clear: Horimiya isn't a shojo series. It is, however, a very good shonen romance series.Shojo & Tell host Ashley and Anime News Network and Anime Feminist writer Caitlin dig into why people often mistake Horimiya for a shojo series and how the series lovingly subverts a lot of stereotypical romance tropes through the main couple, Hori and Miyamura, and many of the B couples, especially Remi and Sengoku. There's a lot of gushing over how relatable Hori is (seriously, so relatable). But most importantly (regrettably?): Ashley and Caitlin delve into what makes the sex scene so touching and how nice it is to see an authentic teenage exploration of kink.REFERENCESBuy Horimiya from MangaMart, a family-run manga store offering some of the most competitive prices around (affiliate link)Horimiya is published by Yen PressOther manga/anime mentionedFushigi Yuugi: Genbu KaidenMillennium SnowAttack on TitanSword Art OnlineBlack BirdHot GimmickMonthly Girls' Nozaki-kunFushigi YuugiBoys Over FlowersKodochaMarmalade BoyFull MoonOutro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogueCONTACT USShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterCaitlin's writings at Anime Feminist and Anime News NetworkCaitlin on BlueskyAshley on Bluesky

Get ready to go to the beach in this emotionally affecting, short josei series. Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand by Yoko Komori follows Tokiko, a sixth grader whose parents are recently separated; as a result, she moves with her dad from Tokyo to the small beach town where her mother grew up where legends of merfolk are still honored. As she grapples with her new normal, Tokiko is also looking for a particular merman for saving her from drowning. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her husband Asher dive deep into Tokiko's family dynamics, whether or not one citizen of the town is actually real, and the consequences of pathological lying. REFERENCESBuy Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand from MangaMart, a family-run manga store offering some of the most competitive prices around (affiliate link)Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand is published by Viz Media's Signature lineOther manga/anime mentionedHorimiyaOutro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogueCONTACT USShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

Ashley and Asher are back to discuss volumes 11 through 20 of Snow White with the Red Hair, and they have a lot more to say this time (most of it is still some variation of "they're so cute!"). The Ashes talk about new characters (Hisame, the Bergat brothers, Lilias folks), the overarching plots (Izana's coronation, Lilias part 2, Sereg assassination plots, Kiki's marriage machinations), the official character poll (lol Mitsuhide), and of course, all the ships (yes, Zen and Shirayuki are cute, but why not Kiki and Shirayuki?). Let the fangirling and fanboying commence.REFERENCESBuy Snow White with the Red Hair from MangaMart, a family-run manga store offering some of the most competitive prices around (affiliate link)Snow White with the Red Hair is published by Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineOther manga/anime mentionedBleachFushigi YugiFushigi Yugi: Genbu KaidenJesse and James from PokemonWHYY: "How experiments with gila monster venom led to blockbuster weight loss drugs like Ozempic"Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode three dialogueCONTACT USShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

Welcome to the special collaboration episode between Ashley of Shojo & Tell and Chika and Giana of Shoujo Sundae (hereby dubbed the "shojo trio"). In this episode, we talk everything Josee, the Tiger and the Fish: the animated movie version (amazing!), the manga (basically the same as the movie but taking things at your own pace can be helpful!), the live-action movie (oh no!), and the original short story (very Japanese!). Josee, the Tiger and the Fish follows Josee, a sheltered, curmudgeonly wheelchair user, and Tsuneo, a try-hard college boy who loves diving, as they both come out of their shells to meet each other and the sometimes scary, sometimes harsh, occasionally beautiful outside world. Let's dive!REFERENCESYou can watch the animated movie on CrunchyrollYou can read the manga version, published by Yen PressYou can read the original short story, also published by Yen PressYou can watch the live-action version on RetroCrushSTAY IN TOUCHFind Shoujo Sundae on: Bluesky, Instagram, XFind Chika on: Bluesky, InstagramFind Giana on: Bluesky, Instagram, Personal WebsiteFind Shojo & Tell on: Bluesky, Instagram, TumblrFind Ashley on: Bluesky

There are few contemporary shojo manga that are more popular and beloved that Sorata Akizuki's wholesome fairy-tale-inspired story Snow White with the Red Hair. The protagonist, Shirayuki, has apple-red hair that attracts attention from unsavory characters and noble princes alike, and the story follows her as she becomes a court herbalist and a worthy bride-to-be for Prince Zen Wisteria. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her husband Asher delve into why this story is so special, while walking through the highs (and the lows) of the first 10 volumes. Asher expresses his undying love for Obi, while Ashley pledges allegiance to Prince Izana. But in the end, it's all about the best ZenYuki moments.REFERENCESBuy Snow White with the Red Hair from MangaMart, a family-run manga store offering some of the most competitive prices around (affiliate link)Snow White with the Red Hair is published by Viz Media's Shojo Beat lineOther manga/anime mentionedWaiting for SpringMaid-Sama!Shortcake CakeWHYY: "How experiments with gila monster venom led to blockbuster weight loss drugs like Ozempic"Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode three dialogueCONTACT USShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses all 9 volumes of the My Love Mix-Up!  manga by Wataru Hinekure and Aruko, and contains comparisons between it and the Japanese live-action adaptation.My Love Mix-Up! (not to be mixed up with Aruko's other work, My Love Story!! .... deep sigh) tells the story of Sota Aoki, a seemingly happy-go-lucky boy who has a crush on a female classmate, Mio Hashimoto, but winds up in a relationship with male classmate Kōsuke Ida. It sure is all mixed up, and it's a pure delight. Romance novelist Megan Frampton joins Shojo & Tell host Ashley to discuss what makes the series so funny, how that does or does not translate to the Japanese live-action screen adaptation, and the surprising amount of character growth the main cast goes through. Jump into the fluff and feels with us!REFERENCESMy Love Mix-Up! is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line Watch the My Love Mix-Up! Japanese live-action version on VikiThere is also a My Love Mix-Up! Thai live-action versionOther manga/anime mentionedMARSMy Love Story!!Maid-SamaKimi ni TodokeKimi ni Todoke live actionKimi ni Todoke animeLive-action Bleach movieKaguya-Sama: Love is WarOutro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode three dialogueCONTACT USFind Megan on BlueSky and InstagramCheck out Megan's books https://www.meganframpton.com/ Subscribe to Megan's SubstackShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses MARS volumes 9-15 and the prequel story, "Horse with No Name"How many suicide attempts can happen close to Kira and Rei? How many car crashes and motorcycle accidents? Shojo & Tell host Ashley and CLAMPcast in Wonderland co-host Lucy are back to discuss the second half of the melodrama MARS by Fuyumi Soryo, and their biggest question is about whether the series accurately portrays the way trauma stacks (both Ashley and Lucy lean toward no). Ashley and Lucy share their thoughts about Kira seeming to give up her dreams to be with Rei, and so Rei can pursue his, what they wish "Horse with No Name" had been about instead, how they're glad Tatsuya made it out unscathed, and more.REFERENCESMARS is available from Kodansha Comics digitallyListen to Ashley's MARS DJ set!Read Robin's book! Other manga/anime mentionedRG VedaKimi ni TodokeMarmalade BoyMy Love Mix-Up!Snow White with the Red HairSongs mentioned:"A Horse with No Name" by AmericaMisc. mentions:Grey's AnatomyThe Last UnicornOutro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode three dialogueCONTACT USFind CLAMPcast on BlueSky, Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookFind Lucy on Threads, Instagram, and BlueSkyShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses volumes 1-8 of MARS by Fuyumi Soryo.We continue our melodrama mood with the late 1990s/early 2000s series, MARS. Kira Aso is a quiet girl who loves to paint. Rei is a bad boy who loves to race motorcycles. Naturally they fall in love, and all the dark secrets come out about them both. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and Clampcast in Wonderland co-host Lucy discuss what makes this series so gripping despite it being over the top, how iconic the art is, the portrayal of America, how cute Rei and Kira are, and much more.REFERENCESMARS is available from Kodansha Comics digitallyColleen's MARS retrospective videoOther manga/anime mentionedHot GimmickFruits BasketHana-KimiThe Vision of Escaflowne (Dilandau)LoveComMarmalade BoyCloverCardcaptor SakuraSongs mentioned:"Safe with Me" by Gryffin"Ride or Die" by The KnocksOutro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode three dialogueCONTACT USFind CLAMPcast on BlueSky, Twitter, Instagram, and FacebookShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses the second half (volumes 7–12) of Hot Gimmick by Miki Aihara.Oh, so you thought the first half of Hot Gimmick contained the worst of the problematic hot trash? Think again. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and Naja of Blerdy Otome are back to talk about this wild, wild ending to a wild, wild series where all the content warnings apply. Who does Hatsumi end up with in her triangle of horrible choices? Why are Tachibanas like this? What are you doing, Shinogu? Who is THE worst character in the entire series (on a scale of constant abuse and gang rape to actually why the heck isn't this series about cuties Subaru and Akane?)? What are the most popular ships on Ao3/FF.net for this series, and do the people writing it know they're wrong? All that and more is touched on in this podcast episode. You've been warned.REFERENCESHot Gimmick is available from Viz Media in EnglishHot Gimmick S is a reimagining of the endingOther anime/manga mentionsGundamMy Hero AcademiaArchive of Our OwnFanFiction.netMisc. media mentions"We Found Love" by Rihanna and Calvin HarrisOtome game: In Your Arms TonightOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USFind Naja's work on her website, Twitch, Twitter, and BlueSkyShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses the first half (volumes 1-6) of Hot Gimmick by Miki AiharaIt's here. It's finally here. Shojo & Tell host Ashley has been trying to make this episode happen for at least two years. And now, here we are. We're talking about the first half of Hot Gimmick, aka, Hot Trash, aka Hot Mess. Seriously: Content warning for basically everything. Ashley was prepared to have nothing nice to say about this series (she's read it before and thought it was the worst shojo series ever), but it's surprising what reading something 12 years after your initial encounter with it can do... Naja of Blerdy Otome is a big fan of Hot Gimmick, despite also recognizing that it's extremely problematic. There's underage sex and drugs, there's blackmail, there's demeaning servitude, there's gang rape. And that's just the first three volumes. Hatsumi's a doormat, Ryoki's bad, Azusa's bad, Shinogu's bad trying to be good, Akane is the reason we're in this mess. Only Subaru is good. Team Subaru! Let's talk it through.REFERENCESHot Gimmick is available from Viz Media in EnglishHot Gimmick S is a reimagining of the endingOther anime/manga mentionsChobitsCardcaptor SakuraGundamRed RiverBasaraFrom Far AwayArchive of Our OwnWattpadStory of NHL player who Ashley went to college withMisc. media mentionsGossip GirlYouOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USFind Naja's work on her website, Twitch, Twitter, and BlueSkyShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses all of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days (volumes 1-6) by Fumino Hayashi.Shinji, get in the robot! Shojo & Tell host Ashley and the guy previously known as Ashley's "Cyborg 009 buddy," Josh McHugh, delve into this version of the beloved series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which is an alternate universe of the video game Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel 2nd (a PlayStation 2 game, and yes there is first Girlfriend of Steel before this entry), which is an alternate universe of the events in the final episode of the original anime. The main plot is mostly about whether Shinji will pick Rei or Asuka to be his life partner while they're all still in high school. Are you keeping up? Great!Ashley and Josh do a sort of cultural exchange in this episode: Ashley doesn't really like Evangelion (ikr?), and Josh, like many a millennial, thinks Eva is the GOAT and is very hype to discuss the Instrumentality sequences; Ashley is over 100 episodes deep on a shojo manga podcast, while Josh hadn't read a shojo manga before this. The two talk about how, in Angelic Days, Rei is a completely different person from her beloved anime self; the shortcomings of the backstory about Shinji's parents, Gendo and Yui Ikari; what punk bands Gendo would be into; and much more. And if you're wondering: There ARE still mech fights in this, but there shouldn't have been. So on second thought: Shinji, don't get in the robot!REFERENCESNeon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days is out of print.  You can find used copies on resale sites. It was published by ADV manga in English.Other anime/manga mentioned:Neon Genesis EvangelionRebuild moviesEnd of EvangelionCyborg 009The Vision of EscaflowneCowboy BebopSerial Experiments LainSoul EaterNeo YokioYour NameMy Hero AcademiaHot GimmickPunk bands namedLinkin ParkFall Out BoyPanic at the DiscoYellowcardHawthorne HeightsMisc. other mentionsThe Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick NessxkcdRed oni/blue oniManic pixie dream girlsControversy over Netflix's translation of EvaBattleTech /  MechWarriorThree Wise MenOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USJosh wants you to check out his Soundcloud because we're both stuck in the year 2005: https://soundcloud.com/j_m_p_hListen to his Serial Experiments Lain OP a capella version in particular: https://soundcloud.com/j_m_p_h/boa-duvet-a-cappellaShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses Miyuki-chan in Wonderland and The One I Love by ClampA short episode to discuss two short Clamp works. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her husband/journey-through-all-of-Clamp-buddy Asher recognize that hentai Miyuki-chan was perhaps.... just not at all for them. And also isn't meant to be taken seriously anyway. Which is good, because neither Ash really enjoyed it. Then there's The One I Love, which feels like a strange gender experiment gone wrong. To quote Asher: It feels gender essentialist and "homework-y." The best we can say is we did our homework assignments of reading these for our Clamp 101 course.REFERENCESMiyuki-chan in Wonderland is available from Viz MediaThe One I Love is available from Viz MediaYou should probably listen to CLAMPcast insteadOther Clamp works mentioned:Shirahime-SyoLegend of Chun HyangXSukiTsubasa: Reservoir ChroniclesMagic Knight RayearthClamp School DetectivesThe One I LoveTokyo BabylonMan of Many FacesDuklyonxxxHolicRG VedaCardcaptor SakuraChobitsAngelic LayerWishLegal DrugCloverOther manga/anime mentionedDelicious in DungeonA Sign of AffectionJoJo's Bizarre AdventureEvangelion: Angelic DaysSnow White with the Red HairMarsVampire KnightBack in our Digimon podcasting days...Read Miyuki-chan while listening to Miami 2 Ibiza by Swedish House MafiaOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: @dasheryShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

Covers all three volumes of Legal Drug by ClampGet ready to get high. And horny. And gay. And paid. Okay, to be honest, we're not sure what the drug is, or that it's legal, but hey, we're here to talk about it anyway. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her husband Asher continue their Clamp journey with Legal Drug, which is technically complete, in the same way that QQ Sweeper is complete (which is to say: Not at all, because there's a sequel, Drug & Drop, and it's been on hiatus for forever). None of the central mysteries of Legal Drug is solved within the confines of the volumes. Well, whatever. We're all just here for Kazahaya and Rikuo being in provocative poses, right? The biggest question of the episode is: Is this queerbaiting? Get ready to hear our thoughts about Clamp's fiftymillionth JoJo's Bizarre Adventure  fanfic (this one is basically the crappier version of xxxHolic).REFERENCESLegal Drug is available from Dark Horse ComicsDrug & Drop is also available from Dark Horse ComicsYou should probably listen to CLAMPcast insteadOther Clamp works mentioned:MuriKuriSukiTsubasa: Reservoir ChroniclesMagic Knight RayearthClamp School DetectivesThe One I LoveTokyo BabylonMan of Many FacesDuklyonxxxHolicRG VedaCardcaptor SakuraChobitsAngelic LayerWishOther manga/anime mentionedDelicious in DungeonQQ SweeperQueen's QualityKimi ni TodokeCyborg 009Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic DaysSnow White with the Red HairFigs need waspsThe Ashes love Tales of games maybe too muchTales of Vesperia (Raven)Tales of the Abyss (Jade)There is only hitsuzenArchive of Our OwnOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: @dasheryShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

Covers all of the original The Poe Clan series by Moto HagioIt's time to talk about the gay vampires who built shojo manga. Year 24 author Moto Hagio, one of the most influential names in shojo, tells the tale of the Poe clan, a group composed of immortal vampirnella who turn the young siblings, Edgar and Marybelle, into one of their kind. Edgar turns his classmate, Alan Twilight, into a vampire, and the two go gallivanting through the forest like fairies. (Okay, they go on other adventures over the decades, too.) Vrai Kaiser, a managing editor at Anime Feminist, explains The Poe Clan's place within vampire literature, while Megan DeYarman, of the sites Manga Test Drive and Renaissance Josei, explains THE POE CLAN's and Moto Hagio's impact on the history and trajectory of shojo manga. Shojo & Tell host Ashley is just here to look pretty and facilitate. REFERENCESThe Poe Clan is available from FantagraphicsAs mentioned in the episode, there is a rebooted Poe Clan series that Hagio started in 2016. Fantagraphics will also be releasing that starting in 2025.Other Hagio works mentioned:Heart of ThomasOtherworld BarbaraA Drunken DreamA Cruel God ReignsRachel Thorn (translator)Previous podcasts with Megan and Vrai:Earthian (with Vrai)The Full-Time Wife Escapist (with Megan)Key to the Kingdom (with Megan)Juline (with Megan)Other manga/anime/artists mentioned:Yun KougaYumiko IgarashiTokimeki TonightThe Sword of ParosSakura-GariBoy's AbyssKeiko TakemiyaOizumi SalonFruits BasketShotaro IshinomoriMist, Rose, and StarsFairy RanmaruRiyoko IkedaDear BrotherOoku: The Inner ChambersVampiresThe Palgrave Handbook of the Vampire (Vrai cowrote an essay in this!)Our Vampires, OurselvesFrankensteinLord Byron"Christabel"CarmillaBram StokerAnne RiceInterview with the VampireThe Gilda StoriesTwilightVampire Princess MiyuCONTACT USFollow Vrai on Blue Sky @writervrai.bsky.socialRead Vrai's work on Anime FeministSupport Anime Feminist on PatreonFollow Megan on BlueSky @brainchild129.bsky.socialFollow Manga Test Drive on BlueSky @mangatestdrive.bsky.socialSupport Megan on PatreonVisit Renaissance JoseiRead Megan's work on Anime FeministShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses all volumes (1-5) of Juline by Narumi Kakinouchi.When you think "shojo manga," you typically don't think "ninjas." But that's just a stereotype, and we're here to defy stereotypes. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and Megan DeYarman, of the sites Manga Test Drive and Renaissance Josei, talk about Juline, a manga series from animator Narumi Kakinouchi (of Vampire Princess Miyu fame). The titular Juline, along with other young female ninjas Bakuya and Seika (and inevitable male love interest Kio), are looking for male relatives and lovers who have disappeared. They encounter a mysterious foe in Black Pearl (also known as Tamayo, also known as Mei). Is Tamayo a woman or a man? Can Juline, Bakuya, and Seika undo the spell that's been put on their loved ones? Ashley and Megan dive into the art style (and unfortunate lack of lettering skills from Tokyopop), the gender representation, and the overall ~vibes~ of this strange little series.REFERENCESJuline is out of print. It was published by Tokyopop.There's a sequel called Shaolin SistersMegan has been on episodes for The Key to the Kingdom and The Full-Time Wife EscapistOther anime/manga mentioned:Revolutionary Girl UtenaSailor MoonSpace Runaway IdeonDr. SlumpUrusei YatsuraMacrossMegazone 23The Pilot's Love SongAldnoah.ZeroLupin the 3rd Part IV: The Italian AdventureApocalypse ZeroMagic Knight RayearthVampire Princess MiyuRyoko's Case FileNarutoTail of the MoonMaid-Sama!Gundam WingStu Levy is why everything is badArchive of Our OwnOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USFollow Megan on BlueSky @brainchild129.bsky.socialFollow Manga Test Drive on BlueSky @mangatestdrive.bsky.socialSupport Megan on PatreonVisit Renaissance JoseiShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

We discuss the two shojo manga versions of Cowboy Bebop: Cowboy Bebop by Hajime Yatate [Sunrise staff] and Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star by Cain KugaAsk an anime fan above the age of 30 what their favorite anime is, and chances are high they'll say Cowboy Bebop. The music, the animation, the mood — it's iconic. And then there are the two shojo manga iterations of Cowboy Bebop, which have largely been lost to the sands of time (and then, there's the Netflix live action version...). Shojo and Tell host Ashley and her husband, Asher, read both of these severely out of print manga adaptations, and discuss here. Topics of discussion include: Ed and gender, why the heck is Shooting Star the way it is, and why was it decided that this seinen anime needs not one, but two shojo manga adaptations?REFERENCESBoth Cowboy Bebop manga adaptations are out of print. They were previously published by Tokyopop.The Cowboy Bebop anime is still beloved by many who aren't the AshesThe Netflix live action version of Cowboy Bebop was funYoko Kanno's music is part of what makes the anime such a hitOther series mentioned:Outlaw StarNeon Genesis EvangelionNeon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic DaysDimension WBleachLegal DrugXGurren  LagannThe Vision of EscaflowneFushigi YugiMaid-Sama!Tech bros trying to colonize space: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard BransonOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

This episode discusses all volumes (1-8) of The Vision of Escaflowne by Katsu AkiThe Vision of Escaflowne is the anime that got Shojo and Tell host Ashley into anime. It sparked one of only a handful of great obsessions in Ashley's life. It's probably the reason this podcast exists at all.Katsu Aki's shonen manga version of the story is..... not like the anime you know and love.It's explicitly billed as a shonen series, and it's all downhill from there. Instead of being a badass track and field star with short hair who saves Van and Allen more times than anyone in the series bothers to count, Hitomi is now a busty babe with glasses who's necessary to pilot the giant mech, Escaflowne. Prince Van is an annoying uncouth and unskilled swordsman. Sir Allen is a knight who is nothingness. Dilandau is — well okay, Dilandau is still a pretty crazy delight, honestly. But a different kind of crazy delight.The Ashes discuss what this iteration of ESCAFLOWNE has to offer in comparison to the beloved TV anime and the gritty movie adaptation of the series.REFERENCESUnfortunately (fortunately?), this manga is out of print. It was originally published in English by Tokyopop.The anime is available from FunimationAs is the movieThe shojo manga version has never been licensed in EnglishOther Escaflowne things"Memory of Fanelia" songANNcast movie episode from 2015Other series mentionedDigimonCardcaptor SakuraSailor MoonFushigi YugiCyborg 009EvangelionHot GimmickDarling in the FranxxSword Art OnlineDragon Ball Z (Master Roshi)BleachMagic Knight RayearthxxxHolicSpy x FamilyHunter x HunterCowboy BebopMisc. memtionsAvatar: The Last Airbender Fire NationThe Hunger GamesNeo Yokio  "Helena Saint Tessero is the plot."Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Shredder)Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and TwitterAshley on Bluesky

Wondering if you should pick up Lord Hades' Ruthless Marriage by Ueji Yuho? Ashley and Asher discuss the first volume of this new manga published by Yen Press, in which Lord Hades has been shot by one of Eros' arrows and thus is fated to fall in love. But not without a lot of hijinks happening first, harem manga style.This is a short review of Lord Hades' Ruthless Marriage volume 1.REFERENCESLord Hades' Ruthless Marriage is available from Yen PressOther Greek mythology-inspired media we mentioned:Percy Jackson seriesCirce by Madeline MillerThe Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerNeon Gods by Katee RobertMisc mentionsRenji from BleachDisney's HerculesMorgana was a guest for the Pet Shop of Horrors episode, which you can listen to hereCONTACT USShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, and Instagram

This episode discusses volumes 8–15 of Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts by Yu Tomofuji.Sariphi has gone from ritual sacrifice to acting queen, but she's still working to gain the respect of members of beastkind. In this episode about the back half of Tomofuji's series, Mackenzie from Mac Loves Manga and Shojo and Tell host Ashley break down the highlights. We get to talk more about our favorite hyena boy, Lante, and his heartwarming worldviews; crotchety Anubis and the amazing journey he went on (where he got stabbed at least twice); the power of Sariphi, particularly in the arc with Fenrir; plus, we finally find out why the king is partially human, and meet some of the best side characters who should definitely have their own series.Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is available from Yen Press in EnglishThere's a spinoff that's not licensed yet, The White Rabbit and the Beast PrinceBe sure to check out Shoujo Sundae, Colleen's Manga Recs, and Basic BoiOther anime/manga mentionedVampire KnightOne PieceRequiem of the Rose KingMy Happy MarriageOokuTokyo GhoulDragon Ball ZHunter x HunterFullmetal AlchemistThe World is Still BeautifulDub actors lobbying for better payMad MaxAvengers: EndgameOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USMackenzie on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, TumblrMackenzie's YouTube channelShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter

This episode discusses volumes 1–7 of Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts by Yu Tomofuji.Sariphi goes from ritual sacrifice to acting queen consort in the span of only a few volumes. The real problem? She's a human living among beastkind, hiding the secret of the part-human beast king while trying to win over the hearts and minds of people who look nothing like her. Tomofuji's series pushes boundaries, and Mackenzie from Mac Loves Manga is here to fully break them down. Mackenzie joins Shojo and Tell host Ashley to discuss the political intrigue of this series, how refreshing Sari is as a heroine, how endearing the tsundere boys Anubis and Lanteveldt are, and, as is only natural, make inevitable comparisons to Beastars and Zootopia.REFERENCESSacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is available from Yen Press in EnglishShop small businesses and buy from MangaMart!Be sure to follow Shoujo Sundae and Colleen's Manga RecsOther anime/manga mentionedAlice 19thRomantic KillerYona of the DawnSkip Beat!Gakuen AliceTears of a LambSukeban DekaKill la KillBibliophile PrincessBleachNarutoMob Psycho 100BeastarsDemon SlayerOshi no KoTakane and HanaA Centaur's LifeMonster MusumeDarling in the FranxxNeon Genesis EvangelionOther media mentioned:Beauty and the BeastZootopiaBaltoThe Hunger GamesThe MatrixAnime Feminist review of Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts episode 1Hana to Yume magazineMackenzie's video on Romantic Killer/performative shojoOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USMackenzie on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, TumblrMackenzie's YouTube channelShojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter,