Shojo & Tell: A Manga Podcast

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Red River by Chie Shinohara has finally gotten an anime adaptation, so, just as everyone else is talking about it right now, we, too, are entering the fray of the ancient Hittite Empire. Shojo & Tell host Ashley is persuaded by her husband, Asher, that he's the guy fit for discussing this iconic series, because his rabbinic studies give him an informational edge. The Ashes debate what the relentlessness of sexual assault against Yuri culturally signifies, wonder at the limits of historical fiction, and get wistful about isekai of yore. On sillier notes, Ashley fawns over Yuri and praises Prince Kail for being so corny. This episode covers the first third of the series.

REFERENCES

Red River is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
The Red River anime is streaming on Crunchyroll
Other anime/manga series mentioned
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Fushigi Yugi
- Sword Art Online
- Sailor Moon
- Snow White with the Red Hair
- Hot Gimmick
- Fruits Basket
- Mars
The Prince of Egypt is the source of all truth
Books mentioned:
- Horse by Geraldine Brooks
- The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Songs mentioned:
- "A Horse with No Name" by America
- "Yuri the Only One for Me" by LeetStreet Boys
Ishtar
Syrian civil war
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogue

CONTACT

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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We pick up right where we left off, and... It's not what you expect. At all. Rin is up to Rin machinations. Shion did exactly what you thought he did. Jinpachi is suddenly kinda sinister. Alice is struggling with her memories, in more ways than one. Daisuke exists. Tamura is still the best (Mikuro is a close second). Shojo & Tell host Ashley and special guest Autumn talk their overall thoughts on the ending of this slow-burn mystery/drama, delve into the worldbuilding presented by Mokuren's past (so you DID have cool flying spaceship jawns!), poke gentle fun at some new back-half characters, and of course, wonder "WHY?" about a slew of ridiculous ships.

REFERENCES

Please Save My Earth is available digitally from Viz Media
Other anime/manga series mentioned
- Sailor Moon
- Red River
- Hana-Kimi
- Boys Over Flowers
- From Far Away
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- A Sign of Affection
- Fushigi Yugi
- Hot Gimmick
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogue

CONTACT

Autumn's blog: https://notanotakunao.blogspot.com/
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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It's 1980s Japan. Saki Hiwatari is telling a story set in the extremely near future, in 1990s Tokyo (now nostalgic past). A group of teens start to meet up because they all have dreams of a past life where they were people who were the size of human pinkies and they lived on the moon. Why do they have these dreams? What happened in their past life? It's an epic drama and drawn-out science fiction mystery for the times! Shojo & Tell host Ashley and shojo manga superfan Autumn get into themes of fate and cyclical wrongs with this singular series. The discussion mostly centers around how punchable Rin/Shion is, but hey, we swear there's other fun stuff packed in here, too.

REFERENCES

Please Save My Earth is available digitally from Viz Media
Other anime/manga series mentioned
- Saint Seiya
- Tokyo Babylon
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Banana Fish
- A Sign of Affection
- X/1999
- Fushigi Yugi
- Paradise Kiss
- Legend of the Galactic Heroes
- Devilman
- Maid-Sama
- Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
- Hot Gimmick
- Black Jack
- Hunter x Hunter
- YuYu Hakusho
Rocky is rated PG when it probably shouldn't be (it should be PG-13)
"This is a work of fiction" disclaimer history: Started in the 1930s in novels as a result of a defamation lawsuit
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogue

CONTACT

Autumn's blog: https://notanotakunao.blogspot.com/
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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There are few authors more synonymous with "shojo" than Arina Tanemura. We've done Tanemura works before. But Full Moon is peak Tanemura. Which is not to say it's a masterwork.

For those who don't idolize Tanemura and are wondering what Full Moon is about, the series follows a 12-year-old girl named Mitsuki who wants to be a singer so she can reconnect with her childhood crush, whom she met when they both lived at an orphanage, but she can't become a singer because she has throat cancer that, if left untreated, will kill her. Some shinigami show up telling her she only has one year left to live, and she somehow convinces the shinigami to turn her into a 16-year-old so she can become the idol of her dreams before she dies. Are you keeping up? Tanemura fan Laura Spicer joins Shojo & Tell host Ashley once again to go through the whirlwind of a manga to, first, figure out what even all happened here, and second, to determine what the good emotional beats are.

REFERENCES

Full Moon is available digitally from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
The Full Moon anime is available on blu-ray
Tanemura's other projects
- Phantom Thief Jeanne
- Idol Dreams
- idolish7
- The Gentlemen's Alliance
- Sakura Hime
- Time Stranger Kyoko
Music mentioned
- +44
- Linkin Park
- Evanescence
- Within Temptation
- t.A.T.u.
- Maaya Sakamoto
- Yui Horie
- AKB48
- Morning Musume
- Ayumi Hamasaki
Other anime/manga series mentioned
- Fruits Basket
- Sailor Moon
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Yona of the Dawn
- Hana-Kimi
- A Condition Called Love
- Not Your Idol
- Oshi no Ko
- The Vision of Escaflowne
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogue

CONTACT

Laura on Bluesky, Instagram
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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Hanayu wants to be a sushi chef, but her father expects her to take over the family pastry shop. Hayato wants to be a pastry chef, but is expected to take over his family's sushi restaurant. Uh, you can see where this is going, right? Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her husband Asher discuss this romantic comedy series in which these 15 year old children place the weight of the world on their shoulders. Mixed Vegetables may be a mixed bag, but hey, maybe that's your cup of tea (to mix metaphors).

REFERENCES

Read Mixed Vegetables digitally on the Viz Media app
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Maid-Sama
- Kimi ni Todoke
- Full Moon o Sagashite
- Yuu Watase
Locations in Japan mentioned
- Kagoshima
- Okinawa
- Hokkaido
How Japan’s Female Sushi Chefs Are Claiming a Seat at the Counter (Conde Nast Traveler 2022)
Koseki
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogue

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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Caitlin and Ashley are back to discuss the second half of Horimiya, aka, all the bits that don't matter. Like, it's a miracle this episode is over an hour long, because the two spend most of the time talking about checks notes: Sawada, Iura, and Watabe. And they're definitely the most interesting characters in this whole series, right? Especially Iura.

Jokes aside, Caitlin and Ashley spend time going over the chapters they did like (and some they really didn't), plus there's a shipping corner with an 11th hour bombshell dropped. Just like the second season of the Horimiya anime, this episode isn't boring, but it might also not be necessary. Tune in to hear for yourself.

REFERENCES

Horimiya is published by Yen Press
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Maid-Sama!
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogue

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Caitlin's writings at Anime Feminist and Anime News Network
Caitlin on Bluesky
Ashley on Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

Buy Horimiya from MangaMart, a family-run manga store offering some of the most competitive prices around (affiliate link)
Horimiya is published by Yen Press
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden
- Millennium Snow
- Attack on Titan
- Sword Art Online
- Black Bird
- Hot Gimmick
- Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun
- Fushigi Yuugi
- Boys Over Flowers
- Kodocha
- Marmalade Boy
- Full Moon
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogue

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Caitlin's writings at Anime Feminist and Anime News Network
Caitlin on Bluesky
Ashley on Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

Buy 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 line
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Horimiya
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode 3 dialogue

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

Buy 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 line
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Bleach
- Fushigi Yugi
- Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden
- Jesse and James from Pokemon
WHYY: "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 dialogue

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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!

REFERENCES

You can watch the animated movie on Crunchyroll
You can read the manga version, published by Yen Press
You can read the original short story, also published by Yen Press
You can watch the live-action version on RetroCrush

STAY IN TOUCH

Find Shoujo Sundae on: Bluesky, Instagram, X
Find Chika on: Bluesky, Instagram
Find Giana on: Bluesky, Instagram, Personal Website
Find Shojo & Tell on: Bluesky, Instagram, Tumblr
Find Ashley on: Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

Buy 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 line
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Waiting for Spring
- Maid-Sama!
- Shortcake Cake
WHYY: "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 dialogue

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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!

REFERENCES

My Love Mix-Up! is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Watch the My Love Mix-Up! Japanese live-action version on Viki
There is also a My Love Mix-Up! Thai live-action version
Other manga/anime mentioned
- MARS
- My Love Story!!
- Maid-Sama
- Kimi ni Todoke
  - Kimi ni Todoke live action
  - Kimi ni Todoke anime
- Live-action Bleach movie
- Kaguya-Sama: Love is War
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode three dialogue

CONTACT US

Find Megan on BlueSky and Instagram
Check out Megan's books https://www.meganframpton.com/
Subscribe to Megan's Substack
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

MARS is available from Kodansha Comics digitally
Listen to Ashley's MARS DJ set!
Read Robin's book!
Other manga/anime mentioned
- RG Veda
- Kimi ni Todoke
- Marmalade Boy
- My Love Mix-Up!
- Snow White with the Red Hair
Songs mentioned:
- "A Horse with No Name" by America
Misc. mentions:
- Grey's Anatomy
- The Last Unicorn
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode three dialogue

CONTACT US

Find CLAMPcast on BlueSky, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
Find Lucy on Threads, Instagram, and BlueSky
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

MARS is available from Kodansha Comics digitally
Colleen's MARS retrospective video
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Hot Gimmick
- Fruits Basket
- Hana-Kimi
- The Vision of Escaflowne (Dilandau)
- LoveCom
- Marmalade Boy
- Clover
- Cardcaptor Sakura
Songs mentioned:
- "Safe with Me" by Gryffin
- "Ride or Die" by The Knocks
Outro: "Tokimeki no Doukasen" (Fushigi Yuugi ending theme) + Fruits Basket (2019) episode three dialogue

CONTACT US

Find CLAMPcast on BlueSky, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

Hot Gimmick is available from Viz Media in English
Hot Gimmick S is a reimagining of the ending
Other anime/manga mentions
- Gundam
- My Hero Academia
Archive of Our Own
FanFiction.net
Misc. media mentions
- "We Found Love" by Rihanna and Calvin Harris
- Otome game: In Your Arms Tonight
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Find Naja's work on her website, Twitch, Twitter, and BlueSky
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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This episode discusses the first half (volumes 1-6) of Hot Gimmick by Miki Aihara

It'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.

REFERENCES

Hot Gimmick is available from Viz Media in English
Hot Gimmick S is a reimagining of the ending
Other anime/manga mentions
- Chobits
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Gundam
- Red River
- Basara
- From Far Away
Archive of Our Own
Wattpad
Story of NHL player who Ashley went to college with
Misc. media mentions
- Gossip Girl
- You
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Find Naja's work on her website, Twitch, Twitter, and BlueSky
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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!

REFERENCES

Neon 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 Evangelion
  - Rebuild movies
  - End of Evangelion
- Cyborg 009
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Cowboy Bebop
- Serial Experiments Lain
- Soul Eater
- Neo Yokio
- Your Name
- My Hero Academia
- Hot Gimmick
Punk bands named
- Linkin Park
- Fall Out Boy
- Panic at the Disco
- Yellowcard
- Hawthorne Heights
Misc. other mentions
- The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
- xkcd
- Red oni/blue oni
- Manic pixie dream girls
- Controversy over Netflix's translation of Eva
- BattleTech / MechWarrior
- Three Wise Men
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Josh wants you to check out his Soundcloud because we're both stuck in the year 2005: https://soundcloud.com/j_m_p_h
- Listen to his Serial Experiments Lain OP a capella version in particular: https://soundcloud.com/j_m_p_h/boa-duvet-a-cappella
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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This episode discusses Miyuki-chan in Wonderland and The One I Love by Clamp

A 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.

REFERENCES

Miyuki-chan in Wonderland is available from Viz Media
The One I Love is available from Viz Media
You should probably listen to CLAMPcast instead
Other Clamp works mentioned:
- Shirahime-Syo
- Legend of Chun Hyang
- X
- Suki
- Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Clamp School Detectives
- The One I Love
- Tokyo Babylon
- Man of Many Faces
- Duklyon
- xxxHolic
- RG Veda
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Chobits
- Angelic Layer
- Wish
- Legal Drug
- Clover
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Delicious in Dungeon
- A Sign of Affection
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- Evangelion: Angelic Days
- Snow White with the Red Hair
- Mars
- Vampire Knight
Back in our Digimon podcasting days...
Read Miyuki-chan while listening to Miami 2 Ibiza by Swedish House Mafia
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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Covers all three volumes of Legal Drug by Clamp

Get 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).

REFERENCES

Legal Drug is available from Dark Horse Comics
- Drug & Drop is also available from Dark Horse Comics
You should probably listen to CLAMPcast instead
Other Clamp works mentioned:
- MuriKuri
- Suki
- Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Clamp School Detectives
- The One I Love
- Tokyo Babylon
- Man of Many Faces
- Duklyon
- xxxHolic
- RG Veda
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Chobits
- Angelic Layer
- Wish
Other manga/anime mentioned
- Delicious in Dungeon
- QQ Sweeper
- Queen's Quality
- Kimi ni Todoke
- Cyborg 009
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days
- Snow White with the Red Hair
Figs need wasps
The Ashes love Tales of games maybe too much
- Tales of Vesperia (Raven)
- Tales of the Abyss (Jade)
There is only hitsuzen
Archive of Our Own
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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Covers all of the original The Poe Clan series by Moto Hagio

It'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.

REFERENCES

The Poe Clan is available from Fantagraphics
- As 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 Thomas
- Otherworld Barbara
- A Drunken Dream
- A Cruel God Reigns
- Rachel 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 Kouga
- Yumiko Igarashi
- Tokimeki Tonight
- The Sword of Paros
- Sakura-Gari
- Boy's Abyss
- Keiko Takemiya
- Oizumi Salon
- Fruits Basket
- Shotaro Ishinomori
  - Mist, Rose, and Stars
- Fairy Ranmaru
- Riyoko Ikeda
  - Dear Brother
- Ooku: The Inner Chambers
Vampires
- The Palgrave Handbook of the Vampire (Vrai cowrote an essay in this!)
- Our Vampires, Ourselves
- Frankenstein
- Lord Byron
- "Christabel"
- Carmilla
- Bram Stoker
- Anne Rice
  - Interview with the Vampire
- The Gilda Stories
- Twilight
- Vampire Princess Miyu

CONTACT US

Follow Vrai on Blue Sky @writervrai.bsky.social
Read Vrai's work on Anime Feminist
Support Anime Feminist on Patreon
Follow Megan on BlueSky @brainchild129.bsky.social
Follow Manga Test Drive on BlueSky @mangatestdrive.bsky.social
Support Megan on Patreon
Visit Renaissance Josei
Read Megan's work on Anime Feminist
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

Juline is out of print. It was published by Tokyopop.
- There's a sequel called Shaolin Sisters
Megan has been on episodes for The Key to the Kingdom and The Full-Time Wife Escapist
Other anime/manga mentioned:
- Revolutionary Girl Utena
- Sailor Moon
- Space Runaway Ideon
- Dr. Slump
- Urusei Yatsura
- Macross
- Megazone 23
- The Pilot's Love Song
- Aldnoah.Zero
- Lupin the 3rd Part IV: The Italian Adventure
- Apocalypse Zero
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Vampire Princess Miyu
- Ryoko's Case File
- Naruto
- Tail of the Moon
- Maid-Sama!
- Gundam Wing
Stu Levy is why everything is bad
Archive of Our Own
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Follow Megan on BlueSky @brainchild129.bsky.social
Follow Manga Test Drive on BlueSky @mangatestdrive.bsky.social
Support Megan on Patreon
Visit Renaissance Josei
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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We discuss the two shojo manga versions of Cowboy Bebop: Cowboy Bebop by Hajime Yatate [Sunrise staff] and Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star by Cain Kuga

Ask 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?

REFERENCES

Both 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 Ashes
The Netflix live action version of Cowboy Bebop was fun
Yoko Kanno's music is part of what makes the anime such a hit
Other series mentioned:
- Outlaw Star
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
  - Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days
- Dimension W
- Bleach
- Legal Drug
- X
- Gurren Lagann
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Fushigi Yugi
- Maid-Sama!
Tech bros trying to colonize space: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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This episode discusses all volumes (1-8) of The Vision of Escaflowne by Katsu Aki

The 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.

REFERENCES

Unfortunately (fortunately?), this manga is out of print. It was originally published in English by Tokyopop.
- The anime is available from Funimation
- As is the movie
- The shojo manga version has never been licensed in English
Other Escaflowne things
- "Memory of Fanelia" song
- ANNcast movie episode from 2015
Other series mentioned
- Digimon
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Sailor Moon
- Fushigi Yugi
- Cyborg 009
- Evangelion
- Hot Gimmick
- Darling in the Franxx
- Sword Art Online
- Dragon Ball Z (Master Roshi)
- Bleach
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- xxxHolic
- Spy x Family
- Hunter x Hunter
- Cowboy Bebop
Misc. memtions
- Avatar: The Last Airbender Fire Nation
- The Hunger Games
- Neo Yokio "Helena Saint Tessero is the plot."
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Shredder)
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
Ashley on Bluesky

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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.

REFERENCES

Lord Hades' Ruthless Marriage is available from Yen Press
Other Greek mythology-inspired media we mentioned:
- Percy Jackson series
- Circe by Madeline Miller
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
- Neon Gods by Katee Robert
Misc mentions
- Renji from Bleach
- Disney's Hercules
Morgana was a guest for the Pet Shop of Horrors episode, which you can listen to here

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, and Instagram

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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 English
- There's a spinoff that's not licensed yet, The White Rabbit and the Beast Prince
Be sure to check out Shoujo Sundae, Colleen's Manga Recs, and Basic Boi
Other anime/manga mentioned
- Vampire Knight
- One Piece
- Requiem of the Rose King
- My Happy Marriage
- Ooku
- Tokyo Ghoul
- Dragon Ball Z
- Hunter x Hunter
- Fullmetal Alchemist
- The World is Still Beautiful
Dub actors lobbying for better pay
Mad Max
Avengers: Endgame
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Mackenzie on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr
Mackenzie's YouTube channel
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter

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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.

REFERENCES

Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is available from Yen Press in English
Be sure to follow Shoujo Sundae and Colleen's Manga Recs
Other anime/manga mentioned
- Alice 19th
- Romantic Killer
- Yona of the Dawn
- Skip Beat!
- Gakuen Alice
- Tears of a Lamb
- Sukeban Deka
- Kill la Kill
- Bibliophile Princess
- Bleach
- Naruto
- Mob Psycho
- Beastars
- Demon Slayer
- Oshi no Ko
- Takane and Hana
- A Centaur's Life
- Monster Musume
- Darling in the Franxx
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
Other media mentioned:
- Beauty and the Beast
- Zootopia
- Balto
- The Hunger Games
- The Matrix
Anime Feminist review of Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts episode 1
Hana to Yume magazine
Mackenzie's video on Romantic Killer/performative shojo
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Mackenzie on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr
Mackenzie's YouTube channel
Shojo & Tell on Bluesky, Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter,

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Discusses all of the manga Codename: Sailor V by Naoko Takeuchi.

Before there was Sailor Moon, there was Sailor V. Or... maybe? Is that how the timeline lines up? Well, anyway. We're continuing our journey with the Sailor Guardians by discussing the prequel/sequel/???? to Sailor Moon, which is all about Minako/Sailor Venus. Minako superfans Honey and Vixen explain how Usagi and Minako differ, why Sailor Venus is their favorite Sailor Guardian, and why everyone should be on Team Minako. Shojo & Tell host Ashley has to admit that Minako makes a lot more sense after reading this superhero gag manga. If you liked the silliness of the 1990s Sailor Moon anime, then you should be reading Sailor V!

REFERENCES

Codename: Sailor V is available from Kodansha Comics
Be sure to listen to our Sailor Moon episodes with Anne LaRose
The one true Sailor Moon fansite, Tuxedo Unmasked
Other anime/manga mentioned
- Bloom Into You
- Revolutionary Girl Utena
- Hot Gimmick
- Duklyon
- Fruits Basket
- Nichijou
- Yona of the Dawn
- Princess Jellyfish
- Dragon Ball Super
- Digimon
- Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts
- Cutie Honey
- Astro Boy
Video games mentioned:
- Fantasy Zone
- TwinBee
- Breath of the Wild / Tears of the Kingdom
- Skyrim
- Dragon Quest
- Resident Evil
Listen to fellow manga podcast, Manga Mavericks
Check out Kodansha's new manga streaming service, K Manga
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Follow Honey on: Twitter, Instagram, and Twitch
Follow Vixen on Twitter
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram

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This episode discusses the second half of the Sailor Moon manga by Naoko Takeuchi.

We're back to talk about the Infinity, Dream, and Stars arcs of the beloved Sailor Moon series. Now that all the Sailor Guardians are here, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and Anne LaRose, who runs the Shojo Power blog analyzing Sailor Moon, reveal their vastly different favorite Guardians. As a n00b to the series, Ashley wonders what is even going on with the Sailor Stars. And why there's a creepy circus. And what the heck any of these villains really want. It doesn't really matter, because the Sailor Guardians kick ass, right? And Mamoru is Sailor Earth. Right. Fangirl ChatGPT agrees.

REFERENCES

Sailor Moon is available from Kodansha Comics
- The 1992 anime is on Hulu
- Sailor Moon Crystal is on Netflix
- The Sailor Moon Cosmos movie is coming out in the summer of 2023
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Codename: Sailor V
- Weathering with You
- Your Name
- One Piece
- Fruits Basket
  - Anime Feminist article on queerness
- Hunter x Hunter
- Princess Jellyfish
  - Akiko Higashimura
- Cyborg 009
- Princess Knight
- Yona of the Dawn
- A Sign of Affection
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Bleach
- Naruto
- Madoka Magica
- Pretty Cure
- Land of the Lustrous
- Twin Star Exorcists
- Rumiko Takahashi
Two-Spirit people
Lindy West
Lord of the Flies
Fifty Shades of Grey
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Anne runs shojopower.com
Find Shojo Power on: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram

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This episode discusses the first half of the Sailor Moon manga by Naoko Takeuchi.

It's our 100th main episode(!!), so we finally suck it up and cover one of the biggest shojo series of all time: Sailor Moon. To start off, Shojo & Tell host Ashley makes a shocking confession, which Anne LaRose, who runs the site Shojo Power dedicated to analyzing Sailor Moon, takes in stride. From there, Ashley and Anne respond to listener feedback on what makes Sailor Moon so beloved, rank their favorite Sailor Guardians, share feelings about Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask's romance, and explore how Takeuchi's series altered the course of magical girl stories. The story arcs discussed are the Dark Kingdom and Black Moon.

REFERENCES

Sailor Moon is available from Kodansha Comics
- The 1992 anime is on Hulu
- Sailor Moon Crystal is on Netflix
- The Sailor Moon Cosmos movie is coming out in the summer of 2023
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Codename: Sailor V
- Maid-Sama!
- Fushigi Yugi
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Saint Seiya
- Hunter x Hunter
- Tokyo Mew Mew
- Creamy Mami
- Alice 19th
- Fruits Basket
- Nana
American cartoons/comics mentioned:
- Powerpuff Girls
- Batman: The Animated Series
- Spider-Man: The Animated Series
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- The Real Ghostbusters
- The Incredibles
Gen Z/Generation Alpha doesn't understand the concept of files on a desktop
Alethea and Athena Nibley did the Eternal Editions/Naoko Takeuchi collection translations
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Anne runs shojopower.com
Find Shojo Power on: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram

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A discussion about all three volumes of CLAMP School Detectives by CLAMP.

We're rounding out the unofficial Clamp School trilogy with CLAMP School Detectives, which is actually a shojo series! Nokoru, Suoh, and Akira (from Man of Many Faces) make up the elementary student council representatives at Clamp School, and they're determined to help any maiden in distress. Shojo and Tell host Ashley and her husband, Asher, discuss how Clamp School is a dystopian totalitarian state disguising itself as a utopia, what it does or does not get right about going to prestigious schools, and how the council would react if a girl asked for help with period cramps. Ashley insists multiple times that you don't need to read volume 2 of this manga. It's superfluous!

REFERENCES

CLAMP School Detectives is available from Viz Media digitally
Other CLAMP manga mentioned:
- X
- Legend of Chun Hyang
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Miyuki-chan in Wonderland
- The One I Love
- Tokyo Babylon
- Man of Many Faces
- Duklyon
- Tsubasa
- xxxHolic
- RG Veda
- Legal Drug
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Chobits
- Angelic Layer
- Wish
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Ouran High School Host Club
  - Bisco Hatori
- Joe from Cyborg 009
- Tai from Digimon
- Neo Yokio
- Danganronpa
- Princess Jellyfish
- Escaflowne (shonen manga version)
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Other books mentioned
- Inclusify
- The Hunger Games
  - Finnick
- Throne of Glass
- The Poppy War
Chinese spy balloon
You should probably just listen to the CLAMPcast in Wonderland episodes about this manga instead
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

Join us next time for a discussion of the first half of Sailor Moon!

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A discussion about the two-volume series Duklyon: CLAMP School Defenders by CLAMP.

Another two-volume shonen gag manga from CLAMP, an even sillier and shorter Shojo & Tell episode than usual. The CLAMP School Defenders Kentarou Higashikunimaru and Takeshi Shukaido are trying to protect the institution from the Imonoyama Shopping District Association. From there, an alien romance commences. Duklyon is strange, comedic, and a loving send up to tokusatsu shows. Most of this episode is just Asher and Ashley trying to say "Higashikunimaru" 10 times fast. (No, it's not. That's only part of the episode. We promise.)

Duklyon is available from Viz Media digitally
Other CLAMP manga mentioned:
- Man of Many Faces
- RG Veda
- Clamp School Detectives
- Tsubasa
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Chobits
- Tokyo Babylon
- X
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Angelic Layer
- Wish
- Legend of Chun Hyang
- Shirahime-Syo
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Power Rangers
- SSSS.Gridman
- Sailor Moon
- Space Patrol Luluco
- Dilandau from Escaflowne
- Yuu Watase
You should probably just listen to the CLAMPcast in Wonderland episode about this manga instead
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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A discussion about the two-volume series Man of Many Faces by CLAMP.

This is a two-volume gag manga about a gentleman thief who's in elementary school named Akira. He has two moms who look identical to each other. He's part of the Clamp School Detectives. He's in love with a kindergartener named Utako. It might be one of the best romantic relationships in any Clamp manga. Wait, what? Shojo and Tell host Ashley and her husband do their best to crack the case as to why this strange, should-be-problematic short series is actually endearing and wholesome.

Man of Many Faces is available from Viz Media digitally
Other CLAMP manga mentioned:
- RG Veda
- Clamp School Detectives
- Tsubasa
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Chobits
- Tokyo Babylon
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Angelic Layer
- Wish
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Bungo Stray Dogs
- Cowboy Bebop
- YuYu Hakusho
- Fushigi Yuugi
- D.N.Angel
- Sailor Moon
Persona 5
Edogawa Ranpo
Pretty Woman
Some Like It Hot
Buzzfeed Quiz: You Know How Old You Are Literally, But How Old Are You Mentally?
You should probably just listen to the CLAMPcast in Wonderland episodes about this manga instead
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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This episode discusses all seven volumes of Alice 19th by Yuu Watase.

Sisters Alice Seno and Mayura Seno end up falling for the same handsome boy, Kyo, and their fight for his affection threatens to destroy the whole world. That's a bit of an oversimplification, but the general gist of Watase's Alice 19th. Chika and Giana from the podcast Shoujo Sundae join Shojo and Tell host Ashley to talk about the battle between the Lotis Masters and Maram Masters, where words are turned into magical but very deadly violence. We discuss the influences of September 11, 2001, on the story, Watase's efforts at diversity and inclusion, whether we consider Alice a magical girl or not, and more.

REFERENCES

Alice 19th is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Other Watase series mentioned:
- Absolute Boyfriend
- Imadoki!
- Fushigi Yuugi
- Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden
- Fushigi Yuugi: Byakko Senki
- Appare Jipangu!
- Ceres
- Arata
Other anime/manga series mentioned:
- Sailor Moon
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- InuYasha
- Attack on Titan
- Ouran High School Host Club
- The Vision of Escaflowne
Other media mentioned:
- The Lord of the Rings (movies)
- Atlantis (movie)
- RRR
- "Synchronised Sinking" by The Lucksmiths
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Shoujo Sundae on Twitter: @ShoujoSundae
Chika on Twitter: @chikasupreme
Chika on Instagram: @chikasupreme
Giana on Twitter: @Giana_Luna_
Giana on Instagram: @giana_luna_
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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This episode discusses all of Twinkle Stars by Natsuki Takaya

Welcome, hoejos, to the first Shojo and Tell episode of 2023, with special guest Colleen. We're here to discuss Natsuki Takaya's TWINKLE STARS, which is the only series Takaya has completed since she finished this little series called Fruits Basket. (That is, aside from Furuba spinoffs.) Prepare your tear ducts, because it dives just as hard — if not harder — into twisted family dynamics like Furuba. We answer burning listener questions like "which page made you cry the most?", marvel at the star imagery, and of course, make endless comparisons to Fruits Basket. Which Takaya series is better? You'll have to listen to find out.

CONTENT WARNING: Suicide

REFERENCES

Twinkle Stars is available from Yen Press
We make frequent comparisons to Takaya's other series, Fruits Basket, which we previously covered:
- FB episode 1
- FB episode 2
- FB episode 3
Other series mentioned:
- Kimi ni Todoke
- Basara
- Kodocha
- An example of the servant/high school student dynamic: A Girl and Her Guard Dog
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Colleen on Twitter: @manga_nostalgic
Colleen on YouTube: @ColleensMangaRecs
Colleen on TikTok: @colleensmangarecs
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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This episode discusses all volumes of Wotakoi by Fujita.

Gather 'round, gamers, and let you freak flag fly, fujoshi: Wotakoi is the lighthearted, reassuring read all otaku need. It follows six young adults as they navigate fandom and romance, to hilarious, heartwarming effect. Ellie from the Religiously Nerdy podcast joins to discuss our three main couples, answer a slew of listener questions, and generally identify aspects that make the series so relatable. (Ashley, unfortunately, relates a bit too much to Kabakura.)

REFERENCES

Wotakoi is available from Kodansha
The Wotakoi anime is available on Am*zon Pr!me (a service we do not endorse)
Other manga mentioned:
- Sweat and Soap
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- Bleach
- Dimension W
- Twin Star Exorcists
- Maid-Sama!
- A Silent Voice
- Kill la Kill
- My Hero Academia
- Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
- Sailor Moon
- InuYasha
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
- Angel Beats
- Fruits Basket
Other anime/manga podcasts mentioned:
- Religiously Nerdy
- Manga Mavericks
- Shoujo Sundae
- The Otaku Noobs Podcast
Games mentioned:
- Fate/Grand Order
- Elden Ring
- Granblue Fantasy
- Dead by Daylight
- Tales of the Abyss
- Tales of Arise
- Tales of Xillia
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Ellie on Twitter: @themuslimblerd
Ellie on Instagram: @themuslimblerd
Religiously Nerdy on Instagram: @religiouslynerdy
Religious Nerdy on Twitter: @3muslimnerds
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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Covers all 4 volumes of Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san by Honda.

Ever wanted to know what it's like to work in a bookstore? Well, your friendly neighborhood bookseller, Honda-san, has some funny stories to share and will teach you about wholesalers. Oh, and Honda's a skeleton. Of course. Honda relays many hijinks at their Kinkuniya or Bkff in Tokyo, particularly in regards to foreign customers. The Ashes compare the anime and the manga, talk about issues surrounding book distribution and discovery, and name their favorites among Honda's coworkers. Here's a short episode for Halloween that has absolutely nothing to do with Halloween other than everyone's portrayed in a funny costume. Anyway, enjoy our rants about Rakuten Kobo!

REFERENCES

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san is available from Yen Press
The K-Drama service we were thinking of is, ironically, Rakuten's Viki
Manga/authors mentioned:
- The Story of Saiunkoku
- The Poe Clan
- Osamu Tezuka
- Bleach
- My Hero Academia
- Horimiya
Pixiv
Barnes and Noble's new strategy away from niche titles
Dive deep into the confusing world of publishing sales figures
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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Covers all 4 volumes of Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san by Honda.

REFERENCES

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-san is available from Yen Press
The K-Drama service we were thinking of is, ironically, Rakuten's Viki
Manga/authors mentioned:
- The Story of Saiunkoku
- The Poe Clan
- Osamu Tezuka
- Bleach
- My Hero Academia
- Horimiya
Pixiv
Barnes and Noble's new strategy away from niche titles
Dive deep into the confusing world of publishing sales figures
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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Discusses all eight volumes of Marmalade Boy by Wataru Yoshizumi.

Marmalade Boy is a quintessential shojo that has it all: Swingers! Step-sibling romance! Student-teacher relationships! And it does it all in a fast-paced eight volumes. In this episode, Lucy from the CLAMPcast podcast and Shojo & Tell host Ashley answer a ton of listener questions, which cover topics ranging from Marmalade Boy’s place in shojo history, our feelings about Meiko and Namura, how Miki and Yuu’s parents rank against other manga parents, what we hope for from Seven Seas’ upcoming rerelease of the manga, and much more. (Hint: We definitely hope for less sentences like “I love you, Yuu!”)

REFERENCES (WIP! Full show notes TK!)

Marmalade Boy is being rereleased by Seven Seas
Lucy was previously on the Paradise Kiss episode
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Cowboy Bebop
- Trigun
- Full Moon
- Horimiya
- Dragon Ball Z
- Pokemon (you know what Pokemon is)
- Fushigi Yugi
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
- Fruits Basket
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Peach Girl
- Mars
- Planet Ladder
- Wotakoi
- Io Sakisaka works: Ao Haru Ride, Strobe Edge, Love Me, Love Me Not
- Moto Hagio works
- Waiting for Spring
- Banana Fish
- Code Geass
- Sailor Moon
- A Couple of Cuckoos
- Sword Art Online
- Kodocha
YA mentioned:
- Gossip Girl
- The Hunger Games
- Speak
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- The Outsiders
- Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined
Some academic books about shojo that are available in English:
- International Perspectives on Shojo and Shojo Manga
- Passionate Friendship
- Straight from the Heart
Smile Magazine
The Manga Mavericks Podcast
Psychology Today article: "The Rise of Lonely, Single Men"
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Listen to Lucy's podcast all about CLAMP manga and anime called CLAMPcast in Wonderland! It's really good.
CLAMPcast on Twitter @CLAMPcastpod
Follow Lucy on Twitter @LucyinBookland
Follow Lucy on TikTok @LucyinBookland
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram

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Discusses all eight volumes of Marmalade Boy by Wataru Yoshizumi.

REFERENCES (WIP! Full show notes TK!)

Marmalade Boy is being rereleased by Seven Seas
Lucy was previously on the Paradise Kiss episode
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Cowboy Bebop
- Trigun
- Full Moon
- Horimiya
- Dragon Ball Z
- Pokemon (you know what Pokemon is)
- Fushigi Yugi
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card
- Fruits Basket
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Peach Girl
- Mars
- Planet Ladder
- Wotakoi
- Io Sakisaka works: Ao Haru Ride, Strobe Edge, Love Me, Love Me Not
- Moto Hagio works
- Waiting for Spring
- Banana Fish
- Code Geass
- Sailor Moon
- A Couple of Cuckoos
- Sword Art Online
- Kodocha
YA mentioned:
- Gossip Girl
- The Hunger Games
- Speak
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- The Outsiders
- Life and Death: Twilight Reimagined
Some academic books about shojo that are available in English:
- International Perspectives on Shojo and Shojo Manga
- Passionate Friendship
- Straight from the Heart
Smile Magazine
The Manga Mavericks Podcast
Psychology Today article: "The Rise of Lonely, Single Men"
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Listen to Lucy's podcast all about CLAMP manga and anime called CLAMPcast in Wonderland! It's really good.
CLAMPcast on Twitter @CLAMPcastpod
Follow Lucy on Twitter @LucyinBookland
Follow Lucy on TikTok @LucyinBookland
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram

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This episode discusses all six volumes of Absolute Boyfriend by Yuu Watase.

The Ashes are back to do a compare and contrast between two shojo heavyweights, Yuu Watase and CLAMP. Last episode we covered Chobits even though it's a seinen series, partially because we're determined to read every CLAMP series, and partially because we knew Absolute Boyfriend appears to have taken heavy inspiration from Chobits and shojo-ified it. We talk about how Absolute Boyfriend handles sex and A.I. compared to Chobits, whether it's magical and dreamy that your boyfriend can be destroyed and have to go to the Apple Store, and are thankful that, at the very least, Riko is not a schmuck. (Although, she might be the high school female equivalent of a schmuck? You decide after hearing how she handled her love triangle between the figure, Night, and her best friend, Soshi.)

REFERENCES

Absolute Boyfriend is available in English from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Why do they keep making live action adaptations of this??
Other Watase series mentioned:
- Fushigi Yugi
- Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden
- Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki
- Ceres
- Arata
- Sakura-Gari
Other CLAMP series mentioned:
- Legal Drug
- X
CLAMP interview mentioned
Misc. mentions:
- Megane
- Boss Baby
- Twilight
- Magical Girlfriend
- Noragami
- BioShock
- Hatsune Miku
- IA
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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This episode discusses all six volumes of Absolute Boyfriend by Yuu Watase.

REFERENCES

Absolute Boyfriend is available in English from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Why do they keep making live action adaptations of this??
Other Watase series mentioned:
- Fushigi Yugi
- Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden
- Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki
- Ceres
- Arata
- Sakura-Gari
Other CLAMP series mentioned:
- Legal Drug
- X
CLAMP interview mentioned
Misc. mentions:
- Megane
- Boss Baby
- Twilight
- Magical Girlfriend
- Noragami
- BioShock
- Hatsune Miku
- IA
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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This episode discusses all eight volumes of Chobits by CLAMP.

We're continuing our journey through CLAMP with their most provocative, perverted, and problematic series yet: The sci-fi series Chobits, where personal computers (persocoms) take the form of cute high school girls with cat ears. Hideki, peak schmuck boy, finds a free one in the trash, and he names her Chi, and then he may or may not fall in love with her, even though she behaves like a child. Talk about awkward. Asher and Ashley have A LOT of feelings about the moral implications of the relationships between humans and persocoms that are presented by each character arc, the way artificial intelligence and computer memory is discussed, and about the handling of the sexual topics. Look. CLAMP apparently isn't saying it's okay to marry Hatsune Miku. But your love of Hatsune Miku is real love. Ashley's still waiting for the "so what?" of it all.

PLEASE NOTE: This episode is marked explicit due to being unable to avoid talking about lewd topics. Knowing that, Ashley also curses more than she ever has on this podcast. Proceed with caution!

REFERENCES

Chobits is available in English from Kodansha Comics
This episode is really just an advertisement for the podcasts CLAMPcast in Wonderland and Hot Money
Other CLAMP series mentioned
- Angelic Layer
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Cardcaptor Sakura
Other series mentioned
- Fruits Basket
- Naruto
- Absolute Boyfriend
- Marmalade Boy
Battlebots stuff
- Jamison Go/SawBlaze
- Tombstone
- Witch Doctor
Songs/artists mentioned
- Yuri the Only One for Me by LeetStreet Boys
- Oxytocin by Billie Eilish
- Snow (Hey Oh) by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Lil Nas X
- Hatsune Miku
Computer stuff mentioned
- BBS (Bulletin Board System)
- Defragging
- YouTube AI algorithm failures
- Tricking the Twitter/Microsoft chatbot
- This ex-Google AI idiot
- The Most Human Human
- Three Laws of Robotics
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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This episode discusses volumes 9–17 of Love Com by Aya Nakahara.

We're back with a walkthrough of the highs and lows of the second half of Love Com, where we no longer see height. Height means nothing when it comes to true love. (Or... does it?) Ashley and Loyola discuss the appearance of Kohori, how Otani and Risa broke up (!!) then got to back together (!!!) and slept together (!!!!) — but no not in that way, they haven't even kissed four times in a row yet (?!?!). We have one of the most heated shipping corners on this podcast so far, where Ashley insists that Haruka and Seiko are a couple and Otani and Risa might be better off just friends. In conclusion: Nobu's still the best and Risa's brother, Takato, is hot.

REFERENCES

The Love Com manga is available digitally from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
The Love Com anime is available to stream on Crunchyroll
Other episodes Loyola's been on:
- Arina Tanemura One-Shots
- Girl Got Game
- MeruPuri
Other anime/manga mentioned:
- The Vision of Escaflowne
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Loyola on Twitter: @loyolarankin
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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Discusses volumes 1–8 of Love Com by Aya Nakahara.

Ashley and Loyola are here to discuss the first half of the romantic comedy Love Com, aka Lovely Complex, which is the romcom that all other romcoms should aspire to. We gush about how cute Risa and Otani are, the impeccable comedic timing, the emotional levity that hits home, and so much more. Loyola is subjected to Ashley making her take the quizzes at the end of volume 8, to hilarious results.

REFERENCES

The Love Com manga is available digitally from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
The Love Com anime is available to stream on Crunchyroll
Other episodes Loyola's been on:
- Arina Tanemura One-Shots
- Girl Got Game
- MeruPuri
Other anime/manga mentioned:
- Waiting for Spring
- Attack on Titan
- The Vision of Escaflowne
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Loyola on Twitter: @loyolarankin
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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Discusses all 9 volumes of The Story of Saiunkoku, written by Sai Yukino and illustrated by Kairi Yura.

ASHLEY: I'm like, 'I could have been a better person if I'd read [The Story of Saiunkoku] 10 years ago.'
DEE: That's how we should have ended the no spoiler section! 'Read this manga, it will change your life.'

In this episode, we're going to historical China for a semi-supernatural, extremely feminist manga adaptation of a light novel series. Dee, who makes the Josei Next Door blog and writes/edits for Anime Feminist, joins to discuss why this series never got its time in the spotlight in English like it deserves, why Shurei’s journey to fulfilling the seemingly impossible dream she has of becoming a civil servant is one of hope, and how Shurei's dad may just be the best dad in all of anime/manga, despite being a killer. We also, of course, talk about the gaggle of hot men in Shurei's life and her badass boss, Kochou.

REFERENCES

The Story of Saiunkoku manga is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
The only version of the anime that's available legally in English is dubbed and is called Corlourcloud Palace
Other series mentioned:
- The Apothecary Diaries
- Culinary Chronicles of the Court
- Basara
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Fushigi Yuugi
- LoveCom
Anime Feminist articles mentioned:
- You Don’t Have to Kick Ass to Be Kickass: Shoujo fantasy and the value of the noncombatant hero
- Fire Balls & Ice Rinks: How My Hero Academia reflects inequality in competitive sports
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

You can find Dee's writing on Anime Feminist and Josei Next Door
Follow Dee on Twitter: @joseinextdoor
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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Wife and husband duo Ashley and Asher are back to talk about the short comedic manga Flower in a Storm. While neither would say they really loved the story of rich-boy Ran going after super-strong Riko, Ashley, at least, thinks it shows lots of promise from the author, and is a funny parody of mid-2000s shojo manga tropes. But the real standouts are the two unrelated short stories that are included.

REFERENCES

Flower in a Storm is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
The only other manga out by this author in English is Caste Heaven, a BL manga under a different pen name
Other series mentioned:
- Snow White with the Red Hair
- Witch Hat Atelier
- SP Baby
- Takane and Hana
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Maid-Sama!
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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Covers the entire series of Planet Ladder by Yuri Narushima.

Wife and husband duo Ashley and Asher discuss the wild ride that is PLANET LADDER. They're not quite sure what happened, but they both know Bambi is the best. Also, there's a giant chicken. Surely you want to know more?

REFERENCES

Planet Ladder is out of print. It was published by TokyoPop, and you can find used copies on places like eBay.
Planet Ladder is inspired by The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
Other series mentioned:
- The Vision of Escalfowne
- Mars
- Fushigi Yuugi
- The Young Master's Revenge
- Shortcake Cake
- Weathering with You
Characters mentioned because Planet Ladder characters remind us of them
- Arisa Uotani (Fruits Basket)
- Helena Saint Tessero (Neo Yokio)
- Icktidarl (Haruka)
We just want to see you turn into a Giant Woman
Outro song: "Yuri the Only One for Me" by LeetStreet Boys

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley's Tales of Xillia fanfic: Well Suited

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A discussion of volumes 7–12 (the second half) of Shortcake Cake by Suu Morishita.

Ashley and Olive are back to process what the heck happened in the back half of Morishita’s series. They discuss Rei and Riku's family drama, Riku and Ten and Chiaki’s relationship (how is Riku not canonically confirmed bi??), the use of tension in Morishita's works, and much, much more. Because so much happened in these six volumes, and the reader is definitely not prepared for all of them.

REFERENCES

Shortcake Cake is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
A Sign of Affection, Morishita's current work, is being published by Kodansha
Other manga mentioned:
- My Love Mix-Up!
- Maid-Sama!
- Ouran High School Host Club
Other artists mentioned:
- CLAMP
- Arina Tanemura
Truck-kun
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Bridgerton Season 2
Jacob and Renesmee from Twilight
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Olive on Twitter: @allofthemanga
Olive writes for But Why Tho?
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram

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This episode covers volumes 1–6 of Shorkcake Cake by Suu Morishita (that's the first half).

The duo that makes up Suu Morishita burst onto the English manga scene in recent years with Shorkcake Cake and A Sigh of Affection. In this episode, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and manga reviewer Olive discuss what makes SCC a breath of fresh air, from Ten's kind frankness, to Chiaki's dorkiness, to Riku's fumbling sincerity. Then again, there's also Rei, who's been going Goblin Mode since before it was cool. Why??

REFERENCES

Shortcake Cake is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
A Sign of Affection, Morishita's current work, is being published by Kodansha
Other manga mentioned:
- Ao Haru Ride
- Daytime Shooting Star
- Dengeki Daisy
- Princess Jellyfish
- Fruits Basket
- Snow White with the Red Hair
- My Love Mix-Up!
- Bleach
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Olive on Twitter: @allofthemanga
Olive writes for But Why Tho?
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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We discuss all three volumes of After Hours by Yuhta Nishio.

Welcome to the club. Emi knows nothing about dance music. Kei is a DJ with manic pixie dream girl energy. Emi gets sucked into Kei's world in this series that's basically a 101 lesson in EDM. "Isn't this a seinen manga?" Yes, yes it is. But Shojo & Tell host Ashley has a soft spot for these lesbian DJs, so we're covering it anyway! Ashley and her husband, Asher, discuss the particular moment in music time the series is in response to, how relatable Emi's millennial struggle is, the rosy portrayal of technology and the club scene we get, and more. Let's vibe.

REFERENCES

After Hours is available from Viz Media in English
Ashley's been reading Tim: The Official Biography of Avicii, which provides a great history of the scene After Hours is in response to (and also, it's sad :( RIP Tim)
Take a look at the top 100 DJs in the world throughout the years on DJMag. You will see a lack of women.
Asher keeps raving about One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston, no matter what the discussion
Other series mentioned:
- Dimension W
- Chobits
- Daytime Shooting Star
Nonstandard/specific tech mentioned:
- Google Glass
- Apple AirTag
Songs/artists mentioned in episode but not in the manga:
- DJ Sumirock
- Avicii
- deadmau5
- Calvin Harris
- Skrillex
- Swedish House Mafia
- The Chainsmokers
- "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" [Seeb Remix] by Mike Posner
- Lil Dicky
- "Save Tonight" by Eagle-Eye Cherry
- "Save Me, San Francisco" by Train
Songs/artists mentioned in the manga (at least, the ones we know are real):
- "Music Sounds Better With You" by Stardust
- Daft Punk
- "We Are Your Friends (Justice Vs Simian)"
- "Lucky Star" by Basement Jaxx
- "Local Distance"
- Rytmeklubben
- Pa's Lam System
- Iglooghost
- DJ Wildparty
- Ducky
- Slugabed
- GRRL
Female DJs Ashley likes:
- Rezz
- Buddygrrl
- Chantel Jeffries
- Havana Brown
- Juicy M
- Krewella
- NERVO
- Rebecca & Fiona
- The Jane Doze
Cool EDM/electronic-y songs/artists Ashley is forever sad don't get enough attention:
- Dave Edwards
- "Slow Down" by BeatauCue
- The Naked and Famous
- Broke for Free
- "OMG" by Gryffin ft. Carly Rae Jepsen is a god-tier level song, it is a CRIME that it was not played on mainstream radio
- Hujje
- The Knocks
- I'm sure there are 50 million things I'm forgetting but you get the picture
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Asher on Twitter: @asherdashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 10–18 of Takane and Hana by Yuki Shiwasu (that's the second half of the series).

Takane is 27. Hana is 17. They're arranged marriage partners, and they're finally read to admit that they're in love. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and librarian Kelly are back to discuss how this age-gap romance wrapped up its story with a blissfully minimal amount of squick but still a high amount of disappointment. That's what the drama was between Takane and his mom and the whole Takaba corporation? Takane and Hana have to get married right now? Hana ends up just as a housewife? But we did get something great in the end: a possible OT3 with Yukari, Kirigasaki, and Rino.

REFERENCES

Takane and Hana is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Kelly used to host a podcast called One Panel Later
Kelly has been on to discuss House of the Sun and Waiting for Spring
There are some Maid-Sama vibes in Shiwasu's series
Other manga mentions:
- Tokyo Ghoul
- Demon Slayer
- Naruto
- A Silent Voice
- Princess Jellyfish
- Fullmetal Alchemist
Kelly said she got Breaking Dawn vibes from this ending
Aren't we all hikikomori now?
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Kelly on Twitter: @kellyqute
- She says her Twitter is now a danmei/MXTX fan account
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 1–9 of Takane and Hana by Yuki Shiwasu.

Hana is a perfectly average high school girl. Takane is a 26-year-old scion of a conglomerate. Together, they are arranged marriage partners (but they're definitely not dating!!). Kelly returns once again to talk about an age-gap romance — one that both she and Ashley are highly positive on. In this episode about the first half of the series, Kelly and Ashley try very, very hard to articulate how the series never (well, almost never, anyway) enters squick territory, talk about the wide cast of characters (Rino is great! Also, why is Rino here??), and discuss the funniest parts of the series. We promise, it's worth giving this hilarious contemporary a chance!

REFERENCES

Takane and Hana is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Kelly used to host a podcast called One Panel Later
Kelly has been on to discuss House of the Sun and Waiting for Spring
There are some Maid-Sama vibes in Shiwasu's series
Yuki looks like Hitomi from Escaflowne
Nicola looks like a combo of the priest from Yona of the Dawn and Tamaki from Ouran High School Host Club
Terrace House: Aloha State
- Suicide of Terrace House resident Hana Kimura
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Kelly on Twitter: @kellyqute
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers all 10 volumes plus the 10th anniversary side stories of The Rose of Versailles by Riyoko Ikeda (that's the five omnibus volumes released by Udon!)

It's hard to overstate how significant The Rose of Versailles is to the history of shojo manga and beyond. In this episode about Riyoko Ikeda's masterpiece, Erica Friedman, the editor of the English edition of the series, details the legacy of Oscar François de Jarjayes, the ultimate girl prince. Erica answers listener questions about the localization, plus she and Ashley dive into the series' queerness (despite not being about gender or sexuality), how historically accurate it is to the events of the French Revolution (immensely), and much more. We hope you're as delighted as we are to finally be able to read this iconic series legally, in gorgeous English editions.

REFERENCES

The Rose of Versailles manga is available physically in omnibuses from Udon Entertainment
The Rose of Versailles anime is available from Discotek. (But you have to watch the Dear Brother anime first.)
Ikeda is part of the legendary Magnificent 49ers group of manga artists
Erica's book, By Your Side, will be coming out in 2022. It's about the history of yuri manga.
Other great folks who worked on the English edition of The Rose of Versailles:
- Erik Ko (head of Udon)
- Mari Morimoto (translator)
- Jocelyne Allen (translator)
The first Girl Prince was Sapphire in Osamu Tezuka's Princess Knight (available in English from Kodansha)
- Erica's equation on manga legends: If Osamu Tezuka is the god of manga, then Riyoko Ikeda is the goddess of manga, and Go Nagai is the creepy uncle
Now you know why Sarasa is always saying she wants to play Oscar in Kageki Shojo!!
- The Rose of Versailles is important to the Takarazuka Revue
Legacy of girl princes:
- Utena in Revolutionary Girl Utena
- Haruka Tenou from Sailor Moon
Redacted letters between Marie-Antoinette and Axel von Fersen were recently decoded
Historian Evelyn Farr has a great video on Marie-Antoinette and Fersen
One of the Lulu stories is based off Elizabeth Báthory
Miscellaneous mentions:
- ALA list of great graphic novels for teens
- The Heart of Thomas
- Flower Stories
- Revue Starlight
- Babylon 5 reboot
- Other Ikeda work: Claudine
Mangasplaining is another good manga podcast
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Erica's Yuricon site: https://okazu.yuricon.com/
Erica on Twitter: @OkazuYuri
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers both volumes of SP Baby by Maki Enjoji.

We're back with another Enjoji title! This time, it's a classic bodyguard romance, full of tragic backstories and sexual harassment. Tamaki joins the Security Police for Kagetora, the prime minster's nephew, against her better judgment (she really needs this job) and of course, romance ensues whether the heroine wants it or not. Ashley and Asher discuss how Tamaki's extreme form of accountability is actually refreshing, while Kagetora manages to avoid landing at the very bottom of the barrel for romantic heroes. We've seen worse. We've also seen way better.

REFERENCES

SP Baby is available from Viz Media
Listen to our House of the Sun episodes
Listen to our Princess Jellyfish episodes
Kagetora is Anti-Everything, but he loves Tamaki
Remember The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Good times....
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Asher on Twitter: @asherdashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers all 7 volumes of An Incurable Case of Love by Maki Enjoji.

We're back with a cute josei series! It's like Grey's Anatomy, but with a more contained cast and a lot more sexual harassment from the patients. Sakura has had a crush on Dr. Tendo since she saw him save a stranger in the streets, but when they finally start working together, he's not exactly the kindly doctor she imagined him to be. Shojo & Tell host Ashley is joined by Alex Yates of The Yona Podcast to talk about this blossoming workplace romance, boundary setting in relationships, and more. How 'bout that turn with Nice Guy Nishi??

REFERENCES

An Incurable Case of Love is available from Viz Media
Alex hosts The Yona Podcast, a Yona of the Dawn podcast
Yona of the Dawn is available from Viz Media
Other works from Maki Enjoji:
- Happy Marriage?!
- SP Baby
Other series mentioned:
- Maid-Sama!
- Nana
Misc. things
- Grey's Anatomy
- Ellen Pompeo
- Anime News Network: Do We Still Need Shonen/Shojo Labels?
- Women-only passenger cars in Japan
- Which Grey's Anatomy Character Are You? [Buzzfeed Quiz]
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

The Yona Podcast on Twitter: @theyonapod
The Yona Podcast on Tumblr: theyonapodcast
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Host Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 16–23 of Hana-Kimi by Hisaya Nakajo.

Welcome back for the final Hana-Kimi episode! The Ashleys are back to discuss how wild this ride has been: The strange results of the final character poll, what the series says about gender, how it compares to other gender-bending series, and of course, finally, the ships. Also: Can you believe this manga kept up the premise of Mizuki's gender being a secret the ENTIRE TIME? We just don't get manga like this anymore!

REFERENCES

Hana-Kimi is available from Viz Media
This series is the precursor to Ouran
Other manga mentioned:
- Tokyo Babylon
- Girl Got Game
- Basara
- Not Your Idol
- Princess Jellyfish
- Fruits Basket
- Kimi ni Todoke
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Ashley Hawkins' website: Manga Librarian
Ashley Hawkins' Twitter: @manga_librarian
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Host Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Welcome back to Osaka High and the middle third of Hana-Kimi. Shojo and Tell host Ashley is joined by Manga Librarian Ashley to talk about all the hijinks that ensued here. What’s the tone? Gil’s still here?! How can Mizuki assume Sano doesn’t know she’s a girl when she sleeps with him in the same bed half the nights and she’s got her boobs pressed up against him? Mizuki grew up in Berkeley, California? You know what, that makes a lot of sense, actually...

REFERENCES

Hana-Kimi is available from Viz Media
This series is the precursor to Ouran
Everyone should watch The Vision of Escaflowne
Tatsuki from Fushigi Yugi is like Nakatsu
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Ashley Hawkins' website: Manga Librarian
Ashley Hawkins' Twitter: @manga_librarian
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Host Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 1–8 of Hana-Kimi by Hisaya Nakajo.

We're throwing back and throwing down with a big-time, gender-bending shojo classic: Hana-Kimi, aka, the precursor to Ouran High School Host Club. Mizuki Ashiya moves all the way from America to Japan, in high school, without express permission from her parents, just to be with her favorite high-jumper, Izumi Sano, a boy she's never met. Even better: She has to disguise that she's a girl so she can attend Sano's all-boys school. Who approved this premise? We don't know, but we do know it is full of good boys. Come listen if you love hijinks and dogs and stereotypes about gender (and America, too).

REFERENCES

Hana-Kimi is available from Viz Media
This series is the precursor to Ouran
Other series referenced:
- Naruto
- My Hero Academia
- Fruits Basket
- Boys Run the Riot
It would be nice if Hana-Kimi was retranslated by transgender translators like Rachel Thorn
“Queering” Heteronormativity: Biological essentialism in genderbending manga discusses Hana-Kimi a lot [Anime Feminist article]
Back when Titanic premiered, people in Tokyo were meh about it
Free Online Gender Quiz
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Ashley Hawkins' website: Manga Librarian
Ashley Hawkins' Twitter: @manga_librarian
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Host Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers all of RG Veda by CLAMP.

This hyper-violent fantasy series was CLAMP's first traditionally published work — and it shows. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher talk about the highs and lows of this high-concept series about destiny and the power of love (what else is new?). All good boys are praised, and Yasha is not on the list.

REFERENCES

RG Veda is available from Dark Horse
Listen to Clampcast's more in-depth RG Veda episodes!
Religious texts mentioned:
- Rig Veda
- Mahabharata
- Ramayana
Other CLAMP series mentioned:
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- X
- Tokyo Babylon
- Tsubasa
- xxxHolic
Other media mentioned:
- Digimon
- Noragami
- Air Gear
- Ranma 1/2
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Hana-Kimi
- Octopath Traveler
- Final Fantasy XV
- Haven
- Homestuck
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: @dashery
Asher on Twitter: @asherdashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers all of Earthian by Yun Kouga.

Anime Feminist writer Vrai Kaiser joins Shojo & Tell host Ashley to discuss this late 1980s boys' love hot mess of a manga. Earthian starts off as a sort of mashup between Pet Shop of Horrors and The Good Place and ends somewhere way, way off from that. Vrai and Ashley discuss all the religion that is (and isn't) happening with the Catholicsploitation, how sweet Chihaya and Kagetsuya's relationship actually is, how many of the ideas the series presents (but doesn't follow through with) are actually still startlingly relevant, and tons more (probably problematic) topics. The journey is surprising and delightful and horrifying all at the same time.

REFERENCES

You can buy Earthian digitally from DMP (Yeah..... Yeah)
Other Yun Kouga series mentioned:
- Loveless
- Riddle Story of Devil (Akuma no Riddle)
Other manga series / creators mentioned:
- Pet Shop of Horrors
- Tokyo Babylon
- Fake
- Banana Fish
- Angel Sanctuary // Kaori Yuki
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Mars
- Tramps Like Us
- Vatican Miracle Examiner
- Mobile Suit Gundam 00
- Fushigi Yugi // Yuu Watase
- Heart of Thomas // Moto Hagio
- Kaze to Ki no Uta
- Gravitation
- The Tyrant Falls in Love
- Devilman
- Wish
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- Land of the Lustrous
- Mari Okada
- Kentaro Miura
- Jun Mochizuki
Misc. references:
- The Good Place
- Bechdel Test
- Metatron
- Seifuku
- Shinzo Abe
- Beard (slang)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Tower of Babel
- The Three Laws of Robotics
- Smallville
Caitlin, Mercedez, and Vrai are all writers at Anime Feminist
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Vrai on Twitter: @WriterVrai
Vrai on Anime Feminist
Vrai's podcast, Trash and Treasures
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 8–14 of Waiting for Spring by Anashin.

We’re back to talk about the second half of Waiting for Spring, aka, Girly Kuroko's Basketball. Kelly and Ashley discuss how Towa and Aya are in a philosophical fight over what strength is, how well-handled Ryuji and Nana's relationship is, and just what about Waiting for Spring makes it so special. Also a lot of complaining about Aya. He's 17. He doesn't know anything!

Waiting for Spring is available from Kodansha.
Kelly used to have a podcast called One Panel Later and was on for the House of the Sun episodes
Other series mentioned:
- Naruto
- One Piece
- Blue Period
- Kuroko's Basketball
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Skip Beat
- Daytime Shooting Star
- Ao Haru Ride
- Kimi ni Todoke
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Kelly on Twitter: @kellyqute
Kelly’s work on the defunct Barnes & Noble Sci-Fi and Fantasy blog
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 1–7 of Waiting for Spring by Anashin.

The wait is finally over! We're FINALLY talking about the basketball boys! Waiting for Spring is one of the most wholesome shojo series around and will have you smiling like a fool. Librarian Kelly and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss why Towa is the best, why Aya does not deserve to be in second place in the character poll (rude to Mitsuki and Ryuji), how you shouldn't write real-people fanfiction, and much more. It's basically Kuroko's Basketball, but shojo. What more could you want? Seiryo, fight!

REFERENCES

Waiting for Spring is available from Kodansha.
Sara Linsley is the letterer of the series and a previous podcast guest!
Kelly used to have a podcast called One Panel Later and was on for the House of the Sun episodes
Other series mentioned:
- Kimi ni Todoke
- My Hero Academia
- Demon Slayer
- Natsume's Book of Friends
- Haikyu!!
- Princess Jellyfish
- A Silent Voice
Japanese terms mentioned:
- Fujoshi
- Megane
After by Anna Todd is Harry Styles real-people fanfic that was turned into a movie. We say HELL NO to this.
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Kelly on Twitter: @kellyqute
Kelly’s work on the defunct Barnes & Noble Sci-Fi and Fantasy blog
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 8–13 of Ao Haru Ride by Io Sakisaka.

One year after recording about the first half of Ao Haru Ride, we’re back on the bandwagon to talk about the ending. Shojo Beat Senior Editor Nancy and Shojo & Tell host Ashley talk about every single confession and rejection scene, consistently compare the series to WE WERE THERE, bring up one too many times that [SPOILERS] it’s annoying that Kou was hit by a car, and so much more. Like, get out of here, Kikuchi. Kou and Futaba forever.

REFERENCES

You can find our first Ao Haru Ride episode here
Ao Haru Ride is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Other works Nancy has edited:
- Vampire Knight
- Idol Dreams
- Maison Ikkoku Collector's Edition
- My Love Mix-Up!
Other Io Sakisaka works: Strobe Edge, Love Me, Love Me Not
Ao Haru Ride pays homage to We Were There
Other manga mentioned:
- Horimiya
- CLAMP
- My Love Story!!
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Nancy runs the Shojo Beat Twitter: @shojobeat
You can ask questions and make licensing requests on Shojo Beat's Tumblr: officialshojobeat
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

The next episode will be about volumes 1 –7 of Waiting for Spring by Anashin.

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Covers all the short stories in Revolutionary Girl Utena: After the Revolution by Chiho Saito

For the 20th anniversary of Revolutionary Girl Utena, we were gifted this volume of short stories (one for Touga and Saionji, another for Juri and Shiori, the final for Miki and Kozue) that function as a "sequel" of sorts to the Utena anime (not the manga). Anime scholar Rose Bridges comes back on the Shojo & Tell to talk about Utena without Utena (sort of?). Rose and Ashley debate which story of the three is the strongest, what it means for there to have been a revolution if the characters haven't really changed, and why the heck Nanami keeps getting so slighted.

REFERENCES

Utena: After the Revolution is available from Viz Media
You can read Rose's review of the manga on Anime News Network here
Pick up a copy of Rose's book about the music of Cowboy Bebop
Rose has an article coming out in Mechademia
Ohtori.nu is a great Utena resource
References:
- Legend of Galactic Heroes
- Sarazanmai
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Follow Rose on Twitter @composerose
Follow the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions, you can email shojoandtell@gmail.com

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Covers all 10 volumes of the original Pet Shop of Horrors series by Matsuri Akino.

Welcome to Count D's pet shop, where you can find the rarest pets that will make your dreams come true — and might just murder you, too. Horror fan, Yen Press employee, and Manga Machination's co-host Morgana Santilli explains why this wish shop fantasyland appealed to her so much growing up, and what makes Akino's work so special. Morgana and Shojo & Tell host Ashley also discuss: What is Count D? Is he good, is he bad, is he amoral? What exactly is going down with him and Leon, anyway? There's a lot to unpack here, but the answer to all questions about favorites (characters, stories, pets) is Leon's brother, Chris. He's such a good boy!

REFERENCES

Unfortunately, Pet Shop of Horrors is out of print. You can find used copies on Thriftbooks and eBay (though they can be pricey).
Series similar to Pet Shop of Horrors:
- Nightmare Inspector
- Yokai Rental Shop
- Phantom Tales of Night
- xxxHolic
Other media mentioned:
- Tomie by Junji Ito
- Fruits Basket
- Bleach
- Sailor Moon
- After School Nightmare
- Yu Yu Hakusho
- Claudine
- Rose of Versailles
- Banana Fish
- Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time
- Legal Drug
- Gravitation
- Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden
- Devilman Crybaby
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Morgana on Twitter: @MorganaRhalina
Morgana's website: Manga Maven
Morgana's manga podcast: Manga Machinations
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers all of Tokyo Mew Mew and Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi.

In the early 2000s, this series about a team of five young girls infused with the DNA of rare animals fighting aliens bent on reclaiming the Earth became a phenomenon. Tokyo Mew Mew is supposed to get a new anime adaptation in the year 2021, so we decided to read the original magical girl series and its sequel. Mew Mew superfan Mercedez Clewis expounds on why the series left such a lasting impact on her and the magical girl genre in general. Mercedez and Shojo & Tell host Ashley also discuss their favorite Mews, what is and isn't a magical girl series, how the aliens were kinda right though, how they prefer to eat strawberries, and so much more in this jam-packed episode.

REFERENCES

Tokyo Mew Mew and Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode are available from Kodansha Comics.
There are two new sequel series to Tokyo Mew Mew: 2020 Re-Turnand Tokyo Mew Mew Au Lait (not Óle!!!)
Other series/creators/characters mentioned:
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Sailor Moon
- Madoka Magica
- Phantom Thief Jeanne
- Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden
- Revolutionary Girl Utena
- Kill la Kill
- Air Gear
- Yuu Watase
- Gen Urobuchi
- Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)
Indigenous peoples of Japan:
- Ainu
- Okinawan
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Mercedez on Twitter: @pixelatedlenses
Mercedez's work on: Anime Feminist, But Why Tho?
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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A discussion about the manga adaptation of Socrates in Love by Kyoichi Katayama and Kazumi Kazui

Get ready to cry at this one-volume melodrama about a teenage couple torn apart by a tragedy. Socrates in Love follows Sakutaro and Aki as they go from being friends to lovers, but have their happiness cut short through illness. Chaplain-in-training Asher Sofman and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss how love and death are intertwined, how people grapple with suffering and illness, and other such fun, cheery topics. Ashley makes extensive comparisons between Socrates in Love and Nicholas Sparks' A Walk to Remember, since they have similar plots and Sparks' novel is traditionally one of Ashley's favorite books. (Yes yes, we know.)

REFERENCES

Socrates in Love is currently out of print in English, but used copies can be easily found online.
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks contains many of the same plot elements as Socrates in Love.
That time Nicholas Sparks compared himself to Ernest Hemingway.
A Farewell to Arms and The Hunger Games round out Ashley's traditional list of top three books.
Manga mentioned:
- All My Darling Daughters
- Waiting for Spring
- Ao Haru Ride
- Tokyo Mew Mew
- Pet Shop of Horrors
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs
"Never stop digivolving" is the tagline of Podigious! A Digimon Podcast, which Asher and Ashley used to cohost

CONTACT US

Asher on Twitter: @asherdashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about Tokyo Mew Mew by Mia Ikumi and Reiko Yoshida

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Covers All My Darling Daughters by Fumi Yoshinaga

This one-volume manga about three generations of women in a family is masterfully told and extremely relatable. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and boytoy Asher discuss their favorite stories from this collection of five, dwell on the theme of love being a form of discrimination, and fret about how to avoid some of these parenting pitfalls when raising children.

A content warning for the second story: There's an age-gap romance between a teacher and a student, and it escalates immediately.

REFERENCES

All My Darling Daughters is available from Viz Media
Fumi Yoshinaga is known for Ooku: The Inner Chambers
Other media mentions:
- The Legend of Korra
- Claudine
- The Rose of Versailles
- Princess Tutu
- Utena: After the Revolution
- Ao Haru Ride
Thermostat theory of politics
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Twitter: @asherdashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 6–10 of After School Nightmare by Setona Mizushiro

Welcome back to discuss the second half of a manga that is full of twists and turns. This episode, cartoonist Mouna Toure and Shojo & Tell host Ashley have more questions than answers after that whirlwind of an ending. Like, was there ever a real Ai?? Were there two Mashiro Ichijos? No, seriously, _what was up with Sou and Ai_? Mouna and Ashley reprise certain topics, like intersex representation, in light of After School Nightmare's ending. This is a manga that needs an immediate reread.

After School Nightmare is out of print. You can use BookFinder to find used copies.
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Kiss Him, Not Me
- Bleach
- X-Day (another series by Setona Mizushiro)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Revolutionary Girl Utena
- From Eroica with Love
- Kill la Kill
- Your Name
Terms you should know:
- Beard (LGBTQ+)
- Megane
- Joseimuke
Misc:
- AO3
- Steven Universe
- She-Ra
- Princess magazine
- Obey Me!
- After School Nightmare on TV Tropes
Mouna is very into Hypnosis Mic
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

You can find Mouna on:
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Tumblr
- Patreon
- Work for BlackLight Sugar Press
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about All My Darling Daughters by Fumi Yoshinaga.

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Covers volumes 1–5 of After School Nightmare by Setona Mizushiro

Welcome to the most mysterious and frightening after school club you’ll ever join. Content warning for sexual assault and gender essentialism themes. This is a manga that isn't afraid to go to dark places, as its intersex main character, Mashiro Ichijo, grapples with his gender (he currently identifies as a "he") and fights his fellow classmates in a collective nightmare, hoping to graduate. Cartoonist Mouna Toure and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss what genre Setona Mizushiro’s series is (is it horror? is it drama? is it BL?), the representation of an intersex character, how they feel about the love triangle between Mashiro, Kureha, and Sou (Team Kureha!), and generally what the heck is even going on in this manga. Listen if you dare.

REFERENCES

After School Nightmare is out of print. You can use BookFinder to find used copies.
Other manga/anime mentioned:
- Sailor Moon
- Tokyo Mew Mew
- Shugo Chara!
- Free!
- Maid-Sama!
- Kitchen Princess
- Kimi ni Todoke
- Love Com
- X-Day (another series by Setona Mizushiro)
- Fruits Basket
- From Eroica with Love
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
- Peach Girl
- Revolutionary Girl Utena
- Princess Jellyfish
- Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden
Other media with intersex characters we were aware of:
- Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
- None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio
- Steven Universe
Creators mentioned
- Junji Ito
- Asumiko Nakamura
Mouna is very into Hypnosis Mic
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

You can find Mouna on:
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Tumblr
- Patreon
- Work for BlackLight Sugar Press
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about the second half of After School Nightmare (volumes 6–10).

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Covers volumes 7–12 of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yuu Watase

Caitlin (OG Fushigi Yugi superfan), Sara Linsley (manga letterer extraordinaire), and Zahra Ymer (manga scholar in training), and Ashley (Shojo & Tell host) are back for the second half of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden, aka The Better Fushigi Yugi (sorry, OG FY). This episode gets heavy: The primary topic is about accepting death (it's better if you know going in that priestess Takiko is going to die!). All four talk about the points at which they cried, and how much (not Soren!!), make fun of Efinluka's name (.... well, how would you pronounce it?), and ponder if Takiko and Uruki having sex while Uruki presents female would upset the god, Genbu. You will laugh, you will cry, and if we're lucky, you won't die.

REFERENCES

Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Excellent series Sara has lettered:
- Waiting for Spring
- Sweat and Soap
- Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki
The Fable of the Dragon Tyrant
You, too, can get wrecked looking at the Wikipedia page for tuberculosis
Weathering With You tried to have its cake and eat it, too, when it came to sacrifice
Has anyone read Arata: The Legend besides Ashley?
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Caitlin on Twitter, her personal blog, Anime Feminist, and Anime News Network
Sara on Twitter and her personal website
Zahra on Twitter and Anime Feminist
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about volumes 1-5 of After School Nightmare by Setona Mizushiro.

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Covers volumes 1–6 of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yuu Watase

Genbu Kaiden is Shojo & Tell host Ashley's second-favorite manga (behind only the illustrious Maid-Sama!), and so, this episode has several special guests. Caitlin (OG Fushigi Yugi superfan), Sara Linsley (manga letterer extraordinaire), and Zahra Ymer (manga scholar in training), and Ashley discuss how the series compares to its predecessor, pick apart Watase's sidebar notes (she thinks she'd be Tomite if she were a boy?!), fawn over Uruki / Limdo and Takiko (okay, that's mostly Ashley), and discover that all the good guys in this manga are basically serial killers.

REFERENCES

Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Excellent series Sara has lettered:
- Waiting for Spring
- Sweat and Soap
- Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki
A Genbu character gets compared to Walter White from Breaking Bad
Hatsui is inspired by Moomins
Things that are most definitely shojo (note: sarcasm):
- Your Lie in April
- Toradora!
Random mentions:
- Code Geass
- Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Kuranosuke from Princess Jellyfish
- Tubbs from Neko Atsume
- Swan
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Caitlin on Twitter, her personal blog, Anime Feminist, and Anime News Network
Sara on Twitter and her personal website
Zahra on Twitter and Anime Feminist
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about volumes 7-12 of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yuu Watase

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Covers all of Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa.

Welcome to the world of high fashion (or at least, high drama). Paradise Kiss is one of those rare josei titles that got released in English, and it had a huge impact on this episode's special guests, Robin and Lucy (who host the podcast CLAMPcast in Wonderland). Ai Yazawa's work is relatable in many ways, and really inspired Shojo & Tell host Ashley to want to make some art after reading it. In the podcast, Robin, Lucy, and Ashley discuss the connection between creating art and creating life and how creators have limited control, the weight of expectations, the manga's amazing and frustrating LGBTQIA+ inclusions, how Paradise Kiss may or may not have influenced Akiko Higashimura's Princess Jellyfish, and much, much more. This episode is long, because we just love Isabella, Yukari, Miwako, Hiroyuki, Arashi, and even George, way too much.

REFERENCES

Paradise Kiss is available from Vertical Comics
Paradise Kiss also has an anime adaptation that's fairly faithful to the manga. It is not available on streaming services in North America.
Paradise Kiss is a sequel to an earlier Yazawa manga.
Princess Jellyfish feels like a direct response to Paradise Kiss
We're also got some shades of Tamaki from Ouran High School Host Club
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Listen to Lucy and Robin's podcast all about CLAMP manga and anime called CLAMPcast in Wonderland! It's really good.
CLAMPcast on Twitter @CLAMPcastpod
Lucy and Robin also make a podcast about writing called Write for Me, Write for You
Follow Robin on Instagram @thegorgonist
Check out Robin's illustrations and books!
Follow Lucy on Twitter @LucyinBookland
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about volumes 1-6 of Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yu Watase

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This is a review of Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki volume 1, a new series by Yuu Watase that's going to be released by Viz.

Whether you've read the original Fushigi Yugi and Genbu Kaiden or not, you should be hype for the latest (and last) installment in Yuu Watase's beloved series. Byakko Senki is set slightly after Genbu Kaiden and follows Suzuno as she struggles with the sudden loss of her parents and being the destined priestess inside The Universe of the Four Gods. Fushigi Yugi has always been dark, but this first volume is the heaviest of the series yet. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher run through all the heavy events of this volume and about what they're excited to see in the future. (Which brother is Tatara?!?!)

REFERENCES

Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki volume 1 is being released by Viz Media's Shojo Beat line in August 2020. Please note that at this time, the series is on hiatus and no other volumes exist.
Watase has come out as x-gender, which is a nonbinary gender. The Shojo Beat Tumblr says Watase's pronouns are still she/hers. (We sometimes used "they" in the podcast.)
It's interesting to read this after having just covered Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time
Mentions:
- Previous Fushigi Yugi series (obviously; beware of spoilers!)
- Arata: The Legend, Watase's shonen series
- Redwall
- The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
- The Chronicles of Narnia
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 10–17 of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno.

We’re back to discuss the second half of Haruka, a manga series based on one of the earliest otome game franchises. Suddenly, the story remembers it’s a romance, and all eight of the guardians realize they're vying for the priestess Akane’s heart. And she starts to see all of them as the sexy menfolk they are. (Except Yasuaki, who is still the best. But he's a golem (or is he a homunculus?), so we get it.) Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher discuss Yorihisa and Akane’s relationship and the representation of the Demon Clan and gush about their favorite characters. Thanks to the two people who listen to this episode! You know who you are.

REFERENCES

The Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time manga is out of print (published in English by Viz Media's Shojo Beat line), and the games were never brought over for English audiences. You can watch the anime legally on Tubi, though. (Watch at least the opening theme song! It's really dope.)
Haruka is essentially an inferior Fushigi Yugi
Haruka is mainly an otome game franchise. Read Anime Feminist's article that's a beginner's guide to otome games.
Ashley watched the Haruka anime back in the day because Tenma and Yorihisa shared voice actors with Van and Allen from The Vision of Escaflowne
Sometimes you get the animation quality of Fruits Basket remake, but most of the time in shojo anime, you.... just don't...
For some reason Yu-Gi-Oh! came up a lot
Oni v Yokai v shikigami
Yorihisa's brother looks like Dark from DNAngel
Homunculus v golem
Read The Golem and the Jinni
Asher will not be the guest for the eventual Takane & Hana episodes
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

The next episode will be about Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa.

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Covers volumes 1–9 of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno.

Haruka (perhaps more widely known as Harukanaru Toki no Naka de) was one of the first-ever otome games, and it launched a franchise that spun off into manga and anime adaptations as well. Though the series didn’t gain popularity in the United States, we thought HARUKA was important to cover for its historical context. In this episode, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher journey back to the Heian era with Akane (a normal high school girl who’s a priestess in this alternate timeline), Tenma, and Shimon (two of Akane’s classmates that end up being her guardians) to meet even more hot men vying for Akane’s heart. (And fighting a war against a clan of demons.) It’s basically a much worse Fushigi Yugi. But Yasuaki and Eisen make it all worth it. Well… almost.

REFERENCES

The Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time manga is out of print (published in English by Viz Media's Shojo Beat line), and the games were never brought over for English audiences. You can watch the anime legally on Tubi, though. (Watch at least the opening theme song! It's really dope.)
Haruka is essentially an inferior Fushigi Yugi
Haruka is mainly an otome game franchise. Read Anime Feminist's article that's a beginner's guide to otome games.
Comparisons made to elements of Haruka and better franchises:
- Tenma = inferior!Kyo Sohma
- Shimon = inferior!Peeta Mellark
- Eisen = inferior!Nuriko
- Akane = inferior!Kagome
  - We could keep going but you get the point
Who's the 8th Digidestined?
The Four Gods in Digimon
Just War Theory
Ashley hates Ignis from Final Fantasy XV, while Asher loves Ignis
Okay there's also inferior!Clow Reed
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

The next episode will be about the second half of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time (volumes 10–17).

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Covers all three volumes of Fruits Basket another by Natsuki Takaya

Would you like to have another basket of fruit? Natsuki Takaya shows us what the kids of everyone from the original Fruits Basket cast are like in this sequel to the blockbuster series. Another centers around Sawa Mitoma, aka NegaTohru, as she suffers abuse from her single mother and meets the Sohma kids in high school. In this podcast, Fruits Basket fanatic Jacob and Shojo & Tell host Ashley get into whether this sequel series stands on its own, whether it's worth reading, how Takaya handles the same themes but with different power dynamics between the characters, and of course, and who the best Sohma kid is. (They may all love each other, but remember: The curse is family.)

REFERENCES

Fruits Basket another is available from Yen Press
You can listen to our podcasts about the original Fruits Basket series here
We assume that Hatsuharu and Isuzu's kids are named after Riku and Sora from Kingdom Hearts
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT

Jacob on Twitter: @weebservations
Support Jacob on Patreon or through Ko-fi
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

NOTE: We recorded this episode before the passing of Anime News Network's Zac Bertschy, who was Jacob's former partner.

The next episode will cover volumes 1-9 of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno, with guest Asher Sofman.

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Covers all five volumes of Angelic Layer by CLAMP.

What if battle shonen, but for GIRLS? That's the premise of Angelic Layer, where young girls get to fight with super-cool dolls that they control with their minds (OK, Ohjiro can play too). Upon coming to Tokyo, Misaki immediately becomes smitten with this game and learns the ropes very quickly. Shojo & Tell host Ashley, her boytoy Asher, and guest Aisha discuss the gender dynamics of the manga (moms can play with VR tech too!!), the fanfiction-y nature of CLAMP’s works, and who the best deus and angel are (Sai! Wizard??).

REFERENCES

Angelic Layer is currently out of print, but you can find copies of the Dark Horse edition floating around
Other CLAMP works:
- Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
- xxxHolic
- Shirahime-Syo
- Chobits
- Magic Knight Rayearth
- Tokyo Babylon
- Wish
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- X
If you want to hear more podcasts about CLAMP works, you should listen to CLAMPcast in Wonderland
Aisha's series about smutty manga: Thirsty Thursday
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Follow Aisha on Instagram and Twitter @MommaLuvsManga
Watch Aisha's manga reviews on her YouTube channel
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

The next episode will cover Fruits Basket Another with Jacob Chapman.

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Covers both volumes of Beast Master by Kyousuke Motomi

"There is a beast inside of each of us that protects the things we hold dear." That’s the driving force behind this short story from Kyousuke Motomi (Dengeki Daisy, QQ Sweeper). It follows Yuiko as she tries to tame the beast of a boy named Leo. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher discuss how moar money leads to moar problems in Leo’s family, why English is wrong for having “fear” and “hatred” be separate words, how this story of domestication and bestiality compares to manly man menfolk literature from the likes of Jack London and Ernest Hemingway, and how the lion testicles are a metaphor for manhood. Plus, we revel in the one-shot, "Cactus Summer Surprise."

REFERENCES

Beast Master is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Other works by Motomi: Dengeki Daisy, QQ Sweeper
Western comparisons:
- The Call of the Wild by Jack London
- Ernest Hemingway
- Beauty and the Beast
Other anime/manga references:
- Hayate the Combat Butler
- Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time
- Yuu Watase
- Digimon
- Outlaw Star
- Basara
Character lookalikes:
- Mowgli from The Jungle Book
- Elmyra Duff from Tiny Toons
Misc:
- The Good Place
- Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America!
- Hatchet
- My Side of the Mountain
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 1–7 of Ao Haru Ride (aka Blue Spring Ride) by Io Sakisaka.

Ao Haru Ride is the story of sweethearts Futaba and Kou after they were separated in middle school and reunited in high school. On this special episode, Nancy Thistlethwaite (the editor of the series for Viz Media's Shojo Beat!) delves into the enduring appeal of Io Sakisaka's work, how Ao Haru Ride pays homage to We Were There by Yuki Obata, and explains the use of some unexpected slang. This is also the first time the podcast has covered a series that is currently still publishing in English.

REFERENCES

Ao Haru Ride is currently being published by Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Other works Nancy has edited: Ouran High School Host Club, Vampire Knight, Not Your Idol,An Incurable Case of Love, The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki
Other Io Sakisaka works: Strobe Edge, Love Me, Love Me Not
Ao Haru Ride pays homage to We Were There
Other manga mentioned: Shortcake Cake, Daytime Shooting Star
Anime mentioned: Yuri!!! on Ice, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken
YA books and authors mentioned: Meredith Russo, John Green, Rainbow Rowell, Angie Thomas, The Hunger Games, Divergent, Twilight, Children of Blood and Bone, The Wicked King

CONTACT US

Nancy runs the Shojo Beat Twitter: @shojobeat
You can ask questions and make licensing requests on Shojo Beat's Tumblr: officialshojobeat
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

The next episode will be about the short series Beast Master by Kyousuke Motomi.

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Covers all 4 volumes of That Wolf-Boy is Mine! by Yoko Nogiri

That Wolf-Boy is Mine! is a lot cuter and more innocent than its title suggests. Four hot boys can shapeshift into animals in a story that's a much lighter and faster FRUITS BASKET. Sara Linsley, the letterer of the series, explains what exactly a letterer does in manga, and why she loves working on Yoko Nogiri's series so much. Discussion topics include: Who is best boy (of course!), how cool Komugi is (so cool), and how actually, wolves are way bigger than that.

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

REFERENCES

That Wolf-Boy is Mine! is available from Kodansha Comics
Other series Sara has worked on: Love in Focus (Yoko Nogiri's other series), Waiting for Spring, LDK, Love Me, Love Me Not,the upcoming Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki
Other manga and anime mentioned: Tramps Like Us (Kimi wa Petto), Maid-Sama!, Wolf Children, Fruits Basket, Boys Over Flowers, Beastars
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in New Mexico is very cool
Terry Pratchett had a lot of fantastical thoughts
Yoko Nogiri's newer series, which was mentioned in the episode as not being licensed yet, was licensed recently. It's called Those Not-So-Sweet Boys can comes out in January 2021.
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Sara on Twitter: @salinsley
Sara's website: http://sara.pizza/
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will cover volumes 1-7 of Ao Haru Ride by Io Sakisaka.

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Covers both volumes of Meteor Prince by Meca Tanaka.

A wild and whacky ride awaits in this super-short series about an alien named Io (who is essentially Tamaki Suoh from Ouran High School Host Club) looking for his soul mate, Hako, on Earth. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her lover Asher dive deep into the use of soul mates in literature and have an excessively silly shipping corner. Remember: You and me, baby, ain't nothing but mammals, so let's do it like they do on the Discovery Channel. (But is Io a mammal??)

REFERENCES

Meteor Prince is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
Meca Tanaka's other work, The Young Master's Revenge, is also available from Shojo Beat. We also have a podcast about it.
Other manga mentioned: Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty, Basara, Princess Jellyfish, Ouran High School Host Club, Fullmetal Alchemist
Random things: Shaun of the Dead, "The Bad Touch" by Bloodhound Gang
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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This is a review of Not Your Idol volume 1, a new series by Aoi Makino that's going to be released by Viz.

Not Your Idol tackles the ups and downs of idol culture in Japan (as you can probably tell from the title). It follows a girl named Nina, who was once the leader of the idol group Pure Club. At an event for Pure Club, she was attacked by a supposed fan, which leads her to drop out of the group and start dressing as a boy to protect herself. That's only the beginning of the drama, though. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and basically a cohost Asher give their thoughts about what a promising start volume 1 is for the series. (With a warning that Not Your Idol is also pretty upsetting.)

REFERENCES

Not Your Idol is coming out in May. Please preorder the series if you're intrigued!
Other series recently released or coming out soon from Shojo Beat: Love Me, Love Me Not,Prince Freya, and Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki
Series mentioned: A Silent Voice, Beast Master, and Takane and Hana
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 19–27 of Basara by Yumi Tamura (the last third of the series).

The war epic that is Basara finally comes to an end in this long denouement (and two volumes of side stories). Shojo manga master Caitlin and Shojo & Tell host Ashley answer a listener question about lost limbs, pay tribute to the characters who didn't survive to the end of the story, go into the handling of the later plot developments involving the White King, Ginko, and chat about all the side stories (there were so many!). Along the way, dolphin bombs are discussed, and Nachi canonically becomes a California surfer bro.

REFERENCES

Basara is available digitally in English from Viz Media
Basara also has a 13-episode anime adaptation
7SEEDS is another work by Yumi Tamura that got a (not great) anime adaptation recently (available on Netflix). The manga has not been licensed in English.
The Vision of Escaflowne features a character with a lost limb
Other manga/anime references: Fushigi Yugi, Boys Over Flowers
The "military marine mammal" Wikipedia page is probably the best/worst thing you'll have read in a while
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Caitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodere
Caitlin’s writings on The Daily Dot and Anime Feminist
Visit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojo
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will cover the short series Meteor Prince by Meca Tanaka.

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Covers volumes 10–18 of Basara by Yumi Tamura (the middle third of the series).

The middle third of Basara contains some wacky stuff, like a baby who's not really a baby and threatens to stab Sarasa. But honestly, we don't get into all that: shojo manga master Caitlin and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss the identity crisis of Sarasa/Tatara and how that's wrapped up in gender, get into Ageha as a character and the manga's main theme about reconciling with your perceived enemies, and both applaud and laugh at the sexy sex scene between Sarasa and Shuri. Plus, we weigh in on the most important part of all: Ageha's haircut, yay or nay?

REFERENCES

Basara is available digitally in English from Viz Media
Basara also has a 13-episode anime adaptation
7SEEDS is another work by Yumi Tamura that got a (not great) anime adaptation recently (available on Netflix). The manga has not been licensed in English.
Yona of the Dawn is a lot like Basara
Other manga/anime references: Fushigi Yugi, Tokyo Babylon, Ceres: Celestial Legend,and The Vision of Escaflowne
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Caitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodere
Caitlin’s writings on The Daily Dot and Anime Feminist
Visit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojo
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will cover volumes 19–27 of Basara.

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Covers volumes 1–9 of Basara by Yumi Tamura (the first third of the series)

Strap in for a classic epic fantasy shojo series with Basara. Though it never quite blew up in the United States, Yumi Tamura's manga is spectacular, and Anime Feminist's Caitlin and Shojo & Tell host Ashley are here to set the record straight about its greatness. Basara tells the story of Tatara, the child of destiny, who's fated to overthrow the evil rulers of Japan. When Tatara dies, his sister, Sarasa, takes his place. And she falls in love, unknowingly, with her greatest enemy, Shuri, the Red King. Talk about drama. Again — it's the best drama. Caitlin and Ashley delve into exactly why Basara never blew up with the English fandom, celebrate that sweet, sweet menstrual period representation, fawn over Ageha, and much more.

REFERENCES

Basara is available digitally in English from Viz Media
Basara also has a 13-episode anime adaptation
7SEEDS is another work by Yumi Tamura that got a (not great) anime adaptation recently (available on Netflix). The manga has not been licensed in English.
Caitlin only likes to discuss long series, like Kimi ni Todoke
We've got a Princess Tutu mention up in here
Ashley manages to bring up Maid-Sama!
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Caitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodere
Caitlin’s writings on The Daily Dot and Anime Feminist
Visit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojo
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will cover volumes 10–18 of Basara.

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Covers all 3 volumes of Love in Focus by Yoko Nogiri

Love in Focus is a very cute and subtly subversive series about a high school love triangle between Mako, Kei, and Mitsuru and their experiences with a photography club. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher heap tons of praise on this highly aware manga. Ashley rants about why Kei is too relatable and therefore is aggravating, there's debate about the state of photography in the modern day, and there are revelations about what makes Mako a refreshing shojo manga protagonist. In the end, this episode turns into a relationship advice podcast.

REFERENCES

Love in Focus is available physically and digitally from Kodansha
If you like Love in Focus, you may also like these series: Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty, Waiting for Spring, and Daytime Shooting Star
Other manga mentions: Magic Knight Rayearth, SP Baby,Ouran High School Host Club, Kimi ni Todoke, Maid-Sama
Yoko Nogiri's other series is That Wolf-Boy is Mine!
Kei reminds Ashley of Kento from Kimi ni Todoke
Outro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers all 10 volumes of Girl Got Game (also known as Power!!) by Shizuru Seino

Girl Got Game is a basketball manga about Kyo Aizawa, who’s pretending to be a boy so she can play on the men’s team and live out her father’s dream of becoming an NBA star. And yet it’s also not at all a basketball manga, because they never actually play a basketball game. (Okay. Maybe once. In 10 volumes.) Even so, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her good friendo Loyola Rankin have a soft spot for this ’90s manga. Ashley relates perhaps too much to Kyo, and Loyola definitely likes bad boy Yura far too much. In the episode, Ashley and Loyola list off all the crimes Yura commits and somehow doesn’t go to jail for, praise the representation of menstrual cramps and periods generally, have a heated shipping corner, and come up with many lucrative business ideas. This is the funniest episode of the podcast to-date.

REFERENCES

Girl Got Gameis out of print (originally published by Tokyopop), but you can still find copies of it on eBay and the like
The team in Girl Got Game has practiced SO MUCH, surely they can take on the boys in Kuroko's Basketball
Claudine prepared Ashley for Seino's art
Libib is Ashley's preferred G**dreads alternative
Tsuyaka Himejima from Girl Got Game and Sawako Kuranuma from Kimi ni Todoke look very similar
Outro: This mashup of Allen Iverson's infamous "practice" rant with "Dreams and Nightmares" by Meek Mill [CONTENT WARNING for the Meek Mill song!] (essentially, the most Philadelphia thing possible)

CONTACT US

Loyola on Twitter: @loyolarankin
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

The next episode will be about Love in Focus by Yoko Nogiri

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Covers all of My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness and My Solo Exchange Diary by Nagata Kabi

Not a shojo manga episode, yet also not a shonen exception: My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness and My Solo Exchange Diary are memoir manga about a young woman’s experience coming out and dealing with deep-rooted depression. In an episode largely fueled by listener questions, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her lover, Asher Sofman, go over the most #relatable bits of Kabi's life, whether Kabi should continue down the road of writing about her own life, how there's actually not a lot of lesbianism in these series, and most importantly, THESEX. Hope you like "I Just Had Sex" by The Lonely Island ft. Akon.

REFERENCES

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness and My Solo Exchange Diary are both available from Seven Seas Entertainment
Maus, that one comic that people have universally deemed worthy of scholarly study
Want more manga discussions? Listen to the Manga Mavericks podcast
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)
You should visit Harajuku to pick up some fashion tips
Outro song: I Just Had Sex by The Lonely Island ft. Akon

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about all of Girl Got Game [Power!!] by Shizuru Seino [out of print manga]

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Covers all seven volumes of Behind the Scenes!! by Bisco Hatori

What if Ouran High School Host Club, but with college students who are members of the “art squad”? That’s the premise of Bisco Hatori’s follow-up to her smash-hit, formative comedy series. Shae from Shaegeeksout and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss all the ways in which Behind the Scenes!! is and is not like Ouran, give some sound dating advice, shout-out the representation of anxiety in Ranmaru, choose which Goda is better (long hair? short hair?!), and stan Tomu x Maasa forever. If you don’t want to craft after reading this series, do you have a soul?

REFERENCES

Behind the Scenes!! is available from Viz Media
Gateway shojo: Ouran High School Host Club and Fruits Basket
Maasa needs to read Embrace Your Weird by Felicia Day
Maasa also needs to listen to this podcast episode about surviving the zombie apocalypse from Charles Duhigg's How To!
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Forever stanning Akiko Higashimura
Outro song: "Smile Its Me!" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Shae on the Internet: Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

The next episode of the podcast will cover My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness and My Solo Exchange Diary by Nagata Kabi.

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Covers all of Wish by CLAMP

I can be your angle or yuor devil. Shojo and Tell host Ashley and journey-through-all-of-CLAMP pal Asher Sofman go on a bizarre adventure with CLAMP’s JoJo’s fanfiction. Topics of discussion include gender pronouns, purity, tests of love, and shipping, where the conclusion is that the most interesting romantic ship is between Shuichiro and his mom, Hotaru, who is a tree fairy. We know this manga about the angel Kohaku was very formative to plenty of people. Please explain to us why?

REFERENCES

Wish is available from Dark Horse Comics
Wish is JoJo's Bizarre Adventure fanfiction
Everyone on Archive of Our Own won a Hugo Award
"What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction
If you like Wish, you will like Phantom Thief Jeanne
Original "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle
We got so wrecked by Devilman Crybaby
Everyone should read Tokyo Babylon
Outro song: Remix of "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Kill Frenzy

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about Behind the Scenes!! by Bisco Hatori

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Covers all seven volumes of A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Ōima

It’s a Shojo & Tell first: We’re acknowledging the worthiness of a shonen series. A Silent Voice became one of the most beloved manga of our time thanks to its raw and emotional exploration of bullying and its portrayal of living with a disability. On this episode, voice actress Kimlinh Tran and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss whether Shoya is a redeemable character, the effectiveness of punishment, and who wins first place for being the worst character (there are so many top contenders!). Of course, there are also comparisons between the manga and the movie adaptation (spoiler alert: the manga is better, and pushes what the medium can do in its valiant efforts to convey what living is like with deafness) and a weird shipping corner that’s mostly just about Naoka and Miyoko. Lots of ranting about how terrible these kids were to Shoko (and how relatable that is) ensues.

REFERENCES

A Silent Voice is available from Kodansha Comics
The movie adaptation is available on Netflix right now
The movie adaptation has been receiving love once again in the wake of the deadly arson attack on Kyoto Animation
Because A Silent Voice (the movie) and Your Name came out around the same time, there was a silly war about which one is better
Kimlinh has voice acted in: Beyblade Burst Turbo, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Cells at Work, etc.
Jennifer Lawrence, Gone Girl, and The Cool Girl
Outro song: lit(var) by Kensuke Ushio from the A Silent Voice soundtrack, which you can purchase on iTunes

CONTACT

You can find Kimlinh on Twitter (@KimlinhTran), Twitch (@hnilmik), and Facebook (@hnilmik)
Follow the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Our next episode will be about all four volumes of WISH by CLAMP.

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Covers They Were Eleven, A, A Prime, and A Drunken Dream, all short works by Moto Hagio

In honor of the release of The Poe Clan by Moto Hagio, longtime manga reviewer Kate Dacey (@manga_critic on Twitter) and Shojo & Tell host Ashley take a look at some of Hagio’s shorter works. They talk about how rare and refreshing it is to read a shojo scifi story, Hagio’s influence on the space of girl’s comics, and how the exploration of gender in THEY WERE ELEVEN and A,A' does or doesn’t align with our modern understanding of gender. If you learn nothing else from this podcast, remember: Iguanas and bulls forever.

Click here for a transcript of this episode

REFERENCES

Unfortunately, all the Moto Hagio works covered on the podcast are out of print. You can generally find cheap copies of They Were Eleven from eBay and other used sellers, though.
Support the recent released of The Poe Clan, also by Moto Hagio
Kate contributed to Manga: Introduction, Challenges, and Best Practices
Other science fiction shojo manga: Please Save My Earth, Clover,X/1999, Jyu-Oh-Sei,Moon Child, A.I. Revolution
Absolute Boyfriend by Yu Watase
Boys Over Flowers by Yoko Kamio
Masters of long works: Naoki Urasawa, Rumiko Takahashi, Katsuhiro Otomo, Osamu Tezuka
Other Moto Hagio works: Otherworld Barbara, Heart of Thomas
People crucial to publishing Hagio’s works in America: Rachel Thorn, Fantagraphics
The saga of Four Shojo Stories
Urusei Yatsura was also initially published in floppies by Viz
Influential female manga artists: Machiko Hasegawa, Hideko Mizuno, Keiko Takemiya
Other queer shojo series from the ’70s: Claudine, The Rose of Versailles(releasing soon in the US!)
Random other authors mentioned: David Levithan, Madeleine L'Engle, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Shirley Jackson
Outro song: "Smiles Its Me!" by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Kate on the Internet: @manga_critic on Twitter, Manga Critic on Manga Bookshelf
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 10-18 of OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB by Bisco Hatori

OURAN superfan Rose Bridges, manga reviewer Aisha Soleil chat, and Shojo & Tell host Ashley are back to talk about even more host club hijinks. Specifically, this episode is basically about everything that wasn't adapted into the anime version. (You've been warned.) The three dive into more comparisons between the anime and manga, discuss some responses from listeners about their favorite host club boys (y'all are such haters about the twins, you know that?), talk about why there aren't more reverse harem series of late, and have a 40-minute Shipping Corner. There is just so much to say about Haruhi x Tamaki x Kyoya, okay?

REFERENCES

Ouran High School Host Club is available from Viz Media
Brief mention of Digimon and discussions that took place on Ashley's previous podcast, Podigious
What the heck's a ganguro girl?
If you want to go more in-depth about how Ouran changed the reverse harem genre and led to shows like Free! and Yuri!!! on ICE, read Rose's article on Anime News Network, "The Secret Revolution of Ouran High School Host Club"
Hana Yori Dango/Boys Over Flowers
What’s takarazuka?
FREE ONLINE GENDER QUIZ
Zelda: Majora’s Mask is frightening
Ouran definitely inspired Maid-sama!
Author Bisco Hatori will be attending Anime Expo this year
Reminder that you can legally watch all of the Revolutionary Girl Utena anime subbed on YouTube for free
Modern Ouran: Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun
Be sure to check out Rose’s book on the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack
Outro song: A cover of "Sakura Kiss" by AmaLee, which you can buy on iTunes

CONTACT

Follow Rose on Twitter @composerose
Follow Aisha on Instagram @MommaLuvsManga
Watch Aisha's manga reviews on her YouTube channel
Follow the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions, you can email shojoandtell@gmail.com

Please leave a rating in iTunes or Stitcher!

The podcast is going on hiatus until September 2019! What the next episode is going to be about is still a mystery.

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Covers volumes 1-9 of OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB by Bisco Hatori

Bisco Hatori’s breakout hit has made everyone laugh at pretty rich boys and their host club hijinks for over a decade. At the same time, it’s got a fair amount of problematic takes in it. So should OURAN be considered a must-read classic? OURAN superfan Rose Bridges and manga reviewer Aisha Soleil chat with Shojo & Tell host Ashley about who their favorite boy is (lots of unpopular opinions abound, but we can all agree that Haruhi Fujioka is the best part of this manga) and dissect the ups and downs of Ranka’s portrayal as a drag queen. Of course, there's also plenty of talk about gender being a performance, social class being a different kind of performance, and how the facade of the Host Club lets characters be their authentic selves. Welcome to Music Room #3.

REFERENCES

Ouran High School Host Club is available from Viz Media
Lots of talk about similarities with Fruits Basket
Tamaki is voiced by Vic Mignogna in the English dub, and he has been accused of sexual misconduct
Read The Power by Naomi Alderman
Follow the Manga Mavericks podcast
What's a fujoshi?
Ouran definitely inspired Maid-sama!
Author Bisco Hatori will be attending Anime Expo this year
Please tell me! Galko-chan
Cranbrook Kingswood, aka, "IRL Ouran"
Super cool to eat at The Ratty
Crazy Rich Asians, aka, more mainstream Ouran
Yōji Enokido was a screenwriter on both the Utena and Ouran anime
Still waiting on that Udon release of Rose of Versailles
Reminder that you can legally watch all of the Revolutionary Girl Utena anime subbed on YouTube for free
If you're really into Lobeila in Ouran, get into Strawberry Panic
Modern Ouran: Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun
Outro song: A cover of "Sakura Kiss" by AmaLee, which you can buy on iTunes

CONTACT

Follow Rose on Twitter @composerose
Follow Aisha on Instagram @MommaLuvsManga
Watch Aisha's manga reviews on her YouTube channel
Follow the podcast on Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions, you can email shojoandtell@gmail.com

Please leave a rating in iTunes or Stitcher!

The next podcast episode will be about Ouran High School Host Club volumes 10-18 (which is the second half).

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Covers all of Phantom Thief Jeanne by Arina Tanemura

This is the first series by Arina Tanemura discussed on the podcast! What the heck’s a Phantom Thief, and what does it have to do with Jeanne d’Arc? Wait, God and some angels are here, too? There’s time travel? Long-time Tanemura fan Laura Spicer, Shojo & Tell host Ashley, and begrudging participant Asher Sofman delve into “Arina’s Christianity fanfiction” to discuss purity politics, how the anime compares to the manga, and how everyone in this manga got with the wrong person except Finn Fish and Access Time. (Chiaki doesn’t deserve Maron! HE DOESN’T DESERVE ANYBODY!) Also, did you know that Jeanne d’Arc and Eve (of Adam and Eve fame) are the same? Yeah. You’re in Tanemura land now. Proceed with caution.

REFERENCES

Phantom Thief Jeanne is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line
Other Tanemura works mentioned: Full Moon o Sagashite, The Gentlemen’s Alliance, Idol Dreams
Everyone’s Getting Married episode of the podcast
Tanemura did character designs for IDOLiSH7
Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Laura’s social media: Twitter, Instagram, Art Tumblr
Asher’s social media: Tumblr, Archive of Our Own
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about the first 9 volumes of Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori

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Covers all of Tokyo Babylon by CLAMP

In an alternate Tokyo, Subaru, Seishiro, and Hokuto have otherworldly adventures in this prequel to CLAMP’s unfinished series, X. In a poll about which CLAMP series we should cover next, Tokyo Babylon came out victorious. We’re here to give the people what they want, so on this episode, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her journey-through-all-of-CLAMP buddy Asher Sofman answer many listener questions, like: Does Seishiro love Subaru? Why is Hokuto so great? What’s the true nature of evil? What were our favorite cases? This is a heavy episode to go with a heavy manga. Watch out for the turn about 30 minutes in. You’ve been warned.

REFERENCES

Unfortunately it’s a bit difficult to find new copies of Tokyo Babylon. The manga has been previously licensed by Tokyopop and presumably is currently still licensed by Dark Horse, though the manga is out of stock most places as of this posting.
Other CLAMP works mentioned: X, Magic Knight Rayearth, Cardcaptor Sakura, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, Chobits
Other manga mentioned: Count Cain
“The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates in The Atlantic
Starter article into the Barbara Jean Horn case
“She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

Next episode will be about Phantom Thief Jeanne by Arina Tanemura.

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Covers all of EVERYONE’S GETTING MARRIED by Izumi Miyazono

This is a josei battle of wills as our heroine (Asuka) wants nothing more than to get married and become a homemaker, while the man she’s fallen for (Ryu) is determined to never be bound by the plague of marriage. (Can’t imagine who wins this war.) Aisha Soleil of MommaLuvsManga tells Shojo & Tell host Ashley what makes EVERYONE’S GETTING MARRIED stand out among other josei fare (the feminism is strong here!) and both constantly dunk on the love rival, Kamiya, for being the worst. Aisha and Ashley also lament that there weren’t enough sexy times in this manga, even though there was a PRIME opportunity for Asuka and Ryu to show off their sexting skills. Honestly, this episode might be a little TMI. You’ve been warned.

REFERENCES

Everyone’s Getting Married is available in English from Viz Media
Read Megan’s post on Anime Feminist about why Everyone’s Getting Married is great
Jazmine Sullivan - Bust Your Windows
Outro Song: The orchestral version of Gryffin’s “Tie Me Down.” Please listen to the original “Tie Me Down,” because it is the greatest and thematically very relevant to this manga. Support Gryffin, one of the best in EDM right now.

CONTACT US

Aisha on Instagram: @mommaluvsmanga
Aisha on YouTube
Aisha on Twitter: @mommaluvsmanga
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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A bonus episode discussing the release of the first two episodes of the new FRUITS BASKET anime in theaters and the performance of PRETTY GUARDIAN SAILOR MOON: THE SUPER LIVE in Washington, DC for the start of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and friendo Asher delve into the highs and lows of these shojo special events.

REFERENCES

Fruits Basket in theaters
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live to start the Cherry Blossom Festival
Our list of iconic shojo anime: Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, Ouran High School Host Club, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and the original Fruits Basket
The shojo anime we could think of more recently that have more than one season: Full Moon o Sagashite, Kimi ni Todoke, and Shugo Chara
Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers all of The Young Master’s Revenge by Meca Tanaka

What if you had scars on your butt. From being bitten by snapping turtles when you were little. That is the whole premise of this comedy from Meca Tanaka, and for such a quick, silly series, it really is delightful. The revenge that Leo, the boy with the turtle butt scars, wants to exact on his childhood friend and crush Tenma of course turns into true love. You’ve seen all these tropes before, but not quite with this amount of disregard and subtle subversion. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and librarian and manga reviewer Anna discuss their favorite scenes (girls kabedon'ing boys!!), how this slots into the current crop of shojo manga with male leads, and have a very silly shipping corner. A short and sweet episode for a short and sweet series!

Click here for a transcription of this episode

REFERENCES

The Young Master’s Revenge is available in English from Viz Media
“I Like Turtles” Meme
One of the most epic mashups of all time that samples the “I like turtles” meme
If you like Maid-Sama, you’ll probably like The Young Master’s Revenge
What the heck is a kabedon?
Other shojo manga with male leads: My Love Story!!, Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty, Behinds the Scenes!!, [Otomen]9
The one thing in Shonen Jump with a female lead: The Promised Neverland
Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Anna on Twitter: @tangognat
Anna’s manga reviews on Manga Bookshelf
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

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Covers all of My Love Story!! by Kazune Kawahara and Aruko

Just how subversive (or not) is this story about an unconventionally attractive hero (Takeo Gouda), his best friend (Makoto Sunakawa), and his cute girlfriend (Rinko Yamato)? What’s up with its purity politics? How does it fit into the rise of shojo with male protagonists? How pleasant is it to see a story about characters in a relationship through 97.892749% of the story, instead of having a series of miscommunications preventing them from dating? (This number is an estimate.) And just who IS the better boy in this beautiful manga, Takeo or Sunakawa? (Hint: It’s Sunakawa.) Shojo & Tell host Ashley discusses these topics and more with the hosts of the podcast Manga Mavericks. (This actually isn’t an episode of Shojo & Tell! It’s an episode of Manga Mavericks. If you already listened on their feed, you don’t need to listen again here!)

REFERENCES

My Love Story!! is available from Viz Media
Listen to more episodes of the Manga Mavericks podcast
Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Manga Mavericks on Twitter: @manga_mavericks
Colton on Twitter: @sniperking323
Lum on Twitter: @LumRanmaYasha
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 8–13 of House of the Sun by Taamo

One Panel Later co-host, librarian, and manga reviewer Kelly Quinn Chiu and Shojo & Tell host Ashley dig deeper into the small moments that make this sleeper hit from Taamo so special. OK, honestly, Ashley mostly just rants about how Daiki is perfect and how he was robbed in this manga, while Kelly details how perfect Mao and Hiro’s relationship is. Both express shock and dismay at how, in a manga full of crummy characters like Mao’s dad and Sugimoto, Mao’s mom somehow ends up being the worst of them all. Both appreciate the understanding Mao’s dad and Hiro’s sister, Hina, have. There’s also a long discussion about the woes of publishing quiet romance manga that never get the hype they deserve.

Just one more time, for emphasis: DAIKI IS THE BEST.

Click here for a transcript of this episode

REFERENCES

House of the Sun is available from Kodansha USA (digital only)
Spoilers for The Hunger Games abound at ~1 hr and 5 minutes in. But if you haven’t read those novels yet, what’s wrong with you?
House of the Sun is not to be confused with Dreamin’ Sun
A great currently running manga you should read: Waiting for Spring
Not shojo manga: Horimiya, Nozaki-kun
Not manga, but really good sports comics: Fence, Check, Please!
Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Kelly on Twitter: @kellyqute
Kelly’s podcast, One Panel Later
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 1–7 of House of the Sun by Taamo

One Panel Later co-host, librarian, and manga reviewer Kelly Quinn Chiu explains why Taamo’s House of the Sun is such a hidden gem. Kelly and Shojo & Tell host Ashley discuss the ups and downs of this slice-of-life drama and age gap romance, why libraries don’t often have digital manga, why Mao is so obsessed with a phallic creature, how Hiro needs therapy (lots and lots of therapy), and how truly awful Mao’s family (and Sugimoto) are. The metaphors of umbrellas and fireworks and the trap that is the influence of consistency are also scrutinized. Spoiler: Daiki is the best, can’t nobody tell Ashley otherwise.

Click here for a transcript of this episode

REFERENCES

House of the Sun is available from Kodansha USA (digital only)
Another age-gap romance: Takane & Hana
Library apps: Hoopla and Libby
Here’s an overview of the six powers of influence
Listen to the podcast One Panel Later, which is Kelly’s podcast that compares manga and Western comics!
In particular, listen to the episode of One Panel Later about slice of life
Outro song: “Smile Its Me!” by Danosongs

CONTACT US

Kelly on Twitter: @kellyqute
Once again, Kelly’s podcast, One Panel Later
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 21–30 of Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho Shiina (end of the series)

Welcome to our final episode on Karuho Shiina’s contemporary classic. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and shojo manga connoisseur Caitlin Moore FINALLY get to reflect on what went down between Ayane and Pin (how it was all handled was such a pleasant surprise!). Plus, Kurumi finally gets her time to shine in our elaborate alt ending where she ends up with Sawako and as a contestant on TERRACE HOUSE (this episode involves a lot of fanfiction-making). And most importantly, Ashley and Caitlin rank Pin’s hairstyles (some are much better than others). We hope this manga reached you!

Click here for a transcript of this episode

REFERENCES

Kimi ni Todoke is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat in North America
The Kimi ni Todoke anime is available on Crunchyroll (the anime only covers volumes 1–10 of the manga, which means you can’t follow this podcast episode if you’ve only seen the anime)
My Love Story!! spoilers happened in this episode
Kurumi ends up on Terrace House, but she will never be better than the best couple, Tsubasa and Shion
Watch Skull-Face Bookseller Honda-san for all the sweet manga references
Listen to the podcast One Panel Later, where two librarians compare manga and Western comics
Outro song: “My Love All For You ‘Kimi ni Todoke...’” by MAY’S [ending song of the second season of the Kimi ni Todoke anime]. It’s available in American iTunes.

CONTACT US

Caitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodere
Caitlin’s writings on Anime Feminist
Visit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojo
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 11–20 of Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho Shiina

Winter is here, which means it’s time to settle in with the coziest manga for the season: the beloved Kimi ni Todoke. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and shojo manga connoisseur Caitlin Moore are back to discuss the good and the bad about the middle of Karuho Shiina’s hit series. Somehow, Kazehaya and Kento have flipped in quality during these 10 volumes (KAZEHAYA. GET IT TOGETHER. HOLD SAWAKO’S HAND.), so a lot is said about how that weirdness happens. Also discussed: The best Chizu moments (when she says Kento is a “schmuck” is very high on the list), why Ayane continues to be the best, and how crummy Kazehaya’s dad is. Plus, we figure out Ayane’s love language, because she deserves a nice boy and happiness.

Click here for a transcript of this episode

REFERENCES

Kimi ni Todoke is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat in North America
The Kimi ni Todoke anime is available on Crunchyroll (the anime only covers volumes 1–10 of the manga, which means you can’t follow this podcast episode if you’ve only seen the anime)
QUIZ: Love Languages Personal Profile for Couples
Book: The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Say I Love You. anime and manga
Some images Ashley took of the Kimi ni Todoke Exhibit that happened at Tokyo Anime Center in DNP Plaza back in March/April 2018
Outro song: “My Love All For You ‘Kimi ni Todoke...’” by MAY’S [ending song of the second season of the Kimi ni Todoke anime]. It’s available in American iTunes.

CONTACT US

Caitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodere
Caitlin’s writings on Anime Feminist
Visit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojo
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 1–10 of Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho Shiina

The year 2018 marked the end of an era: After 30 volumes, the deeply treasured Kimi ni Todoke is over. And to mark this special occasion, we’re once again embarking on a trilogy of podcasts. Shojo & Tell host Ashley is a huge Kimi ni Todoke fan, as is Anime Feminist author/editor and all-around shojo manga connoisseur Caitlin Moore. The two gush about the series’ best qualities (particularly the developments of healthy and tender female friendships) and how Ayane is the best character but Chizu is more relatable. Kazehaya is called “a good boy” several times. Constant questions about whether Pin is good or bad come up. Angry exclamations of KENTOOOOOO!! YOU IDIOT!! happen. A rant about how several men in Ashley’s life have very WRONG opinions about Shiina’s series ensues. Sawako captures our hearts and doesn’t let go. Here’s a message, from me to you: Kimi ni Todoke is a delight.

Click here for a transcript of this episode

REFERENCES

Kimi ni Todoke is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat in North America
The Kimi ni Todoke anime is available on Crunchyroll (if you’ve only watched the anime, you can follow this podcast episode)
Some of Caitlin’s other favorite shojo manga: Yona of the Dawn, Basara
Shojo anime Ashley watched along with Kimi ni Todoke: Skip Beat, Say “I love you”, My Little Monster
Some images Ashley took of the Kimi ni Todoke Exhibit that happened at Tokyo Anime Center in DNP Plaza back in March/April 2018
Are we friends with Akiko Higashimura yet?
Outro song: “My Love All For You ‘Kimi ni Todoke...’” by MAY’S [ending song of the second season of the Kimi ni Todoke anime]. It’s available in American iTunes.

CONTACT US

Caitlin on Twitter: @alltsun_nodere
Caitlin’s writings on Anime Feminist
Visit Caitlin’s blog, where she writes a lot about shojo
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty by Megumi Morino (all six volumes of the series)

“I can't believe Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty single-handedly convinced me that manga was not a mistake.”

“This is up there with Erased and Princess Jellyfish for me as far as human relations go.”

“I don't know if I'm going to be able to go back to manga after reading this manga, it was everything I ever wanted in a romance manga.”

“This manga is much better than you would expect since nobody’s hyped it up — and we want to be the hype.”

Quite simply, if you’re not reading Megumi Morino’s debut series, Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty, you are missing out. It’s easily the most underrated shojo manga of the year. It’s short and sweet and you should read it. If you want to find out a bit more before committing to the six volumes, give the beginning of this a listen. The story follows a girl who gets possessed by ghosts, and a boy who is afraid of ghosts but ends up falling in love with her. Except it’s so much more than that. The Ashes delve into who their favorite spirit is, and then explain why actually, everything about this ends up being your favorite. SHIZU AND TETSU AND HARU AND AKIRA AND LITERALLY EVERYONE ARE JUST TOO GOOD Y’ALL.

REFERENCES

Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty is available from Kodansha USA
Haikyu!! and Kuroko’s Basketball are available from Viz Media
Other shojo manga with male leads: HatsuHaru, The Young Master’s Revenge, DNAngel, Banana Fish
Manga that also understand human relationships piercingly: Erased, Princess Jellyfish
Can’t have a podcast with the Ashes where they don’t mention Maid-sama! every ten minutes
Bleach by Tite Kubo, one of Ashley’s favorite shonens (sometimes we let those be referenced here)
Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya is available from Yen Press. Also we did an epic trilogy of podcasts about it with Jacob Chapman.
Outro song: “From Memory” by Ketsa

CONTACT US

Asher on Tumblr: @asherdashery
Asher on Archive of Our Own: dashery
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00
Ashley and Asher’s cowritten Digimon fic: Digivolve Your Differences

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 17-23 of Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

The curse has finally broken! And did you hear there’s going to be a new Fruits Basket anime?! Great. We don’t talk about that on this podcast! (This is a manga podcast, after all. And this episode was recorded before the announcement.) But don’t worry, massive Furuba fan and Anime News Network editor Jacob Chapman and Shojo & Tell host Ashley find plenty to talk about in the last third of the series (this concludes our trilogy of podcasts!). Jacob explains why Akito is such a compelling character, and he and Ashley delve into the series’ handling of gender overall. But most importantly, Jacob and Ashley finally get to talk about ALL THE SHIPS (including some that didn’t sail) in the most massive Shipping Corner to date. Obviously, Kyo and Tohru OTP.

NOTE: Apologies for the subpar audio quality in this episode. The Skype connection was worse than usual, and unfortunately Jacob’s local track was corrupted. There is at least one instance where Jacob cut out for several seconds. It is easy to infer what he said from where he picks up, but it’s still not great. Sorry again!

Click here for a transcript of this episode

LINKS

Announcement about the new Fruits Basket anime
Fruits Basket is available from Yen Press in a very nice collector’s edition
Fruits Basket Another is also available from Yen Press
The original 2001 Fruits Basket anime is available from Funimation
Jacob’s Fruits Basket radio drama can still be listened to here
An in-depth Twitter thread from Jacob comparing Yen Press’ editions to the original Tokyopop releases
You can stream Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on Crunchyroll
Banana Fish is available from Viz Media. We did podcasts about it.
Outro song: “For Fruits Basket” by AmaLee (an English cover of the Fruits Basket anime opening). Download this song and AmaLee’s other great covers in iTunes here.

SOCIAL

Jacob on Twitter: @itsbonedaddy
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 9-16 of Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

Massive Furuba fan and Anime News Network editor Jacob Chapman is back to discuss the middle third of Takaya’s classic with Shojo & Tell host Ashley. Most of the dark, dark Sohma family secrets have been revealed this time around, and Tohru is in turmoil over Kyo’s fate. But we’re saving most of the Kyo talk for the third and final podcast! This time, Yuki’s struggles shine after his confrontation with Akito. The particular pains of motherhood — with Tohru’s mother complex and many of the Sohma’s crummy parents — are scrutinized at length. And Jacob explains how Fruits Basket accurately captures the cyclic nature of abuse. It’s a heavy episode, but then, there’s also talk about how the play “Sorta Cinderella” is very funny. Try not to cry too much, alright?

Click here for a transcript of this episode

LINKS

Fruits Basket is available from Yen Press in a very nice collector’s edition
The Fruits Basket anime is available from Funimation
Jacob’s Fruits Basket radio drama can still be listened to here
Here's a random Fruits Basket/“She’s So High” AMV just to prove the point
An in-depth Twitter thread from Jacob comparing Yen Press’ editions to the original Tokyopop releases
Surely you remember Disney’s Tangled?
Book about sand and sand mafias: The World in a Grain
Outro song: “For Fruits Basket” by AmaLee (an English cover of the Fruits Basket anime opening). Download this song and AmaLee’s other great covers in iTunes here.

SOCIAL

Jacob on Twitter: @itsbonedaddy
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Discusses the first volumes of Ao Haru Ride by Io Sakisaka and Kira-kun Today by Rin Mikimoto

After September brought no new shojo manga series debuts in the US, October has brought two! Shojo & Tell host Ashley McDonnell and her bestie Asher Sofman have differing opinions on the quality of this month’s debuts. They discuss the wackiness of Kira-kun Today and what makes Io Sakisaka’s much-hyped Ao Haru Ride special (Ao Haru Ride is also known as Blue Spring Ride). Whether you like talking birds or childhood crushes, strange depression or persistent melancholy, there’s probably something here for you between these two series.

LINKS

Ao Haru Ride is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line
Kira-kun Today is available from Kodansha USA (digital only)
The average lifespan of a cockatiel is between 15 to 30 years, or thereabouts
Outro Song: “Sekai Wa Koi Ni Ochiteiru” by CHiCO with HoneyWorks. It’s the opening to the Ao Haru Ride anime, available on Crunchyroll. Buy the song on iTunes here.

We’re doing a giveaway of Ao Haru Ridealong with this episode! It's open until 8pm PT Saturday, October 27th! Follow us on social media to enter.

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Asher on Tumblr @asherdashery
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

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Covers volumes 1-8 of Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

At the height of the mid-2000s manga boom in the US, there was no bigger series than Fruits Basket. And this story about orphaned Tohru Honda and the Sohma family curse has endured, getting a very special rerelease in recent years. For a series this influential, we brought on one of the biggest Furuba fans of all: Anime News Network editor Jacob Chapman. We discuss why Fruits Basket left such a lasting impression, who our favorite Sohmas are, how Tokyopop and Yen Press’ translations compare, what the curse really is, Kyo’s “true” form and the search for what’s real, Furuba’s message about belief in others, particularly as it relates to religion and family, and much, much more. Most importantly, obviously, we answer the question: Yuki or Kyo? And just think: This is only the first of three episodes about Takaya’s masterpiece.

Click here for a transcript of this episode

REFERENCES

Fruits Basket is available from Yen Press in a very nice collector’s edition
The Fruits Basket anime is available from Funimation
Jacob’s Fruits Basket radio drama can still be listened to here
An in-depth Twitter thread from Jacob comparing Yen Press’ editions to the original Tokyopop releases
Other manga Jacob keeps up with (since he doesn’t read that much manga): Attack on Titan, To Your Eternity
Other big shojo titles popular during Fruits Basket’s heyday: Skip Beat, **Boys Over Flowers
Quiz Segment: Can We Guess Your Chinese Zodiac Based On Your Taste In Food? [Buzzfeed]
Outro song: “For Fruits Basket” by AmaLee (an English cover of the Fruits Basket anime opening). Download this song and AmaLee’s other great covers in iTunes here.

SOCIAL

Jacob on Twitter: @itsbonedaddy
Shojo & Tell on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook
Ashley on Twitter: @AshMcD00

If you have any comments or questions about the episode, email us at shojoandtell@gmail.com, reach out to us on your preferred social media network, or comment on the episode page.

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Covers all of Magic Knight Rayearth by CLAMP (that's six volumes across MKR I and II)

Take a trip to Cefiro, grab a sword, and get in a mech in this wild and beautiful Clamp classic. Asher and Ashley do a character walkthrough that’s mostly gushing about how pretty everyone is (Eagle! Lantis! Umi! Fuu! Hikaru! That's only 1/100th of the number of characters in this six-volume manga!), debate whether Princess/Pillar Emeraude committed suicide and how this relates to controversies over assisted suicide, and of course, fail to escape hitsuzen because everything is hitsuzen. Plus, the Ashes solve global problems that plague many nations, laugh at how many characters/places are named after cars (AUTOZAM! CLEF!), and fawn over how cute all the (problematic) ships are.

LINKS

Magic Knight Rayearth is available from Dark Horse Comics
Other CLAMP works mentioned: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, xxxHolic, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc (all available from Kodansha USA), plus Cardcaptor Sakura, Angelic Layer, Chobits (all available from Dark Horse Comics)
Adolescence of Utena (available in iTunes)
Assisted suicide in America
Fahren means “to drive” in German
Lots of characters are named after cars. A prime example is the “Autozam Clef.”
Everything is hitsuzen
Joe from Cyborg 009
Outro song: “Yuzurenai Negai” by Naomi Tamura (one of the Magic Knight Rayearth openings). Available in Japanese iTunes.

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Asher on Tumblr @asherdashery
Follow Asher’s project, The Thousand Tree, on Tumblr
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00
Follow Asher and Ashley’s other podcast Podigious (about Digimon) on Twitter @podigious

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Covers volumes 12 through 19 of Banana Fish by Akimi Yoshida

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for: Banana Fish fan Marion goes on an epic rant about The Ending of the series. Seriously! What?! WHY?! Who thought this was okay!? Marion and Shojo & Tell host Ashley also discuss the role of women in Yoshida’s series, touch on the importance of found families, walk through all the ships we’re given in the end (obviously, OTP is Ash and Eiji), and ponder why Blanca has such broad shoulders. Plus: Did Ashley cry while reading the short story “Garden of Light” on the bus? You’ll just have to listen to find out.

LINKS

Banana Fish is available from Viz Media
The title comes from a J.D. Salinger story called “A Perfect Day for Bananafish”
Read Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture, edited by Roxane Gay
The divisive dish, natto
Midnight Cowboy was an inspiration for Banana Fish
Leadership Quiz: What type of leader are you? [The Guardian]
Outro song: “Found & Lost” by Survive Said the Prophet (the Banana Fish anime opening). Buy it on iTunes.

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Read Marion’s writing about anime and manga on her blog, Otaku, She Wrote
Read Marion’s writing on Anime Feminist
Follow Marion on Twitter @eccentricmarion
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, constructive criticism, concerns? Need to tell us your feelings about the ending? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 1 through 11 of Banana Fish by Akimi Yoshida

It’s a perfect day to discuss Banana Fish, the revived classic about how everyone — except some select gang members and an innocent Japanese boy named Eiji Okumura — wants to kill the brilliant and beautiful and deadly Ash Lynx. Shojo & Tell host Ashley found the biggest Banana Fish fan in Marion, and together they discuss the literary and political history Akimi Yoshida’s work draws from, the representations of race and queerness in the story, answer some of your questions about how the modernized anime compares to this very ’80s manga, and list favorite Ash and Eiji moments. Plus, Ashley and Marion take plenty of time to discuss Ash’s transformation from River Phoenix to Nurse Barbara.

LINKS

Banana Fish is available from Viz Media
The title comes from a J.D. Salinger story called “A Perfect Day for Bananafish”
The story references the Ernest Hemingway short story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” frequently
Rambo and The Terminator influenced Ash
The history of gun control in Japan
Actor River Phoenix was an inspiration for Ash’s looks
Classic shojo manga people will tell you to read in addition to Banana Fish: Please Save My Earth, MARS, Basara, and Glass Mask
The divisive dish, natto
Outro song: “Found & Lost” by Survive Said the Prophet (the Banana Fish anime opening). Buy it on iTunes.

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Read Marion’s writing about anime and manga on her blog, Otaku, She Wrote
Read Marion’s writing on Anime Feminist
Follow Marion on Twitter @eccentricmarion
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, constructive criticism, concerns? Want to tell us your favorite Ash Lynx Look or Ash and Eiji moment? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Discusses the first volume of Shortcake Cake by Suu Morishita

We’re back for our second preview guide, covering this month’s new shojo manga series debut of SHORTCAKE CAKE. Viz Media’s mobile app developer Jeff Ruberg and host Ashley review and react to this first volume, digging into its fresh pop aesthetic, which boy is the cutest, Ten’s really long hair, and more. Should you pick up this volume, or should you just go pick up a piece of shortcake instead? Find out here.

LINKS

Shortcake Cake is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line
We Never Learn is definitely not a shojo manga
We Were There definitely is a shojo manga. We did multiple podcast episodes about it.
Dale Carnegie is not related to Andrew Carnegie
Learn How to Win Friends and Influence People
The Ghibli film Ashley and Jeff can never remember the name of (Only Yesterday)
Kimi ni Todoke is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line and we will be doing podcasts on it fairly soon
Assassination Classroom is available from Viz Media and is definitely not a shojo manga
Urban Dictionary definition of ahegao
Outro Song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

We’re doing a giveaway along with this episode! It's open until 8pm Tuesday, September 4th! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for entry details.

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffinitelyjeff
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00
Follow Jeff and Ashley's other podcast Podigious (about Digimon) on Twitter @podigious

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Covers Claudine by Riyoko Ikeda (it’s only one volume long!)

Though Riyoko Ikeda’s classic manga featuring a transgender protagonist originally came out in 1978, it was officially released for the first time in the US in the summer of 2018 (40 YEARS LATER!). S&T host Ashley asks Jocelyne Allen, the translator of Claudine (and many other manga), about the use of gender pronouns and other translation challenges with this work that's set in early 1900s France, originally published in 1970s Japan, now being translated for late 2010s America. Plus, Jocelyne and Ashley walk through Claudine’s three romances, ponder if queerness coupled with tragedy are implied to be cyclical, and take a gender quiz that begs the question: Could Claudine be a mech?

LINKS

Claudine is available in English from Seven Seas Entertainment
Riyoko Ikeda is most well-known for The Rose of Versailles, which was licensed in America by Udon Entertainment in 2015 but as of the release of this podcast, has not been released.
Other series Jocelyne edits/has edited that were mentioned: Requiem of the Rose King, That Blue Sky Feeling, My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness and its sequel, My Solo Exchange Diary
Jocelyne was on the Manga Machinations podcast to talk about My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness and My Solo Exchange Diary
The Poem of Wind and Trees by Keiko Takemiya and Kageki Shoujo!! by Kumiko Saiki are some of Jocelyne’s favorite shojo manga
Takarazuka theater troupe
FREE ONLINE GENDER QUIZ that you really must take
The Magnificent 49ers
To Terra... by Keiko Takemiya
Wandering Son and Sweet Blue Flowers are other great LGBTQ+ manga from Takako Shimura
My Darling Kitten Hair is a great boy’s love manga
Fashion lesson: Here's what a muff is
Seven Seas Entertainment’s link to their monthly manga license request form is in the upper right of their FAQ
Outro song: “Like Swimming” by Broke for Free

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Jocelyne on Twitter @brainvsbook
Find Jocelyne’s writings about books on her website
See what other series Jocelyne has worked on
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, constructive criticism, concerns? Want to tell us your gender quiz results? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers all of Pretear by Junichi Sato and Kaori Naruse (four volumes)

Remember back in 2001 when the Pretear anime was the cool new shojo? Did you know there was a manga that’s actually pretty vastly different than that anime you remember so fondly? May Fisher-Guest (host of the Digimon podcast Lost in Translationmon) and ever-present host Ashley get into the differences between the anime and the manga, dissect the series’ connections to the fairytales Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella, talk about the cyclic nature of suffering, and fawn over how hot Hayate and the other boys are (the art is amaze!). In addition to an epic shipping corner, May and Ashley also answer the ultimate question: Which one of the seven dwarfs are you?

LINKS

Unfortunately the Pretear manga is out of print. (It was originally published by ADV Manga.) However, you can get the volumes used from resellers.
The Pretear anime is streaming on Crunchyroll
[QUIZ] Which One of the Seven Dwarfs Are You?
Clannad, the anime that made everyone cry
Millennium Snow, the manga from the creator of Ouran High School Host Club that you should read. (Also here’s our podcast episode about it!)
XOXO, Gossip Girl
Outro song: “White Destiny” by Yoko Ishida. Buy it off the Pretear soundtrack here.

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow May on Twitter @AncientIrismon
Follow May's podcast, Lost in Translationmon, on Twitter @translationmon
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

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Discusses the first volumes of Fruits Basket Another by Natsuki Takaya and Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts by Yu Tomofuji

Welcome to our first preview guide! What's a preview guide, you ask? Our preview guide episodes will cover the first volume of newly released shojo/josei series (in the US), providing first reactions about the manga (mixing review with our normal discussion format). These will be shorter episodes that come out in addition to our normal bi-weekly, in-depth series discussions. More shojo talk! What could be better?

Our inaugural series are Fruits Basket Another and Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts. Honestly, you know what you’re getting just from those titles alone, but Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her bestie Asher Sofman tell you their likes and dislikes and hopes and dreams. Can the world handle yet another Fruits Basket (without the gimmick that made the original such a success)? Does this new riff on Beauty and the Beast have a uniquely compelling hook? Find out from the Ashes.

LINKS

Fruits Basket Another is available from Yen Press
Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts is also available from Yen Press
Sacrificial Princess reminds Asher of Red River, which is available from Viz Media
Yonkoma manga
Outro Song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

We’re doing a giveaway along with this episode! It's open until 8pm Wednesday, August 8th! Follow us on social media and/or listen to the episode for entry details.

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Asher on Tumblr @asherdashery
Follow Asher's new project, The Thousand Tree, on Tumblr
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00
Follow Asher and Ashley's other podcast Podigious (about Digimon) on Twitter @podigious

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Covers volumes 9 to 17 of Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura

Don your armor (read: your prettiest, frilliest dress) and get ready to defend Tsukimi and all the residents of Amamizukan from corporate kidnapper Kai Fish. Guest Carrie McClain (an editor at Black Nerd Problems) and host Ashley list off the moments that made them cry in the second half, what clothes come to mean for the Amars, who has agency (and who doesn’t), and have one of the most epic Shipping Corners on the podcast yet. (Shu!! How dare you worm your way into our hearts like this?! HOW DARE YOU make us doubt Kuranosuke x Tsukimi for even a minute?!) Plus, in an author’s note, Higashimura questions why Princess Jellyfish is so popular in America, so Ashley and Carrie, as Americans, provide personal (and speculative) answers.

LINKS

Princess Jellyfish is available from Kodansha USA physically and digitally
You can watch the 11-episode anime over on Funimation
Higashimura also did Tokyo Tarareba Girls, which was a digital-first initiative from Kodansha that's now getting a print run. Listen to our episode about it here.
Kuranosuke still does not identify as an okama
What is a fujoshi?
Hana-Kimi is available from Viz Media
Harajuku and fashion
Correction when talking about Maid-sama: Takumi Usui is actually 3/4s Japanese, 1/4 English, and his half-brother Gerald Walker is the reverse. Which just makes their genetic stereotypes even more ridiculous in the manga. (To show that Takumi is mixed-race, he has blond hair and green eyes, both recessive genes.) This was mentioned at some point during our Maid-sama coverage. Listen to our first Maid-sama episode here. The manga is also available from Viz Media.
Higashimura’s divorce news
Deb Aoki’s article in Publisher’s Weekly about why manga is booming in the West right now
Outro song: “Kokodake no Hanashi” by Chatmonchy (the opening of the Princess Jellyfish anime)

SOCIAL

Find Carrie's work on Black Nerd Problems, where she writes lots about comics
Follow Carrie on Twitter @DivineBlkPearl
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, constructive criticism, concerns? Want to tell us what made you cry? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 1 to 8 of Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura

Chances are you’ve heard heaps and heaps of praise bestowed upon this manga about a jellyfish otaku whose life is changed forever by a crossdresser. That praise is HELLA ACCURATE. Carrie McClain (an editor at Black Nerd Problems) and host Ashley reveal how much they’ve become Princess Jellyfish otaku by fangirling all over the Amars and Kuranosuke, dissecting how Higashimura explores identity politics through the narrative and motifs in the art, and remind you that everybody, EVERYBODY, is an otaku. Yes, even straight-laced, stuffy Shu. He’s a Tsukimi otaku.

LINKS

Princess Jellyfish is available from Kodansha USA physically and digitally
You can watch the 11-episode anime over on Funimation
Higashimura also did Tokyo Tarareba Girls, which was a digital-first initiative from Kodansha that's now getting a print run. Listen to our episode about it here.
Tokyopop had a line of comics back in the day called Chix Comics. Groan.
Are you living the NEET life?
Kuranosuke does not identify as an okama
Records of the Three Kingdoms, aka what Mayaya's always going on about
Princess Jellyfish Nomu is probably insulted to be lumped in with My Hero Academia Nomu. Maybe.
What is a fujoshi?
Don't let your party get petrified in Final Fantasy
Tenryū Arashiyama from Maid-sama, the much more problematic version of Kuranosuke. Listen to our first Maid-sama episode here. The manga is also available from Viz Media.
Outro song: “Kokodake no Hanashi” by Chatmonchy (the opening of the Princess Jellyfish anime)

SOCIAL

Find Carrie's work on Black Nerd Problems, where she writes lots about comics
Follow Carrie on Twitter @DivineBlkPearl
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, constructive criticism, concerns? Want to tell us who your favorite member of the Amars is? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

Sailor Moon Vol 1 Chix Comix (Sailor Moon, #1)

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Covers all 9 volumes of The Full-Time Wife Escapist by Tsunami Umino

What would it be like to get married as a job? Megan DeYarman (of The Manga Test Drive) and host Ashley dive into The Full-Time Wife Escapist’s (very good) takes on alternatives to traditional marriage, family generally, and employment in particular (scheduling out twice-monthly hug dates may not be as weird and emotionless as it seems!). Plus, there’s plenty of gushing about the respectful representation of older virgins, a nice in-depth character walkthrough of the main cast (Mikuri, Hiramasa, Kazami, Yuri), and a helpful quiz to figure out what job Mikuri should be pursuing with her psychology degree.

EPISODE CHAPTER TIME CODES

Intro: 0:00 to 5:19
SPOILERS AFTER 5:19
Character walkthrough: 5:30 to 21:15
Proverbs: 21:16 to 23:45
Alternative relationship structures: 23:45 to 29:45
Alternative business ideas: 29:45 to 35:10
Alternative family structures: 35:10 to 38:10
Art corner: 38:10 to 42:35
Quiz: 42:35 to 50:00
Shipping corner: 50:00 to 57:30
Final thoughts/outro: 57:30 to end

LINKS

This series is available from Kodansha USA
This manga was the basis for a very popular drama in Japan that, at the time of this podcast episode’s publication, isn’t available in English. But you can watch a trailer from the TBS Company (with subtitles) here.
Also you may remember some “koi dance” videos from a few years ago. Those were based on the ED for the above-mentioned drama. Definitely check out this one done by folks working at the American Embassy in Japan for Christmas 2016.
If you don’t like reading manga digitally, tell Kodansha which of their digital-first initiatives you’d like to see in print via this survey. (Be sure to include The Full-Time Wife Escapist!)
Mitsurou Kubo (creator of Yuri on Ice)
Tokyo Tarareba Girls is a Kodansha digital-first series that is now getting a print run. Volume 1 came out recently. Listen to our episode about this amazing Akiko Higashimura work (creator of Princess Jellyfish).
Quiz: This quiz will show you the job that best fits your work style (Quartz at Work)
Outro song: “Koi” by Gen Hoshino

SOCIAL

Read Megan’s manga reviews on The Manga Test Drive
Follow Megan on Twitter @brainchild129
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to tell us how cute you think Mikuri and Hiramasa are? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 10-18 of Fushigi Yugi by Yu Watase

We’re back to talk about the strange saga of Fushigi Yugi’s ending and how Tamahome became Taka, or Taka was always Taka but he allowed Tamahome to exist, one’s a shadow, something like that. Just trust us on this one. Ashley, Caitlin, and Jess also discuss how Miaka and Yui have matured after one of them was consumed by a dragon god (oh, they also graduated middle school), how a young Yu Watase may have been underestimating the power of shojo manga, and, most importantly, everybody weighs in on which of the Celestial Warriors has the best hair.

LINKS

Fushigi Yugi (and Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden) is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line
Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki is currently running in Japan
Request Viz to pick up Byakko Senki
So here’s why Ashley butchered Caitlin’s intro: Ashley’s partner Jeff (who works at Viz) has a sibling who had a blog called Heroine Sheik, and Caitlin runs a site called I Have a Heroine Problem (link below), and Ashley’s brain conflated those two and then her mouth said the wrong thing. So there you go.
Watase’s negative experiences with her editor working on Arata: The Legend
The Byakko warrior whose name we couldn’t remember was Tokaki
Anime Feminist also did watchalong podcasts for the FY anime if you need more FY talk
Outro song: “Itoshii Hito no Tame ni” by Akemi Sato (Fushigi Yugi opening theme), which you can buy in Japanese iTunes

SOCIAL

Follow Caitlin on Twitter @alltsun_nodere
Check out Caitlin’s blog, I Have a Heroine Problem
Find Caitlin’s writings on Anime Feminist
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Need to gush about your OTP? Want to tell us who you think has the best hair? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 1-9 of Fushigi Yugi by Yu Watase

Watase’s classic stirs up a lot of feelings in this first Shojo & Tell episode to have three people voicing their opinions. The nostalgia goggles are definitely on for Ashley, Caitlin, and Jessica as they debate who the best celestial warrior is (NURIKO IS THE GREATEST! NO! TASUKI!), ponder the strange choice to have the Seiryu warriors be evil, and discuss how the isekai genre has evolved over the years since Fushigi Yugi (ugh, Sword Art Online). Other questions answered: Should FY get a new anime adaptation? Do luck and privilege intersect? Is Genbu Kaiden the superior FY? Is love really war?

LINKS

Fushigi Yugi (and Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden) is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line
Fushigi Yugi: Byakko Senki is currently running in Japan
Request Viz to pick up Byakko Senki
Read more of Caitlin’s thoughts on FY in her Anime Feminist posts
"Education mothers"
Isekai genre
Watase updating FY characters to her new art style
Anime Feminist also did watchalong podcasts for the FY anime if you need more FY talk
Outro song: “Itoshii Hito no Tame ni” by Akemi Sato (Fushigi Yugi opening theme), which you can buy in Japanese iTunes

SOCIAL

Follow Caitlin on Twitter @alltsun_nodere
Check out Caitlin’s blog, I Have a Heroine Problem
Find Caitlin’s writings on Anime Feminist
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Need to gush about your OTP? Want to tell us your favorite Celestial Warrior? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers all ten volumes of Strobe Edge by Io Sakisaka

First: Strobe Edge is an amazing title, and we take many opportunities to remind you of this throughout the episode. How do you not want to read a manga called Strobe Edge? If you need more convincing about how great this work from Io Sakisaka is, Alyssa (who runs the YouTube channel Anime Intensity) and Shojo & Tell host Ashley do a character conflicts rundown, discuss the merits (or lack thereof) of love triangles as a trope (also: Team Ren? Team Ando? Team Daiki? Why not... all of them? Or maybe we should be Team Ninako?), and gush about Sakisaka’s simple yet gorgeous art.

LINKS

Strobe Edge is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line
Yano from Kimi ni Todoke
So it turns out Strobe Edge isn’t about disco, but After Hours is a dope EDM yuri manga available from Viz
Viz announced that they have licensed Sakisaka’s series Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)
If you would like to read some more about the “dire geometry of the love triangle”
Manga ranking cited for the popularity of Sakisaka’s series Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare
Heart of Manga licensing information page currently listing Ao Haru Ride on the wish list
The anime version of Blue Spring Ride is available on Crunchyroll
Love Quiz: Which TV Love Triangle Are You? [Buzzfeed]
Outro song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

SOCIAL

Check out Alyssa’s YouTube channel, Anime Intensity
Follow Alyssa on Twitter @AnimeIntensity
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Need to gush about your OTP? Need to rant about how excited you are for Ao Haru Ride? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 9-16 of We Were There by Yuki Obata

Ultra super special guest Nancy Thistlethwaite, a senior editor for Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line, returns to do an in-depth character analysis of Nanami, Yano, Takeuchi, Yuri, and the rest of the crew in We Were There (Bokura ga Ita). (Host Ashley and Nancy may talk a little too much about Take, against their better judgment. Stop it, Take! Get out of here! Team Yano forever!) Memories, dreams, and metaphors like the internal compass are analyzed, Yano's t-shirts are harshly judged (Yano! You have better shirts than that!), and Ashley definitely overuses the word “poignant.” But seriously, this manga is really really poignant!

LINKS

We Were There is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line (obviously!)
Other series Nancy has worked on: Vampire Knight, Ouran High School Host Club
Outro song: “Kimidakewo” by Mi (opening to the We Were There anime)

SOCIAL

Follow Nancy on Twitter @nthistlethwaite
Follow Shojo Beat on Twitter @shojobeat
Follow Shojo Beat on Tumblr
Follow the podcast on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow the podcast on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to tell us how unfair we’ve been to Takeuchi? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers volumes 1-8 of We Were There by Yuki Obata

Super special guest Nancy Thistlethwaite, a senior editor for Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line, discusses the first half of the beautiful and devastating series We Were There with host Ashley. Nancy and Ashley get into why Obata’s work didn’t take off in America, which scenes punched them in the gut the most, why people who don’t ship Yano and Nanami just don’t get it, and find out which Disneyland Land Nanami is. Plus, you find out that Ashley really loves Yano’s t-shirts.

LINKS

We Were There is available from Viz Media’s Shojo Beat line (obviously!)
Things Nancy has been working on: Amigurumi: San-X Crochet Patterns, Pompom Pokemon
Quiz: Which Disneyland Land Are You? [Oh My Disney]
Outro song: “Kimidakewo” by Mi (opening to the We Were There anime)

SOCIAL

Follow Nancy on Twitter @nthistlethwaite
Follow Shojo Beat on Twitter @shojobeat
Follow Shojo Beat on Tumblr
Follow the podcast on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow the podcast on Instagram
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to tell us how much you also love Yano’s t-shirts and think Take lacks a personality? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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We’re going on a Japan trip! Ashley’s been on vacation in Japan for the past two weeks, and has gone on some manga-related adventures (and many non-manga-related adventures). She and her romantic partner/Viz Media employee/travel companion Jeff Ruberg discuss the Kimi ni Todoke exhibit at Tokyo Anime Center, how it compares to the ongoing Shonen Jump exhibit, what it’s like seeing the spring cherry blossoms and going to themed cafes, and generally what their favorite activity on this trip has been.

LINKS

Kimi ni Todoke Exhibit
Shonen Jump Exhibit
Rurouni Kenshin Author Controversy
Yakushima/Shiratani Ravine as inspiration for Princess Mononoke
What the heck konpeito is
QQ Sweeper
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Cyborg 009
Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare [Io Sakisaka’s current manga]
Viz's announcement that they’re publishing Io Sakisaka’s Ao Haru Ride
Flowers manga magazine
Ofuro (Japanese style bath)
Pokemon Cafe
Animate Cafes
Final Fantasy Cafe
Magical Pokemon Journey [shojo Pokemon manga]
D · N · ANGEL
Nakayoshi Magazine

SOCIAL

Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffinitelyjeff
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to let us know which city is better, Kyoto or Tokyo? Have a manga you really want us to get to sooner rather than later? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com, leave a comment on the episode page, or tweet us.

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Covers all three volumes of QQ Sweeper by Kyousuke Motomi

Spring is finally here! So Ashley and Laura prepare to start spring cleaning by first reading QQ Sweeper. Which is legit about sweeping. Like, with a broom. A plain old broom. Sure, it's also about exorcisms and supernatural stuff and punching giant centipedes, but mostly, it's about sweeping. And it is SO GOOD. Ashley and Laura get to the heart of what a Cinderella story even is, why this series has a sequel called Queen's Quality, the power of cleaning in real life and in metaphor, and take a quiz on how to properly clean your kitchen. (Sorry. Only your kitchen will be spotless. Kyutaro is very disappointed.)

LINKS

QQ Sweeper is available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line
The sequel, Queen's Quality, is also available from Shojo Beat (currently running series)
It's advised that you have already read Motomi's Dengeki Daisy as well, as there are some crossover characters
Laura runs this great blog, Heart of Manga
If you want to delve further into what makes a Cinderella story
The Four Gods (Genbu, Byakko, Suzaku, Seiryuu)
Cleaning quiz! Learn how to clean your kitchen
Ender's Game and Hive Queens
Outro song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

SOCIAL

Follow Laura on Twitter @Ellesensei
Follow Heart of Manga on Facebook
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to give us your speculations on why QQ Sweeper stopped after three volumes and has a sequel? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers: I.O.N., Short-Tempered Melancholic and Other Stories, and Mistress Fortune, all by Arina Tanemura

Put on your frilliest dress and lace up as Loyola and Ashley discuss a bunch of one-volume manga from the author of Full Moon O Sagashite. Which of these six short stories was the best? Why exactly did Tanemura think having a lecherous 14-year-old character would be fun? Should you forget your umbrella every time it rains so your crush will be forced to share theirs with you? All that and much more is discussed in this whacky episode. Spoilers: Ashley's favorite characters were definitely Tagosaku and the infamous Truck-kun. Also, Loyola and Ashley would like to apologize to any listeners who speak Japanese; Loyola and Ashley are definitely not good at pronouncing Japanese names and terms.

LINKS

All of these volumes (and many other Arina Tanemura manga) are available from Viz Media's Shojo Beat line (Short-Tempered Melancholic and Other Stories, I.O.N., and Mistress Fortune)
"The Feeling" by Justin Bieber ft. Halsey
The infamous Truck-kun strikes again
Erased manga
Nancy Thistlethwaite is the Senior Editor of Viz Media's Shojo Beat line, and is the basis for one of the characters in Mistress Fortune (as explained on the Wikipedia page). Things tagged "Editor Nancy" on the Shojo Beat Tumblr are written by her! She'll also be on upcoming podcast episodes about We Were There by Yuki Obata!!
Outro song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Loyola on Twitter @loyolarankin
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to give us your ranking of these six short stories? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers all 6 volumes of THE KEY TO THE KINGDOM by Kyoko Shitou

Megan and Ashley discuss a very underappreciated title published by the now-defunct CMX. Many comparisons to The Vision of Escaflowne are made as discussions about dragons and fate ensue. Are the dragons a metaphor for nuclear weapons? Do Gaius and Badd have a thing for each other? Just what kind of leader is Asta, anyway? Why the heck did you never hear about this gorgeous manga?! All your pressing questions about just what the heck the Key to the Kingdom even is will be answered here.

LINKS

The Key to the Kingdom is out of print, but you can still get it from resellers
If you've never seen the amazing The Vision of Escaflowne, it was recently added to Crunchyroll
Dragons as metaphor for nukes
Quiz: Like a Boss! What Type of Boss Are You? [Staples]
Other works translated/adapted by Sheldon Drzka
Outro Song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

SOCIAL

Read Megan's manga reviews on Manga Test Drive
Follow Megan on Twitter @brainchild129
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Follow Shojo & Tell on Instagram
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to gush about your OTP and favorite series? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Roses are red

Violets are blue

Shojo is sweet

Here are strange ships

Happy Valentine’s Day! Here’s a bonus episode where we asked various people to answer this question: If you could ship any characters across shojo series, who would you ship and why? The answers may surprise you. Especially since Ashley cheats and takes protagonists from a shonen manga instead.

SOCIAL

Follow Loyola on Twitter
Follow Laura on Twitter
Follow Asher on Tumblr
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
Shojo & Tell is also on Instagram @shojoandtell
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to let us know who you would ship across shojo canons? Have a suggestion on what to do for a special White Day episode? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com, leave a comment on the episode page, or tweet us.

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Covers all 9 volumes of TOKYO TARAREBA GIRLS by Akiko Higashimura

This episode, Ashley and Amelia discuss a josei series for the first time on the podcast. What if, what if, we told you “Tokyo Tarareba Girls” is one of the best manga of the decade? What if, what if, you’ve never read a more relatable manga than this in your life? What if, what if, we told you to stop lollygagging around and read this manga right now? As you’ll find out from our heartfelt and earnest discussion, this story about women looking to settle down before they reach 40 will hit you hard in the feels. Also KEY SUCKS, Team Hayasaka forever!

LINKS

Get Tokyo Tarareba Girls from Kodansha Comics
XOXO, Gossip Girl
Amelia's Review of Tokyo Tarareba Girls in Otaku USA
Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight director) on the gendered double-standard in Hollywood
Green Card (movie)
Love Quiz: What % Marriage Material Are You? [Buzzfeed]
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Grey’s Anatomy
Outro Song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

SOCIAL

Follow Amelia’s work on Anime Feminist
Follow Amelia on Twitter @ActuallyAmelia
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter @shojoandtell
How about Instagram?
Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshMcD00

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to gush about your OTP and favorite series? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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Covers all of MILLENNIUM SNOW by Bisco Hatori

In the 10 years between the publication of the second and third volume of “Millennium Snow,” Bisco Hatori went off and wrote this little-known manga called “Ouran High School Host Club.” How did that affect this short and sweet four-volume manga? How does this vampire and werewolf love triangle compare to the infamous Twilight Saga? (Hint: It's much better.) How does it handle the themes of morality and time? Ashley and Caitlin discuss all that, and much, much more.

LINKS

Get Millennium Snow from Viz (Shojo Beat line)
It's probably better if you don't know what the Twilight Saga is
The Tyranny of the Clock by George Woodcock
Love Quiz: Why Are You Still Single? [Buzzfeed]
Kiyoko Sayama
Yuu Watase
Outro Song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

SOCIAL

Follow Caitlin on Twitter
Check out Caitlin’s blog, I Have a Heroine Problem
Find Caitlin’s writings on Anime Feminist
Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter
Follow Ashley on Twitter

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to gush about your OTP and favorite series? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com or simply leave a comment on the episode page.

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All four volumes of MERUPURI are discussed.

Ashley and Loyola discuss a short manga from Matsuri Hino, the creator of Vampire Knight. It’s the first manga covered on the podcast that doesn’t have an anime adaptation, and given its strange mashup of Japanese, German, English, and random symbols, neither Ashley nor Loyola ever figures out how to pronounce ANYTHING! (as-tale? UH-stale? Who knows? Do you know?) There’s talk of tattoos and taboos, mirrors reflecting the past and the present, and fanfiction written about main character Airi’s favorite show, “Tales of Marriage on the Plains.”

LINKS

Get MeruPuri from Viz (Shojo Beat line)
The one thing we know how to pronounce is Airi. Thanks, Erased
Read more about Japan and the recent court rulings regarding tattoos
Love★Com is something that gave the infamous Jeff grief when you searched for it in the Viz app
Why Are You Still Single? [Seventeen Magazine]
The Legend of Korra [Korrasami]
Outro Song: “Like Swimming” by Broke For Free, a really awesome electronic music producer your should support!

SHIPPING CORNER

Most popular combos (according to poll in the manga, volume 4, pg 67)

Aram & Airi
Aram & Jeile
Jeile & Lei
Airi & Jeile
Aram & Lei
Jeile & Maruru
Raz & Nakaoji
Aram & Nakaoji
Airi & Lei
Raz & Mariabel

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter
Follow Loyola on Twitter
Follow Ashley on Twitter

Comments, questions, concerns? Want to gush about your OTP and favorite series? Have suggestions for the show? Email shojoandtell [at] gmail.com

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Vol 10-18 of Maid-sama! (end of the series)

Asher and Ashley are back to discuss the second half of Hiro Fujiwara’s modern masterpiece about Maid Latte. As promised, the Ashes discuss Maid-sama!’s portrayal of social class and the tension between the aristocracy and the meritocracy, lament that some characters end up in problematic pairings, and gush about how cute Misaki and Usui were during the hot springs trip (and later, when they exchange scarves — too freakin’ cute!).

LINKS

Get Maid-sama! from Viz Media (Shojo Beat line)
“Lost in the Meritocracy” by Walter Kirn (Article in The Atlantic)
Google Manifesto controversy
Ouran High School Host Club
Outro song: “My Secret” by Saaya Mizuno, from the Maid-sama! anime, available to watch on Hulu

SOCIAL

Shojo & Tell on Twitter
Asher on Tumblr
Ashley on Twitter
Listen to Podigious! A Digimon Podcast (Asher and Ashley’s other podcast together)

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Covers: MAID-SAMA! Vol. 1-9

After doing two classic shojo series, we’re finally covering Ashley’s favorite manga of all time: Maid-sama! Yes, Ashley’s favorite manga is about working in a maid cafe. Asher and Ashley discuss how liking a manga about maids is okay (also discussed: whether this manga is actually about maids), what this battle of the sexes story has to say about gender roles, and whether Misaki Ayuzawa and Usui Takumi make a good couple. Mostly, Ashley just rants about how Misaki is the greatest.

LINKS

Get Maid-sama! from Viz Media (Shojo Beat line)
Select image comparison of Tokyopop vs. Viz translations
Are You In Love, Or Is It Just a Crush? [Seventeen Quiz]
Outro song: “My Secret” by Saaya Mizuno, from the Maid-sama! anime, available to watch on Hulu

SOCIAL

Follow Shojo & Tell on Twitter
Follow Asher on Tumblr
Follow Ashley on Twitter
Follow Asher and Ashley's other podcast, about Digimon, on Twitter

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Jess and Ashley discuss Cardcaptor Sakura vol. 7-12, plus the first volume of the new CCS: Clear Card manga! There's a debate about the merits of passive versus active heroism, Ashley likes Ruby Moon while Jess crushes on Yue, they take a very definitive Teen Vogue quiz to assess if Sakura and Syaoran are ready for their long-distance relationship, and — wait a second, there are like four student/teacher romances in this manga?! Oh, CLAMP.

LINKS

Get Cardcaptor Sakura from Dark Horse
Get Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card from Kodansha
What's a Steven Universe?
Everything is related to the Hunger Games
Are You Ready for a Long-Distance Relationship? [Teen Vogue Quiz]
Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle (because which Sakura and Syaoran are in Clear Card arc really?)
Promo for Clear Card anime
Outro song: “Platinum” by Maaya Sakamoto, from the Cardcaptor Sakura anime, available to watch on Crunchyroll

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Kyahhhh! It’s time to release the first episode about one of the most iconic shojo series ever! Ashley and Jess cover volumes 1-6 of Cardcaptor Sakura and discuss who is the best character (hint: Toya, but also maybe all of them?), how CCS represents every type of love you could think of (for better or worse), and come up with an excellent marketing plan to help CLAMP’s iconic series take advantage of the collectible card genre.

LINKS

Buy Cardcaptor Sakura from Dark Horse
Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc is available from Kodansha
Which Flower Are You? Quiz
Outro song: “Catch You Catch Me” by GUMI, from the Cardcaptor Sakura anime, available to watch on Crunchyroll

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Ashley and Rose discuss how divergent the manga and anime of Revolutionary Girl Utena are, debate whether the manga is still a deconstruction of the shoujo genre, figure out which Disney prince Utena is, and ponder whether Kill la Kill is an homage to Utena. Somehow, even though Ashley’s middle name is Rose and she was talking to someone named Rose, jokes about being the Rose Bride don’t happen. Oops?

Click here for a transcript of this episode

LINKS

Buy Utena from Viz!
Cited interviews with Chiho Saito
Kill la Kill Wiki
Which Disney Prince Are You? Quiz
Further Reading: The Four Horsemen of the Patriarchy
Follow Rose: @composerose on Twitter
Check out Rose’s book on Cowboy Bebop and Yoko Kanno
Follow the podcast: @shojoandtell on Twitter

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A teaser of the Revolutionary Girl Utena and Cardcaptor Sakura episodes, plus some info on the format and vision of the podcast.

Shojo & Tell: A Manga Podcast: Recent Episodes

Ashley McDonnell