“Now that I’ve completed the monolith that is A Dance With Dragons, I’ve acquired and began reading Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. I’ve become a little obsessed with comedians in the last few months and Kaling is my new favorite. Her book is formatted as a series of essays, each one insightful and funny in her very unique voice. So far I’ve encountered her attitude on her own body (which is one of the greatest body image essays I’ve ever read), her inability to do the sports, and what it means to grow up and create real friendships. The chapter I’m currently reading is probably going to hit the hardest: it’s on how she has achieved her dreams and gotten to where she is now. With graduation slowly approaching, the idea of the future and starting a career is sort of terrifying. But if Mindy Kaling can do it, and with such a great sense of humor, we can too.”
– Christina Casano, TV & Film Writer
“I recently rewatched Mahou Shoujo Madoka*Magica (Eng. Puella Magi Madoka*Magica) in a six-hour marathon with a friend who hadn’t seen it before, and it was astounding all of the intricate details I’d forgotten about the show. I remembered how much of a cryfest it was (and my friend’s reactions to every episode didn’t disappoint,) but I forgot how beautifully each of the magical girls’ lives were crafted, from their backstory to the one wish they’d trade their souls for to how many of them leave girlhood and become women as they grow and change as magical girls. Plus, a character in the show literally explains that the emotions of teenage girls are the most powerful source of energy in the universe. This show is a 5 out of 5 must-watch in my book, and anyone who loves stories filled with well-written female characters should definitely check it out.”
– Feliza Casano, editor
“After finally catching up with Hawkeye, I decided that I needed more Matt Fraction in my life and grabbed the first two issues of Sex Criminals, his newest series with Chip Zdarsky. It follows the lives of Suzie and Jon, both of whom have an… interesting thing in common—they can stop time whenever they have sex or become aroused. Okay, it sounds kinda nuts and more than a little creepy, but it’s actually ridiculously funny and really sweet. Chip’s amazing art and Matt’s sharp, quirky writing should be reason enough to want to check it out, but if you need another one, here’s their pretty much perfect cover for the fourth printing of issue one.”
– Allison Racicot, Audiobook Reviewer
“Last month, I finally checked out the 2008 anime series Michiko to Hatchin. With the director of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo providing the music for the series, it’s hard not to love this show. The story involves recent prison escapee Michiko Malandro searching for her lover with the of her lover’s nine year old daughter, Hana Morenos, whom she “kidnapped” after her escape. Set against a fictional Brazilian setting, the two gradually begin to care for each other. With a great soundtrack, cool characters, and fun action scenes, it probably won’t take too long for you to enjoy it as well.”
– Janelle Smith, TV & Film Writer
