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‘Ringing Bell’, Unico, and Sanrio’s Dark Beginnings

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

Everyone loves Hello Kitty, but Sanrio’s earliest films reveal something more ominous about the company.…

June 3, 2024

End of The Reel – Quentin Tarantino’s Swan Song

Kyle A. McLaughlin, Elizabethtown College

What will Quentin Tarantino’s final film be about?…

June 1, 2024

The Case for ‘80s Effects

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

There’s some-Thing about ‘80s creatures that people just can’t shake. …

May 31, 2024

‘Tokyo Vice’ and the Disciplined Criminals in the Yakuza

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

How the yakuza have conducted every insidious criminal activity in plain daylight within Japan.…

May 31, 2024

Animation vs Cartoons: A Love Letter To An Unjustifiably Underappreciated Artform

Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

Here's why we should appreciate the diversity and magic of animated storytelling medium more than we currently do.…

March 15, 2024

The ‘90s X-Men Cartoon is Back with “X-Men ‘97”

Archie Wagner, University of Iowa

X-Men ‘97 taps into the ‘90s “X-Men: The Animated Series” nostalgia while creating something new for modern audiences.…

March 14, 2024

Pedro Pascal's characters lined up with clouds in background.

Pedro Pascal in the MCU—Fantastic Casting

Kyle A. McLaughlin, Elizabethtown College

Pedro Pascal has recently been announced as the new actor for Mr. Fantastic in the upcoming “Fantastic Four” reboot; will he be able to compensate for the preceding 19 years of disappointment?…

March 13, 2024

Ghostbusters car submerged in mysterious liquid.

The Haunting of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” releases later this month, and it remains to be seen whether the franchise can stand outside of nostalgia alone.…

March 12, 2024

A woman with black hair and blue eyes stares intently at a tree of pink cherry blossoms, as her body -- dressed in a navy robe -- is positioned in what appears to be a dueling stance. The scene occurs on a mountain range, beneath a green sky beneath in thick grey clouds, rendered in a lithograph-like texture.

How Blue Eye Samurai Creates a Phenomenal Female-Presenting Heroine

Cerasela Hanseter, University of California, Berkeley

How "Blue Eye Samurai" crafts an underrated but legitimately impactful and beautiful showcase in character-development.…

March 12, 2024

Person with colorful glasses behind a clipboard.

‘Love is Blind’ Will Improve Your Cognition

Finlay O'Connell, Minerva University

Reality television allows for viewers to gain a better understanding of social and romantic relationships, as demonstrated by the explosive reaction to the newest season of “Love is Blind."…

March 11, 2024

Worthikids, Louie Zong and the YouTube Renaissance Man

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

The internet age has given rise to a new type of multi-hyphenate independent artist, like Worthikids and Louie Zong.…

March 11, 2024

Machismo, Marianismo and Misogyny in Mexican Telenovelas

Mariana Vaca, Lake Forest College

“Lo que la vida me robó” is the quintessential telenovela to observe and dissect what life has taken from women and men in Mexican communities.…

March 10, 2024

White People Will Learn, Black People Will Relish: Hulu’s ‘Black Twitter: A People’s History’ Moves Beyond the Screen

Roberto Soto

The upcoming Hulu series is an essential piece of American historiography from the perspective of Black people.…

March 9, 2024

Illustration of Spider Man laying posed on his side.

Spider-Man—Jonathon Hickman and Spidey’s A Fresh Start

Kyle A. McLaughlin, Elizabethtown College

A glimpse into recent frustrations with Spider-Man comics among the fanbase, as well as the renewed hope felt over Jonathon Hickman’s recently released “Ultimate Spider-Man” line.…

March 8, 2024

Jockstraps and Muscles are for the Girls Now, Actually

Archie Wagner, University of Iowa

“Love Lies Bleeding” promotional materials subvert gender expectations with female stars performing masculinity.…

March 7, 2024

7 Films to Hit at SXSW 2024

Roberto Soto

Black Twitter, DCOM-inspired horror, gay beaches and Ayo Edebiri. SXSW 2024 has the film for you!…

March 6, 2024

An unseen figure holding a red and white ball stares down a yellow, rabbit-like creature with black-tipped ears and red dots on its cheeks. The entire world is rendered in blocks, the scene set on a hill of green grass and brown dirt, dotted with daisies and violets, a blue sky in the background. Red, pixelated hearts float above the creature, with an arrow pad and line of squares lining the bottom.

The History and Influence of Mods on Video Games

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

Video game mods allow eager fans an opportunity to partake in the medium's tradition of reiteration, reimagining cult classics in new forms.…

March 5, 2024

Boy at school looking at 3D 'Dungeons and Dragons' poster.

Why You Should Play ‘Dungeons & Dragons’

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Alright, players! Everyone knows that the wonderful world, “Dungeons and Dragons,” is a great game that many people play. Come to find out, dragons aren’t even the best part of the game.…

March 5, 2024

Wolverine—The Return of An Icon In Deadpool 3

Kyle A. McLaughlin, Elizabethtown College

The legacy and importance of Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine ahead of his return in 'Deadpool' & 'Wolverine'…

March 1, 2024

Illustration of Molly Ringwald in pink with flowered background.

A Holly Jolly Molly Ringwald: John Hughes’ Sexism of an Insecure 80’s Icon

Emily Diaz, DePaul University

John Hughes success lives on through the decades, but at whose expense?…

February 29, 2024

Different tools in media on Hollywood-like stars.

Five Pieces of Media That Will Inspire You to Create

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

If you’re stuck on a project and feel like you’ve lost the urge to create, give these pieces of media a watch.…

February 28, 2024

Deadpool stands out against a paper-like background in his red and black uniform, swords strapped firmly to his black. A question mark hovers next to his head, held by a speech bubble made from a similar paper-esque material as the background; the material also outlines Deadpool's body, suggesting both he and the question mark have been cut out and glued to the background. His eyes are fixed in a smug glance, like he wants the question communicate just how stupid he thinks you are.

Could Deadpool be the “Messiah” the MCU needs?

Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

As fun as the trailer was, after so many disappointing Marvel productions lately, is it worth getting hyped up?…

February 27, 2024

Elmo stands in front of a grey staircase, flanked by brown walls, leading up to a set of blue doors. He is hugging an orange dolls close to his chest as he gives the audience a smile; the special kind, which is warm, and reassuring and promises you that everything will turn out all right in the end.

Elmo and Steve: “How Are You Doing?” Causes A Movement

Sarah Erin, Brooklyn College

From Sesame Street to Blue’s House, shedding light on the realities of mental health has taken center stage.…

February 23, 2024

For an article about "Hazbin Hotel," a blonde figure (Charlie) stands in a red suit jacket in front of a multi-story building that says "Hazbin Hotel" and a sign to her right that says "Welcome to Hell."

What’s the Hapz with ‘Hazbin Hotel’?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

What’s the draw to the show? Maybe a sprinkle of religious trauma?…

February 22, 2024

Glitching animation of Star Wars character.

The Everlasting Popularity of ‘Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic’

Kyle A. McLaughlin, Elizabethtown College

This article is about the long-lasting interest in Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic decades after its initial release.…

February 22, 2024

For an article on the impact of the Garfield comic, an up close illustration of the iconic orange cat's low hanging eyes and iconic smirk.

Why We Love Garfield

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but this lazy orange cat has been pop culture’s constant companion.…

February 22, 2024

Illustration of Courtney Lapresi on kitchen counter holding a sandwich.

Stripping and Cooking in ‘Masterchef’ Season 5

Mariana Vaca, Lake Forest College

The journey of Courtney Lapresi and the stigmas behind sex workers in the entertainment industry.…

February 21, 2024

‘Ramy’ vs. ‘Sense 8’ — Racially Conscious Response to Neoplatoon TV

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

Exploring how shows utilize different forms of storytelling to represent and teach about various cultures.…

February 19, 2024

In this article -- about how sites like TikTok are enabling new ways of preserving memories like a digital scrapbook -- a girl with a red shirt and hair is smiling at posts on her iphone against a blended background of pink, orange and green, dotted with brown stars. A speech bubble extends from the phone, containing old photographs and hearts, representing the memories found in the posts therein.

The Rise of Digital Scrapbooking: How TikTok Makes Nostalgia Trendy

Allegra Walker, University at Albany - SUNY

How has TikTok made a universal feeling we all have become viral? How do we use this platform to commemorate milestones?…

February 19, 2024

A woman with brown hair in a pink coat beams with a bright smile against a pink and purple background. To her right, a golden statue leans against a smiling doll in the woman's image. Said doll holds its hand in its pocket as it cocks out its hip, standing in a firm yet casual pose.

An Ode to Gloria and Ordinary Barbies Everywhere

Archie Wagner, University of Iowa

Women can be everything, but with her Oscar-nominated performance in "Barbie", America Ferrera reminds us they don’t have to be.…

February 19, 2024

Dragon eating popcorn while watching TV.

Top 10 Chinese Films to Watch During Lunar New Year

Finlay O'Connell, Minerva University

Need something to watch to ring in the Lunar New Year? We have the perfect list for you!…

February 16, 2024

Classic movie reel winding across screen saying "The End"

Whatever Happened to Turner Classic?

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

David Zaslav laid off the Turner Classic executive team during June of 2023, but the reaction proves there is hope for classic film preservation and education.…

February 15, 2024