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The Story Behind Bluey’s Most Hated Character: Muffin

Cerasela Hanseter, University of California, Berkeley

It's Muffin! Why arguably the most-hated character on Bluey plays such a valuable role. …

April 5, 2024

Young girl hiding her face while someone tries to film her.

Child Exploitation and Trauma on Screen: The Dance Moms Reunion

Mariana Vaca, Lake Forest College

Nostalgia breaks down as entertainment figures from the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s like Jenette McCurdy in memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died” and Drake Bell in “Quiet on Set” reveal how they were exploited and…

April 1, 2024

Two robed figures with swords stand against a black background bisected in half by a golden glow, framed by red symbols. The figure to the right is dressed in light robes, has a blue sword and blond hair; his symbol is round and curved. The figure to the right is dressed in dark robes, has two blade -- red and purple -- and a mask; his symbol is squared and point.

The History of the Star Wars Universe Pre-Skywalker

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

Analyzing the history, lore and cultures of the Star Wars universe prior to the iconic, genre-defining Skywalker saga.…

March 22, 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

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

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

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

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

‘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 the importance and impact of listening to indigenous voices in 2024, an orange analog radio against a blue background is shooting out lightning bolts as its dial is being torn by light brown hair draped in a blue, embroidered sleeve. Half of the background is blacked out, with jagged edges running diagonally up the center.

The Impact of Listening to Indigenous Voices in 2024 America

Archie Wagner, University of Iowa

What changing museum guidelines and a push for more representation of indigenous voices in award shows means for the present moment.…

February 14, 2024

In this article, about how the production of the second season of the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen brings attention to the ethical issues in the animation industry, the faces of two men are fused together against a bisected background with a black substance sticking out between their fusion point. The leftward man has white hair and blue eyes and is tipping his sunglasses with a flick of his hand, sticking his tongue out. The rightward man has black hair tied up into a bun, bang hanging down around his dark eyes as he smirk at the audience; a black earring is studded through his ear. On the left the background is colored turquoise, on the right red and kanji is printed boldly against the screen.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Gorgeous Second Season Exacerbates Ethical Issues in Animation

Cerasela Hanseter, University of California, Berkeley

Unethical working conditions at MAPPA studio disrupt quality in animation and recent release of season two.…

February 13, 2024

Survivors Are People Too: The Reality Behind Reality TV’s Biggest Show

Havilah Sciabbarrasi, Florida State University

The way the long-standing program has dealt with sexuality, gender and racial issues reminds us that our primetime television is someone else’s reality. …

February 3, 2024