Beyond Happily Ever After: The Ideologies Hidden in Childhood Tales

From poisoned apples in Snow White to the lost glass slipper in Cinderella, childhood stories and children’s media have long been regarded as innocuous tales that lull us into a world of magic before we fall asleep. Yet beneath the glittering castles, beautiful princesses and so called happy endings lie far more disquieting themes. Obsession with beauty, unattainable standards, patriarchal structures and financial dependence are … Continue reading Beyond Happily Ever After: The Ideologies Hidden in Childhood Tales

The Struggles of Becoming a Concept Album

There comes a point during most people’s adolescence where they stumble upon works of art so representative of their own emotions that, if allowed to ruminate, provoke a sense of nearly visceral connection. Although many argue that these elements of relatability are often deliberately manufactured for the purposes of mass consumption, our feelings of kinship towards a certain album, movie, or painting carry a sincerity … Continue reading The Struggles of Becoming a Concept Album

Battle of the Directors

“A new Superman movie?? In this economy??” I say to myself as James Gunn releases his masterpiece version of the world’s fiction idol, Superman. In doing so, he invited hardcore cinephiles and comic book nerds to take part in an active debate. In one corner, we have the infamous James Gunn, the maestro of misfits, the king of sarcasm, the man who gave a talking … Continue reading Battle of the Directors

Everybody Talks: Metal Music swerved the curse of being a trend then how is it still relevant?

Being a part of a metal music conversation where the only bands being mentioned are Black Sabbath, Metallica, Iron Maiden is the new normal. But who made it a norm and why is nobody getting bored of these same names on a roll already?? Or perhaps these bands cracked the code for the algorithm back in the 70s? Today’s search involves: why in a world … Continue reading Everybody Talks: Metal Music swerved the curse of being a trend then how is it still relevant?

Studio Ghibli: Remembering what it’s like to wonder

When you think of animation that transcends mere entertainment, invoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia, where you just get that feeling, that feeling, you remember what it’s like to be five years old, one name stands above the rest: Studio Ghibli. This Japanese animation studio, founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, has created some of the most beloved animated films … Continue reading Studio Ghibli: Remembering what it’s like to wonder

Verses and Vendettas: Kendrick vs. Drake

Kendrick and Drake. Two names which have completely taken control over the music scene with their intense, borderline petty, rivalry. Now I’m sure you’re wondering where this beef spawned from. Two months ago, there was barely any mention of grievances between the two and all of a sudden, they’re throwing egregious accusations at each other? Well, this rap battle has been brewing behind the scenes … Continue reading Verses and Vendettas: Kendrick vs. Drake

I Want to Die with My Boots On: A Tribute to Zia Mohyeddin.

It was only some weeks ago, when summer break had finally begun, that I’d decided to search up live performances of Hamlet. Although my Literature teacher had been emphasising since the very first day that Shakespeare—or any other playwright for that matter—did not intend for plays to be studied in a classroom, rather experienced through a performance on stage, I knew that a youtube video … Continue reading I Want to Die with My Boots On: A Tribute to Zia Mohyeddin.

Superhero Science: Blending the Fantastic with the Feasible

In a world where comic book pages spring to life, capes billow in the wind, and superheroes perform gravity-defying feats, we find ourselves drifting into the realm of daydreams. We can’t help but wonder what it would be like to don the iconic Iron Man suit or swing through the cityscape with the grace of Spider-Man. But let’s face it, while we may not possess … Continue reading Superhero Science: Blending the Fantastic with the Feasible

Bran Castle: Where Dracula Meets Quirky Charm

Buckle up, folks, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the captivating world of Bran Castle, better known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’! If you’ve ever wondered where Count Dracula might’ve hosted his undead soirées, this is the place. Before we explore this Transylvanian gem, let’s add a touch of humour to our garlic necklaces and garlic-rubbed stakes— it’s going to be a thrilling ride! Fangtastic Host … Continue reading Bran Castle: Where Dracula Meets Quirky Charm

Demographics in Manga (Part 2): Shoujo and Josei

Without getting derailed  this time, the first demographic I will be discussing fairly extensively in this part is shoujo. The word ‘shoujo’ itself translates to ‘young girl’ and is a demographic that targets young girls and women from approximately around the ages of 12–25. Commonly associated traits with shoujo manga are: use of the female-gaze, introspective dialogues, focus on emotions/emotional storytelling (even within plot and … Continue reading Demographics in Manga (Part 2): Shoujo and Josei