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

Demographics in Manga (Part 1): Shonen and Seinen

Manga, in simple words, are comic books originating from Japan which borrow the qualities of both visual and narrative storytelling (including dialogues, any possible point-of-view narration and speech/thought-bubbles). They are mostly published in black-and-white print with a few exceptions and are read from right to left. Though nowadays manga has become somewhat of a mainstream form of entertainment (especially because of its booming popularity in … Continue reading Demographics in Manga (Part 1): Shonen and Seinen

The Hub of Nostalgia: Cartoon Network

Now and then, while I surf through the channel list, I stumble upon the memory lane of all millennials and Gen Z: Cartoon Network. Back in the day, all of us came home and turned on the television to watch this one channel which gave us our childhood dreams, motivation, inspiration, happiness, and drama — overall great entertainment. Cartoon Network was at the centre of … Continue reading The Hub of Nostalgia: Cartoon Network

Barbie: the Woman, the Myth, the Legend

This review of Barbie comes fashionably late because I live in Lahore. As we all know, the Punjab Film Censor Board took it upon themselves to save Pakistani society from the clutches of Western propaganda by banning Barbie. Their excuse was “objectionable”, and “LGBTQ+” content. Having watched both Oppenheimer and Barbie, it’s safe to say that from an NSFW point of view, Oppenheimer far outranked … Continue reading Barbie: the Woman, the Myth, the Legend

Commercialisation of Nostalgia: Deconstructing Reboots, Sequels and Remakes

Somewhere along the lines of daydreaming about Cinderella’s Prince Charming swaying us on our feet, to pondering over how the Disney princess wore those insufferable glass slippers, we grew up. Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, Beauty and the Beast: these childhood cinematic masterpieces practically raised our generations. In this article, we’re going to be considering our childhood favorites and how their movies and TV … Continue reading Commercialisation of Nostalgia: Deconstructing Reboots, Sequels and Remakes