Episode 38: Our Weeb History

This month, join Gee and Ray for the postponed launch of Gee's (Light) Novel Corner as we talk about the smash-hit sensation danmei, Heaven Official's Blessing. As Ray experiences her very first danmei series, we dive into this fast-growing medium and English market, as well as the love story between god and ghost king specific to this tale. Will these star-crossed lovers make it work, and will Chinese novels continue to make their mark for English readers despite the rough start? Hear our thoughts this episode! Follow Ray on her channel ⁠⁠⁠Whimsical Pictures⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my ⁠⁠⁠Youtube Channel⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Twitter

This month, join Gee and Ray as we talk about the classic ESPer sci-fi, To Terra... Once again diving into the Year 24 group, this short-but-memorable series about the fight between humanity and the psychic Mu in a far-flung future evokes genre staples of the 70s, whilst feeling relevant to the modern day. As Jomy and Soldier Blue fight for survival against a genocidal algorithm, will Earth be the utopia they long for? Follow Ray on her channel ⁠⁠Whimsical Pictures⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my ⁠⁠Youtube Channel⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Twitter

This month, join Gee and Ray as they spotlight CLAMP, the group of mangaka responsible for some of the most popular and influential series of the 90s and 2000s -- from Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, xxxHOLIC, Magical Knight Rayearth and Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle. With decade(s) of smash-hit sensations, this group has tackled every demographic and a variety of genres; becoming some of the most well-known, yet divisive manga creators of the era. Whether a new reader, or a nostalgic fan, there's something for everyone here! Follow Ray on her channel ⁠Whimsical Pictures⁠ and ⁠Twitter⁠ And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my ⁠Youtube Channel⁠ and ⁠Twitter

This month Gee and Ray start 2023 with the wonderful seinen romance Sweat & Soap by Kintetsu Yamada, a series built from much more than the (potentially) skeevy premise. This cult favourite stars one of the most healthy and communicative relationships in contemporary romance series, and should be unmissable for those in search of mature love stories. So join us as we start the new year diving into Sweat & Soap. You can purchase the official English H-doujin epilogue here. Follow Ray on her channel Whimsical Pictures and Twitter And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my Youtube Channel and Twitter

Once again this December, Ray and Gee spotlight their favourite new  series for the year! From mysterious crime dramas to gut-twisting  classic horror, and a whole breadth of honourable mentions, come listen  to our picks for the year!! Follow Ray on her channel Whimsical Pictures and Twitter And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my YouTube Channel and Twitter

This month, join us as we discuss Haruko Kumota's fantastic josei drama, Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu! From his childhood up until his death, Yakumo Yurakutei VIII has upheld a very particular expectation of rakugo -- but things start to shift once he accepts his very first apprentice, and as the final years of the Showa Period come to a close. This intimate character study of a prominent rakugo performer asks the audience to reflect on the nature of art and performance, the evolution of entertainment in society, and the multitudes of ways that humans connect. Hear all our thoughts this episode! Follow Ray on her channel Whimsical Pictures and Twitter And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my YouTube Channel and Twitter

This Halloween Season, join Gee and Ray as they dive into (some) of the works from horror titan, Junji Ito! From the spiralling madness of Uzumaki, to the unending space of Remina, to the smelly chase of Gyo, Junji Ito has become the representative of horror manga in the English-speaking market -- but how effective are the many, many series we have available when being read by non-fans? Is there a reason why Ito has become synonymous with creepy? Hear all our thoughts in this episode! Follow Ray on her channel Whimsical Pictures and Twitter And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my YouTube Channel and Twitter  

This month, join Gee and Ray as we spotlight our own history with anime and manga, and the experiences that have led us to this point. From the wave of first-gen Pokemon cartoons, to the hodge-podge of manga available from school libraries, the two of us reflect on an adolescence of weebiness and fandom outside of the hyper-trendy, social media-fuelled experience found in the anime and manga community today. From then til now, manga has been the constant -- but not necessarily in the same way. Follow Ray on her channel Whimsical Pictures and Twitter And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my YouTube Channel and Twitter

Welcome back to the grand return of the Read Right to Left podcast, with a very special spotlight episode about one of our favourite mangaka: Moto Hagio!! This phenomenal woman is a part of the legendary Year 24 Group, who helped shape the modern manga industry, practically established the BL genre, and inspired generations of future artists thanks to her notable works, including Heart of Thomas, They Were 11 and The Poe Clan. As more and more of her work has found its way to English in recent years from publishers Fantagraphics and Denpa Books, Hagio has also been inducted to the Eisner Hall of Fame. From Iguana Girl to A Cruel God Reigns, join us to hear our thoughts!! Follow Ray on her channel Whimsical Pictures and Twitter And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my Youtube Channel and Twitter

Human stories bridge the gap between creator and reader, as we see a peek into the lives of strangers. For some, this is a intimate look at some of life's worst struggles, and for others it's the hopeful or joyful celebration of life. Either way, the stories in memoir remind us as readers of the diversity of life and experiences, and help us discover and learn about things we've never lived -- or find support and community in the things we have. Join Gee and Ray this month as we dive deep into the real-life stories of these manga, and the people who create them. Follow Ray on her channel Whimsical Pictures and Twitter And if you can't get enough of me, Gee, be sure to follow me on my Youtube Channel and Twitter