She-Ra and the Princesses of Power - A Retrospective

It has been seven years since the start of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and just five since it concluded, but the show's legacy remains as vibrant and relevant as ever. When the series first aired on Netflix, it was met with both excitement and controversy. A reimagining of the classic 1980s cartoon, the show faced immediate scrutiny from fans of the original. Debates about the new animation style, character redesigns, and particularly the show’s increased LGBTQ+ and minority representation, dominated online discourse. Despite the initial ‘Go Woke, Go Broke’ criticisms, the series quickly proved its detractors wrong, becoming a critical and commercial success.

Looking back, the show's strength was its masterful storytelling and profound character development. Showrunner N. D. Stevenson, known for their work on Lumberjanes and Nimona, brought a depth and humanity to the world of Etheria that was truly captivating. What made the series so compelling was its nuanced approach to morality; there were no simple heroes or villains. Characters like Hordak, who sought acceptance, and Scorpia, who struggled in a toxic relationship with Catra, were given complex motivations that made them feel real and relatable. This humanistic approach allowed for an exploration of themes like trauma, identity and the search for belonging without resorting to easy answers.

At the heart of it all was the tumultuous relationship between Adora and Catra. Their journey from inseparable best friends to sworn enemies and eventually to partners was the emotional core of the show. Adora's arc was one of self-discovery, growth and finding her place in the world as She-Ra. In contrast, Catra’s story was a poignant exploration of attachment issues and the devastating effects of abuse and neglect from figures like Shadow Weaver. Their dynamic was a masterclass in character writing, with every victory and setback feeling earned and deeply impactful. The show dared to explore the destructive nature of their bond while also holding out the hope for healing and reconciliation, a powerful narrative that resonated deeply with many viewers including me, a British Asian man in his mid-40s.

The show's animation, often described as being in the ‘CalArts style’, with its distinctive jellybean mouth similar to Steven Universe or The Amazing World of Gumball, was initially a point of contention for some. However, this stylized, expressive approach served the story perfectly, allowing for a wide range of emotional expression and dynamic action sequences. The show proved that detailed, ‘realistic’ animation wasn't necessary for powerful storytelling, following in the footsteps of many beloved modern cartoons.

Ultimately, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is remembered not just as a great cartoon, but as a pop culture landmark for its fans. It pushed boundaries by featuring a diverse cast and normalized LGBTQ+ representation in a mainstream animated series but was also backed by engaging stories and well-rounded characters; the show was a testament to the power of authentic representation and thoughtful storytelling. It remains a shining example of what modern animation can achieve when it embraces inclusivity and complex, heartfelt narratives. It is a show that remains close to my heart.

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Ulysses 31 Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- An English Geek in Saudi Arabia

LINK- Gravity Falls Complete Series Review

LINK- Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated Complete Series 1 Review

LINK- Nintendo: My One Constant in My Gaming Life

No God but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam by Reza Aslan - Book Review (and Some Thoughts)

Religion, it must be understood, is not faith. Religion is the story of faith. It is an institutionalized system of symbols and metaphors (read rituals and myths) that provides a common language with which a community of faith can share with each other their numinous encounter with the Divine Presence. Religion is concerned not with genuine history, but with sacred history, which does not course through time like a river. Rather, sacred history is like a hallowed tree whose roots dig deep into primordial time and whose branches weave in and out of genuine history with little concern for the boundaries of space and time. Indeed, it is precisely at those moments when sacred and genuine history collide that religions are born.

Wow! So, with this Reza Aslan looks into the origins of Islam. He does so with respect, understanding and a belief that religion is shaped by the socio-politics of the time; how could it not be after all?

1: The Sanctuary in the Desert - Pre-Islamic Arabia

Aslan looks at the Zamzam spring and posits that the Ka'ba could have been placed next to it as a spring in the middle of a desert is a wondrous thing for the bedouins. For Arabs it was considered the axis mundi, the naval of the world, but there have been many of these around the world including the pyramids of Egypt and the Easter Island Moai figures. The multiple different religions and gods of the Arabian peninsula were celebrated here and this was know as the Jahiliyyah or 'The Time of Ignorance'.

However, Aslan argues that this simplifies the beliefs of the time with a paganism brush, something that is not uniform but rather quite fluid for different people including fetishism, totemism to manism (ancestor cults)- there was not a uniform single belief.

Allah was originally an ancient rain/sky deity, similar to Zeus, who was the most supreme being to pre-Islamic Arabs. Like the Greek pantheon, there were lesser gods including his three daughters, Allat (‘the goddess’), al-Uzza (‘the mighty’), and Manat (‘the goddess of fate’). The Kahins were soothsayers, made up of men and women across different socio-economic groups, who acted as intermediaries and could speak to jinns and spirits... for a fee, of course. Their readings were cryptic and it was up to people to interpret the meaning.

In the Ka'ba, although Allah was considered the King of the Gods, he was not represented by any figures but there was a Syrian deity called Hubal, who took pride of place. This belief in Henotheism, the belief in a single High God without rejecting the existence of other subordinate gods, meant that Judaism and Christianity were represented in the Ka'ba. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Aaron were important to all three of these Abrahamic faiths and there was an intermingling of ideas and concepts, especially since the Babylonian Exile a thousand years earlier, Rome’s sacking of the Temple in Jerusalem and the various waves of migration. However, when the first Council at Nicaea in 325 C.E. declared Jesus to be ‘fully God’ and the Council at Chalcedon in 451 C.E. entrenched the doctrine of the Trinity into Christian theology there was an alteration of Henotheism.

The similarities in ideas and concepts between the Bible and the Pagan Muslims were seen as symbols and signs that were familiar and so the accretion of lore built up but a lot of the key concepts and ideas built upon the religion of Zaroastrianism. Zarathustra preached the existence of a heaven and a hell, the idea of a bodily resurrection, the promise of a universal savior who would one day be miraculously born to a young maiden, and the expectation of a final cosmic battle that would take place at the end of time between the angelic forces of good and the demonic forces of evil. So far, so Biblical but these concepts predated Christianity by over a thousand years and Judaism by several hundred.

A look back at the 'pure, unadulterated version' of Abraham's teachings grew with Hanifism, a pre-cursor to Islam. There are even several accounts of a Hanifi named Zayd proselytising to a young Muhammed (PBUH) about monotheism and the Abrahamic god. Aslan makes a point that this is not blasphemous or contrary to Islamic teaching as, 'All religions are inextricably bound to the social, spiritual, and cultural milieux from which they arose and in which they developed. It is not prophets who create religions. Prophets are, above all, reformers who redefine and reinterpret the existing beliefs and practices of their communities, providing fresh sets of symbols and metaphors with which succeeding generations can describe the nature of reality.'

Muhammed (PBUH) always said he was a man chosen by God to spread the message but never claimed any divinity, just a message to spread the truth about Allah. Aslan then provides us with a brief overview of Muhammed's (PBUH) life.

2: The Keeper of the Keys - Muhammed in Mecca

We next get a look at the power structures within Mecca and how guardianship of the Ka'ba, a pilgrimage site for many in the Arabian peninsula, was linked to trade and wealth. It was an important religio-economic zone but was by no means more noteworthy than other cities which were more central to the trading routes. However, the one advantage it did have was that it had a universal sanctuary of the Ka'ba where all gods of the area were represented, something that was significant as the site was worth going out of the way for for many pilgrims, bringing wealth and prosperity for the Quraysh.

Muhammed (PBUH) received the revelation and was told to recite by Allah but he was not yet establishing a new religion, rather he was calling for sweeping social reform. 'He was not yet preaching monotheism; he was demanding economic justice,' states Aslan.

It was only when his religion started to affect the Quraysh bottom line and socio-religious structure that Muhammed (PBUH) became seen as a threat. This came in the form of the Shahadah in 613 CE and the proclamation that there is only one god - polytheism, henotheism, monotheism, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Hanifism, paganism in all its varieties were common and familiar but the financial implications of Muhammed’s (PBUH)) message was problematic for them. Adding on the claim to be the new prophet with links to Abraham and all those before him and Muhammed (PBUH) had gained the authority and power rather than been granted it by the Quraysh. We then have the recounting of the death of his uncle and wife and the decision to leave Mecca and spread the message elsewhere.

3: The City of the Prophet - The First Muslims

The chapter covers the Hijra, the secret exodus of the companions leaving Mecca and following Mohammed (PBUH) to Yathrib, a small community. The community grew and Medina came to represent the model of Islamic perfection - it has been embraced by a diverse group and so has become all things to all people but there are obvious disparities in thought.

What was created was radically new kind of social organization with a neo-tribe not linked by genealogy but a faith in the Shahadah, which led to a new religion with social and economic reform. The egalitarian principles rankled some who were hierarchically minded as many thought they were more privileged than others and his declaration on a ban on usury, equality of men and women, zakat and rules of law were highly controversial for the time.

After the prophet passed, the chain of transmission became more convoluted with each passing generation and some of the 70, 000 hadiths said to have come from Muhammed (PBUH). However, according to Aslan many have come from the Torah, Bible, Persian maxims, Indian sayings and even chunks of the Lord's Prayer but all were attributed to the prophet for the material gain of those who claimed their prophetic provenance. This means we have to wade through truthful and manufactured teachings accredited to the prophet, a bit of a problem when it is claimed to be the One True God's will.

4: Fight in the Way of God - The Meaning of Jihad

There is a deep-rooted stereotype of Islam as a warrior religion but a lot of this has its origins in the papal propaganda of the Crusades. Back then, that was the means of territorial expansion but when European colonialists systematically plundered the natural resources of much of the known world somehow their religiously sanctioned violence was spoken of in civilising tones; this is blatant racism. 

The term of ‘jihad’ was defined after Muhammed’s (PBUH) death but had been manipulated so the greater and lesser jihad concepts were amalgamated by some to mean 'religious war' but it means an internal, existential struggle to be better. 

Over the past century or so, Jihadism has undergone a radical reinterpretation from the original concept of jihad. Aslan states, 'What has for centuries been defined as a collective duty that can be waged solely in defense of life, faith, and property has, in Jihadism, been transformed into a radically individualistic obligation, totally divorced from any institutional power.' 

So what we have now is violence committed in the name of Islam without the principles and rules of Islam which categorically state, “Permission to fight is given only to those who have been oppressed … who have been driven from their homes for saying, ‘God is our Lord’” (22:39).

Jihad has turned from a defensive position to an offensive one in the recent past but it wasn't always this way. 

Aslan looks at the way the Medina Jews and Muslims interacted and argues that they were both within, ‘The same sphere of religious discourse,' in that both shared the “same religious characters, stories, and anecdotes, both discussed the same fundamental questions from similar perspectives, and both had nearly identical moral and ethical values." Most disagreements were due to interpretation rather than opposing world views. 

Muhammed (PBUH) stated that the concept of the Umm al-Kitab (Mother of Books) meant that the Jews, Christians, and Muslims shared a single divine scripture so constituted a single divine Ummah. The Quran states, “Do not argue with the People of the Book—apart from those individuals who act unjustly toward you—unless it is in a fair way” (29:46).

When the Jewish Banu Qurayza were executed it was not due to religious animosity but rather due to their betrayal as they sought to undermine the defence of the Ummah- an agreed punishable sentence that all adhered to. This was not, as some have declared religious persecution as Aslan states, “every Ummah have its own Messenger” (10:47). Thus, to the Jews, God sent the Torah, “which contains guidance and light”; to the Christians, God sent Jesus, who “confirms the Torah”; and finally, to the Arabs, God sent the Quran, which “confirms the earlier revelations.” In this way, the ideological differences among the Peoples of the Book is explained by the Quran as indicating God’s desire to give each people its own “law and path and way of life” (5:42–48).

After his death, many Muslim scriptural and legal scholars of the following centuries changed and manipulated the rules to make it fit in linen with the current situation. 

Aslan ends the chapter with Muhammed (PBUH) entering Mecca, clearing out the Ka'ba of the idols and establishing Islam in his place of birth. 

5: The Rightly Guided Ones - The Successors to Muhammed

This chapter looks at the death of Muhammed (PBUH) and the power struggle that followed to fill the vacuum left. The Ulama, the 'learned ones' would create the guidance and code of conduct for the believers' life. Aslan discusses the rift creates with Ali and Bakr vying for position of Caliph of the Ummah. Abu Bakr gained the position and his immediate successors—the first four Caliphs - ushered in a golden age and are collectively referred to as the Rashidun, the “Rightly Guided Ones”. 

We then get a quick timeline of the centuries afterwards and the nationalism vs universal ummah debate which still persists. Aslan states, "... without either a centralized political authority (like a Caliph) or a centralized religious authority (like a Pope), the only institutions in the modern world that have had any measure of success in uniting the Muslim community under a single banner have been the religious institutions of the Ulama." The Ulama were the keepers of the knowledge of Islam. 

6: This Religion is a Science - The Development of Islamic Theology and Law

This chapter looks at the turmoil that such theological questions such as what are the attributes of God, what is free will and what is the nature of the Quran? Is it a created thing which is separate from God’s essence or uncreated meaning the Quran and God are one? What follows is a theological tussle and an inquisition of sorts during the time of Caliph al-Ma’mun.

Aslan states that, "Religions become institutions when the myths and rituals that once shaped their sacred histories are transformed into authoritative models of orthodoxy (the correct interpretation of myths) and orthopraxy (the correct interpretation of rituals), though one is often emphasized over the other." In this way, the 5 pillars were a way to show that you were part of a global community of Muslims.

The chapter also looks at Tawhid and Shirk, in other words what is permissible and what is not. The idea of the unity and oneness of God is considered and the theological conundrums this brings: If God is one are his words one? Did God create good and evil in his oneness? This brings up the Traditionalist vs Rationalist debate.

Aslan also talks about Shariah Law and states, "The Islamic law has not come into being the way conventional law has. It has not had to undergo the same process of evaluation as all the man-made laws have done. The case of the Islamic law is not that it began with a few rules that gradually multiplied or with rudimentary concepts refined by cultural process with the passage of time; nor did this law originate and grow along with the Islamic community with rudimentary concepts refined by cultural process with the passage of time.”

This process, he posits, was shaped not only by local cultural practices but also significantly by Talmudic and Roman law. He says that it is important to understand that, except with the Quran, every other source of Islamic law emerged from human, rather than divine, endeavor. Thus, Aslan argues that there is 'absolutely nothing divine about the Shariah and in no way can it possibly be considered fixed and infallible.' 

When we allow faith to dictate history we betray both as we are manipulating both - facts matter and so to say that 'It's God's will' when it was actually based on societal norms and machinations from the time is something we need to consider. 

7: In the Footsteps of Martyrs - From Shi'ism to Khomeinism

This chapter looks at the split between the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam as the death of Ali and the rise of the Shia is examined. Aslan postulates that "The Prophet transmits the message while the Imam translates it for Humans." It is this difference in the transmission of the message that is central in the ongoing battle between the sects, especially since the belief is that Allah is eternal and infinite, so the Quran is understood as God's eternal word, revealed and manifested in time. 

It's all very wobbly wobbly timey wimey stuff but wars have been fought and many people killed over centuries for these specific points and pedantry. The discussion of the Mahdi (Appointed One), the Seven Imams and Hidden Imams further muddies the waters as lots of accretions pile on to make this seemingly simple religion with a core message much more complex - who'd have guessed that would have happened with more lore being added over time? 

8: Stain Your Prayer Rug With Wine - The Sufi Way

This chapter looks at the evolution of Sufism which was a mix of numerous philosophical and religious thoughts and theories including Christian monasticism, Hindu asceticism, Buddhist and Tantric thought, Islamic Gnosticism and Neoplatonism, and some elements of Shi‘ism, Manichaeism, and Central Asian shamanism - quite a heady brew!

Aslan argues that their asceticism and detachment was similar to the Mendicant Monks who travelled the land, spreading the Word whilst picking up various accretions that went into and changed their practices over time.

Even though some Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims treat the Sufis with suspicion, the Sufism themselves believe that reason and theology, creed and ritual, law and its commandments must work together to attain that supreme virtue: love. They believe that only by transcending the dogma and rules can one attain a closer relationship and intimate understanding of God.

I was born and remain a Sunni Muslim but this way of thinking is beautiful as it moves away from the rigid rules of Shariah (itself something that was created and altered by those in power to control the Ummah over time) and makes the religion a living thing that is personal and communal at the same time. This speaks to me as a someone who is a Muslim yet also deeply Humanist ... Yup, quite a heady brew indeed.

I like the idea that it doesn't matter how you reach the summit of your faith so long as you walk a path, any path, which all lead to the zenith is wonderful: 'that moment of enlightenment in which the veil of reality is stripped away, the ego obliterated, and the self utterly consumed by God.' In other words, he becomes one with the Universal Spirit and achieves unity with the Divine. In Evangelion terms, Instrumentaility but scientifically, the Singularity.

Aslan states,' For Sufis, there is no good and evil, no light and dark; there is only God. This concept of radical unity is called monism: the notion that all things, despite their variety, can be reduced to a single unified “thing” in either space, time, essence, or quality.'

9: An Awakening in the East - The Response to Colonialism

The Sepoy Mutiny, or rather the Indian Revolt of 1857 was a consequence of years oppression by the East India Company and the British colonial project which had stripped them of their land of its natural resources and tried to convert them and their families forcibly to Christianity. The lie that the West brought democracy, technology and the ideals of the Enlightenment were all cover for political and economic dominance, which was achieved through brutal military might. What the Western governments who took over new lands didn't always realise was that ideals such as social egalitarianism, popular sovereignty, and the pursuit and preservation of knowledge had their origins not in Christian Europe, but in the Ummah of Islam. Whether it was fairly implemented was a different case of course but the principles were there. However, the Ulama also arguably bore some responsibility for the decline of Islamic civilization as it stifled independent thought and scientific progress whilst Europe was ascending through the Renaissance and Enlightenment.

Aslan then looks at the concept of Pan-Islamism, "the encouragement of Muslim unity across cultural, sectarian, and national boundaries, under the banner of a single, centralized (and obviously Turkish) Caliphate—in other words, the revival of the Ummah." This was difficult to uniformly achieve so a Pan-Arabism concept took hold, where Arab unity would be the ties that bound, but the First World War redrew the map and this unity was never realised. This led to the creation of the Muslim Brotherhood, an all-encompassing religious, political, social, economic, and cultural system which its creator, Hasan al-Banna, thought "… represented a universal ideology superior to all other systems of social organization the world had known."

After al-Banna's assassination, the concept of Islamism, a nationalist ideology that calls for the creation of an Islamic state in which the sociopolitical order would be founded upon a distinctly Islamic moral framework, started burgeoning.

The Anglo-Saudi Treaty of 1915 was realised nearly 40 years later as the British encouraged the Saudis to recapture the Arabian Peninsula from Ottoman power to allow control over the Persian peninsula. The rise of Saudi Arabia and Wahhabism led to fundamentalists. This extreme of Islam were the Mujahadin who were put to use in Afghanistan to occupy the Soviet forces but, surprisingly, they won and this gave birth to Jihadism, a transnational militant movement that sought the creation of an Ummah without national borders or boundaries. This was an ultra version of Pan-Islamism with military might, funded and backed by President Jimmy Carter and the Saud family, which grew out of its remit and would alter geopolitics around the world. Al-Queda would turn most of the world (including most Muslims) against Jihadism after 9/11 and also would make the Middle East suspicious of America, as it seemed like the Middle East was a colonisation experiment with wars fought against the hateful 'Clash of Civilisations' rhetoric.

10: Slouching Toward Media - The Quest for Islamic Democracy

This chapter is almost autobiographical as it looks at Aslan's childhood in Iran before his escape to America during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. He covers the fall of the Shah, the rise of Khomeini and the disastrous Western backed Iran-Iraq War that unified the Iranians around their nation and leader, even when they had misgivings about his policies.

Aslan then jumps back to the post-war period and looks at how Western divide and rule empire building strategies led to bloody repercussions later in French Algeria (Civil War), Belgian Rwanda (Genocide), British Palestine (Nakba and partition), British India (Partition and civil unrest) and British Iraq (Sectarian violence). This was all due to the decolonisation process, where after many years of political and social engineering with little regard for ethnic, religious and social norms, countries were asked to just get on with reuniting the disperate elements of their country.

This got me thinking about how the Western talk of democracy in the Middle East is seen by many as disingenuous and hypocritical as when elections in Lebanon, Egypt and Palestine did not go the way the United States had hoped, the democracy promotion agenda was shut down. Post Muslim Brotherhood and Morsi ascent in Egypt after the Arab Spring (he was Time magazines 'Man of the Year'), the American government did nothing to support this burgeoning democracy when there was a military coup. At the time, we heard talk about a multi-faceted response but really it was what it usually always is: self interest and acquiring whatever resources it can get for itself. America did nothing to support Morsi and allowed the military to take over, once again normalising relationships with the new dictatorship.

We see this time and time again throughout history but, with the victors rewriting the past, it is only recently that there has been a more critical reexamination of the facts, like Thatcher's relationship with General Pinochet etc and the CIA destabilising many South American democracies.

Aslan looks at the wave of protests across the Middle East and North Africa as many Muslim majority countries were making a statement of identity, not a statement of belief. They were Muslim but they wanted democracy as the tenets of Islam are compatible with democracy, unlike what many claim. He says, "When the Prophet Muhammad created the first Islamic polity in Medina fourteen hundred years ago, he deliberately set the foundations for a comprehensive way of life meant to satisfy the social, spiritual, and material needs of the people, while at the same time fulfilling the will of God.. religion has always been more than a matter of beliefs and practices. It is, above all, a perspective, a mode of being. Religion encompasses one’s culture, one’s politics, one’s very view of the world. This is particularly true of Islam, which, like all great religions, has been shaped not only by metaphysical concerns but also by the social, cultural, spiritual, and political milieu in which it finds itself."

Aslan argues that religious pluralism, the view that all religions are equally valid paths to salvation or ultimate truth and can coexist harmoniously, is key in Islam and has been subverted or manipulated by those in power. However, there are many countries where this idea has worked well like Malaysia, Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Senegal, etc. It's not perfect by any means but name a country where it is? 

The seperation of State and Religion was built into Islam when Muhammed (PBUH) stated that no Caliph should have control over the religious institutions but only civic duties. Now consider the situation in America where State and Church have most definitely mixed to create the weird situation where abortion rights, female bodily autonomy and gay rights have been rolled back due to a rise in Christian fundamentalism amongst the political elite.

Aslan argues that religion is key in many countries but shouldn't dictate laws according to scripture, however it may help to inform it as it can create a moral framework. He says that Islam evolves with the times but there is a battle between "... those who seek to reconcile their faith and traditions with the realities of the modern world and those who react against those realities by reverting—sometimes violently—to the 'fundamentals' of their faith." And he's not wrong here, there is a split happening between the mobilizing forces for the Islamic Reformation but change is happening from within, albeit extremely slowly. 

11: Welcome to the Islamic Reformation - The Future of Islam

The newer generation of Muslims mostly want democracy rather than autocracy but are reconciling that against the wave of new self-styled preachers, spiritual gurus, academics, activists, and amateur intellectuals. The Ulama and the reformationists are in battle with the institution and individuals fighting over religious authority which is difficult as, unlike in Judaism or Christianity which have had their own reformations, Islam has no and had no single religious authority. No one individual or group can claim to speak for the entire religion or the billion and a half strong Muslim community, which is why it is uniquely difficult to reform or guide. Add the fact that 80% of the worlds Muslims do not understand Arabic and had to rely on the approves translations, until recently, and what we have is Islam as a worldwide community built upon common beliefs but through a uniquely national lens - the socioeconomic of a country may effect how you interpret Islam. 

A quick side note : I had never thought about it like this but thinking through it, that's why ISIS and any group that try to create a unified message of a caliphate in the Middle East guided by a powerful individual has never taken hold. Muslims know that the Quran specifically states that the exact timing of the Day of Judgment is known only to God and humans cannot manipulate or hasten this event. However, in Judaism, the belief in the coming of the Messiah is a core tenet, closely linked to the concept of 'Greater Israel' and the restoration of the Jewish people and their ‘sovereignty’ over the land. The Messiah, a descendant of King David, is expected to usher in a period of peace, rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and gather the Jewish people from exile. This belief system is often intertwined with Zionism, a movement that emphasizes the religious significance of the Land of Israel and its return to Jewish sovereignty. Zionism, like a doomsday cult of old, is always angling for the conditions to fulfill the prophecy to bring about these conditions. However, by forever linking Judaism with the concept of Greater Israel, Jews are linked to an inherently problematic ethnostate where there is a hierarchy of race and religion and apartheid is allowed. This is a big problem and a huge issue for the Palestine - Israel conflict. How do we reconcile this nonsense in the modern world with Human Rights for all, the rule of law and the Geneva Convention? Apparently, with Western complicity (as well as military and financial support) and Middle Eastern silence is how. 

Back to Aslan, he discusses how the Internet has further democratised Islam, creating a liberal and intolerant version of the religion - both are as valid as each other as the religion is open to interpretation and has no central guide. However, the radicalisation of some Islamic thought, with an algorithm pushing more inciteful posts that create traffic, leads to a poor perception of the religion in many countries who do not understand that it is a religion of peace. 

Aslan ends with a downbeat, 'we'll see how it goes but Reformations are messy' but he's not wrong and to deny this would be disingenuous. The book was written in 2011 and since then we have had the consequences of the Arab Spring, revolutions and uprising and a rise in young Muslims calling for democracy and better rights for women and LGBTQ+. I wonder, if he were writing an updated version of this book, what would he add or say. 

LINK: Gods: A Human History of Religion by Reza Aslan- Book Review (and Some Thoughts)

LINK: The Good Place and Philosophy - Book Review

LINK- The Anxious Generation: Book Review (and Some Thoughts)

LINK- Utopia for Realists- Book Review

LINK- On And On And Colston ( Or, How We Kinda Sort of Learned to Talk About the Legacy of Colonialism and the British Empire)

LINK- ‘Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire’ LINK: Elden Ring- Videogames As Art

LINK- Toxic: Women, Fame and the Noughties- Book Review (and Some Thoughts)

LINK- The Future Starts Here: An Optimistic Guide to What Comes Next- Book Review

Tiffany's Griffon - Graphic Novel Review

I am a primary school teacher and, as a comic book fan, have found that comics and graphic novels are a fantastic way to engage reluctant readers. I ran an after school club recently for reluctant year 4 and 5 readers and found Tiffany’s Griffon by Magnolia Porter Siddell and Maddi Gonzalez a very popular read.

The story is about a young girl called Marnie who is a bit of a social outcast and is really into a fantasy series. When she is visited by a fairy from the book series she so loves and tasked with looking after a Griffon egg and rearing the creature she thinks her dreams are coming true. The problem is she gained the egg under false pretenses and is not the Chosen One. Rather, the popular girl at school Tiffany is the intended recipient but Marnie claimed she was Tiffany. And so, as the creature seems to build a bond towards Tiffany, Marnie grows jealous but there are real consequences as the magical kingdom is being destroyed by the evil witch. Can Marnie put aside her small woman syndrome and rightfully place the Griffon and Tiffany together? Well, there's the story!

The story deftly blends human drama with the more fantastical elements well and gently preaches the message of 'Never judge a book by its cover.' The story builds from a cozy Tamagochi 'look after an egg' to a genre-playing Scribblenauts/ Penny Crayon middle to a cracking finale with hints of The Neverending Story.

The false foundational relationship serves as the primary engine for the narrative, moving beyond mere wonder to delve into the practicalities and ethical considerations of Marnie harboring such a unique being. Author, Magnolia Porter Siddell, skillfully navigates the challenges Marnie faces in protecting her discovery while grappling with the implications of its existence on her own life and the wider world. Her character development is a notable strength as she realises that she is not the Chosen One and she has been judging Tiffany all wrong. Tiffany evolves from an individual thrust into an unforeseen circumstance to one who demonstrates remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. Her journey is not merely one of adventure but of significant personal growth, illustrating the weight of her unique guardianship and care for her poorly father and griffon.

Overall, Tiffany's Griffon is a well-crafted and engaging work that will resonate with any reader who appreciate fantasy infused with thoughtful character development and meaningful thematic exploration. It offers a refreshing perspective on the classic mythical encounter, grounding it in relatable human experience.

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Battle Angel Alita: And So It Ends

LINK- The Moomins 80's Soundtrack Vinyl Review

LINK- Inspector Gadget Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Ulysses 31 Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- The Mysterious Cities of Gold Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Sonic Mania Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack

LINK- Thomas Was Alone Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack Review

LINK- Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review

Growing Up Internet - My Memories

My daughters are at an age where the internet is becoming a thing. Now, it's always been a thing as they are ‘Digital Natives’ rather than a ‘Digital Nomad’ like me, using it to watch their shows and get Alexa to carry out their whims, but they are having to use it for their studies now and so we've had to set out rules and boundaries. The fact is that the internet will continue to have an increasingly significant role in their lives has prompted me to reflect on my own experiences with its emergence. Unlike them, I grew up in an era when the internet was still finding its footing…

Gaming writer Leigh Alexander's Breathing Machine: A Memoir of Computers beautifully captured the experience of growing up alongside the nascent internet, a journey that resonated deeply with me as someone in my early forties. Her memoir evoked a powerful nostalgia for a time when technology felt both exhilarating and profoundly complex. The descriptions of connecting with people in chat rooms, receiving early emails and navigating forgotten search engines paint a familiar picture for those who witnessed the internet's inception. The distinct visual and auditory cues of that era—the blurry images on CRT monitors, the crackle of internal speakers and the mechanical sounds of floppy disks and hard drives—created an almost tangible atmosphere, as if a ‘ghost in the machine’ truly existed.

My own first introduction to the internet occurred around 1996, in Year 10, when a friend insisted I create a Hotmail account. Despite my initial lack of understanding, I created an account that I still use today and am not too embarrassed by. In those early days, the internet felt like a place of boundless magic, potential and authenticity and an unfettered, democratic space brimming with hope.

One of the most significant aspects of growing up with the internet was the ability to find communities. These online spaces were formative, allowing individuals to connect with like-minded people, whether actively participating in comments, chat sections and bulletin boards or simply observing. The shared passion for a particular topic transcended the level of engagement. There was a prevailing belief that the internet could eradicate ignorance by providing widespread access to information, ushering in an era of euphoria where empathy and understanding would flourish globally. Sadly, that optimistic theory seems to have faded, much like Lycos, Geocities, Ask Jeeves and AltaVista.

I recall an instance where I attended a weekend university taster program at the London School of Economics (LSE), which offered access to fast internet and printers. I spent hours of my Saturdays engrossed in downloading and printing greyscale images from Mysterious Cities of Gold, Evangelion and Battle Angel Alita, a few of my greatest passions at the time. The sheer volume of information available online was astonishing. I would stay well into the afternoon, thoroughly enjoying myself while listening to Jean Michel Jarre on my portable CD player. Yes, I was a very hipster teen with my finger on the pulse!

I found my old CD player man-bag whilst tidying up my stuff from the loft…good times!

Growing up with the internet also meant encountering unexpected content, which, in some ways, accelerated maturity. In the late 1990s, it was surprisingly easy to stumble upon inappropriate material accidentally. Even seemingly innocuous searches, like for images of ‘milk’ could lead to unexpected results. A tangential link could quickly expose you to the most grotesque or peculiar content. This experience brought to mind the slow, line-by-line loading of images on my old Amstrad CPC 464 as, back then, images would load row by row over several seconds. I became quite adept at quickly clicking back from an image before it became offensive, almost like a digital game of whack-a-mole.

My involvement in the Gold List, a Mysterious Cities of Gold mailing list, was how I first acquired copied VHS tapes of the entire series. I was ecstatic, paying £50 at the time for six NTSC VHS tapes from America. Later, when a friend downloaded the unofficial soundtrack for me via BearShare, I was convinced of the internet's magical nature. This led me down a nostalgic rabbit hole, where I downloaded old series I had long wanted to watch but were unavailable for purchase—a time well before the widespread release of goldrush content on DVD.

During my university years, the internet also exposed me to a different kind of content: conspiracy theories. I delved into Erich von Däniken's theories about aliens creating the pyramids, which led me to Graham Hancock's pseudoscientific ideas about ancient civilizations being more advanced due to alien intervention or Atlantean knowledge. This, in turn, introduced me to David Icke's theories about a cabal of globalists and bankers ruling the world, secret societies like the Illuminati controlling people, and inter-dimensional shapeshifting aliens feeding on blood and preparing Earth for harvesting. I won't deny that I felt as though I had stepped ‘through the looking glass,’ and it genuinely scared me; I began seeing covert agents and spies everywhere. However, a friend from UEL chatted to me, told me to give my head a wobble, whilst another introduced me to the music of Björk and then I had an epiphany: Really? Bloomin’ lizards! Yes, while there is no doubt that powerful individuals and groups (lobbyists) undoubtedly exist(ed), succumbing to fear and paranoia was not the answer, especially with regards to blood-drinking, shape-shifting, inter-dimensional space lizards (for those who don’t know, this is an actual Icke theory). No, we had Y2K and the Mayan year of 2012 to worry about.

Now I know that living life and challenging real oppressors, rather than fictional reptilian creatures or fleeting cult of personality groups, is what truly matters. That and cat videos. Lots and lots of cat videos!

Despite being virtual spaces, the internet facilitates genuine human connections and relationships. These online communities have served as crucial support networks for many, particularly during events like the pandemic and I am confident they will continue to do so in the face of whatever the future holds for us.

LINK- Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK: My One True Gaming Constant in My Life- Nintendo

LINK: The Offworld Collection- Book Review

LINK- The Future Starts Here: An Optimistic Guide to What Comes Next- Book Review

LINK- On And On And Colston ( Or, How We Kinda Sort of Learned to Talk About the Legacy of Colonialism and the British Empire)

LINK- An English Geek in Saudi

Project Nought - Graphic Novel Review

I was hooked from the moment I saw the cover of Chelsey Furedi's graphic novel Project Nought in the local library. The blurb promised a story set in New Zealand, a refreshing change of pace from the usual sci-fi settings, and its premise felt instantly compelling. So, was it worth taking it out on loan?

The story is about Ren, a subject who is a teen living in 1996, who runs away from home and is knocked unconscious because reasons. When he wakes up he realises he is in the year 2122 and is in a time traveller exchange programme, which sounds amazing, but after his 5 months his memories will have been wiped, which sounds less awesome. Ren panics initially but leans into future living until he meets his future self in an accident. Cue corporate intrigue, espionage and rebels and you end up with a YA sci-fi thriller that discusses big issues like gender orientation, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change and corporate overreach. It's a sophisticated story disguised as a fun sci-fi adventure, making it feel like a 'Baby's First' Matrix, or a spiritual lovechild to classics like Twelve Monkeys and Moon.

Furedi's skill as both an artist and a storyteller is clear throughout the book as the art is dynamic and expressive, perfectly complementing the complex narrative. The pacing is masterful, building genuine tension and excitement as the time-traveling plot twists and turns, y’know, all ‘wobbly wobbly timey wimey’ stuff. It all leads to a dramatic and satisfying climax that pulls all the narrative threads together in a structurally cohesive and engaging way.

Ultimately, Project Nought is a high-concept graphic novel that's both a joy to read and genuinely thought-provoking. I had an absolute blast with this one and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a smart, visually stunning sci-fi thriller.

LINK- Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World- Book Review (and Personal Reflections)

LINK- The Rise of Retro Gaming During Covid

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Blood, Sweat and Pixels- Book Review

LINK- Utopia for Realists- Book Review

LINK- On And On And Colston ( Or, How We Kinda Sort of Learned to Talk About the Legacy of Colonialism and the British Empire)

LINK- ‘Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire’ LINK: Elden Ring- Videogames As Art

The Indie Sleaze Era and Its Reappraisal

The Kate Nash podcast, The Rise and Fall of Indie Sleaze, has been a great listen as she deep-dives into the tribal music scene that dominated Britain in the early to mid-2000s. It was a time defined by bands like Franz Ferdinand, Razorlight and The Libertines, all mixed with the fashion of skinny jeans, questionable hygiene, pigeon-toed poses and alcopops.

For me, that period is inextricably linked with video games such as Burnout, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and SSX Tricky, as well as the rise of rhythm games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero. These games weren't just entertainment but they served as a crucial discovery engine for new music. Many of the game soundtracks at the time were curated with a specific, high-energy vibe and introduced millions of players to bands they might never have heard on mainstream radio. A song featured in Burnout or a Tony Hawk game could become an overnight anthem, catapulting an indie band into the global consciousness. This made videogames a significant tastemaker and a powerful platform for a band to make its name. While the era gave us some truly great bands, it was also full of landfill indie acts - knockoff acts that jumped on the bandwagon without the talent or charisma to back it up but with the backing of moneymen who were jumping on to the gravy train. So, for every The Killers we had The Long Blondes .

The era's defining platforms were the nascent internet and MySpace and it's been fascinating to see a new generation reappraising much of the music from the early 00s. While today's music landscape is more democratized, it's also arguably more gate kept due to the prohibitive cost of gigs and the closure of many smaller venues. However, the availability of streaming of concerts and festivals means indie bands sleaze bands are having a revival with huge coverage and crowds at Glastonbury and large venues like the O2 Arena in London.

Looking back, there's a strong sense of nostalgia, but it's important to be clear-eyed about the past. I recall the febrile celebrity coverage in mainstream newspapers, where unremarkable daily activities were often trumpeted as monumental news. While we shouldn't impose today's norms on that time, revisiting the movies, music, and magazines of the era reveals a pervasive mood of casual misogyny, toxic lad culture and unjust cruelty, something looked at in detail in Toxic: Women, Fame and the Noughties by Sarah Ditum. It's an embarrassing legacy and, while I hope we've changed, I'm not convinced we've come as far as we'd like to think.

That aside, the podcast is well worth a listen and so are some of the key albums from the time.

Nostalgia for Finite Series

The summer holidays of childhood were once defined by a unique television experience. For a glorious few weeks, BBC 1 and ITV would dedicate their morning blocks to children's programming. These weren't the endless, on-demand streams of today but a finite, curated collection of shows with each episode a precious, fleeting moment.

It’s easy to look back with rose-tinted glasses and imagine a world of never-ending adventures. The reality, however, was often much more modest. Many of these series, particularly the imported cartoons, comprised a mere 13, 26 or 39 episodes. Their brevity, far from being a limitation, was their strength as it created a sense of urgency, a shared understanding that this particular story arc had a beginning, a middle and an end and there was just one chance to watch it (until repeats would be shown gosh knew when). This was before TV guides were the norm, unless you paid for the Radio Times and we weren’t millionaires in our household.

This shared experience forged a common cultural currency and you and your friends would discuss the latest escapades of characters like Dogtanian, Sebastian or the ongoing saga of T-Bag, who seemed to be a familiar face yet was reinvented just enough each year to keep things fresh. The discussions weren't just about the plot; they were about the shared anticipation, the collective gasp at a cliffhanger and the joy of knowing that millions of other fellow children were watching the same thing at the exact same time.

T-Bag and the Pearls of Wisdom is a bit of a classic

Of course, not everything was golden as the memory of those term-time Sundays remains indelibly linked to the dreary feeling of shows like Songs of Praise and Antiques Roadshow, a sad reminder that the weekend was drawing to a close and the busy school-week would start anew.

Today, the world of television is a different beast. Services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime offer a seemingly infinite library of content, all available at the touch of a button on pretty much any screen.

While the quality of shows has, arguably, never been better, something has been lost; the shared zeitgeist, the common language and parlance of a generation all tuning in together, has been replaced by individual atomised viewing habits.

Watching classic shows like The Mysterious Cities of Gold and Dogtanian with my own children, I'm struck by the power of these finite series. They offer a self-contained world that can be revisited and enjoyed, a perfect blend of nostalgia for me and new discovery for them. It’s a chance to share a piece of my childhood, a time when a limited number of episodes held limitless possibilities. Now, I’d better get to sleep as I have school tomorrow… the problem is, now I’m the teacher!

Please Save My Earth- Cult Manga Series Review

Please Save My Earth is a series I only knew of through a soundtrack which I purchased from Forbidden Planet in London over 30 years ago. It was on sale and was an impulse buy as at the time manga and anime CDs were very expensive so a CD for under £10 was a bargain. I had never seen the series before but recently found all the English dubbed episodes online so thought I'd dive in. Was it good though?

Well, one thing that comes through clearly is how weird a series it is, one with timeslips, past lives, reincarnation, alternate timelines and the eternal love triangle. But I’m getting ahead of myself…

The story concerns Alice, a typical high school student in Japan who dreams that she is the reincarnation of an alien scientist who lived on the Moon. She find other youths who have a similar dream and the group decide to find others in order to understand what it all means. However, they soon discover that their present and alternate lives clash and combine in interesting ways as past loves, hates, jealousies and worried bleed into the present.

The series, produced by Studio I.G. and based on the shojo manga by Saki Iwatari, was apparently quite influential back in the day and I can kind of see why. During our formative years we go through change and growth and the show isn't scared to look deep into our humanity to see what makes us all individual and unique.

As with many OAVs of the time, the art is stunning and has aged very well. The music is haunting and melancholic to create the perfect mood. As for the story, it reminds me of The OA in some ways with fate, destiny, The Garden of Forking Paths and the eternal battle between good vs evil playing out through time, or Sense 8 which is all to do with the interconnected lives of individuals across the world who share a mysterious connection. Mostly, I think it shares ideas that were explored further in David Mitchell's sublime Cloud Atlas- the grand story of people whose  destinies are entwined across time and space in the most profound way, sometimes for good and sometimes for ill.

At 6 episodes of 30 mins in length, it's not the most time consuming series to dedicate some time too but it does linger in the mind. Considering that only in the last few years have more mainstream shows depicted the ideas presented here this series was a bit of an outlier. Not bad for a lesser known series (at least in the West) which was created in 1993.

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Battle Angel Alita: And So It Ends

LINK- The Moomins 80's Soundtrack Vinyl Review

LINK- Inspector Gadget Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Ulysses 31 Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- The Mysterious Cities of Gold Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Sonic Mania Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack

LINK- Thomas Was Alone Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack Review

LINK- Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review

The Ghosts of Yesterday and the New Sparks of Tomorrow

The realisation that my next big milestone is 50 has had a funny effect on rearranging my mental furniture. Those picture-perfect moments I chased in my twenties, the ones that I thought would be etched in my memory forever have softened and blurred, like watercolors left in the rain.

Now it's the little weird mishaps, the glorious imperfections – the long bus ride on the number 5 after missing the last train from Central London, sitting in a cold tent in a campsite in Snowdonia sharing out a Kitkat Chunky between 4 of you because you forgot the shops would close for a Bank Holiday, walking around London in the early hours with a dear friend after forgetting where we parked the car after a long walk to combat our shared insomnia – those are the memories that have truly stuck with me. They have a bit of grit, a little friction, something to hold onto.

And isn't that true of so much in life? We build these shrines to the things we loved, the touchstones of our youth. That movie that wasn't just a movie, but a pure shot of wonder (The Goonies) or that cartoon that sparked our imagination (The Mysterious Cities of Gold). So when new versions arrive, shiny and different, our first instinct can be a protective groan of ‘It's not the same!’ forgetting that we aren't either.

The internet can fan the flames of this resistance as fandoms can turn fierce when beloved stories are reimagined for a new generation. We see it all the time but I saw it with the reimagined and updated He-Man, She-Ra and Carmen Sandiego – the list goes on. There's a powerful pull to our nostalgia, a comforting familiarity in the echoes of the past but nostalgia, like any strong emotion, can be manipulated. Those Facebook groups painting the past in hues of pure gold often gloss over the less-than-perfect realities. It’s easy to fall into the trap of 'hauntology,' a longing for a past that never quite existed, a phantom limb of what could have been.

Once I’d got over the difference in voice actors, animation and some characterisation, the MCOG finale proved to be every bit as amazing as I’d hoped and more.

I'm not perfect and am not immune to this either, I have to admit. When the second season of The Mysterious Cities of Gold released some 30 years after the original, my initial reaction was…well, muted. It felt different. Wrong even. How could they have ruined such a cherished show from my childhood? But then, I took a breath. I gave my head a wobble and I realized the issue wasn't the show; it was me. It was a good continuation, even great, but it wasn't the carbon copy I'd built up in my mind over years of rewatches, reading fan theories and wishful thinking.

Once I shifted my perspective, once I truly recontextualized the situation – a continuation of a beloved story, guided by some of its original creators after all this time – it felt like a gift. No more fan-fics confined to message boards; this was the real deal unfolding. And you know what? The show blossomed beautifully over the following two seasons, ending in the prefect way that felt worthwhile after 40 years.

Growing older isn't about accumulating absolute wisdom as the world keeps turning and new perspectives emerge. Just because we've clocked more years doesn't automatically grant us superior insight – the current global political landscape certainly proves that point. It's easy to fall into that Simpsons meme:

No-one wants to think that they are out of touch, but it does sneak up on you.

But this isn't some self-indulgent rant about how things were ‘better back then.’

It's about something bigger. It's about recognizing that the joy we found in something as children or young adults was often tied to that particular moment in our lives, our specific experiences, the people we shared it with. To expect a new iteration to perfectly replicate that feeling is often setting it up for failure.

Instead, what if we approached new ideas, and perspectives with open hearts and minds? What if we allowed them to spark that same sense of wonder in a new generation? Their connection to it will be different, colored by their own experiences, their own world and that's okay. It doesn't diminish what the original meant to us but simply means that wonder can bloom in different gardens.

Learn from your experiences, absolutely, but don't let nostalgia become a weapon with which to bludgeon and dismiss the passions of the young. Let's appreciate the echoes of the past while embracing the vibrant possibilities of the present. Let's allow new flames to flicker and grow, even if they cast a slightly different light. After all, the magic lies in the spark, not just the memory of the original fire.

LINK- Mysterious Cities of Gold Season 3 (English Dub) -Complete Series Review

LINK- MCOG Series 2 Review

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Ulysses 31 Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- MCOG Soundtrack on Vinyl Review

LINK- Twin Peaks: The Return Series Review

LINK- Secret History of Twin Peaks: Book Review

LINK- Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier Book Review

LINK- An English Geek in Saudi Arabia

The Straight Story - Cult Film Review (and Some Thoughts on Entropy and Mortality)

The death of David Lynch affected me deeply. I have been a huge fan of his work and I found his Art Life philosophy quite singular and unique. There are some scenes from his ouvré that will remain indelibly linked with my personal history, especially the formative Twin Peaks.

However, Lynch's The Straight Story stands out as a unique entry in his filmography, diverging sharply from the surreal and often disturbing imagery that defines much of his work. This quiet, almost meditative road movie chronicles the remarkable journey of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who, propelled by a desire to reconcile with his estranged brother, undertakes a 240-mile trek on a riding lawnmower.

Beneath its seemingly simple premise, the film delves into profound themes, most notably that of mortality. Alvin, contending with a heart condition and the physical limitations of old age, directly confronts his own impending death. His arduous journey becomes a powerful metaphor for life's ultimate passage, a slow and deliberate progression toward an unknown destination.

Lynch, with an uncharacteristic gentleness, beautifully captures the expansive American Midwest. He highlights the sheer vastness of the landscape, underscoring the delicate insignificance of human existence within its grand scale. The film's pervasive peace, punctuated by the rhythmic chugging of the lawnmower, creates an atmosphere conducive to deep contemplation and introspection.

The Straight Story serves as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of human connection and the enduring strength of love and forgiveness, even when faced with the inevitability of death. It is a film that resonates long after viewing, a quiet yet powerful testament to the beauty and inherent fragility of life.

Angelo Badalamenti's score is a significant element, beautifully weaving through a spectrum of emotions, including a deep sense of yearning, which perfectly complements the film's reflective tone. The episodic encounters Alvin has with various individuals along his journey lend themselves to a comparison with Forrest Gump, positioning The Straight Story as a more introspective, ‘thinking man's’ version of that film, where the meetings serve as opportunities for reflection and quiet human connection rather than broad societal commentary.

The overall message is that life is fleeting; there's so much we'll never fully grasp in our brief time here. We simply have to accept that some mysteries will remain unsolved in our lifetime yet, with a little insight, we might just unravel a few before we shuffle off this mortal coil. But, the present moment, in its purest form, truly is a gift—one we should acknowledge and appreciate as well as those around us before it is too late.

LINK- Reflections on Twin Peaks: The Return

LINK- Twin Peaks Retrospective

LINK- Twin Peaks: The Return Series Review

LINK- Secret History of Twin Peaks: Book Review

LINK- Twin Peaks: The Final Dossier Book Review

Giant Days - Complete Graphic Novel Series Review

As a series draws to a close, it's often with a heavy heart that we bid adieu to characters who've become, in a sense, our companions. This sentiment rings true for John Allison’s Giant Days, the delightful graphic novel series that captured my heart (and many others, I’m sure) with its genuine portrayal of university life. Bidding farewell to this series feels less like closing a book and more like saying goodbye to a dear friend, but like all good things, it’s better to part ways while the series is still at its peak (You hear that Lost?)

At its core, Giant Days thrives on the fantastic interplay between its ensemble cast of a trio of incredibly likable and quick-witted young women – Daisy, Esther, and Susan – whose distinct personalities and shared experiences form the backbone of the narrative. Their dynamic is nothing short of magic, complemented by a couple of easily identifiable male characters who add further layers to the group's endearing chemistry. It's their collective charm and authentic personalities that make them so wonderful, drawing you into their world with every turn of the page.

One of the series' standout features is its bantery, Whedon-esque wordplay (before Whedon became problematic). The dialogue is sharp, humorous, and always feels natural, perfectly capturing the quirky, often awkward, yet ultimately relatable conversations of young adults navigating their formative years.

Beyond the witty banter, the storylines themselves are incredibly identifiable, echoing the universal experiences of late teens finding their way through the myriad challenges and triumphs of university life – from academic anxieties and romantic entanglements to the everyday absurdities of dorm living.

What truly sets Giant Days apart, and what lingers long after the final page, is its poignant ending. The series concludes with a flash-forward, allowing us a glimpse into the ladies' lives a year on, settled into their respective jobs. This glimpse offers a dose of bittersweet realism, starkly contrasting the successes and recognition often found within the insulated world of university. It's a raw, honest look at the real cruelties of life after graduation, demonstrating how even the most brilliant and promising individuals can find themselves chewed out by the corporate machine and the relentless pace of big city life. It's a testament to the series' depth that it doesn't shy away from this challenging transition, grounding its vibrant characters in a reality that resonates deeply.

In a landscape often saturated with ongoing series, Giant Days stands as a shining example of how to conclude a story gracefully. Its decision to wrap things up while still delivering top-tier quality ensures it avoids the common pitfalls of decline and diluted storytelling that can plague longer-running narratives. It's a series that will be missed, but fondly remembered for its humor, heart, and its honest, charming portrayal of friendship and growing up.

LINK- Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World- Book Review (and Personal Reflections)

LINK- The Rise of Retro Gaming During Covid

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Blood, Sweat and Pixels- Book Review

LINK- Utopia for Realists- Book Review

LINK- On And On And Colston ( Or, How We Kinda Sort of Learned to Talk About the Legacy of Colonialism and the British Empire)

LINK- ‘Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire’ LINK: Elden Ring- Videogames As Art

House - Cult Film Review

Whilst doom-scrolling through my BFI Player, overcome with choice paralysis, I stumbled upon Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1977 film, House. Having never seen it but knowing of its reputation and influence on Japanese video game creatives and games like Clock Tower, Haunting Ground, and Project Zero, I was eager to dive into its unsettling world. Was it worth the plunge though?

At its heart, House is a twisted coming-of-age story centered on Gorgeous, a naive schoolgirl. Unhappy with her father's summer plans with his new girlfriend, she decides to visit her ailing aunt's remote, eerie country home, bringing along six equally vibrant friends: Fantasy, Prof, Mac, Kung Fu, Melody and Sweet.

Upon arrival at the house on top of the hill, the property reveals its true nature: it's a sentient, malevolent entity with a voracious appetite for young women. As the girls explore, the house consumes them one by one in increasingly surreal, bizarre, and often comically grotesque ways. From a piano that devours a girl whole to a killer lampshade and a clock that vomits blood, the film plunges us into a psychedelic nightmare. The lines between reality, dream, and pure madness blur as the girls desperately try to survive, but the house's supernatural powers prove overwhelming, culminating in the shocking revelation of its purpose and the aunt's origins.

I have to say that House charmed and disarmed me from the start, beginning like a Wes Anderson-inspired fever dream of a musical comedy before shifting tonally into a deeply unsettling brand of surreal horror. It reminded me of Dario Argento's Suspiria in terms of a young woman out of her depth but is much more playful and goofy than that giallo film.

The film's atmosphere is amplified by its deliberate use of strange, dreamlike stills and dizzying cuts. Obayashi employs an arsenal of unconventional editing techniques—rapid-fire montages, unexpected zooms, and a complete disregard for logical continuity—all contributing significantly to its purposely odd atmosphere. This deliberate disruption of conventional storytelling rhythms delivers the viewer into a liminal space where reality constantly shifts, blurring the lines between conscious perception and nightmare. This stylistic choice profoundly enhances the disorienting aspects of the narrative, underscoring a pervasive sense of joyous unease that permeates every frame.

From a production standpoint, House is an audio-visual feast. The backgrounds are frequently adorned with gorgeous matte paintings, lending scenes an otherworldly, almost theatrical quality. The meticulously crafted backdrops, often featuring vibrant, unrealistic hues, provide a stunningly bizarre contrast to the unfolding chaos of theatre like staging. It's a singular blend of experimental cinema, pop art, and classic horror imagery.

The film's pacing is frantic and unpredictable, mirroring the girls' descent into madness and the house's increasingly bizarre manifestations, building a pervasive sense of dread rather than relying on overt scares.

Ultimately, House stands as a testament to fearless, unbridled creativity. Its willingness to break every cinematic rule, its unique blend of innocent charm and terrifying absurdity, and its unforgettable visual grammar have solidified its place as a quintessential cult classic. For those who appreciate unconventional cinema that challenges expectations and delights in its own peculiar madness, House is not just a film to be watched but an experience to be savored.

LINK- Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World- Book Review (and Personal Reflections)

LINK- The Rise of Retro Gaming During Covid

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Blood, Sweat and Pixels- Book Review

LINK- Utopia for Realists- Book Review

LINK- On And On And Colston ( Or, How We Kinda Sort of Learned to Talk About the Legacy of Colonialism and the British Empire)

LINK- ‘Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire’ LINK: Elden Ring- Videogames As Art

Wizardry- Cult Manga Review

Wizardry is a game series that I am aware of but never actually played as it was a little before my time. It was an incredibly influential popular CRPG series that was available on PCs in 1981 but was ported elsewhere, including an apparently poor NES port in 1990. I knew of it through hearing the name on several podcasts and when I read the book Dungeons and Desktops, which looked at the CRPGs. Whilst falling down the old skool anime rabbit hole on YouTube the Wizardry OVA came up in my feed. So, join me fellow adventurer seeking a review of the arcane arts brought to the screen! I'd be delighted to weave one for you. Callooh! Calllay! O frabjuous day... ahem. Right. Let's crack on then.

The story is basic swords and sworcery 101 in that a party of characters enters a dungeon to confront an all-powerful wizard called Werdna to retrieve an amulet stolen from King Trebor (of extra strong mints fame - I'll get me coat). Along the way to the 10th floor (like an inverse Game of Death) they confront beasts as well as deal with a myriad other internal conflicts and grievances. Will they make it out alive?

I really liked this 50 minute animation as, even though I didn't know the game series, the tale it told was accessible for all. The character designs and archetypes were instantly recognisable from many an RPG – the stoic fighter, the handy wizard, the nifty ninja, the apprentice etc

Also, while not a masterpiece of animation or storytelling, this 1991 OVA is quite a unique piece of video game adaptation history as it was based on a Western game series from the early 80s. Sure, the attempts at humor can occasionally fall flat and some of the character development feels rushed within this short runtime but the journey is worth it.

For fans of the game seriss, this OVA will serve as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, offering a visual interpretation of the dungeons and dangers that captivated a generation of RPG enthusiasts. But, for neophytes like me, the animation is a good primer for the game and has piqued my interest in a game I'll never likely play but can appreciate.

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Battle Angel Alita: And So It Ends

LINK- The Moomins 80's Soundtrack Vinyl Review

LINK- Inspector Gadget Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Ulysses 31 Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- The Mysterious Cities of Gold Retro Soundtrack Review

LINK- Sonic Mania Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack

LINK- Thomas Was Alone Video Game Vinyl Soundtrack Review

LINK- Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review

Pumpkinheads - Graphic Novel Review

Whilst browsing my local library's graphic novel section I came across Pumpkinheads, a standalone book by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks. I picked it up as I knew Rowell through her great run on She-Hulk and Hicks I had known for many years as I had many of her graphic novels already. With this dream team, how would Pumpkinhead fare?

The story follows Deja and Josiah, two long-time best friends who have spent every fall working at the same pumpkin patch. As seniors in high school, this particular Halloween night marks their last shift together before they head off to separate colleges. Driven by Deja's infectious energy and a desire to make their final night memorable, the duo embarks on a quest across the sprawling pumpkin patch to find Josiah's long-standing crush, the elusive Fudge Girl (as she works at the fudge shoppe, obviously). What unfolds is a series of comical mishaps, poignant revelations, and an exploration of their own evolving relationship in a road movie-type journey, except it's in one contained area.

This is a charmingly low stakes graphic novel that encapsulates the bittersweet essence of late summer and being on the cusp of change. It was a delightful read and perfect for those seeking a heartwarming, low-stakes adventure.

Rowell's strength (as far as my limited experience with her writing in She-Hulk allows) lies in her ability to craft authentic, relatable characters and snappy, naturalistic dialogue, and Pumpkinheads is no exception. Deja is the spirited, outgoing catalyst, pushing Josiah, the more introspective and hesitant of the pair, out of his comfort zone. Their dynamic is the beating heart of the story; their banter is genuinely funny, and their shared history is palpable. Hicks's art perfectly capturing the nuanced expressions and body language that convey their deep bond.

Hicks's artwork is a perfect complement to Rowell's storytelling. Her clean lines, expressive character designs, and warm, inviting color palette, all warm oranges, pastel purples and deep navies, evokes the cozy, autumnal atmosphere of the pumpkin patch beautifully. Also, the visual humor lands effectively, and the panels flow smoothly, making for a quick and engaging read. The repeating joke of the search for Buck, the angry escaped goat, is hilarious.

Throughout the book, Hicks manages to convey emotion with subtlety, allowing the reader to feel the characters' joy, frustration, and budding affection.

The themes explored are universally resonant: the anxiety of impending change, the comfort and challenge of long-standing friendships, and the quiet, often unacknowledged transition from childhood to adulthood. The pumpkin patch itself acts as a vibrant, almost magical setting, a liminal space where old traditions meet new possibilities. It's a place of joy, nostalgia, and a touch of melancholy for what's about to end.

The plot itself is relatively simple and low stakes but this is precisely where Pumpkinheads finds its strength; it’s not about grand gestures or dramatic revelations, but about the small, significant moments that define a friendship on the brink of transformation. Whilst I understand that some readers might desire more in terms of plot complexity or character arcs, I belive that the story's charm lies in its focus on Deja and Josiah's final night together and their reminiscence.

Overall, I found Pumpkinheads to be a sweet, charming, and visually appealing graphic novel that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet feeling of a beautiful chapter closing. It's a perfect autumnal read, celebrating friendship, the courage to embrace change, and the magic found in the everyday. I would highly recommend this for fans of slice-of-life stories, contemporary YA, and anyone looking for a dose of warmth and genuine emotion. With the current geopolitical chaos, something like this is good for the soul.

Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference- Book Review (And Some Thoughts)

I have been following historian Rutger Bregman for a while now and had enjoyed his previous books including Utopia for Realists and Humankind: A Hopeful History and so was interested in his follow up Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference. In my review for Utopia I stated that Bregman doesn't pretend to be a man of destiny with all the answers but he does present some intriguing counter-points to illusory truths. So, would Moral Ambition follow this trend?

From the outset, Bregman challenges the conventional pursuit of personal happiness, epitomized by the 30-year meditator Matthieu Richard, by asking a crucial question: ‘What did he do for the world?’ This sets the stage for a compelling argument that true meaning and legacy are found not in self-absorption, but in addressing global challenges.

Bregman introduces the concept of ‘Moral Ambition’ as the drive to dedicate one's working life – a precious 80,000 hours – to solving the world's most pressing problems, from climate change to future pandemics. He insightfully categorizes professional aspirations, illustrating how many fall short of this ideal. There are those trapped in ‘bullshit jobs,’ writing reports no one reads or managing unneeded personnel, their roles exposed as superfluous during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then there are the ‘ambitious but not idealistic,’ individuals who strive for personal success measured by superficial metrics like a corner office or a large salary. Bregman laments how some of the brightest minds are drawn to industries like finance or tech, where their efforts are channeled into optimizing ‘clicks’ rather than societal good. A third group comprises the ‘idealistic but not ambitious,’ who desire to help the world but primarily through local efforts or personal choices. Bregman sees this as a ‘Gen Z mentality’—a generation with strong ideals but often lacking the means or knowledge to become agents of large-scale change, preferring the passive ‘Love. Live. Laugh’ ethos over active engagement. The pinnacle, and the focus of Bregman's advocacy, are the ‘idealistic and ambitious’—individuals who actively seek to change the world and work tirelessly towards their goals, exemplified by the unwavering commitment of abolitionist Thomas Clarkson.

Bregman then delves into the practicalities of fostering moral ambition, suggesting that extraordinary acts are not exclusive to ‘Hero genes.’ In Lower Your Threshold to Take Action, he argues that such acts often stem from individuals being asked to step up, witnessing the impact of their actions, and then being compelled to do more. This snowball effect, he believes, is how revolutions are born. Further emphasizing the power of collective action, Join a Cult (or Start Your Own) champions the influence of small, committed groups, echoing Margaret Mead's famous saying. Bregman highlights figures and organizations from the Quakers to modern technologists, though he shrewdly notes that being "on the right side of history" doesn't automatically equate to successfully instigating change.

The complexities of achieving impact are further explored in See Winning as a Moral Duty. Here, Bregman examines the Overton Window concept—how radical ideas can become mainstream—and critically analyzes the pitfalls of well-intentioned but ultimately ineffective actions, such as Ralph Nader's presidential run that inadvertently led to an undesirable outcome. He highlights the often counterproductive nature of ‘noble losers’ and the ‘whataboutism’ and ‘quest for purity’ that can splinter protest movements. Bregman observes a striking increase in protest groups since 2006, yet notes a disheartening lack of legislative change, advocating for long-term, organized efforts over fleeting bursts of activity. This underscores his belief that surface-level awareness often fails to translate into tangible policy shifts.

The book truly shines when Bregman presents compelling examples of moral ambition in action. Learn to Weep Over Spreadsheets tells the inspiring story of Rob Mather, who leveraged meticulous organization and entrepreneurial spirit to transform a simple Mumsnet fundraising swim into the Anti-Malaria Fund, which became the world's largest organization tackling the disease, responsible for donating over 600 million nets and eradicating malaria in some regions.

Similarly, Enrol at a Hogwarts for Do-Gooders introduces Joey Savoie’s Charity Entrepreneurship, an organization dedicated to maximizing impact and efficiency by training morally ambitious students to create projects with measurable outcomes. Bregman also celebrates scientific breakthroughs driven by moral ambition, from immunizations for smallpox and polio to the recent malaria vaccine, contrasting these with the private sector's tendency to capitalize on life-saving innovations with exorbitant markups.

However, Bregman does not shy away from the ethical complexities. In Save a Life. Now only $4,999, he confronts the uncomfortable ethical dilemma posed by Peter Singer: if one would save a drowning child at the cost of new shoes, why do we not donate to causes that prevent diseases like measles or malaria, which cost a similar amount to prevent? Bregman attributes this empathy fatigue to the overwhelming scale of global misery. He critically examines certain interpretations of ‘Effective Altruism,’ which encourages high-paying jobs to maximize donations, but questions its ethics when such jobs involve practices like tax havens, effectively perpetuating the very systems they claim to alleviate. He draws a historical parallel to medieval indulgences, suggesting a similar self-serving loophole.

Expand Your Moral Circle challenges the notion that any single society holds the pinnacle of ethics, asserting that while societal norms evolve, some fundamentals remain universally abhorrent. Bregman acknowledges the difficulty of judging historical figures by contemporary standards, yet points out that even enlightened individuals of the past held views now considered abhorrent. He cautions against the self-congratulatory belief that one would have been an abolitionist in the past, highlighting the significant social and professional costs of being a ‘moral pioneer.’ Instead, he advocates for finding like-minded individuals to collectively drive change. To guide aspiring moral trailblazers, Bregman provides six ‘alarm bells’ for identifying morally questionable practices: rumbling protests, justifications of practices as ‘normal, natural, and necessary’ without detailed defense, avoidance of unpleasant facts, angry responses to moral ambition, difficulty explaining the position to children, and consideration of how future generations will view the practice. He uses factory farming as a compelling example where all these alarm bells ring true, particularly in light of emerging technologies like stem cell meat production. This point resonates strongly in the current global climate, as evidenced by Bregman's own public stance on the ongoing Palestine conflict, acknowledging the difficulty of speaking out against widely accepted narratives.

Finally, in Make Future Historians Proud, Bregman addresses chronocentrism, conceding that humanity indeed faces unique and very interesting times due to three existential threats: nuclear war, AI, and lab-created pathogens. He concludes with an urgent call to action, emphasizing that despite immense challenges and limited resources, many of these problems are solvable through a ‘coalition of the willing,’ urging readers to aim for moonshots rather than succumbing to despair.

Moral Ambition is a powerful, inspiring, and challenging read that urges individuals to not just live, but to live meaningfully, by actively contributing to a better world. It's a book that will make you rethink your career, your consumption habits, and your role in shaping a more just and sustainable future.

LINK- ‘Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire’

LINK- On And On And Colston ( Or, How We Kinda Sort of Learned to Talk About the Legacy of Colonialism and the British Empire)

LINK: Let’s All Create a ‘New Normal’.

LINK- Ms Marvel Can Change the World

LINK- The Rise of Retro Gaming During Covid

LINK- Blood, Sweat and Pixels- Book Review

LINK- The Offworld Collection- Book Review

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Children of the Stones: Cult TV Series Review

LINK- Tom’s Midnight Garden: Cult TV Review

The League of Regrettable Superheroes by Jon Morris - Book Review

I'm a huge comic nerd and have been since the age of about 7. My collection of comics and graphic novels is pretty impressive and I know quite a lot but when I received my Secret Santa gift of The League of Regrettable Superheroes by Jon Morris, I realised I didn't know that much at all.

The book is a delightful and often hilarious deep dive into the forgotten corners of comic book history. It's a real treasure trove for anyone who's ever wondered what happened to the heroes that didn't quite make the cut. It's a look at the evolution of the superhero genre as well as a reminder that for every Superman or Wonder Woman, there were countless others that fell by the wayside. I mean, the veritable smorgasbord of characters includes Funnyman (a guy dressed like a creepy clown), The Eye (who is an omnipotent eye), Madam Fatal (a bereaved actor who dressed like an old lady to battle crime) and Doctor Hormone (a guy who can control hormones to de-age himself).

The book is well-presented with panels from the comics as well as information about the debut, creative teams involved and their final release. Morris's writing is witty and engaging, balancing genuine historical research with a playful, almost sarcastic tone that perfectly suits the subject matter. He doesn't just present these characters; he dissects them, highlighting their absurd powers, questionable costumes, and often baffling backstories. It's clear he has a genuine affection for these oddballs, even as he gleefully points out their inherent ridiculousness. The organization and brief commentary on each character keep the book moving at a brisk pace as the entries are concise and entertaining, making it easy to dip in and out of.

So overall, The League of Regrettable Superheroes is a must-read for comic book fans, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a good dose of the absurd.

NYX #1 to 10 - Complete Comic Series Review

Life has thrown its fair share of curveballs over the past few years for my family and I. We had an exciting move abroad in 2019, a 2020 pandemic-induced return, and finally now settling into a post-COVID world in Devon. It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least so my knowledge of the comic world took a backseat, with me completely missing the X-Men Krakoan Age. My familiarity with the Krakoa era has mostly been gleaned from YouTube primers, leaving me feeling a little out of the loop. However, the buzz around a new Marvel series piqued my interest. Set in the aftermath of Krakoa's fall, it promised a story of mutants forging new paths in a world that had become increasingly hostile. As a massive Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) fan, the prospect of seeing her navigate the gritty reality of the Lower East Side, far from the familiar streets of Jersey City, was particularly exciting. After all, if you can make it there…

Diving headfirst into NYX #1, I was immediately drawn into Kamala's journey as she grappled with her newfound mutant identity while staying true to her Muslim faith in a world that often felt unwelcoming. The introduction of Sophie Cuckoo, a complex new friend, and the moody presence of Laura Kinney (now Wolverine) painted a vivid picture of this new mutant subculture. The looming threat of The Krakoan added an intriguing central mystery to Kamala's navigation of the big city.

Issue #2 shifted focus to Laura Kinney, showcasing her lone-wolf approach to street justice as she investigated the disappearances of fellow mutants. The underlying question of who was pulling the strings kept me hooked, but it was the unexpected denouement – the raw desire to simply dance when the pressure becomes overwhelming – that truly resonated. Who hasn't sought refuge in music and movement when life felt too heavy?

NYX #3 introduced us to Anole, the mutant barkeep wrestling with his sense of belonging. The memorial for a fallen mutant, disrupted by the antagonistic Truthseekers, provided a powerful backdrop for Anole's journey of self-discovery and the fundamental human need to find one's tribe. His struggle to be authentic and connect with others was a compelling narrative.

Professor Alleyne, aka Prodigy, took center stage in #4. Moving from the academic sidelines to active advocacy, even at the risk of his career, Prodigy confronted The Krakoan during an attack on Ms. Marvel. This issue delved into the battle for the mutant soul, challenging the simplistic dichotomy of good and evil and suggesting the need for a new path beyond endless conflict.

The narrative took an interesting turn in #5 with Sophie Cuckoo's redemption arc. Her decision to fight against the anti-mutant sentiment sweeping New York, despite her past actions, was a testament to Kamala's forgiving nature and Sophie's own potential for growth. It was her chance to break free from external control and define her own path.

Issue #6 threw the team into the chaotic world of Mojo, via the sinister Mr. Friend, during what should have been a fun Dazzler concert. This installment cleverly explored the idea that simple answers rarely suffice in life's complex tapestry.

Synch's internal conflict in #7, believing in the impossibility of human-mutant coexistence and targeting Prodigy, offered a compelling philosophical debate. Prodigy's appeal to Synch's humanity, reminiscent of Captain America's approach, highlighted the futility of endless conflict and the potential for respectful dialogue.

#8 delved into the complexities of Hellion's character as he faced the consequences of past actions. His interactions with Wolverine revealed a surprising depth of understanding between two seemingly disparate individuals, reinforcing the idea that appearances can be deceiving. More Laura Kinney is always a plus, in my book!

The penultimate issue, #9, saw the NYX team joining forces with a newly escaped Professor Xavier to retrieve the crucial seed of Krakoa. However, Mojo's return threw a wrench in their plans, leading to a tense confrontation. The portrayal of Professor X as a potentially unreliable narrator added a fascinating layer of ambiguity to his motives.

The series concluded with a climactic battle against Mojo in #10 as his Mojo Land threatened to engulf the city. It was a satisfying coming-together moment for the NYX team, but a bittersweet one knowing the series wouldn't continue. However, the promise of Kamala's journey continuing in Giant-Sized X-Men #1 offers a glimmer of hope.

Overall, I found NYX to be a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking series. The focus on the formative experiences of these young mutants resonated deeply. We've all navigated those crucial periods of stepping outside our comfort zones, seeking our place, and finding our tribe, whether in higher education, the workplace, or simply navigating life's complexities.

This new From the Ashes collection, as exemplified by NYX, seems to be embracing the intricate nature of individuals, resisting the urge to simplify. NYX shines a light on the truths we often conceal and examines our inherent contradictions. The themes of self-discovery and acceptance are powerful and universally relatable.

I'm genuinely excited to see how these characters will evolve and interact in the future. This is an intriguing team with a lot of potential, and one I'm definitely rooting for. While the cancellation after only ten issues is a shame, in the ever-evolving world of comics, nothing truly stays buried. I'm eager to see what the future holds for these fascinating mutants.

LINK: Ms. Marvel TV Series Review (and Some Personal Reflections)

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- The Future Starts Here: An Optimistic Guide to What Comes Next- Book Review

LINK- On And On And Colston ( Or, How We Kinda Sort of Learned to Talk About the Legacy of Colonialism and the British Empire)

LINK- Nintendo: My One True Gaming Constant

LINK: Let’s All Create a ‘New Normal’.

LINK- An English Geek in Saudi

LINK- Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review

Kotaro Lives Alone- Anime Series Review

This is a short 10 part series on Netflix about a young kindergardener living alone. There are no parents in the picture but Kotaro navigates the intricacies of life through the lessons learnt from an anime featuring an honourable samurai called Tonosoman, as well as the help of his eclectic neighbours. These neighbours include Karino, a struggling manga artist, Isamu, an absentee father with severe guilt who dresses like a Yakuza mob man , and Mizuki, a young woman who works as a hostess in a flashy part of town- all people dealing with their own concerns. However, by coexisting lessons are learnt and friendships borne as Kotaro and his neighbours bond, grow and develop in this found family slice-of-life comedy series with heart. There are lots of small scenes and scenarios that make up the patchwork of this groups daily lives and whilst I won't go into details of all here, I will provide a rough overview:

Episode 1- Kotaro moves in and makes a good impression on his neighbours by being incredibly formal with his language and offering them a gift of a box of tissues. Kotaro goes to the local bathhouse and we learn a little about his OCD about cleanliness.

Episode 2- Kotaro's favourite show is about to end so his neighbours unite to watch the finale together. He also has trouble sleeping so Mizuki has a sleepover but it doesn't work.

Episode 3- Kotaro starts kindergarden and his neighbours all turn out for him, much to his surprise. He also helps Karino to understand the craft behind his manga in order to achieve at his best. There is a b-story where Kotaro collects 4 balloons 'for his family' but draws faces of too siblings and a mother and father on them. What could it all mean? We meet Ayano, a lawyer who drops off Kitaro's life insurance money each week. She knows it comes from his mother but can't let Kitaro know.

Episode 4- Kitaro has a playdate with his friend Kakeru who is a spoilt and pampered young boy. Kitaro decides to encourage some independence in his by getting him to do some fishing. Karino also helps Kitaro learn how to catch a ball in order to play dodgeball. Also, it is Kitaro's birthday and the group try to celebrate.

Episode 5- Kotaro meets up with a friend from the home he ran away from after his father tracked him down. They watch the Perseid shower together and reminisce. Kotaro also had a day playing with the toys and videogames in Karino's editors office- just being a kid and enjoying himself.

Episode 6- A short stay tenant named Aota moves into the apartment complex and makes friends with Kotaro. However, he turns out to be a private eye in the pay of Kotaro's father.

Episode 7- Kotaro has a playdate with an acquaintance from school called Kana and it is awkward as he doesn't know how to interact with children his own age. Meanwhile, Mizuki is abused by her boyfriend and leaves to make another life for herself elsewhere- leaving Kotaro upset but understanding that life moves on.

Episode 8- A new neighbour called Takei moves in. She is not good with kids and her mother was not very motherly so she has issues to deal with but tries to bond with Kitaro. Kitaro also joins a football team and helps a fellow player who is struggling with the pressures of the game and the breakdown of his parents' relationship.

Episode 9- Kotaro shares an umbrella with people as people coke home from their commute and there's a cute reason as to why. Kotaro also meets with another friend from the home, Tasuku, and they bond over their connections. However, when he suggest they move out and get a place together Kirano is a bit suspicious of the friend's motives.

Episode 10- When Karino gets some success with his manga an old girlfriend turns up and starts to support his workload by collecting Kotaro. However, she is jealous of the relationship between the two and purposely tries to sabotage it. We also get an insight into how Kotaro got his corny GOD t-shirt and it's a heartwarming story.

In this day and age of huge anime series that never seem to end, it's refreshing to get a small and focused manga that is so impactful without overstaying it's welcome. It's seems that Kotaro has attachment issues, probably linked to his mother's post partum depression and abusive father but these weighty issues are deftly handled with care and sensitivity over the course of the series. As someone who has been in the formal and informal educational sector for nearly 30 years of my life, it is great to see issues like neglect dealt with in such a respectful manner.

There are some episodes that made me well up, including episode 4 where Karino and the group helped to make the Summer Festival special for Kotaro by helping out. The fact the community comes together to ensure that the children have a great time is heart-warming. Episode 2, where Isamu opens up and says clothes do not maketh the man and that people will judge those different from themselves are true lessons that are important for everyone to know. Finally, episode 7 where Mizuki leaves is very emotional as she doesn't want to leave her found family but must to keep herself safe.

It's a beautiful manga that will long linger in the mind as we know that there are plenty of children in the world that deal with these issues everyday. On a wider note, I think Kotaro Lives Alone deals with the idea that as a society we should not judge one another too harshly and should be accepting of difference. Now, that's a message I can get behind.

Somebody Told Me: One Man’s Unexpected Journey Down the Rabbit Hole of Lies, Trolls and Conspiracies by Danny Wallace - Book Review

Danny Wallace is just one of those people who you just know, not for anything specific but just because he's done a lot and a lot of it is blooming great. I knew of him through his voice work on the videogame series Assassins Creed and from his podcast Awkward Situations for Men but mostly for his emotionally resonant voice work on Thomas Was Alone, an existential videogame where he is the narrator telling the tale of sentient  quadrilaterals. That game man... it broke me and remains one of the most powerful games I've ever played.

Anyways, this is a deep dive into lies, falsification and untruths and is done in the usual conversational fun tone that Wallace usually conveys. We live in interesting times, and Wallace seeks to peel back the layers to see why and how this has happened. Over the course of next 340 pages (or 8 hours and 40 minutes in the audiobook I listened to) we slowly see Danny Wallace lose himself, albeit hilariously, down the rabbit hole of conspiracy theory and paranoia.

He starts off with an apocraphal tale of Coco, the gorilla who learned to sign, crack a joke or two and then... lie. Wallace discusses how it may be an innately human thing to lie and this should have served as a warning sign of decline. He then hits the big stuff over 5 sections.

Section I: Trust No One

The Old Chinese Man: Spies, Lies and Chicken Thighs
He starts off on a sombre tone as he discusses the death of his father and the tidying up of affairs and correspondences. He then goes down a rabbit hole where he sees a 12 year correspondence between his father and an old Chinese man he'd met for 10 minutes whilst presenting a lecture in China in 2009. They remained in contact and the messages get weirder, very Pro-China and very garbled. Wallace seeks to look into the purpose of them and thinks that there was a chance that either his dad was a spy or was asked to be a spy.

The Rabbit Hole: I Did My Own Research
Wallace starts the chapter discussing how the world became more suspicious of their neighbour and how the pandemic exacerbated this with the concept of 'truth' and 'I did my own research' being more fluid. He runs through the processes he went through to find out about the Old Chinese Man and ends up with his own personal conspiracy theory.

May You Live in Interesting Times: 2020 Vision and the Year the World Lost Its Mind
Wallace then considers where conspiracy theories became the norm and pins it on 2020 and the Covid Pandemic which turned people at home into nutters. He breaks down briefly multiple conspiracies including 5G, Bill Gates, The Great Reset and how a similar thing happened in the past with cholera, the Russian flu and Spanish flu.



Section II: Family Lies

'You'll See': When Bad Information Divides a Relationship
Wallace discusses the conspiracy theory spiral that many individuals go through and how social media and algorithms hone in on this fact to provide you with similar content creating a filter bubble. He provides some startling facts from America about their belief in a Globalist Conspiracy and QAnon and how often it is linked to the old antisemetic trope.
A therapist who deals with conspiracy theorists says that it is often women in the wellness realm that get hooked on the disinformation spiral as they are more distrusting of Big Pharma and medicine.

Going Viral: How the Worst News Can Attract the Worst People
This covers the idea that crisis actors are used to help perpetuate the agenda of the shadowy elites. It incorporates anti-vaxxers, global elites and pedophile rings.
We hear the tragic story of an immunised man in Wales who lost his parents and brother, all who were anti-vaxxers and died within the same week.
We also hearing from a scientist who is an expert in the area of Virology and he speaks about how bad-faith actors like Lawrence Fox were using Covid as a platform to speak into a more right wing leaning ideology.

Information War: When You're Told What's Definitely Happening is Not Happening
Wallace speaks about how the counter-narrative culture and gaslighting was used by the Russians  state when they attacked Ukraine. Even when bombs were raining down within the country, the influencers and youth of much of Russia were claiming that it was lies and Western propaganda.
Interestingly, and unknown to me, Russians really are into astrology. The belief that the celestial movements can foretell the future has been an old favourite for years but in Russia, post Communism, it came back in a big way and has never really left since.



Section III: The Believers

Building a Brand: You Can't Say Anything These Days (But You Can for Money)

Wallace looks into the whole brand grifter scene where people become more right wing to earn money and influence, even if they don't believe half of what they spout.
He discusses how even news is full of opinions and extreme left and right wing pundits to have a barney on air as it'll get more views and maybe even go viral.
Wallace has a deep dive into Russell Brand and how his pivot from overly verbose porkswordmeister 'truthseeker' to weird pseudo-conspiracy theorist to born again Christian - all conveniently timed with the release of allegations against him.
Wallace also calls out grifters in the entertainment industry and the rise of the 'I'm just saying' and 'You can't say that anymore.'

Brent: Extreme Beliefs - The Man Who Believed It All, and How He Got Out
This chapter looks at Wallace's early career forays into conspiracy theories including time spent with Alex Jones (pre big time Info Wars) and Gareth Icke (David Icke's son) before looking at how YouTube acted as a conduit to main-streaming fringe views.
He explains that 9/11 truthers, wary of trusting their government, came out with increasingly outlandish claims about what happened that day and why. Inevitably, it leads to the Globalists, Shadowy Elite, Bankers etc... I mean, doesn't it always?
He then talks to Brent, a truther who gave his head a wobble post Sandy Hook, and discusses how he found his way out of the conspiracy mire. It came at much personal cost as many of his connections now think he is in the pay of the devil but what do you do with that?

Terry: It Starts Small - A Man at the Beginning of His Journey
To counter this Wallace meets Terry, a 50 something man from Ipswich who is adding a conspiracy lens to the proposed regeneration of the crumbling city centre.
As always, what it boils down to is the simple fact  that the town in different from how it was and he thinks it's part of the plan for the shadowy elite to control us. Maybe Terry and his pals should think about the past couple of decades of chronic underinvestment in infrastructure and services, which is the root cause for a lot of societies ills than some unnamed but stereotypically implied shadowy group.

Section IV: The Other Side of the Screen

Veronika: Local Media and When You Just Don't Know Who's Who
Wallace looks at troll farms and does a deep dive into how they are seeking to undermine the reporting of truth by seeding false stories and politically sensitive articles that are also patently false. The Internet Research Agency is a shit posting agency that looks to sow distrust within society and so erode our social fabric. That's why we get emails trying to blackmail us about our 'salacious' we searches and you get strange Spanglishy sentences like 'what a load of cheeky nonsense' after a serious email.

Natascha and the Troll Factory: The Troll Factory: The Race to Amplify Lies and Silence the Truth

The 1997 book Foundations of Geopolitics outlined a Russian plan to bring disorder to American politics by encouraging isolationist policies and broadening secretarian and racist ideologies to create a schism. Over the last few years with MAGA and Brexit I'd say it's a huge that. 

The Goebels 60/40 method is discussed where 60 is truth and 40 percent lies with an occasional whopper thrown in-all create disyltrusf of public agencies. 

He then talks to a journalist, Jessica Arrow, who investigated the IRA troll factory and is now fearing for her life. 

Section V: It Will All Get Much Worse

Lonely Boys: The Dangers of Isolation, Rejection and Sexy Robots

Wallace looks at Nastia, a Russian lovebot, who aims to manipulate lonely men with her patter and create the conditions perfect for right wing  incels to thrive. When Covid hit, isolation and loneliness increased as people went online and got caught up in conspiracy groups online. This especially affected single middle-aged men as they didn't have anyone to call out their bullshit theories and redirect them in their thinking.

The Grown Ups: What Are We Doing to Protect Our People? 

The British civil service get a bit of a bad rap amongst many in the media circuit but generally, they are experts or people well attuned to their area of expertise. The Cabinet Office of The Rapid Response Unit for Identifying False Narratives (or fake news in common parlance) tracks the false narratives, the responses and then suggests an appropriate response. It is doing this work constantly and so, in the UK, we have a keep calm and carry on situation with this operating in the background. Does it deal with everything? No. But the approach of amplifying truth with its soft power seems to be the approach taken. 

Okay. So How Screwed Are We?: Hope in the Never Ending Unease

There is a concern that there will not be many democracies left within 5 years as social media, news channels with experts and some random person with opinions but no knowledge are the main drivers. We are polarised as a society because everyone wants to find a tribe. 

There are a few suggestions to help stem the lies including regulation, crowd sourcing notes and education. Wallace discusses how there are plans underway to prepare the youth of today to counter such nonsense and be more discerning with the online world but, as with climate change, we need to be doing things now so we can't wash our hands of it. Similar to Haidt, Wallace says regulation is key and will set the standard for what happens in the future. 

The Old Chinese Man: And the Great, What If...? 

Wallace goes back to the Old Chinese Man story from before and, knowing all he knows, starts to get to the truth. I thoroughly enjoyed the book as Wallace follows clue, thread and hunch to their logical conclusion and ends up at a denouement we knew it would end up - it was all nonsense and he saw and sought patterns where there are none. Humans are always seeking patterns.

This audiobook feels like a companion piece to Jon Ronson's podcast Things Fell Apart, where ordinary folk have been affected by lies and nonsense and there are real world consequences, and The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt where he talks about the negative impact of social media and big tech. 

I particularly liked his examination of how easy it is to fall down the rabbit hole as it nearly happened to me. In my teens years, I struggled with the same pressure as everyone else but also the code switching of my British-Islamic life. I used to visit a youth centre in town and got talking to a charasmatic worker there. After several drop-ins he mentioned I that I should check out David Icke and I did. And the Truth Shall Set You Free seemed to answer a lot of questions but blew my mind in terms of social norms and history. I fell for it for a few weeks until a friend on my Anthropology course questioned the logic and made me think it though. I came out of the other end relatively unscathed but armed with the knowledge that falling for nonsense is easily done, moreso if you have destabilising anchors and lack deep interpersonal relationships. 

Reading the reviews for this book on Amazon, which range from 5 to 1 star with very little in the middle, you can see how split the opinions are from those who think Wallace is shining a light on a real issue from those who think he is part of the elite playing us. Wherever you stand on this, this book is essential as over the 5 sections it covers pretty much all you need to know about how conspiracy theories started, grew and are now part of the geopolitical and social landscape. Interesting times indeed! 

LINK- Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World- Book Review (and Personal Reflections)

LINK- The Rise of Retro Gaming During Covid

LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East

LINK- Blood, Sweat and Pixels- Book Review

LINK- Utopia for Realists- Book Review

LINK- On And On And Colston ( Or, How We Kinda Sort of Learned to Talk About the Legacy of Colonialism and the British Empire)

LINK- ‘Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire’ LINK: Elden Ring- Videogames As Art

The King and the Mockingbird - Cult Film Review (and links to Ico)

Paul Grimault's The King and the Mockingbird endured a tumultuous production, finally gracing screens in its completed form in 1979 after decades of legal battles and studio interference. While I had never before experienced this film, its formidable reputation preceded it. Its influence has echoed through animation history, most notably in the works of Studio Ghibli's luminaries, Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, both of whom readily acknowledge it as a key inspiration. Intriguingly, its tendrils of inspiration have also stretched into the realm of video games, particularly the evocative and emotionally resonant experience of Fumito Ueda's Ico, which, in turn, provided a spark for Hidetaka Miyazaki's Dark Souls series.

The narrative, a loose adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep, unfolds in the tyrannical kingdom of Takicardia, ruled by the grotesque and insecure King Charles V + III = VIII = XVI. His towering, multi-layered palace, which serves as a character in itself, sets the stage for a whimsical yet poignant tale of forbidden love between a charming chimney sweep and a beautiful shepherdess, both escaping from their painted portraits. Their flight from the King's clutches, aided by the sardonic and wise Mockingbird, who also acts as a raconteur and narrator, takes them through the bizarre and often menacing levels of the palace and the sprawling city below.

What makes The King and the Mockingbird so enduring is its unique blend of visual poetry and thematic depth. The animation is fluid and expressive, shifting seamlessly between moments of slapstick comedy and breathtaking beauty. The architectural designs, inspired by the works of Gérard Trignac mixed with the Parisian and Venetian influences of artists like de Chirico and Magritte, create a sense of otherworldly grandeur and underlying unease. This very atmosphere, where the familiar is twisted into something dreamlike and slightly unsettling, finds a clear echo in the world of Ico. The connection is not in direct plot points but in the shared atmosphere and visual language. There are many parallels including:

  • the towering architecture acting as a character; King Charles's colossal palace dominating Takicardia and the enigmatic castle in Ico serving as a central, almost sentient location,

  • both labyrinthine structures emphasizing the protagonists' vulnerability,

  • the unlikely partnership between the chimney sweep and shepherdess against the King, reflecting Ico and Yorda's reliance on each other for survival,

  • a shared sense of melancholy and isolation permeating both works, highlighting the protagonists' outcast status,

  • a minimalist narrative style favoring visual storytelling and environmental clues over heavy exposition and the pervasive surrealism and dreamlike quality present in Takicardia's illogical elements and the abstract nature of Ico’s castle.

Overall, I thought that The King and the Mockingbird was a triumph of animation. It is a film that defies easy categorization and I can see why it continues to inspire generations of artists, even those who do not have nostalgia attached to it; it's a shimmering, surreal dreamscape wended with poetic dialogue and striking visuals that lingers long after the final frame. It is filled with both wonder and a touch of melancholy which lasts long after the film has ended. It was a wonderful experience and stands as a testament to artistic vision triumphing over adversity.