AniFem Round-Up Love, Power, and Safety in The Ancient Magus’ Bride Jessica Engelbrecht examines how the series’ strong character writing complicates the fraught premise for its probable central romance. Idols Gone Viral: How Hololive VTubers both subvert and reinforce expectations of idol femininity An introductory look at how VTuber spaces allow for weirdness and vulgarity […]
Apr 26, 2023 • Subscribe
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