Hot Gimmick Second Half (Pt. 2) Discussion (with Naja B. of Blerdy Otome)

Hot Gimmick Second Half (Pt. 2) Discussion (with Naja B. of Blerdy Otome)

Author: Ashley McDonnell October 11, 2024 Duration: 1:44:54
This episode discusses the second half (volumes 7–12) of HOT GIMMICK by Miki Aihara. Oh, so you thought the first half of HOT GIMMICK contained the worst of the problematic hot trash? Think again. Shojo & Tell host Ashley and Naja of Blerdy Otome are back to talk about this wild, wild ending to a wild, wild series where all the content warnings apply. Who does Hatsumi end up with in her triangle of horrible choices? Why are Tachibanas like this? What are you doing, Shinogu? Who is THE worst character in the entire series (on a scale of constant abuse and gang rape to actually why the heck isn't this series about cuties Subaru and Akane?)? What are the most popular ships on Ao3/FF.net for this series, and do the people writing it know they're wrong? All that and more is touched on in this podcast episode. You've been warned.

Host Ashley McDonnell invites you into a space dedicated entirely to the heartfelt, dramatic, and wonderfully complex world of shojo and josei manga in Shojo & Tell: A Manga Podcast. Each episode dives deep into a single series, from foundational classics that defined the genre to contemporary hits that are shaping its future. You’ll hear Ashley and a different guest-each a dedicated superfan-break down the stories, characters, and artistic choices that make these series resonate so powerfully. It’s less a formal review and more like the energetic, detailed conversations you’d have with a friend who loves these stories just as much as you do, full of personal insights and genuine enthusiasm. Whether you’re looking to revisit beloved titles like "Cardcaptor Sakura" or "Fushigi Yuugi" or discover newer joys such as "My Love Story!!," this podcast serves as both a celebration and a critical appreciation. The discussions capture that specific thrill of connection when a fictional world feels utterly real, making every episode a chance to geek out over the narratives that make your heart race. Tune in for thoughtful analysis, shared nostalgia, and a welcoming community built around a shared passion for these impactful stories.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Shojo & Tell: A Manga Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Shortcake Cake Pt. 1 (with Olive St. Sauver) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:49
This episode covers volumes 1–6 of SHORTCAKE CAKE by Suu Morishita. The duo that makes up Suu Morishita burst onto the English manga scene in recent years with SHORTCAKE CAKE and A SIGN OF AFFECTION. In this episode, Sho…
After Hours (with Asher Sofman) [Seinen Exception #1] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:58
We discuss all three volumes of AFTER HOURS by Yuhta Nishio. Welcome to the club. Emi knows nothing about dance music. Kei is a DJ with manic pixie dream girl energy. Emi gets sucked into Kei's world in this series that'…
Takane and Hana Pt. 2 (with Kelly Quinn Chiu) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:24
Covers volumes 10–18 of TAKANE AND HANA by Yuki Shiwasu (that's the second half of the series). Takane is 27. Hana is 17. They're arranged marriage partners, and they're finally read to admit that they're in love. Shojo…
Takane and Hana Pt. 1 (with Kelly Quinn Chiu) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:40
Covers volumes 1–9 of TAKANE AND HANA by Yuki Shiwasu. Hana is a perfectly average high school girl. Takane is a 26-year-old scion of a conglomerate. Together, they are arranged marriage partners (but they're definitely…
The Rose of Versailles (with Erica Friedman) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:50:31
Covers all 10 volumes plus the 10th anniversary side stories of THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES by Riyoko Ikeda (that's the five omnibus volumes released by Udon!) It's hard to overstate how significant THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES is…
SP Baby (with Asher Sofman) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
Covers both volumes of SP BABY by Maki Enjoji. We're back with another Enjoji title! This time, it's a classic bodyguard romance, full of tragic backstories and sexual harassment. Tamaki joins the Security Police for Kag…
An Incurable Case of Love (with Alex Yates) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:26
Covers all 7 volumes of AN INCURABLE CASE OF LOVE by Maki Enjoji. We're back with a cute josei series! It's like GREY'S ANATOMY, but with a more contained cast and a lot more sexual harassment from the patients. Sakura h…
Hana-Kimi Pt. 3 (with Ashley Hawkins) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:38
Covers volumes 16–23 of HANA-KIMI by Hisaya Nakajo. Welcome back for the final HANA-KIMI episode! The Ashleys are back to discuss how wild this ride has been: The strange results of the final character poll, what the ser…
Hana-Kimi Pt. 2 (with Ashley Hawkins) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:23
Covers volumes 9–15 of HANA-KIMI by Hisaya Nakajo. Welcome back to Osaka High and the middle third of HANA-KIMI. Shojo and Tell host Ashley is joined by Manga Librarian Ashley to talk about all the hijinks that ensued he…
Hana-Kimi Pt. 1 (with Ashley Hawkins) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:29
Covers volumes 1–8 of HANA-KIMI by Hisaya Nakajo. We're throwing back and throwing down with a big-time, gender-bending shojo classic: HANA-KIMI, aka, the precursor to OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB. Mizuki Ashiya moves all…