Alvina Lai, Author at The Mary Sue

Alvina Lai

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Looking At Female Characters in Anime and Manga Through a Western Feminist Lens

The portrayal of female characters in anime and manga is a complex discussion, not only because of the various tropes that exist but also because of the cultural perspectives through which they must be filtered and digested. While the subject of female characters in anime and manga is not as frequently written about here at The Mary Sue, it nonetheless has become a topic of discussion not only by the Japanese consumers but those like myself.

Pixar Is Developing a Superhero Short About Hinduism and Being Indian American

Sanjay Patel is the son of Indian immigrants. He grew up reading comics and watching cartoons like any American kid, but was also involved with the Hindu rituals of his family. Now an artist for Pixar, he and his team are developing a story based off his experiences called Sanjay's Super Team.

President O~~taku~~bama Thanks Japan for Anime and Manga

Japan's Prime Minster, Shinzo Abe, visited the White House this week to discuss trade within the Pacific Rim (the geography, not the movie). While it was, for the most part, a business visit, it was also a good chance for Obama to thank Abe for Japanese cultural imports.

Anna Sui Reveals Her New Manga Inspired Bag and Wallet Creations

For any of you who are traveling to Japan this May, don't forget to stop by one of fashion designer Anna Sui's pop-up stores. There are some really unique purses, wallets, and pouches that you'll want to see.

Humanoid Robot Helps Customers in Tokyo Department Store

Toshiba Corp. has unveiled their humanoid robot in an upscale department store in Tokyo to provide audio guidance to customers.

Researchers Have Figured Out Troll Behavior and Are Trying to Fix It

Some researchers at Cornell University figured out how to identify internet trolls and are working on a way to deal with them. Loki is amused.

Once Upon a Time in Conversation: “Sympathy for the De Vil”

Oh, Cruella, darling. What did you think of last night's Once Upon a Time?

I Was Sexually Harassed at Star Wars Celebration

I was sexually harassed at Star Wars Celebration. There’s a sentence I never thought I’d type out.

Dust Off Your NES! GameStop Will Begin Buying and Selling Retro Games

Are you ready for some 8-bit video games? GameStop's new pilot program is aimed at getting the classics into their stores, and you will be supplying them.

New Website Helps Moms Find Work-From-Home Tech Jobs

You already know women are super underrepresented in tech companies. Stay-at-home moms in particular aren't hired often, if at all, and that's a problem. In order to deal with this issue, two women have started a job site that gives women the chance to work remotely in the field, or in any field really!