Haruka Pt. 1 (with Asher Sofman)

Covers volumes 1–9 of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time by Tohko Mizuno.Haruka (perhaps more widely known as Harukanaru Toki no Naka de) was one of the first-ever otome games, and it launched a franchise that spun off into manga and anime adaptations as well. Though the series didn’t gain popularity in the United States, we thought HARUKA was important to cover for its historical context. In this episode, Shojo & Tell host Ashley and her boytoy Asher journey back to the Heian era with Akane (a normal high school girl who’s a priestess in this alternate timeline), Tenma, and Shimon (two of Akane’s classmates that end up being her guardians) to meet even more hot men vying for Akane’s heart. (And fighting a war against a clan of demons.) It’s basically a much worse Fushigi Yugi. But Yasuaki and Eisen make it all worth it. Well… almost.REFERENCESThe Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time manga is out of print (published in English by Viz Media's Shojo Beat line), and the games were never brought over for English audiences. You can watch the anime legally on Tubi, though. (Watch at least the opening theme song! It's really dope.)Haruka is essentially an inferior Fushigi YugiHaruka is mainly an otome game franchise.  Read Anime Feminist's article that's a beginner's guide to otome games.Comparisons made to elements of Haruka and better franchises:Tenma = inferior!Kyo SohmaShimon = inferior!Peeta MellarkEisen = inferior!NurikoAkane = inferior!KagomeWe could keep going but you get the pointWho's the 8th Digidestined?The Four Gods in DigimonJust War TheoryAshley hates Ignis from Final Fantasy XV, while Asher loves IgnisOkay there's also inferior!Clow ReedOutro song: "The Streatham Hill Gods" by DanosongsCONTACT USAsher on Archive of Our Own: dasheryShojo & Tell on Twitter, Tumblr, and InstagramAshley on Twitter: @AshMcD00The next episode will be about the second half of Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time (volumes 10–17).