I came to Akira (1988) late in life, and I'm kind of glad I did, because it's nice to discover mind-blowing art throughout one's life. This video takes a technical look at the first three minutes of animation of Akira, and what makes it so successful.
A deep dive into the incredible animation of Akira
Why are Japanese animators forced to live in poverty?
In this eye-opening piece in The New York Times, they ask the question: If the Japanese anime industry is booming, why are so many of its animators only earning as little as $200/month? Thousands of lower-rung illustrators do grueling piecework for as little as $200 a month. Rather than rewarding them, the industry's explosive growth… READ THE REST
Taiwan CDC personifies diseases as cartoon characters
Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control produced a series of covers featuring characters that personify common diseases and such. [via Cassandra Khaw] Except for our dashing hero, Quarantine, they're idealized as attractive villains. Everything is wonderfully-illustrated yet moist with problematic vibes. READ THE REST
My favorite anime I've watched recently
(This is an item from my newsletter, The Magnet. Subscribe here! — Mark) During the pandemic my family has watched anime almost every night. Here are some of our favorites. Most are available on multiple streaming services. The Promised Neverland Now in its second season, this series is about a group of kids living in an… READ THE REST
Create your own home office with a portable desk divider that's $20 off
Sure, working from home was great for a while, but if you are finally feeling like you want to take back some of your privacy, that is totally understandable. Right now, The Fort: Freestanding Divider for Desks is on sale for $265, down from $285 when you use coupon code FORT20. It is an easy… READ THE REST
Keep your dog toasty and warm during walks with this heated vest
Whether you've just adopted a puppy to keep you company during quarantine, or even if you have a furry friend that's getting up there in age — it's important to make sure that they're staying warm during their outdoor time. This 5V Rechargeable Waterproof Heated Dog Vest is the perfect solution and your dog will… READ THE REST
This weighted blanket can stamp out your sleep troubles, and it's under $50
You've tried everything from mental exercises and relaxations to straight-up pharmaceuticals to combat your debilitating sleep issues. Who would've expected that that one of the best ways to get a sounder sleep was just a bit more weight? With sales surging and medical findings starting to back up the claims, now's a perfect time to… READ THE REST