Tag: Based on Folklore

Is It Doxxing or Foxing Kitsuné-Tsuki? When Depression and Imagination Run Wild

Takeru Shinozuka’s Foxing Kitsuné-Tsuki explores creative burnout through an animator who may be haunted, or protected, by a playful fox spirit. It’s a thoughtful animated short about depression, criticism and rediscovering the spark to create.

Foxing Kitsuné-Tsuki animated short film poster
Foxing Kitsuné-Tsuki played as part of the Anime no Bento 2026 shorts program on July 18, 2026.

Although the title of Takeru Shinozuka’s animated short, Foxing Kitsuné-Tsuki, seems deceptive, that’s because this creature can be deceptively sinister or be a true trickster at heart. But that depends on which cultural lens this member of the canine family is viewed from. For this animator turned first-time director, the story he tells about life at an animation studio looks authentic; from being told what to do despite objection to having creative burnout, these pressures are real!

That’s what this work really focuses on. By the time Shinano (Wataya Miho) comes home, she can’t do anything without repeating sensei’s wax-on, wax-off training. The muscle memory is there, but not the spark. Koyami (uncredited online) is the trickster spirit who keeps saying, “Draw me instead. I need more expression.” But for this woman, she’s ready to call it quits! And her story about thinking she’s been possessed by a fox spirit is not traditionally recognized. Continue reading “Is It Doxxing or Foxing Kitsuné-Tsuki? When Depression and Imagination Run Wild”

The Search for Gluscap Proves Not Every Giant Is Paul Bunyan

Brandon Mitchell’s Adventures of the Pugulatmu’j: The Search for Gluscap expands Mali and Puug’s journey with richer Mi’gmaw mythology, environmental themes, and folklore-driven adventure.

The Search for Gluscap
Available on Amazon USA to purchase

Portage & Main Press

When exploring Brandon Mitchell’s Adventures of the Pugulatmu’j graphic novel series for young readers, it’s best to begin with the first volume. I had to find a copy to understand how it all started before diving into volume two, The Search for Gluscap, which came out last month (May 5). In particular, I wanted to learn how Mali first met Puug, a guardian of the woods. Without that context, jumping in with a later volume is not quite the same as watching a film series, where important events are often recounted early in the narrative.

What makes this series appealing is how naturally it presents Mi’gmaw culture and daily life in New Brunswick, where the tale takes place. Rather than treating tradition as something distant or historical, Mitchell shows a living world where ancient beliefs remain intertwined with the present. The series also trusts that readers have been following the story since book one rather than pausing to repeat key details. Once I realized that within the first few pages, I knew I had to stop, find the first volume at a local library, or simply buy it.

Continue reading “The Search for Gluscap Proves Not Every Giant Is Paul Bunyan”

Updates on Light Chaser Animation’s Next Film, Curious Tales of a Temple or should that be Strange Tales?

Whatever title Light Chaser Animation’s Curious Tales of a Temple uses for this year’s release, let’s hope this anthology of shorts will be just as scary too!

Curious Tales of a Temple Teaser PosterRelease Date:
July 12, 2025

Light Chaser Animation might want to stick to one name for their next film rather than come up with variants. When I was checking in to see if there’s any new content for Curious Tales of a Temple, I found Strange Tales: Lan Ruo Temple too! That’s mostly because this studio is using both and listed the latter as an alternate title. I suspect that a different translator is figuring it out every time a new video is offered.

I prefer the original, Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (which was used in the announcement trailer) from which this latest is taking ideas from.

When there are over 100 short stories contained within, to decide on which tale to adapt may well be with less than six pieces–or they’ll come fast and furious, told during one summer’s night over a campfire. Whatever the case, I’m excited about this take and hope there are plans for an international release. The last two films got a very limited run; even though I had to wait, I finally saw Chang’n and White Snake: Afloat. When I checked in on who is distributing, it seems to be some from a Chinese company rather than Well Go USA.

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Bowling With Corpses Is A Whole Lotta Fun and Fairytale Packed In A Big Book!

Fans of Mike Mignola’s work should really check out Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown. It’s a wonderful collection of short stories set in a brand new universe he and his frequent collaborators are making!

Bowling with Corpses and Other Strange Tales TPDark Horse Comics

Mike Mignola’s Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown is getting a second printing! Considering the rather macabre sport, I suspect no board game or role-playing system is in the works. Here, the title offers an idea which I consider is nothing like the games we know, like bunnock. Their bones are representations of soldiers or something else.

With this book, the influences are very central European. I often cite Brothers Grimm as a primary influence and here, the tale is no holds barred. The first chapter introduces Yeb the Spoon leaving home to seek his fortune, and who he meets to earn his first coin are three animated corpses! Whether or not they are meant to represent the Fates, my guess is yes! His challenge is to roll a skull at a bunch of bones and make most of them fall.

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Do You Know What Lurks Within The Shadows Of Kyoto? It’s Sure to Scare!

If you’re visiting Japan this winter to experience the various delights this country has, you might think twice after reading the manga, Shadows of Kyoto! This work brings to life various local legends, and they’re frightening!

Shadows of Kyoto Manga Cover
Available to Purchase on Amazon USA

Titan Manga

When one of the best lines from the manga Shadows of Kyoto is “Shall I show you the real Kyoto? (裏京都)” It’s a very chilling hello when the protagonists from each tale meet Kotone, a mysterious woman who appears in each story. That quote is going to be as famous as “They’re coming to get you, Barbara” (from Night of the Living Dead) should a movie producer want to adapt this debut manga by Yumeya.

Although not a lot of information is available online about this talented storyteller, maybe it’s because this artist is relatively new. According to the Anime News Network, Yumeya debuted the manga on the Comic Tatan website in August 2020 and ended it that November. The single compiled book volume shipped in Japan in December 2020. And when Titan Manga published their version with a volume label, this misleading information will have some readers wondering.

Continue reading “Do You Know What Lurks Within The Shadows Of Kyoto? It’s Sure to Scare!”

Where Does The Legend of Lara Croft Fit In if “Tomb Raider” is Just a Title?

Although the wait to see The Legend of Lara Croft in action in her classic form was long, the buildup to that moment where she finds herself using two guns (than bows and arrows) is well worth it.

The Legend of Lara Croft Promotional PosterAlthough I have not played the latest video games in the Tomb Raider series, the animated adaptation certainly helps get me up to speed with how this IP has changed over time. I find that The Legend of Lara Croft is good at rekindling my interest and although part of the backstory (she originally had daddy issues) has changed, there’s just enough of what made those classic games memorable surface once again. And I’m not talking about her sex appeal. When I love Indiana Jones style adventures, the concern here is if it’s a modern style tale or something pulpy?

Although Crystal Dynamics’ take on this IP doesn’t have the same oomph as the past games from Edios/ Square*Enix, at least there are other publishers who can use their creative license to expand the universe, and say what is truly inspired from legends and lore versus beating other tomb raiders to the treasure. While the emphasis on the folklore is lighter in these later products, I’m thankful the animated take doesn’t forget about what made this series appealing. Although those elements didn’t get heavy until the finale, the wait is at least worthwhile. Continue reading “Where Does The Legend of Lara Croft Fit In if “Tomb Raider” is Just a Title?”