The Collegian

“Yes, there are complicated worldbuilding and deep intricate plots, but also, this is a manga series telling semi-autobiographical stories about the bookselling industry in Japan. Expect information and a lot of it. It’s an engaging light read that weaves insight and conversation around censorship and classification of media with humorous anecdotes.”

A thriller, a book turned into a webtoon, a sci-fi retelling of a classic and more await you in this list of media recommendations by Elaine Cao.

Artwork courtesy of Maggie Xian.

Nine Reads for a New Term - The Collegian If you’re excited for a break from classes and schoolwork, this article will interest you in some reading and watching …

"I felt my ribcage compress inside me while rage bloomed and twisted deep in my gut—a tiger, restless, prowling in a cage. But what could I do?"

A mother drowning in pain and suffering; a young boy who’s too innocent and naive to know what’s happening around him. This short story, written by Vanessa Li, expresses one of the many barriers of childhood.

CW: Potentially dark themes.

Artwork courtesy of Maggie Chen.

Limp Deer - The Collegian Innocence: Bliss or Curse? Content warning: Potentially dark themes. She came home late again. Her arms and neck …

"The smell. It comes from nowhere, no origin
For whether it was being or illusion,
Even metacognition offers no solution."

Amidst the increased isolation caused by Covid-19, Oliver Dai explores the idea of belonging—or lack thereof—in terms of the nostalgia of home and connectivity to culture.

Artwork courtesy of Joanne Gee.

The Smell - The Collegian The smell. It comes from nowhere, no origin For whether it was being or illusion, Even metacognition offers no solution. …

Through two imagery-ridden poems, Oliver Dai explores aspects of a past and culture which is no longer present in the modern day, and questions our attitude to our roots in history and time.

Lament of a Fading Past - The Collegian A Tour of Great Passing Red glares of flare enclose the browning sands, To sketch evenings with shades of swarthy …